From jukefox@jukejoynt.com Fri Jan 28 03:23:34 2011
Subject:Re: Live gig synth module..... cheap??

Hey John...

One of my favorite keyboards of all time for these sorts of sounds was a 73-key Yamaha built in 2003 called the EX5. There was a 61-key EX7 version and a rack version called the EX5R. The vintage keys sounds are about the best i've heard to this day...including a clav that has that pick release kick-back...and the reed pianos, tine pianos, acoustic pianos, combo organs, strings, brass, etc are to kill for...they're mostly analog physical models, and i think it employs 4 other synthesis methods as well as contains an onboard sampler and 16-track sequencer, which can interface. It's a pretty good setup controller as well.

There's one on ebay right now with a BIN price of $349 (http://cgi.ebay.com/YAMAHA-EX5R-SYNTHESIZER-MODULE-SYNTHESIS-/360338515518?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53e5d9663e) and there's a legacy description on yamaha's site at http://usa.yamaha.com/products/music-production/tone-generators/ex5r/?mode=model

Trumpets that "doit," saxes that growl...silky strings...cheesy farfisas...it would be hard to go wrong with this one...even if you never use the built-in floppy drive. And, best of all...IT'S CHEAP!!!

Best,
Fox