From sbac@alum.berkeley.edu Mon Nov 03 22:06:30 2003
Subject:RE: New boehm organ

I am also interested in this thing, but there is no information about it. As it says on
the German version, it uses the B4 sound system, but what does that exactly mean? Is
there a computer built in, or is it just a midi controller that you will hook up to your
own computer? If it's a midi controller, I would be ecstatic, as I've mentioned in a
couple of my other posts (assuming they don't jack up the price by having it be something
MORE than a midi controller). WHich brings me to my other point...HOW MUCH? It seems
like it will not be cheap, as in around $1000. If it approaches $3000, like it looks
like it may, then you might as well just buy a BX-3 or VK-88. That is the key right now
and that is what is lacking in the market, an affordable dual-manual STRICTLY midi
controller to be used with B4. If this is not affordable, it is just another option in a
market that already has too many (in my opinion) expensive and less-than-satisfying
choices--BX3, VK88 (VK7), Voce Key5, the New B3, the Oberheim. ALl of these clones are
great except for the price! It simply is not affordable. And the reason they are not
affordable is because none of them are strictly Midi controllers! This is the point!
Period! If someone makes this they will easily sell more than three times what they
would if they include the extras and triple the pricetag. If this German thing is like
that, it may be the One. I have my doubts, however, due to the fine wood construction of
it. I guess my only hope is still Speakeasy because Steve told me that they are working
on something like this. If all else fails, I will always be open to looking how to
manufacture such a thing myself, but that is not realistic right now.

Aram