From aevett1@yahoo.com Fri Feb 22 09:56:42 2008
Subject:Re: Hammer action controller

I've owned probably more than my share of controllers
(GAS is definitely a chronic disorder...); so, I'll
add my .05 worth to the discussion.

I agree with Bruce: Roland is great when it comes to
master controllers. I used to have a Roland A-70.
Like Bruce's situation with the UF7, I have days that
I regret having sold that controller; It had a great
semi-weighted, synth style keybed that worked well for
both organ and piano.

The Roland A90 seemed to be the best combination of a
weighted 88 and comprehensive control features - not
too bad to get around on. David, if you can find one
of those used it would likely meet your needs well.
From what you stated earlier it's unlikely you would
use it's vast array of controls, but the action is top
of the line; IMHO - very accommodating to a wide
variety of touch.

Fatar may be a good choice; likely cheaper than an A90
-especially if you find one used. Control features
are fewer than Roland, and I somewhat agree with Bruce
about them being "a bit 'difficult'". I sold a very
road worn Studio 1100R a few years back; got a lot use
out of it and enjoyed it - for the most part.

I use a Yamaha KX88 in my home workspace; the action
is likely the best I've owned in a keyboard, but the
controls are well beyond Fatar "difficult"; I only use
the MIDI Out (plus the panel hardware controls), and
let my interface/computer do the rest. Plus it's
awkward to move - a bit heavy and the weight's
distributed weirdly. I don't recommend that one for
this application...

Like David, I'm not too excited with M-Audio's
weighted action. Had a Keystation Pro 88 back in '06;
put it on ebay after a couple of months. Great
control features, but couldn't get past the keybed;
just not right for me.

Haven't tried the CME UF8 yet; that might be a good
one to check out - along with Roland and Fatar.
Yamaha was supposed to have a new 88 key controller
coming out...But I just checked their website, and any
reference to it seems to have disappeared (could've
sworn I saw mention of that a few weeks back...).

Hope that helps....

Allan

--- Bruce Wahler wrote:

> Hi David,
>
> I haven't heard about anything new.
>
> Fatar is always a good choice. Their performance
> controls are always a bit "difficult" (IMHO), but
> their keybeds are industry standard.
>
> Lots of people like the CME UF8. I've never played
> one, but I had a UF7 with the semi-weighted keys and
> I really liked it. I sold it because I was
> downsizing my rig, but I still regret it now and
> then. It was a nice keybed in a very pretty
> keyboard. Like the Fatars, the UF-series controls
> are something of an acquired taste.
>
> Roland's still the king of master controllers, from
> a controls point of view.
>
> YMMV.
>
> Regards,
>
> -BW
> --
> Bruce Wahler
> AshbySolutions.com™
> 978.386.7389 voice/fax
> bruce@ashbysolutions.com
>
> At 11:33 AM 2/22/2008, Wilkie wrote:
>
> >Did the archive thing, but was wondering if there
> were any new hammer action
> >controllers out there that I should look at for
> studio use.
> >
> >My local Guitar Center only stocks the M-Audio
> Keystation Pro-88. It was
> >cheap and I was concerned about build quality but
> since I will never move
> >it I wasn't worried. What I find is that I don't
> like the action. I don't
> >mind spending more money and I don't care that much
> about "performance"
> >controls VS quality feel. I do like the USB
> interface.
> >
> >Thanks in Advance.
> >
> >David "Wilkie" Owen
> >
>
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