From bgvocals@yahoo.com Sat Mar 13 08:24:47 2010
Subject:Re: Buttons/Drawbars on Nord

Being in the electronics business, I can tell you that buttons and LEDs are MUCH less expensive that linear slide potentiometers. My guess is it was cost alone that led to their introduction. Reliability, durability, and availability of LEDs and buttons are MUCH higher than with slide pots, but I still think it is cost that drives it.

On ergonomics, I would say drawbars have buttons and LEDs beat hands down. I can play using drawbars in direct sunlight or total darkness just fine - not so with LEDs and buttons. You don't have to "see" drawbar settings when you can "feel" them. I just keep thinking if Nord had never introduced the buttons and LEDs, would a majority of people using their equipment have said, "Man, I wish they'd get rid of these stupid drawbars and go to something like rows of LEDs with buttons."

Anyone know of any good fishing spots where we can use this can of worms we opened? :-)

Lou

________________________________
From: Simon Beck
To: CloneWheel@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sat, March 13, 2010 4:53:37 AM
Subject: Re: [CWSG] Buttons/Drawbars on Nord

I can think of several possible reasons:

1. Simply "thinking outside the box". Heck - the things work, and Casio and
Yamaha have since used similar systems.
2. The Nord Electro on which the drawbuttons originally appeared was the
first of a completely new type of keyboard, neither strictly clonewheel nor
conventional stage piano. They simply continued using the drawbuttons on
subsequent products.
3. Cost/availability of components. The buttons are the same as those used
elsewhere on the instrument.
4. Durability/reliability. Drawbars can easily get damaged and are subject
to noise and wear, just like any potentiometer. Buttons are arguably much
more robust and reliable.
5. Suitability for digital interfacing. Drawbuttons can be directly
connected to the keyboard's digital circuitry with no need for
analogue-to-digital conversion.
6. Ergonomics. OK, so the drawbars on a B3 don't jump to preset positions,
but then again, can you see your drawbar settings on a darkened stage?
Visually impaired musicians might have difficulties with drawbuttons, but
you can't please everyone.

These are my own opinions and conclusions; I am not in any way associated
with Clavia or any other musical instrument manufacturer or distributor, and
I don't even OWN a Nord instrument!

Simon Beck
London, UK

> Hi guys and gals. Excuse me for asking such a simplistic question but
> why aren't Hammond style drawbars used on the Nord stuff? I must be the
> only one in the known universe that doesn't know why. Thx

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