From dsurkin@optonline.net Fri Mar 30 09:08:33 2012
Subject:Re: Software/ Laptop/ Controller costs ( was SK1 arrives....)

I second your sentiment about a 73-key controller, Bobby. I use a Yamaha KX-76 in my home studio, which I bought used. Not all the controls work reliably, and the Bb below middle C sticks pretty regularly. The choices are: get a 73 (or 76 key) synthesizer/workstation (with circuitry I don't need), or get a Studiologic VMK-176 (reviews says reliability and tech support is poor) or a CME (reviews says build quality and reliability are poor, software is buggy and tech support doesn't exist) or the VAX77 (very pricy).

Rhodes claims they are marketing a MIDI controller version of their 73 key instrument, for a projected price of about $1,700. A little pricy but not absurd, but it seems to be permanent vaporware.

--DLS