From chazzp@yahoo.com Thu Oct 03 14:42:30 2002
Subject:Thoughts on my new Electro

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From: "ChazzP"
Date: Thu Oct 3, 2002 2:38 pm
Subject: Some quick thoughts on my new Electro



Well, finally used it outside the home on Tues nite in bsmt rehearsal.
this is with 2.0 finally installed. ( I still am trying to understand
this anemic output thing, but when the situation arises I'll just use
my ART Dual MP anyway, which I would normally use for B3 sound, now
I'll devote one channel to pianos if I do a hard pan.) this time
I just did a stereo out into a Behringer mixer into our 2 rehearsal
wedges.

Anyway, first impression is pretty favorable. No 1, I can now show up
at rehearsal with one piece of gear, 2 pedals, and a couple cords and
away ya go. This is a big deal to me. I lugged an ART and Lexicon
over
in case I needed them but found it wasn't necessary. The Electro
alone into a PA works wonderfully in an average rehearsal situation.

As for sounds, I've got lots of mixed opinions. 1.) I haven't as yet
burned my own programs, just generally playing with stuff as I go.
I can see tho that time dedicated to tweaking each basic program will
improve each piano sample immensely. That said out of the box in a
band mix I think these are the best electric piano sounds I've ever
heard. And my bandmates would agree. They loved the sound of this
thing.
2.) I like the action. Hammond playing is a joy compared to my XK2.
I always disliked the slower action of my XK2. Playing the Wurly
sample comes closest to the real thing, followed by the Clav.
Rhodes playabilty induces some new responses,but the samples are so
good that I'm willing to overlook the fact that this will never play
like my real Suitcase 73.
3.) Best chorus/vibrato sim I've ever heard. Beats the CX3.
4.) Leslie sim is great in a rehearsal setting. Leaves the XK2 in the
dust and I think it sounds better than the CX3 though with editing
maybe the CX3 wins. Only really complaint is that the ramp up to fast
seems a little quick. But ramp down to brake is definitely too quick.
Live I'll use a KBR3d anyway.
5.) the clav is great. I see hours of fun ahead. my E7 has been
gathering dust in the bsmt awhile and I look forward to playing such
a great sim.
6) I think there are some ranges in the Wurly & the Rhodes, ( upper
octaves) that seem a little unrealistic to me, but maybe after
tweaking I can tame this.
7.) Haven't made up my mind yet on the percussion sim. Not sure if
they really nailed it. But this was also a real weak point on the XK2.
It's certainly better than that.
8.) I can see that it will take some time getting used to those
drawbar buttons. but I'm willing to make the adjustment.

All in all, it really was a joy to play. and I finally could go home
like a guitarist, shut the case and split. it's so light, yet you
don't feel frustrated because you're playing a digital instrument
that you're fighting with all night.
Doing a blues gig next Tues. and that will be my first chance to try
it live with my MotionSound rig. I'll post more then.
Will decide next week if I'm keeping it.

Chaz