From simon@alphabeck.co.uk Thu Feb 02 08:52:22 2012
Subject:Re: The top reasons why a choose my brand X of clone - lets hear everyones reasons

My type of clone:
* Roland VK-7
* Nord Electro 3 73.
* Casio WK-3000
My top priorities in selecting a clone:
* I didn't choose the Roland, but it was purchased by my band to give me a good Hammond/Leslie sound.
* I chose the Nord Electro primarily for its electric piano sounds, although I also intend to use the organ sounds for my own projects
* I bought the Casio second-hand as a general-purpose keyboard, but the Drawbar Organ facility clinched the deal.
Price, weight, sound etc:
* Roland VK-7 - £600, quite heavy for a single keyboard. Sound: very good
* Nord Electro 3 - £1400, much lighter than the Roland, even with 73 keys. Sound: even better than the Roland, but not practical to use the organ sound in my band.
* Casio WK-3000 - £150, Fairly light but bulky. Sound: It would definitely fool the casual listener, but can't compare with a dedicated clonewheel
Leslie yes/no
* Use the internal sim for all three
Gigs out:
* Roland - yes, with my 9-piece ska/funk band The Skanx
* Nord Electro - Only use Wurly piano sound with band. Use organ and other sounds for home recordings and jams.
* Casio - Used it for organ and Wurly sounds until band got a real Wurly, and then used the Casio just for organ. When we retired the Wurly and got the Roland, the Casio took over piano duties until I got the Nord Electro. These days I leave it at home.
Pedals:
* No
Transport solution
* Citroen Berlingo Multispace.
Hammond real deal owner:
* Never owned a Hammond or a clonewheel before

Additional information of interest.
* Long-established London bluesman; also played bass or keyboards in various soul, jazz, electro-pop, alt-rock lineups during last 30 years. Currently playing keyboards with ska/funk/reggae band The Skanx - www.theskanxband.co.uk.

Simon "Butterfingers" Beck
London, UK

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