From jamesewells@mindspring.com Sat Sep 11 04:11:45 2004
Subject:Re: KX-88 is RIP. Need controller recommendations.

I replaced my trusty old KX-88 about 2 years ago with a Yamaha
S-80(predecessor to the S-90). I have been very satisfied except I had a
steep learning curve after using the KX-88 for so many years. For example.
I play LH bass and became used to leaving the bass on one bank and
switching the MIDI channel on the other to get my other sounds. The S-80/90
requires that you setup a separate performance for each scenario. That
said, I love my S-80, great action good pianos, a little heavy and do not
buy the PLG piano card. The pianos are not as good as the stock ones, with
a couple of exceptions in the DX department. This past weekend I purchased
an M-Audio Keystation 88 after playing it for about an hour. All I can tell
you is that the action is good. Due to Hurricaine Frances, it is still in
the box and apparently Ivan is headed here after the weekend, so I don't
think I will be unpacking it this weekend. I hope this helps. If you are
interested in the Keystation, let me know and I will email you after I get
the box opened. It seems to be a bargain at $500.00 and 38 lbs.

Jim Wells
Tallahassee, FL

At 09:53 PM 9/10/2004, you wrote:
>My 15-year-old trusty KX-88 suddenly started oozing a viscous goo when the
>material that used to hold that counterweights in place started melting, or
>breaking down, the result being that all the keys stick, and Yamaha has no
>answers or replacements. It'll be buried in a proper ceremony under the oak
>tree out front. It was time for an upgrade anyway.
>
>I'm looking for a really good-feeling 88-key weighted controller that has
>decent midi controller functions -- mainly for stage but also for studio
>-- as well
>as a collection of sounds good enough to be chosen quickly live on the fly
>and used for basic recording (up to the demo stage). A stellar acoustic
>piano
>is critical. I know I'm asking for a lot. At least I didn't say it had to
>be in a 22-
>pound package. I'm thinking Kurzweil PC1x (or PC2x?) or Yamaha S90, but
>wanted to get opinions from the group based on experience.
>
>Thanks much,
>
>Neil
>
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