Kurzweil PC3X 88-key Performance Controller Review

I've just come back from my local music store after trying the PC3X and the SP2, and being assured by the earnest young sales clerk that the Kurzweil reps had told him their primary audience was not the workstation programmer but, as the name suggests, the "performer," who simply requires the best piano possible for his Saturday night gigging.

But no one could answer my questions about the instrument, nor could anyone draw up one of the many acoustic pianos for a head to head face-off between the PC3 and the SP2.This is a heavy board with everything on it and a steep learning curve--along with over a thousand voices and set-ups.Do I wish to spend a week learning how to call up a few of the most practical voices? Do I want to haul around 60 pounds worth of artillery (excluding power adapters, amplifiers, etc)? Do I really want an RMI piano sound (one of my first pianos, made by Rocky Mountain Industries, aka Allen Organ) and the Take 6 samples?(What! No Frank Sinatra sample?) Lastly, could I resist a price just under 2 grand?

The answer is yes.I decided on the SP2 (I've gone through three SP76s, and the SP2 has 76 notes plus semi-weighted rather than fully weighted keys. Significance: a keyboard you can actually carry).I have doubts about Kurzweil's concern for the performer even with respect to the SP line.While in the store, I couldn't figure out how to access the basses or layer on a ride cymbal.And the thing comes with a gratuitous drum machine.But it's at least 25 pounds lighter than the PC3. Nuff said.

(if you want a more practical piano, but only slightly less heavy instrument, with fully-weighted action, look at the recently discontinued PC1se, which the same Amazon vendor, 8th Street Music, is advertising at a great price (same as the SP2).I would have ordered it--but a roadie apparently doesn't come with it.)

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Product Description:
The PC3 offers an enormous sound set of over 800 programs, raising the bar once again for both audio quality and variety. With the best samples in the industry, and a powerful, responsive synth engine breathing life into them, you'll feel like you're playing an actual instrument, not just playing samples. Of course there's the famous Kurzweil Triple Strike Piano, with dozens of variations to accommodate every kind of player. All of the basic sounds - basses, guitars, drums, horns and synths - have been painstakingly programmed to reflect the needs of today's professional players, representing a broad selection of styles and flavors from the '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s and today.

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Yamaha DGX230AD 76 Key Portable Grand with power Review

Aside from it now being affordable (I bought it when it first came out at around $900), this is a high quality digital piano.The sound is utterly incredible, clear cut and crisp.Basic operation is simple, the weighted keys match those of actual piano keys...the feel is all there.This is perfect for those fluid in their craft, going from in studio to performing in shows.It is fairly heavy, requires 2 people to transport.It is well made, can take serious rough wear and tear from moving and constant use.

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Product Description:
The Yamaha DGX-630 offers an affordable, feature-packed portable keyboard that boasts an authentic grand piano-like touch: heavy in the low end, feathery light in the highs, and amazingly responsive throughout. It also includes USB MIDI and USB to Device for removable storage, along with a high resolution Live! Grand stereo sample, song recorder, score and lyric display. The USB facilitates easy transfer with a PC or Macintosh computer for use with many optional software packages that can score, arrange, and sequence your music. Can't play a keyboard instrument? Yamaha Education Suite helps you get started. With nearly 500 voices and built-in stereo speakers, the Yamaha DGX-230/AD is truly a grand keyboard music instrument that you and your family will enjoy.Pitch bend wheel to add smooth pitch variations to notes playedVoices - 116 panel voices + 12 drum/SFX kits + 361 XGlite voices, Polyphony -32, DUAL and SPLIT modesStyles - 160 Preset Styles + External files, Style Control -ACMP ON/OFF, SYNC STOP, SYNC START, START/STOP, INTRO/ENDING/rit., MAIN/AUTO FILL, Fingering -Multi Finger, Full Keyboard, Style VolumeMusic Database -300 + External filesEducation Feature -Dictionary, Lesson 1-3, Repeat & LearnRegistration Memory -8 banks x 2 typesEffects - Reverb -9 types, Chorus -4 types, Harmony -26 types30 Preset Songs + 5 User Songs + Accessory CD-ROM with 70 moreAuxiliary jacks -PHONES/OUTPUT, DC IN 12V, USB, SUSTAINAmplifier -6 Watts per channel to two 2-way on-board speakers -12cm x 2 + 3cm x 2Power Supply - Adaptor -PA-150 (included) or an equivalent recommended by Yamaha, Batteries -SixDsize, R20P (LR20) or equivalent batteries (optional) Unit Dimensions (W x D x H) -1,178 x 412 x 137 mm (46-3/8 x 16-1/4 x 5-3/8); Weight -8.3kg (18 lbs. 5 oz.) (not including batteries)Supplied Accessories - Music Rest, Accessory CD-ROM, Owner's Manu

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Nord Electro 3, 73-Key Electronic Stage Piano and Organ (AMS-NE373) Review

I sold my Electro 2 so I could partially buy the latest model. After using it a few weeks it's clear how much better it could have been. Here are the good and bad:

Good:
- New sounds including Vox Continental, Farfisa, harpsichords and samples.
- Better Hammond organ sound.
- Better piano sounds but they take up a lot of memory and do not have keyboard resonance features of the Nord Stage EX.
- Sample software allows you to create your own sounds, organize your patches and is easy to use.
- More built-in effects including reverb, compression and 3 different amplifier distortions.
- USB MIDI interface.

Bad:
- Limiting up/down buttons plus A/B patch selector makes it difficult to get to the sounds you want quickly. The Electro 2 had 8 buttons plus bank up/down which is more useable.
- Unergonomic button layout makes navigation difficult. For example, the shift button is too far from the organ presets making it impossible to play and switch presets at the same time.
- Lack of effect amount knobs as on the Electro 2. You are stuck with toggling through only 3 preset amount settings.
- Ring modulation should not be an oscillator like tremelo. The Electro 2 is correct.
- New Vox and Farfisa sounds aren't that accurate.
- Only 64 MB of onboard sample library memory means you'll be limited to how many sounds you can use at a time.
- Sample software is limiting and doesn't allow for more than one sample per key, assigning polyphony, glide (portamento) or other patch functions.
- No pitch wheel. Nord provides many synthesizer samples but, there's no way to control them. The Electro 3 cannot receive pitch bend MIDI commands from another keyboard either.
- No modulation wheel. Why bother having any synthesizer sounds without modulation.
- Same non-weighted keyboard feels junky.
- Expensive.

[DW]

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Product Description:
How do you improve on a classic performance keyboard like the original Electro? You could take it gently, or you just do what Nord did with the Electro 3; push it as far as you can, and then a bit further. The demands from a performing keyboard player haven't really changed all that much, good quality never goes out of style. They just want to offer you some of the best stuff they have, in a affordable and easy-to-use instrument. They hope that you will have as much fun owning and using the Electro 3, as they have had developing it. The Nord Electro 3 is compatible with the new Nord Piano library. It takes full advantage of the Library's multitude of velocity layers, pedal-down samples and extremely high quality samples providing you with an unprecedented expressiveness. Any current or future piano that is available for the Stage family will also automatically be available to the Nord Electro 3.

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Clavia Nord Electro 2 61-Key Stage Piano/Organ Review

For the gigging keyboardist, the Electro 61 falls somewhere between a Godsend and a no-brainer.It's hard to avoid hyperbole when discussing this instrument, but anyone who has toted a Hammond rig and a Wurlie and a controller and peripherals and every other blasted thing will get my drift.For 29 years, I've been condemned to driving a cargo van full of vintage keys which weren't designed to leave the living room in the first place.I've herniated myself in the process, and was almost killed in a rear-end collision that flipped my 'B' upside down.I have made every effort to 'scale down' -- Korg CX3, Micro B, Roland VK7, Oberheim, Hammond XM3, and oddball stuff.All of the aforementioned fell woefully short of Hammond heaven, and of course, didn't offer any EP features or anything else.

The buzz about the Nord was intriguing, so I checked one out at a local store.Typically, the young, cooler-than-thou clerk could barely get the thing to power up, and I was pretty much left to navigate on my own.But five minutes on the Electro made me a believer (of COURSE I ordered one online -- any dope on the floor of a music store who can't get a keyboard that produces five sounds to work doesn't get his commission from me).

Here goes (note -- run this guy stereo, even if ya have to buy a little PA to do so): the Hammond end of things is simply exquisite.I did a little EQ stuff (the Electro features EQ and presence knobs on the dashboard.What a concept!You know, you can actually tweak your sound during performance...), rolled back the key click, and entered my own registrations.Fat, juicy, and soulful.Big, even in the high harmonics.Not a trace of cheese.Outlandish chorus.Completely persuasive percussion.The best Leslie ever, and I don't mean 'pretty good.'It sounds like the real deal.I personally don't have an issue with the 'draw-buttons' and I like controlling the Leslie speed via footswitch.The last thing I want is another broken bakelite switch hanging pitifully on my 'board.

Rhodes: ya want Richard Tee?Yassah."Just the Way You Are?" (you'll actually want to play the old warhorse) -- roger roger.Steely Dan ala Victor Feldman and/or "Nightfly" stuff?Yes jones.Through the Electro, younger players might actually discover what a Rhodes really sounds like.Twenty years of screaching over-cranked synth knockoffs did the Rhodes sound no favors.

Wurlie: intitially, I couldn't find one quite 'mean' enough, but five minutes with 'presence' did the trick.Early Ray, in a big way.A little tremolo and it's Mussel Sholes central.Just like my 200.Plays like it too.Light, but CONFIDENT feeling.

Clavs: good grief.Perfect.

CP80:Back in the day, I wanted one desperately.But, of course, like every thing else back in the day, I coudn't afford one.Now I OWN one.I LOVE it.Newbies probably won't 'get' the CP80, but us old timers will have our fun.

Piano: contrary to most opinions, I think the piano is very good.I don't like it as well as my Kurweil 1200 Pro I, but it's entirely usable.I re-EQed it, rolling off some of the not-so-pleasant highs.Prior to a gig recently, I played some standards using the piano sound.I was testing the waters to see if the relatively short keyboard and on-board piano would work for jobbing.Absolutely.It won't cut stride, but an Evans-esque approach is A-OK.

Conclusion: the Electro 61 is hands-down the most impressive and exciting 'keyboard' I've ever owned, and I have had a ton of stuff.Unlike a synth, it is designed for the player to make music on it.In that sense, it is a bonafide musical instrument.

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Product Description:
The Nord Electro 2 is the next big step in the development of the Nord Electro series of stage keyboards. Among the features of the Electro 2 you'll find the new Mega Clavinet sound which offers all the filter and pick-up variations of the original Clavinet D6! This means that you'll be able to access no less than 60 + 4 different Clavinet D6 sounds in the Electro 2!Thanks to the remade piano sample playback engine, the polyphony for the piano sounds is now greatly enhanced. The new piano sample playback engine also made it possible for Nord to digitally model the sounds you get when you release keys on a piano instrument. For example, the Clavinet and the Wurlitzer have very characteristic key release sounds. In Nord Electro 2 this is very faithfully modeled. The new sample playback engine also allows for playback of stereo pianos. In the new factory sound library Clavia has included a great new Acoustic Grand piano - in stereo. The Electro 2 also features great new vintage-style effects in the Effects section. Nord has also beefed up the Overdrive distortion to sound more like an overdriven tube amplifier.Nord Electro 2 fully supports USB download of Nord Electro piano samples. Now you will be able to download new piano instrument samples using Nord's specially developed Electro Tool sample dump program for Mac and PC! Additional piano sounds are available on the CD-R that comes with the Nord Electro 2 and also for download at www.clavia.se - free of charge! More...

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Casio PX200 Privia Digital Piano with Hammer Action Review

I'm a semi-pro jazz pianist. I own an old Balwin baby grand and a top end Roland rd700sx keyboard. I bought the Casio as a practice keyboard at my summer home. I couldn't be more pleased with it. The action is very heavy (a good quality) - heavier that either of my other pianos, but not as much as your average Steinway grand. But the action is also very responsive and quite a pleasure to play. The primary piano sound is balanced and nice to listen to (the others not so).
The tone is no where as beautiful or as expressive (wide dynamic range) as my Roland, but the Roland cost 4 times as much!.

It is very useful for practicing and the built-in speakers are loud enough to play in a party setting. I've used it for gigs with a stereo amp and it's very adequate - and weighs 27 lbs. I've seen it selling for less at other online musical instrument sites so check around.

All in all a very nice keyboard and well worth the cost.

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Product Description:
The PX-200 takes digital piano sound quality to a new level. This Privia model truly raises the sound bar. Grand piano sound and feel in a portable keyboard that easily moves from the home to the stage or the studio.

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Casio CS-65 Privia Keyboard Stand for Casio PX-110, PX-120, PX-310 and PX-320 Review

I picked up a Casio PX-200 a few months ago but found myself not using it as much because I did not have a stand which was secure enough to hold the piano in place.The original plan was to use a small table but that idea went out the window once I received my Casio PX-200 and realized how wide the piano was.So I decided I should purchase a stand.I first decided I would purchase an X style stand but my wife and I have an infant who likes to touch everything in the house and knock things over so I was worried this would not be safe for my child.I did not want to pay so much money for a stand but in the end, I decided better safe than sorry so I saved up money and finally picked up the Casio CS-65 stand.Boy and I sure glad I did.

My Casio PX-200 has two covers on each side which comes off easily by simply removing a couple of screws on each side and pull off the covers.Once you do this, you simply then mount it the each side of the stand and put the screws back on so that it secure.The instructions were easy to follow.After I finished putting the stand together, I brought my son into the office and we let him go at it.He could not knock it down.It was pretty secure, even with him leaning against it.He enjoys playing the piano all the time now.My digital piano looks great with this stand and I am not worried about my son getting hurt.

Pros:
-Secure
-Makes the digital keyboard look fancyCons:
-Since the piano is screwed to each side of the stands, this means your digital piano is no longer portable.If you plan on travling with your digital piano, this is not the stand for you.
-Much more expensive than an X stand

Overall, I would highly recommend this if you have a compatible digital piano from Casio.I wish Casio did not charge so much for this stand but I don't regret my purchase at call.

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Product Description:
The Casio CS65 Privia Digital Piano Stand has a high quality dark wood appearance and matches your PX110, PX120, PX310, or PX320 perfectly. The sturdy CS65 ensures a genuinely stylish appearance.

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Casio AP24 Digital Home Piano Review

This is a great piano for a new student. Overall price/performance is great. It feels a lot like a real piano. Of course, an experienced pianist can feel a difference, but the main goal with buying this instrument was not to spend tons of money and still get a decent piano.
Another great thing about this digital piano is a headphone jack. This is one of the most important advantages of the digital pianos (for those who have to listen :-). Even though we bought this piano for my daughter, I also play it at night using headphones.
The bottom line is if you need to practice playing piano, but don't want to spend a lot of money - this is your best bet. I searched other Web sites, but this one was the best deal.

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Product Description:
LEADSINGER model LS-3700 (or LS-3000) is a Portable, Hand-held, All-In-The-Mic Karaoke Player. The device connects to the user's TV / Stereo System and provides Lyrics on screen for 300 built-in popular songs. The device allows the user to adjust mic volume, music volume, guide melody, guide musical instrument, key pitch, speed tempo, echo, scoring, & a fun-filled random play Singing Game.
Included contents are: LS-3700 with 300 built-in songs, main cable, song list book, & AC adapter.
Optional items include: High-Fidelity Wireless Remote Duet microphone, Carrying Bag, & a wide variety of 20+ Song Cartridges.

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Casio PX-320 Privia Digital Piano Review

I have played the Casio PX-320 for a couple weeks and am a beginner/intermediate piano player.The PX-320 keys have texture and shape and pressure and volume range and return speed that invites making music.The PX-320 is scaled (graded) so that treble notes are easier and quicker versus bass notes are harder and slower.The keys are weighted and have a simulated hammer action.For my taste the keyboard is a joy to play and is close to an acoustic piano.

I think the Yamaha YPG-635 and Yamaha P85 have at least as good touch and piano sound.I liked the Yamaha YPG-635 display and controls and features and sounds.The YPG-635 is too wide to lay flat in my car while the PX-320 lays on my back seat or back floorboard.The PX-320 base is flat and as large as the top, unlike the P85 that has a base smaller than the top.The P85 has 10 voices.The PX-320 weighs 26 lbs (12kg).

The PX-320 has 11 one-touch sounds like grand piano, electric piano, organ, strings and synth-voice.The PX-320 has 60 wide ranging Casio voices.The PX-320 has 128 General MIDI (GM) voices and 2 Drum Sets. I am pleased with the variety and quality of the voices.I like the large 3-character display and miss a numeric keypad and graphic display.The speakers are fine for a bedroom or living room.If the recessed screws underneath the back are loose the speakers can cause plenty of subtle or annoying noise.

I like the Casio PX-320 price, car fit, finger action, voices, 5 song recording or playback with as little as 2 key pushes, and usable speakers.I look forward to exploring 2-track recording, quick registration, 70 play-along rhythms, and flash memory slot.The Casio PX-320 is enjoyable to play and delightful to hear and easy to learn.

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Product Description:
The PX-320 is perfect for stage and studio use. Along with the advanced AIF sound source providing 128 notes of polyphony where notes reverberate naturally without being cut off it also has 1/4-inch line outputs for connecting to a mixer or PA system. The 202 tones including organ and drum tones will make you ready for any music style. The 88 weighted and Graded keys provide the look and feel of an acoustic piano.


Digital piano with 88 weighted keys. Click to enlarge.
Easily expand your song memory with a built-in SD memory card slot.
Perfect for stage and studio use.
128-Voice Polyphony
This permits the keyboard to produce up to 128 notes simultaneously for full musical expression. It lets you play sweeping chords and make extensive use of the damper pedal.
Scaled Hammer Action
88 touch-dynamic weighted keys make for an authentic playing feel, responding to all your playing nuance like an acoustic piano.
202 Tones
The PX-320 features 202 different tones, including standard General MIDI patches and drum tones.
70 Rhythms
70 preset rhythms offer a varied range spanning the world of music. With Auto Accompaniment, the digital piano automatically plays rhythm, bass, and chord parts in accordance with chords you select using simplified keyboard fingerings, or chords you play. Auto Accompaniment makes it feel like you have your own private backup group with you all the time.
60 Songs
Listen, sing along, play along: 60 top quality songs are stored on your PX-320. You can also play back up to 10 songs from an SD memory card.
You can also turn off the left hand part or right hand part of a song and play along on the piano, which makes for a great learning tool.
8 Digital Effects
Add a little more depth and variation to the built-in tones with 4 reverb and 4 chorus effects.
Registration Memory
You can save up to 96 digital piano setups in registration memory, including tone, rhythm, and tempo settings, for quick and easy recall whenever you need them.
MIDI-In/Out
Use the MIDI in/out to control other MIDI instruments, or with external sequencers, computers, etc.
SD Card Slot
Easily expand your song memory with a built-in SD memory card slot.
USB
The PX-320's USB port offers a quick and easy connection to a PC, handy for use with modern DAW and MIDI systems.
Two Piano Setting Keys
The piano setting key switches to grand piano sound at the touch of a button. Two settings are available: "classic" for a soft, discreet sound and "modern" with a more lighter, brighter character.
Stereo Line In/Out
Connect to a PA system or studio equipment, or connect other sound sources with the line inputs.
Panel-Lock
With the Panel-Lock function, the control panel is protected from unintentional moves while playing and to protect settings.
Powerful Speaker System
The PX-320 features a built-in, two-way system with four speakers and 2 x 8 Watts of output power, to fill a room with sound.
3-Pedal Unit Support
With the optional SP-30, the PX-320 has up to three pedals with half-damper effect. This "half-damper" effect simulates a "half-pedaled" damper pedal.
2 Headphone Connections
Use the two headphone connections for duets or lessons.
What's in the Box
Privia PX-320 Keyboard, AC Adapter, Music Stand, User's Manual

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