From jason_stanfield@mac.com Thu Apr 21 13:23:48 2011
Subject:Re: Numa/C2 reviews in keyboard magazine

LOL -- I think this is the first time in my life I have a car that's worth more than my rig!

The good thing about the new Gig Rig, though, is that you can get it one piece at a time. While the whole system is important, you can get the Preamp (for any 'board) or the AMA (for a clone) and improve your tone incredibly, then go for the speakers later.

I mean, the AMA is essentially a B3 preamp and a Leslie amp -- all tube -- and the difference is comparable to going from a 13' black'n'white console TV to an HDTV; colors and nuances you probably never heard become prominent.

This is why Steve says that modern clones are all pretty good. Sure, to-each-his-own on each clone's features and sound character, but without amplification that really does one's chosen 'board justice, it's a futile thing to keep trading up for another "almost there" organ clone. (And this is coming from someone who *sells* organ clones.)

And besides, the "tone on a budget" approach can be something you have to repeat every year or two when something a little better and just as cheap comes out. Do this 2-3 times, and you've spent as much on "it'll do" as you would have on "SWEET MOTHER OF ARTEMIS THIS SOUNDS AMAZING". Given that you can buy components, Speakeasy's warranty and service guarantees -- Steve's gone so far as to *upgrade* old gear, even when new models are available! -- as well as his return policy, it's not as painful on the budget as it might seem up front.

Just my (very unapologetically-biased) opinion. :)

JS