From chazzp@yahoo.com Fri Nov 15 07:33:08 2002
Subject:More perspective

I think clones are grand. And lately I'm especially taken by my
recent Nord Electro 73 acquisition. I think I'm enjoying this more
than any other other digital keyboard I've ever owned. It can sound
nasty, sweet and warm, playing it is enjoyable and you can't beat the
weight at 20 lbs. But........ and this is big but, it still doesn't
really equate with walking into my living room and turning on my
'58 B3. And I don't expect it too.

Frankly, when I'm at home I've never touched my clones except for set-
up and programming from time to time and maybe very occasional use to
just feel comfortable on the board. When it comes time to 'shed I
turn on my B3,either for the fun of it or routine practice.
As a player I want to continue to grow working with the real deal.
Most of you that have the experience playing real consoles know that
nothing else matches the intergration of heads, hands and feet that
come with sitting on a Hammond bench. It is just an overpowering
holistic communion between man and instrument. A clone rig in the end
just doesn't get there.

That being said, I applaud the advances being done in the clone field
and will also most likely continue to keep shelling out the dough as
the clones make their march of progess. The compromises inherent in
playing well engineered clones are in the end worth it if only
because it allows us the freedom to be Hammond players when and where
we'd like.