From bruce@ashbysolutions.com Thu May 11 05:58:48 2006
Subject:Re: Old (analog) CX-3 vs. Voce MicroB, and old clones

Hi,

>You should be able to find a Hammond XB2 cheap and it will serve the
>purpose just fine.

I agree. Of the B-3 clones, a used XB-2 is currently high in the features/cost ratio. It's two generations back in Hammond product, but in its day was considered one of the top two alternatives.

Here are some other older clones that one might consider. Most of them will be a little hard to find, but you may stumble across one at a great price:

- Oberheim OB-3 or OB-3^2 (squared)
- Viscount D-9
- E-Mu B-3
- Voce V3
- Elka X-50
- Crumar T-1 or T-2
- Roland VK-1000

Some list members may be shaking their heads, but all of these clones will provide a better experience than say, your average GM organ sound, and most of them have drawbars and percussion switches, etc. (Organ technique is more than just learning riffs and runs.) Based on your stated criteria, they all warrant consideration.

Also, Roland VK-7 and Korg CX-3 prices have fallen significantly in the past year, and both of these clones are WAY above the 90% mark, IMHO. If it were a choice between an older generation clone, and one of these two for a couple hundred dollars more, I'd be inclined toward the newer unit.

Regards,

-BW

--
Bruce Wahler
Design Consultant
Ashby Solutions™ http://consult.ashbysolutions.com
978.386.7389 voice/fax
bruce@ashbysolutions.com

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]