From bw@ashbysolutions.com Mon Aug 29 09:07:19 2016
Subject:Re: Guitar --> Organ [Was: Is the Hammond XK-5 ...]

I'm with you, Barry. I've been a keyboard player all my life, but I
also play guitar a bit. The appeal of the two are so different that
it's a wonder that there are so many of us who play both:

* Size -- keyboards have gotten smaller, but still have a long way to
go to match a Fender Strat. And amps? I have a stereo rig that
fits in an AC30 cabinet, plus a power amp. It's a marvel of
technology, but my guitarist's 1-12" combo is 1/3 the size, and
twice as loud. And it didn't cost him $2K plus a month of tweaking.

* Flexibility -- don't like your single cutaway and humbuckers? You
can try another style in a knockoff for a couple hundred bucks,
tops. That won't even pay for an average *used* digital piano or synth.

* Technique/style -- there doesn't seem to be a 'wrong' way to
play/amplify/enhance a guitar. If it makes music, end of story. As
a keyboard player, I'm expected to dial in specific tones/playing
styles, and simulate a wide array of instruments for songs. I'm
also expected to know a little about music theory and its practical
application -- so I can teach the rest of the band. ;-)

* Investment -- one can be a 'serious moonlighter' guitarist for about
$500 worth of gear and a couple years' practicing. $500 won't even
buy a decent multitimbral keyboard and a small combo amp.

I don't see a flood of guitarists making the switch. Let's enjoy -- and
support -- the manufacturers that already appreciate us.

Regards,

-BW

Bruce Wahler
Ashby Solutions.com™
bw@ashbysolutions.com
http://music.ashbysolutions.com
978.597.7008