From eslawson@juno.com Sun Jul 28 19:16:05 2002
Subject:Re: New clone, which to get

David,

I have not yet tried the VK-8, but used the XK-2 for about 2 years
and have been using the CX-3 for the past 7 months. I still find
myself torn between these two, but feel that they both represent the
cream of the crop as far as clones are concerned.

The CX-3 is probably the best "all-in-one" solution, given its
superior Leslie simulation and the fact that it has two sets of
drawbars (the chorus is awesome as well). I actually stopped using
my Motion Sound rig for the most part to minimize gear fussing, as
the internal Leslie is pretty darn good. I am pretty much a happy
camper with this rig as it sounds great out of the box and it
simplifies my rig. The parameters of the sound can be tweaked
forever and there is a lot of difference when changing presets. The
drawbars can override the internal settings, so when you change
presets, you are getting what you see with the bars but changing the
amp, percussion, click etc. My biggest complaint is the notorious
double-flam effect that occurs when playing percussively. I have
been using the klugey MIDI bypass fix since the beginning and
actually have a MIDI merger in the chain so I can MIDI my RD-600 to
the CX-3 and also MIDI the CX-3 to itself. This is annoying to patch
this together, but is a necessity. I'm hoping the next version of
software will fix the problem.

The XK-2 is a bit more robust and ready to be pummeled. It is built
like a TANK, with an all-steel chassis and a heavier-duty keyboard
mechanism. I find myself missing the action of the XK-2. Also, I
became so accustomed to the Hammond "clone sound" as a longtime XB-2
user (1991-2000), that it just felt "good" to me. One drawback is
the absolute necessity to use an external Leslie to make it sound
right. I imagine you may also be sold on Hammond's take on the clone
sound after using the XM module for a long time. The XK-2 also has
better MIDI capabilities and the built in pitch and mod wheels. The
XK-2 is not as tweakable other than a couple of minimal click volumes
and mellow, brite and B-3 style drawbar tones (very minimal
difference in my opinion). The XK-2 has no level of granularity with
regard to the good stuff like amp style, leakage, click on/off,
overtones, etc. The CX-3 beats it by a mile for tweakability.

It is a tough call between these 2 units, but my vote goes with the
Korg at the end of the day. It is a little bit smaller and lighter
than the XK-2, which is worth something if you are tired of lugging
heavy gear all the time (5 lb difference).

I am curious about the Nord Electro but have not found one to demo
yet. Its size and weight are rather appealing and it looks like it
could do just about every job in my current piano/organ rig (RD-600
and CX-3)...but I can't see myself trading in the weighted 88s or the
2 sets of real drawbars any time soon. If I get $1800 burning a hole
in my pocket, I would like to pick up the Electro 73 for rehearsals
and smaller gigs. But for now, my rig satisfies my needs.

Hope this helps you a bit. Try them all and see what moves you.

Regards,
Eric

> Here's what I'm considering:
> 1)Hammond XK-2
> 2)Roland VK-8
> 3)kORG cx-3
>