From exp456@cox.net Wed Jun 08 23:03:07 2011
Subject:Re: NUMA - Joey's influence was NUMA (or whatever) - should you wait to buy?

I decided to stay with the Numa, despite having to exchange it due to the slow rotary sim being a problem. The OS and tonewheel patches changed the sound substantially, and fixed the white noise and pitch problems I had before. I compared it to my Nord Electro 2 and V-5 (which are admittedly outdated), as well as my later model red cap B-3 and I was impressed. I ran all of them through a 122 Leslie, but the clones through a stand-a-lone B-3 preamp first. I added some leakage and key-click to mirror my B-3 a little better, and the upgraded Rock tonewheel download made it even closer. The keyboard feel is also very similar to my B-3, and I really appreciated the reverse color preset keys, traditional vibrato/chorus knob, etc. The Numa feels very sturdy for being so light. I'm amazed that a software download can make so much difference. The physical and audio characteristics are good enough now for me to want to hang on to this model. I may try the Jazz tonewheel set in the future, as well as any other downloads which may become available. I agree that the Numa is really rewarding to play. The dealer and distributor have both been very accommodating.

>
>..... I agree that using the sideways modwheel is very awkward, I don't like it, and like yourself I would have prefered a half moon option down closer to the keys, and I would have liked a traditional style pitchbend/modwheel. But as the engineer told me, that's what Joey liked/wanted, as did the focus group.
>
> We definately agree that it's a great sounding/feeling clone, and when I cranked my NUMA up and used it at a couple of gigs last weekend I really found it inspirational to play.
>
> Craig
>
> --- In CloneWheel@yahoogroups.com, "Martin K. Petersen" wrote:
> >
> > >>>>> "Craig" == ccmacdon writes:
> >
> > Craig> With respect to your split/pedal issue.. Based on Joey's
> > Craig> technique, I would expect that it doesn't matter whether he's
> > Craig> using bass pedal sounds or kicking bass using the split point and
> > Craig> the lower manual, in either case he's going to want 2 full
> > Craig> octaves.
> >
> > You don't want a pedal note farting all over your melody line. Makes no
> > sense whatsoever. I've talked to several other jazz organists and
> > everybody agrees that the numa behavior is totally broken.
> >
> > Craig> I doubt that this was something that slipped by him but rather
> > Craig> something that is this way because that's the way Joey wants it
> >
> > And yet on the KeyB Solo it's done differently "because jazz players
> > asked for it".
> >
> > I have yet to find out how the numa behaves if I use Pedal to Lower with
> > a MIDI keyboard for lower manual. But in any case that's of no use to me
> > because I explicitly bought this thing for gigs where I carry the rig on
> > the metro. Another keyboard + stand is out of the question. Might as
> > well bring one of the real organs out then...
> >
> > Craig> Other examples of JOEY's influence are the sideways pitchbend and
> > Craig> modwheels, which work fine as a leslie speed control
> >
> > I would have preferred the Leslie switch to be closer to the keys. It's
> > virtually impossible to change speeds while keeping the bass going.
> >
> > That said, it's at least helpful that if you position the Leslie switch
> > between Brake and Fast the pedal will switch between coast and tremolo.
> > And similarly you can switch between chorale and coast by using the
> > intermediate position on the other side.
> >
> > I wish there had been a LED indication of the selected Leslie speed. It
> > quickly gets confusing when you start using a combination of a pedal and
> > the intermediate switch positions.
> >
> > Personally I would have loved a real halfmoon option like the Nord
> > offers.
> >
> > Craig> I think Joey's influence has been fantastic, in that this
> > Craig> instruments sounds, plays, and feels outstanding, as good as any
> > Craig> clone out there yet relatively inexpensive.
> >
> > I agree. It's the first clone I've owned that I haven't hated playing.
> >
> > Martin
> >
>