I just picked up my keyboard from the repair center yesterday--it needed a minor repair that I couldn't handle.

While I was there talking with the technician, he told me about a new keybed concept that was in the works at Yamaha, one that would revolutionize arranger keyboards, electric pianos, and synths. Instead of the traditional keypads, the triggering mechanism would be a pair of photocells positioned at the end of each key. The photocells would be triggered by a tiny bar that passes the cells sequentially, thus the speed at which the bar passes determines the loudness.

Currently, the same process is accomplished by a pair of carbon contacts that sequentially touch a printed circuit board. The faster they make contact, the lounder the sound. The proposed system eliminates the problems associated with keypads wearing out, circuit board wear and temperature changes. The only moving part will be the keys themselves--the photocells will be stationary.

And, rumor has it that the keybed will be weighted and adjustable. If you are comfortable with the feel of grand piano keys, the key-feel can be set to fully-weighted firmness. However, if you enjoy the soft touch of the T2, the keybed can be adjusted to suite your needs as well, plus the needs of anyone that wishes something in between.

According to my source, the system is still in the development stage, but could be available on some models next summer or fall. This would, obviously, solve a lot of problems for piano players who also wish to enjoy the features of an arranger keyboard or synth.

I'm looking forward to this one,

Gary

------------------
Travlin' Easy