From ccmacdon@rogers.com Wed Aug 14 08:36:56 2013
Subject:Re: Looking to replace my Roland VR-760. Roland VR-09 vs Hammond SK

Gene,
 
Guido S. the GSI/VB3 guy, posted a link to some programs that he created using the CX3 engine through a real Leslie and it sounded great.. That's the Kronos/CX3 organ that I use, along with the Ventilator, and it sounds great.. (better than the VR-09 and it rivals the SK1) I'm not sure if I can find the link again but I'll have a look for it and if I find it I'll send it to you.
 
If you've tried the Kronos organ + a vent and you weren't happy with it, I suspect that you might change your opinion if you hear this program.
 
Regarding your feedback.. everyone hears things differently and has different priorities.. if you hear something that you like better in the SK1 organ (not surprising because it is better) and it really catches your attention, you just have to decide if it's worth the extra cash (maybe) and whether or it's limitations are an issue for you.. for example the fact that the SK1 doesn't have strings doesn't matter because your Kronos has killer strings.
 
Keep us posted on your final decision.. and don't give up on the Kronos/CX3 and Vent combination.. you can get it sounding really good.  

Regards,
Craig MacDonald


________________________________
From: Gene
To: CloneWheel@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2013 11:06:11 AM
Subject: [CWSG] Re: Looking to replace my Roland VR-760. Roland VR-09 vs Hammond SK

 

Thank you everyone for the brisk and informative discussion. I didn't want to say anything sooner as I didn't want to squelch the discussion.

I am very much in agreement with everything said. I have been a Roland guy with my 88 key RD-300sx previously, my VR-760 and was very VR-09 focused. So it was with that intent I went to Alto Music in Middletown, NY. About an hour away from me in NJ but one of the best music stores around and for a keyboardist, its heaven witha TON of keyboards all on display to try.

So my impressions with the VR-09 sounds were great. I did like the organ (I find in a band that quality that makes our hearts stir doesn't often make much of a difference in overall band sound. And my band mates have NEVER said anything about organ sounds good or bad through my changes in equipment). I also thought that quite a few of the other sounds were VERY nice. I could see the VR-09 replacing my VR-760 very nicely at a much lighter weight. BUT.. The keyboard feel was a little off. So I have to play with it more to determine if the key feel will be significant to me.

On my way out I tried the SK1 and THAT Hammond sound grabbed me immediately as somehow different. So I ran back and forth between the keyboards but it was difficult to A/B them accurately.

By the way, I have a Vent and I will be playing either sound through the Vent most times.

Summary: I know the SK1 Hammond sound "grabbed" me. I know the VR-09 soundS (emphasis on SOUNDS, plural) really sounded nice. I also know it works very well with my Kronos from Craig's experience & expertise getting those two to play nice. But I know I was grabbed by the SK1.

So more side by side playing is in order.

As am aside, originally I was going to try to use the Korg organs with the Vent but I tried that in a jam situation recently and I wasn't getting through and couldn't dail in the CX3 engine to sound as I wanted.

So bottom line, I need to sit more with both. Unless I find the keyboard feel of the VR-09 revolting, I will likey go for the Swiss Army knife. But I will play that SK1 more to see if the organ sound seduces me (and then I'll rely more on my Kronos for most other sounds).

Thank you all again,
Gene

--- In mailto:CloneWheel%40yahoogroups.com, Hammonddave wrote:
>
> I have played both...
>
> All the comments on this thread are very good. Again, of you want a Swiss Army knife that does not feel as good in your hands, but has many blades, go with the VR-09... If you want a Bowie knife that feels wonderful in your hand, go for the SK1... (Damn, I am scaring myself with these stupid analogies)
>
> But really.... For some of us the keyboard type and quality of the VR09 is a non-starter. But many can overlook this for the wealth of options that board offers. Some cannot.
>
> David Jacques
>