If you get a Korg PA1000 and don't like it, I'll trade a Yamaha PSR S970 for it.

Don, what happened to the 4X 76?

I traded it to Zuki for a 4X 61. Both happy now!

I never understood why people cant handle 8 more inches of keybed...

good move Don.....gotta have backup..

Don can handle anything - he just likes 61 better, which I am happy about

For me, it was the relation of the C key to the end of the keyboard. I performed a lot of songs in the key of C and never looked at the keys. I knew when my left hand touched the end of the keyboard I was resting my little finger on the C key. Can't do that with a 76.

Gary

Thats an interesting one...
never tought about this..

Maybe thats because i mostly play my chords around the C one octave higher on a 61 key... and half an octave lower on a 76 or 88 key... i only play a C in root position when i have bass set to manuall ... but i prefer playing it with a low G.

To explain...I use the joystick, the three programmable buttons, and the touch strip a lot. My left hand "knows" where they are on the 61, and I have to look and reach a little farther on the 76. I can play either, but I prefer the 61. As far as making the chords, it doesn't matter. In fact the 76 offers more options. I don't have to change the split point when I play "Color My World".
Also, I have a fairly small bandstand and the wider stand I have to use with the 76 crowds things a little more. And, although the weight of the 76 is supposedly only five pounds more, it sure seems a lot heavier to this old man. Not a huge factor because someone loads and unloads it for me most of the time, and I don't move it much anyway. Still, it's a factor.

Yup. Many players who don't have small stage issues cannot relate to the huge benefit of having even 4-5 extra inches on stage. I have played many, many times where there was literally no more room on either side of my keyboard. Compromising stage area, means compromising performance. Dealing with a few less keys is a workaround ... not a compromise. With octave shifts, and custom sounds, there is no reason to feel cramped playing on a 61 note board. I play so much manual bass, I split my kb at Eb above middle C, so my chord hand has only a little more real estate than my bass hand. RH goes 2 octaves + a Msixth, LH is 2 octaves + m3rd. It makes playing interesting bass lines easier, and also keeps my hands centered on the keyboard. If the split point was any lower, I'd be uncomfortable reaching my right hand across my body to access those lower notes. I almost alway have my RH sound tuned down an octave (to better compliment my voice). It's so easy to hit the 8va button for special solo sections, if needed.
All that, plus the ease of transporting a smaller KB, fitting into my trunk, on hand trucks, etc ... make using anything BUT a 61 a no brainer. We're all different, but these are my top reasons. (was this on topic?)

I've enjoyed reading the "whys" from each of you. Since I never get up on stage, have severe tingling fingers and could not play a piano if my life depended on it... I would buy an Arranger from Yamaha that is designed to appear to be "cut in half." I play chords only with my left hand, use the right hand to push buttons, scratch where I itch and do my best to "lead the orchestra" with my vocal.

Song-writing has different demands and the Arranger is God's Gift to Song-writers. Set that sucker up with the style you need to get the gist of the song across, turn all the Pan Knobs (via the screen) toward the center of the board, as if I were the conductor of the band... select the instruments, choir, etc., adjust each one's volume and record that sucker of a new song until I am blue in the face. (Over-simplification for the sake of time... you guys already know all of this stuff.)

I get tons of practice that way. Every now and then, something causes it all to coagulate and it actually sounds fairly decent. (Vocal removed from equation... LOL!)

I guess that's why I admire you talented folks so very much.

So, Don... have you ever played an S910? If so, what would I gain in acquiring a used but not abused S970? In today's market, song-writers need every trick in the book to sound "authentic" and unique.

----Dave Rice

No, was does anyone want to trade?

Dave, yes I had and enjoyed an S910 for quite some time. The 970 has a lot of improvements. It has "Real Drums", new sounds, improved vocal harmonizer and processor, the screen is better. . .many improvements, even over the 950!
One thing nobody talks about much are the Audio Drum Styles. It has quite a few and they are recordings of live drum. I use them a LOT.
Also the 970 will give you additional recording options. You record audio of your playing and voice and save it to the keyboard or to USB. You could record a midi file, play it back and record it and the vocal as a new song. No problem if you mess up, just don't save it and try again!
I'm sure there are some other improvements but has been a long time since I looked at a 910.
I'll make you a great deal old friend! Maybe I'll deliver it to you.

Don:

The improved VH sounds like a bass-bait hitting the water right in front of a ten-pounder... LOL! I've been attempting a re-do of one of my best songs, "Moonlight at Makaha" (can you tell it has an Hawaiian theme?) 'cause it needs some VH. The 910 fails me miserably no matter how I tweak it... or maybe I should just "fess-up" and admit my vocals sound like an old geezer pretending he's something he will never be! Nobody said this was going to be easy.

I'll have some serious words with the "War Dept." and send you a PM or E-mail later this afternoon. Are trade-ins "on the table?"

----Dave

Trade in is good if it is a Korg PA1000.
The 910 shouldn't be hard to sell. I guess it would depend on what you want to get for the 910 though.

The "Boss" is running late... and I just had a blinding flash of light... you got rid of the 76 key PA whatever they call it... and the Yamaha 970 is a 61 key machine, isn't it? If it, too is a 71 key... it won't fit my set-up. Glad I thought to ask before even mentioning the acquisition to her.

The 970 is 61 keys. You're going to love it!

That is a relief. Thanks, Don. Now for that critical "discussion" with the chief accountant.

Put your foot down. Show her who's boss! No wait, it might be better to buy it then beg for forgiveness!

Ever the salesman... whether selling that song to the crowd... or selling a top notch keyboard to an old geezer. LOL!

Just making suggestions!

Dave, after you put your foot down and show her who's boss, give us a ring when you get out of the hospital.

Gary

Thanks, Gary... I needed that. If I sound like the Cowardly Lion... it is for good reason! LOL!

Don... I just sent you an E-mail to open the negotiations.

[C] Got a good friend down in Texas; he's [F] married to a sweet young thing.
Every [C] now and then he gets restless; [2] tries to spread his [5] wings.
My [1] friend is into music, [4] writes and sings it too.
[1] Now I have a sad story, that [5] I must share with [1] you.

He's [4] lyin' in an [5] E.R. bed, [4] got a big gash in the [5] back of his head.
[4] Lucky that the [5] boy's not [6m] dead; he [1] shoulda done what his [5] little wife [1] said.
She said [1] you don't need another toy; he told her [4] it's a tool of my trade.
When [1] I get some songs recorded, we'll [2] finally have it [5] made.
Turns out the [1] only thing he's buyin', is [4] time for the scar to heal.
Now [1] apologize to the lady, and [5] ask her how you [1] feel!!
(Please let me know your decision so I can finish this song!

P.S..Looks like I stared writing chords and finished in numbers!

I got the email. It had gone to my spam folder!
Let me think it over. I will use the 970 Saturday afternoon and then I will be able to let it go.

I thought maybe you had lapsed into Nashville Notation... LOL!

Take your time crunching the numbers. I know you would rather have a clean, no strings sale but the boss says something must go out before another Keyboard comes in! Dang, she's mean. Just like that little darlin' in your song.

That's what happened. I forgot I was writing in English. Will send Email.

Wisdom prevails... and you probably know she monitors everything I do. She has her own police force and spy network. Talk about walking a straight line... you are looking at Reverend Rice.

735 views, so I'd better bring you up to date. The S970 will soon be on it's way to a new happy home in Texas. Not sure of the address yet because Dave doesn't know where he'll be after the divorce.

The deal is "sealed" and I'm thrilled. First to be getting a great keyboard played by the "Man Himself"... secondly, to have survived those rolling pin threats from the exchequer of the currency... LOL!

Good luck Dave you made a very wise choice...now create some awesome music with it...if you need help just shout!!

These kids don't know what a rolling pin is.

Sure they do.


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Jerry

I ALMOST mentioned that application!

Great find. Wonder if it'll fit into a gig bag.

chas

Oh no... somebody has invented a "doobie roller"... not to be confused with a "weapons grade" rolling pin! I do "get your drift, though, Jerry! Did you ever see those old WWII Cigarette Rolling Machines? Glad I wasn't a smoker then or now... of either type of self destruction... LOL!

You guys never cease to amaze me. Now Charles is wanting to fit one of those things into his Gig Bag. He must be playing at one of those joints with a chicken-wire cage around the stage. I hear Donnie tried one of those Gigs once... and swore he'd never do it again. Seems like Toby Keith was who he was "fronting" for... or was it the other way 'round?

Later, well wishers and used car/keyboard salesmen!

----Dave from "West Mayberry."

I'll bet Willie has one .

Willie has people to do those things.

Spoken with clarity. Willie can pretty well do what he wants to do when it comes to those funny smelling cigs.

They parked his bus close to the front door of Ernest's one night. He invited anyone who wanted to see it to check it out. You could get high poking your head in the door! He was cool, went around to the tables introducing himself and shaking hands, as if everyone didn't know who he was.

Don, I understand Joy stick, and three programable switches, but tell me about how you are using the touch strip??????

John C.

Very much like joystick, but you can do different things with it. It would be good for playing hard rock guitar; you can slide the entire length of the strip like you would a guitar string. It is quicker than the joystick in many cases, depending on what you want it to do.
I'll try to remember to video something using it.

SOUTH

Sorry, been cooped up in a room all day......

Don't they let you out into the exercise yard for an hour?

Dave, make the first song you play on the 970 her favorite one..

Now there's a smart man Better yet, make it an original about her!

Thanks, Sparky and Zuki:

Unfortunately, she thinks every song I write is going to be the "last pony in the race." If only I had the vocal abilities of Don Mason! I'm sure looking forward to seeing what is different about the 970 versus the 910. I'll probably hear some of the improved "voices/instruments" and re-record every song in my catalogue.

Don, if you should see this, you have snail-mail and e-mail headed your way. Don't spend it all in one place... unless you are using it as a down-payment on a Genos. (Wonder why they didn't call it a Genius? LOL!)

Later Guys, ----Dave from West Mayberry.