From mjmvt@aol.com Mon Apr 26 22:54:04 2004
Subject:At the risk of starting a range war.........

OK... I've reviewed the archives back through last November. Results
seem inconclusive, so I find myself daring to ask the (favorite)
keyboard amp question (again):

I'm in a blues band, using Yamaha S80 and Korg CX-3. Voicings on the
S-80 are acoustic/rhodes/wurlitzer. I've been using a Roland KC-500
amp, but it's time for a change (blown horn, not enough power). I'd
like to be able to carry most gigs from the stage, for only on
occasion are we in a large enough place to put keys in the house mix.
I'd like to improve the acoustic piano sounds; electrics have been
ok on the Roland; and I don't want too 'shrill' an organ.

Also, for the moment at least, adding a Speakeasy is not on the
priority list (correct me if I'm crazy).

Lastly, for anyone willing to comment on the issue - are you using a
stand to elevate the amp? If so, are you significantly losing low
end from loss of acoustic coupling to the stage?

Here are the options I'm trying to examine (forgetting, for a
moment, the mono vs stereo issue.. mostly playing small venues):

- Mackie 450
- Mackie 450 + 1500 sub (overkill?)
- Mackie 1521 (not worth the extra $$ over the 450?)
- Mackie 1530 (same ?? as 1521, plus big and heavy)
- JBL EON G2 15 (lots of 'em out there....somewhere)
- Barbetta Sona41C (rave reviews, but real low end??)
- Carvin Combo (15/2x8/Horn - can't find much commentary)

Note: I've not included any MS products because I'm happy with the
Korg leslie sim (for now at least). Feel free to tell me if I'm
missing something.

The archives show a varied set of results/opinions by folks here;
I'm wondering if the new year finds anything more conclusive??

Hopefully this doesn't bore anyone to tears... and thanks in advance
for any feedback.

Mike Maslack
in the woods of Vermont
mjmvt@aol.com