From bruce@ashbysolutions.com Wed Dec 24 09:00:22 2003
Subject:Re: BX-3, Electro

Hi Cliff,

>Probably a combination of price point and size/weight makes it less of a
>volume seller. To someone who really needs the double manual setup, it's a
>draw. (no pun intended)
>
>> There has been a lot of discussion as to how the CX-3 is a different
>> beast from the Electro. What are the sonic differences?
>>
>> Also, why is the BX-3 (new version) apparently so rare? Is it
>> strictly price? Are they nice to play? A pain to carry? What's up?
>> -cliff

I'm a BX-3 owner; let me give you my perspective. Cost if probably the biggest factor, particularly since there are no feature/sound differences except for the pitch and mod wheels. (This was not true of the old CX-3 and BX-3, BTW.) Size is definitely an issue. I have a really nice case with wheels that I got through BT Productions, and I can wheel it around by myself, but putting it into and pulling it out of the case is a two-person job. Also, the case won't fit in the back seat of a Honda Civic -- you need a truck, van, station wagon, or SUV.

That said, though, I'm not the least bit sorry that I trade up to the BX-3. The benefits of two waterfall keyboards, spaced the correct distance apart is hard to put a price tag on, but it's definitely a plus. I used to like playing my CX-3; I LOVE playing my BX-3!

I don't always use both keyboards for organ, BTW. I have a pair of Alesis QSRs tied to the lower manual. I give up the first 32 EX sounds to control the patches on the QSRs (also needs a MIDI Solutions Router or something similar), and can switch to a Clavinet-organ or Rhodes-organ combo when I need it. Even in those situations, having the second keyboard right next to the first one is a good thing.

Also, the extra size and bulk of the BX-3 keeps movement/bouncing/etc. to a minimum on stage, which is something I consider a big plus.

Naturally, if you don't play organ on 80-90% of the tunes, a double-manual organ may seem like a pointless expense, but I DO play organ that much.

Just my $0.02 ...

Regards,

-BW
--
Bruce Wahler
Ashby Solutions™ http://music.ashbysolutions.com
978.386.7389 voice/fax
bruce@ashbysolutions.com