From cocots@gmx.net Mon Mar 11 13:27:06 2002
Subject:Re[2]: GEM Equinox 61 (was: Casio MZ-2000?)

Hi Valentino,

> If you NEED a synth/workstation in your setup, this GEM product may be
> a good (and cheap) starting point.

In fact, when I thought about it closer, I realized that I do need a
workstation kind synth in my setup indeed : I used to have an excellent
keyboard player beside me, but won't have her again in near future (she
has a professional musical career to pursue), so I'll have to play more
parts myself, which implies more than Hammond sounds.

> I started too with "not a real Hammond clone" but a Yamaha performance
> workstation PSR-740
> (http://www.yamaha.com/cgi-win/webcgi.exe/DsplyModel/?gPPK00005PSR740)
> today new with PSR-2000
> (http://www.yamaha.com/cgi-win/webcgi.exe/DsplyModel/?gPPK00005PSR2000).

I considered the PSR-2000 too, but found it a bit too pricy compared to
the GEM offer (as for the Casio MZ-2000, I don't like its 'home
keyboard' aspects, like plastic case and integrated amplification; the
GEM comes with a metal case). Furthermore, I have owned a Yamaha MU-90R
expander and didn't like the samples too much (I've always been a Korg
aficionado when it comes to synth sounds).

> In the beginning it was great to use the "Organ Flute" parameters and
> slide the 8 stops with softkeys up and down (lacking the 1 3/5 stop
> like most non clones with only 8 stops).

Yes, I wondered about the 8 instead of 9 sliders too. Well, wait and see
...

> After a while I realized, that I will never go close enough to a real
> Hammond and Leslie setup (or good clones) with this machine...

I know this very well, I clearly have no illusions about coming close to
a real Hammond with that kind of keyboard. That's why I still keep in
mind a real clone one of these days.

> Since last Xmas I got my CX-3 (and more clone stuff), so I can tell
> you why you should consider my way to a real clone. Speaking again of
> the PSR-740 the problems comes up with the comparison of the sound I
> got with this keyboard and THE sound I listend to my preferred rock
> organ players (early Uriah Heep: Ken Hensley, Deep Purple: Jon Lord et
> al.).

I love those too ...

> Cons of a "not real clone":
> . Not realistic chorus simulation . Only single rotor leslie simulation
> . No overdrive enhancement thru the pedal

I consider putting a HK Rotovibe or something similar behind the
keyboard if the Leslie simulation and overdrive are not convincing. I
would probably do that with a CX-3 too, anyway.

> . No way to change a few the drawbars without looking at the display

Not sure so far, but according to the manual, looks like on the GEM, you
can do this easier.

> . Split works, but digital drawbars change both voices
> . Not realistic percussion sound

That's two good points indeed, I'll have to check.

> You will go into similar problems with Technics, Roland, GEM etc.
> keyboards with "integrated organ flutes".

Yes, obviously, they are sample based synths anyway.

> After many evenings of dazzling and screwing in the parameter menues I
> gave up: I need a "real" clone!

Me too, sure enough, but I need the cash first ... :-)

> But - and that's now the personal decision for any new cloner - I never would give away the not-real-clone-PSR-740. Why?
>
> . I use it for MIDI playback of my favorite titles (e.g. look at yourself of Uriah Heep): Cut off the organ track and you have YOUR band playing with you
> . I use it for accompainment functions (Styles) to learn the blues, latin music etc. Againg you have your band playing :-)
> . In a gig I use it for string synths
> . When I get my Pedalboard I will use one voice of the PSR-740 as an expander (CX-3 has only 2 voices)
> -and-
> . I don't, but you can: Use it as lower manual for a single manual clone

That's also part of my arguments pro buying the GEM, because I need
exactly these same features, like you do.

> Very long post, sorry folks, but I tried to be comprehensive enough for the the following conclusions:

Thanks for your detailed analysis, I appreciate it.

> . If you will give away your synth/keyboard after getting your REAL one: better look at the used market for a real clone from the beginning.

I looked a lot but found nothing within my financial reach. Second hand
clones are even rarer in EUrope than in the US, as it seems.

> -or-
> . If you can and will use your synth/keyboard after buying your dream clone: get the best you can get! As a beginner you will work 6..12 months on the embedded organ sounds before you hear and reach the mentioned limits.

Sure, I'm not a complete beginner anyway and I know the limits (mine and
those of the keyboards). But that keyboard will be useful to me anyway,
so no big problem, as I plan to buy a real clone one day.

> When you buy something - Cornelia - let us know your decision.

In fact, I ordered the GEM today, will probably receive it by the end of
the week, (I ordered it in Germany and I live in France, so no big
distance to go). I ordered a double keyboard stand with it, you guess
why .... :o) . At the price I got it, it's clearly the best bargain I
could find around for that kind of instrument and my kind of use, never
forgetting a future real clone nevetheless. Let me check it out for a
few weeks and I'll report to what extent it's usable as a 'Hammond
pseudo-clone' or 'semi-clone'.

> Enjoy playing!

I certainly do, same to you !

Regards,

Cornelia