I have been playing more arranger gigs, due to some physical problems making it hard to play left-handed bass.

To keep things interesting, I use a 2nd (sometimes a third) keyboard to vary the final sounds.

Sometimes, I use an old XB-2 on the bottom, plus a Motion Sound top box to play B-3 sounds (plus dopler) and endings using a manually played bass line.

Other times, I use either a little NP-30 piano or other digital piano on my right hand, or an SH-201 synth on top (sometimes both).

Since I use an 8 channel Yamaha PA, it's generally just a matter of an extra chord to connect and a different stand (extra stand, if I use a right hand piano).

It keeps things interesting and permits me to customize the sound for the venue (restaurants are where I use more straight piano sounds-lite jazz jobs are ideal for the XB-2).

Most of my jobs are repeats...house jobs or at least Friday and Saturday nights, so that makes the move easier (plus, my two boys move and hook up for me).

For variety, I also use at least two guitars (a nylon for bossas-quiet jazz and a larger jazz box for conventional standards) on the better paying gigs. It's fun to just cycle through the 40 or so guitars in my "player" assortment. And that adds variety people seem to enjoy.

Just a suggestion. Try it....you might like it!


Russ

(PS-arrangers used are STILL the MS-60..love those old dinosaurs...or an SD-5).

I used to take a lightweight 88 key, weighted action Yamaha P-85 Piano along with my arranger to some gigs that required a bit of solo piano...mainly corporate dinners, or sometimes certain restaurant gigs. I midi'd it to the S910 I had, and used the piano sounds in the latter, as it had slightly better Live! Grand Piano, plus the Rhodes emulations were also more satisfactory and more varied...I used to sometimes layer piano and strings.

I played left hand (and foot pedal) bass for many years, but now I am content to let the arranger do all the work...especially with today's style accompaniments that really have lots of liveliness and variety in them. Some of the swing/bebop styles have incredible bass-lines.

You sure have a lot of guitars, Russ...of course, many say that "one can never have too many guitars" . Having those choices, and easily at hand, must be a real pleasure on a gig.

Ian

Captain Russ,
I know you are mainly a jazz guy but I'm curious if you have a 1987 surf green Strat Plus in your collection, or rather if you'd like to add one if you haven't.
I am considering selling mine which I bought new in '87 to help me with the purchase of the new PSR S950.
It is not mint or even excellent condition but rather a Very Good condition "player" guitar. One to use not hang on a wall and stare at. If interested let me know. I have been seriously thinking about it a lot as I only play it a few songs per gig these days, and don't see myself ever playing it predominently as I once did and I figure I can get by with a mexican strat these days.

I'd add a picture but I'm not sure how to.

I am going to start using two keyboard set ups...not because I have too...but because I love the concept of "no compromise"...

I will use the Roland g70 for it'sadvantages,,,76 semi weighted keys, flexible stage friendliness...mic and harmonizer....

I will also use the Roland BK5, for it's great media player...new drum kits, and extra SRX sounds...

The G70 also has an SRX board installed, allowing the superior sounds...

I know a lot of folks here like the concept of different manufacturers..but I like compatible sound sources..If I liked the Korg or Yamaha sounds..I would still own one ....so why combine them..

Set up is not a big deal..only a couple minutes extra time needed.and to haul an extra keyboard...the Rock n roller cart doesn't care...

http://www.synthzone.com/forum/ubbthread...w_wh#Post352307



On second thought!!!!

Oh My..

I've always felt that, if you are going to have a two keyboard rig, that they should be from different manufacturers. TBH, although the BK5 adds some new kits and tones, it isn't enough to warrant being added to a G70 IMHO. There's just altogether too much that sounds pretty much identical.

I think a Korg or a Yamaha would make the better companion, at least EVERY sound would be different. And, because of the totally unnecessary roadblocks to dual arranger operation the manufacturers seem hell-bent on continuing to put up, I can't honestly recommend two arrangers. I would always feel stymied by the fact that I would have to chose ONE arranger as the style backing, no matter which one is producing RH sounds. No two different manufacturers make it possible to integrate full arranger operation from one keyboard. Codes to change Variations, trigger Fills and Intro/Endings, Break-Fill/Mutes, Transpose commands and most regular arranger features are quite unique to each manufacturer, and you are not given the option to change them...

So, in fairness, I would go with a modern WS/Loop player. For starters, their MIDI implementations are often flexible enough to set up reception of the arranger codes they might be able to use. Secondly, their sounds tend to be a lot more contemporary, and often of higher quality than many arrangers. And lastly (for now!), the loop and arp capabilities (for instance, Karma on Korg's or the chord following arps on Yamaha's) can add a tremendous amount of modern flava and attitude to an arranger's style output with minimal work.

I can see Russ's viewpoint of adding in only minimal sounds to an arranger rig, but unless your needs are so tightly regulated, why not go the extra step and add in a keyboard that not only does the organ and piano chores better than your arranger, but one that does so much more, too?

Well that's great Diki.....now you talked me into using my MS with the G70...

I've been throwing around the idea of using my XK-1 with the MicroArranger. This conversation has convinced me to finally give it a try. Thanks everyone.

Who wants to carry all that gear to a gig?...not me ....the days of shlepping 4 KBs stacked TO SHOWS day after day setting up & breaking down is FAR GONE FOR ME AND GOOD RIDDENS...!!
I'm a One Kb man now ...for my needs that all I need.

I definitely lament the demise of the rack synth. TBH, I am surprised, with the modern economy, that these aren't MORE popular now than ever. I would definitely be interested in a rack Kronos, or even just a rack Hammond or more modern Nord.

Admittedly, my G70 isn't the ideal controller, as the sliders and knobs can't be programmed to send whatever you want (but my K2500 can), but it sure beats schlepping an MS! Actually, just kidding, Fran..! As an addition to a decent arranger, the MS is amazing. It's just a shame Dom could never turn it into an acceptable arranger...

But the new Integra7 module from Roland, for maybe a Tyros user or PA3X owner would add in all the Roland flava with minimal extra gear to haul. But truth is, as I don't use MP3's, my G70 still does all the job I REALLY need. Sure, I'd love some extra stuff, but it's still doing the job, and has paid for itself (both of them, really!) so many times over, I can't complain.

Studio-wise, though, I am pretty well set up. A Roland, a Korg and a Kurzweil pretty much cover it all, and VSTi's cover the rest. Life is good!

While the Surf Fender sounds GREAT (I played Surf Guitar in southern California with my 59 Strat-now worth about $25,000.00 in the early 60's-Shared stages with Dick Dale, The Beach boys, Jan and Dean, etc.), I'm trying to raise a major donation to the New Orleans Habitat project and am attempting to cull some of the 312 string instruments I have. I want to keep the basics, and so far, the "basics" number about 50 (LOL)!

Actually, I have one historic guitar-one like it sold for $249,000.00 several years ago. Care to guess what it is?

You're right...with quality control, the simple but effective design of Fenders and modern automated manufacturing technology, I see nothing at all wrong with Mexican Fender instruments for daily players.

Gave away several guitars last year and left a few in my will to other close friends....thought I'd had my left foot amputated LOL!

I plan to build an inner city recreation/music facility with the proceeds of the "big" liquidation effort. Naturally, I'll have to purchase....you guessed it....MORE INSTRUMENTS for the music program.

This way, I won't have too much separation anxiety from the sale. Honestly, many of the pieces in the collection (around 100) haven't been played in 10 years or more and just cost a lot of bread to maintain.

The center is a project I am really looking forward to doing...kind of what I want to be remembered by.


Russ

Thank you Capt. Russ for your reply. I have a huge respect for your community service. Hats off to you.
And I wish you great success in your endeaver.
Please keep us here up to date on how this proceeds.
Also, hope for your continued good health.
I'm sure we would all rather know you than to "remember" you.

Oh, I wanted to mention I was recently down through parts of Kentucky for the first time. A truly beautiful area of the country.

Thanks so much! What a sensitive and kind thing to say!

Actually, my health is pretty good, but at a certain age (I'm 68), you want to be prepared for anything.

I still work 100 hours a week at the office (film, sound-score production, graphics, photography, communication research), teach two University level classes, run a family trust (214 employees...rental property, three farms and several convenience stores), play 6-8 weeks overseas (Dubai), do 200 plus private playing jobs and maintain three rental properties in Lexington.

The time just seems right to do more for others. I do one job per week and donate the fee to my favorite charity. The people hiring me get a tax deduction, if needed, and that adds about $15,000.00 annually to the coffers of a well-deserving organization dedicated to the welfare of the 25,000 "forgotten" Kentuckians in nursing homes.

I have been so lucky in my lifetime, and music has been a big part of that. Besides, it's GREAT to see that look of wonder on a young person's face when they first begin to play.


Russ

Motorcycles, airplanes and horses probably don't earn me a very high place on longevity tables (LOL)!

R.

Don't worry about it Russ. Remember, we're supposed to be here for a GOOD time, not a LONG time. BTW, hope you got the latest NOLA HH newsletter. They're doing some good things down there. I just sent in the latest installment of my committment but still have not been able to get down there. Hopefully, soon.


chas

You're a good man, Chas...I'll keep that a secret...don't want to soften your image (LOL)!


R.
P.S. I'd like to talk about any contacts you have at Habitat. I'm thinking a directed gift might have to be discussed with them. Previously, I've just sent checks, but this one will be in the neighborhood of $250K, so I'd like to be able to know a little more bout the plans and my participation.