From simon@alphabeck.co.uk Tue Mar 29 13:47:06 2011
Subject:Re: cheap casio arranger has tonebar controls

I've been using the previous generation of near-clonewheel Casio (the WK-3000) since 2006, and I'm impressed with it. You can hear me using it in my solo blues multitrack projects here: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=493062&content=music especially on the tracks "Guitar Not Included", "Amazing Grace" and "Stormy Friday Blues". The non-organ tracks use the Casio's acoustic piano and (slightly edited) Wurlitzer piano sounds.

In a band context, check out my current 9-piece ska band The Skanx: http://the-skanx.208records.co.uk/ on the songs "Life's So Good", "Moneygrabber" and "Czech Mate". The other songs use a real Wurlitzer 200 electric piano.

All the above organ tracks use the Casio's drawbar function, rotary speaker emulation and reverb with no outboard processing.

The new Casio's use a similar architecture to the 3000 but offer real sliders instead of the 3000's Nord-style "drawbuttons". Bear in mind that the sliders still only offer 3 levels plus "off" for each footage unlike the 8 available on more expensive clonewheels. Additionally the new Casio's offer a choice of clean or "vintage" (i.e. noisy) tonewheels, plus dedicated panel controls for percussion, key-click and rotary speed.

I have now progressed to a Roland VK-7, and the difference is noticeable, but I would still be very happy to gig with the Casio if necessary.

Hope this helps.

Simon Beck
London, UK