Technics Resources...

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Hello Happy Ivory Ticklers.

As a professional 'Moaner', could I draw the attention of the Management, to the fact that many of the links on the 'Links' Page are now dead.

Some also go to Pages that still exist, but are not being maintained, such as 'Gunnar Johnnies' and Cees's wonderful (as it was!) Keso Cafe Pages.

Its a bit frustrating for a 'Newbie' to Technics to find this, so I have taken it upon myself to start a Technics 'Resource' Forum, having 'stolen' a lot of material from 'dying' sites, before they disappear totally.

Even though the last keyboards were produced 9 or so years ago, there are many new Technics owners every week, who are purchasing second hand machines from Ebay, Pre-Loved, or Musicians Forums. They need the same Forum 'Chat' help, and resources, as most of us had when (and if) we bought our machines new.

Perhaps the most useful site, at present for most requirements, is Bill Norries 'Willums Pages', but it too has its limitations, as being a KN7000 (Is there any other keyboard?) only, oriented resource.

Regards to all,

John

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You tread all over everybody in your angst don't you Rev...
Still you're young yet with a lot to learn, eh...
From the proverbial brick through the window...chuckle

Hi Rog ....

Didn't know you would still be chasing me with that brick !!!

Angst ? - Nah !! and I can't really see me 'treading over everybody' - I just try to tiptoe these days in my old age !!

Must fly - got a sermon to write and its 9am.

Keep smiling

John

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Hi John
I have tried to register on your technics site but without success.

Regards
Peter B

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Hello Peter - You have to wait after applying, for me to activate
your membership, when I next check my Email !!

If you were 'RosyB, you are in !! And welcome.


Cheers and Beers,

John

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NO JOHN I AM PETER B BUT I FEEL QUITE ROSY!

PETER B

Hi John
I am still not able to log on to the site.

Regards
Peter B

Hi I can not log to the site its very hard to read

Finally, after 3 goes, I am logged on to the site. Very hard to read and you have to use caps lock - or upper case.

I'm not visually impaired, but that code is impossible to see and read! Any suggestions from any of you who have managed to register?

I found that I just clicked on the magnifying glass on the bottom right of the screen to increase the size of the image. That made it easier to read and then make sure you type it with capitals where required. They then send you confirmation after a few hours wait , to your email address , to log on.

And when you have done that. Is it worth the bother?

Peter B

Not much there at present , but getting better the more people have input. Worth knowing it's there.


( Anything to do with Technics is gooooood!)

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Hello Ted, and others

I am really sorry that you seem to be having these problems. I have no control over the Pre-Acceptance procedure
on the Forum. However, I have Emailed the Site providers, and await a reply. This is the first time the
problem has arisen, and many others have Registered without any problems, or at least havn't remarked, so it
could be something recent. I have just logged out, changed my Email Address, and found it easy to read, and register
so I can offer no explanation at the moment. I await a reply from the Site providers.

Appologies for any inconvenience.

John


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A lot of work and midnight oil has gone into providing the resource, Peter.

It is hoped that like any new site, members will add to what is initially provided.

As in any forum, it is only as good as its members make it.

I hope you, as a member, will work with us to make a permanently maintained and Useful resource for Technics owners, now and in the future.

Kind regards,

John



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I have added the URL to http://www.synthzone.com/technics.htm It is always good to support Technics Resources. The more you have the better .... it will be a sad day when the last one is here at Synth Zone.

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A thousand thanks, Nigel. I just hope we can recruit some real enthusiasts of all models, and get more input !!

There will never be a 'Last' These keyboards will still be working and never missing a beat, when all the other lumps of mass-produced plastic have been binned and re-cycled !!

What is really needed for this new site is 'contributing' members, as at the moment 95% is what I have posted and its all Me, Me, Me - would love to see other names in the boxes !!

Kind regards,

John

PS .... Sorry I am not as handsome as you guys !

Hi John
Thanks for sorting out the Log In.
I willbe looking in every day

Peter B

Hi John
I have just joined and everything went smoothly. It looks good to me.
Bernie

Hi John
Here's another similar site with thousands of members and plenty of resources:
http://createsongstyles.com/
Rog

and another one too...
http://craftymusic.net/home.html
Rog

oh and one more...
http://www.keyboardcapersclub.com/home.php
Rog

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Good Morning Rog...

I was a member of that Forum from when it first started. I object strongly to paying £27 odd to download items that had been contributed freely by myself and other members. No other forum I know of has such fees, and we all (members and Forum Owners) of this Forum, most others, are willing to give time, thought and knowledge freely to all - just as you do, Roger. That is the true spirit of Music - Free for All !!

There is no comparison between that site and the Technics Forum I have created. The Technics Forum is what it says on the label - 'A place for Technics Owners to Share and exchange useful knowledge, items and music. As such it is not really aimed at 'Chatting', but a Resource Created by members, where you can find written articles, Manuals, non-copyright Styles and Songs for each Technics Model in its own sub-board. All brought together in one place.

We are already currently helping by PM, 3 to my knowledge, new owners to get the most from their Technics Keyboards, and are ready at any time to assist anyone to the best of our knowledge.

NOT the aims of the multi-faceted Forum you mention.

Later edit ... Your 'Keyboard Kapers, the Styles Forum, and mine are to be found on the opening 'Links' page of this forum - sadly, the links are very much out of date to other non-existent sites, as well as to others which are no longer maintained.

Crafty Keyboards is a Forum that is NOT of any use to Technics owners - They don't even mention the Manufacturer of the Keyboards we know and love !!

Quote - CraftyMusic web site is for users and owners of all makes of keyboard arrangers such as Casio, GEM, Ketron, Korg, Roland and Yamaha. !!

Again none mentioned (as you claim) - to be in any way similar to my forum, or with the same objectives or format !!

I think, as a member (not contributing at present), you should take some time to look around the Forum and check it out, before commenting on what it compares to !!



Kind regards, and have a great weekend,

John

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Thats right you have to use the caps lock and if you have a laptop you should move your screen to see better

I wonder why some have difficulty in seeing the type when it is a great looking site on my computer.

The attachment is about 1/2 the size as I see it.

The site itself is not the problem. Only the confirmation code when you register. The code was difficult to see due to the similar background. I had to reconfirm three times. Now it seems that the background has changed and the problem seems to be solved.
Bert

Your heading John is Technics Resources - that's what I've added to..

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Good Sunday Morning.

Have just returned from the Morning Service, and a 'Happy Clappy' session so now removing the 'Dog Collar' and returning from 'Rev' to plain Joe Bloggs !! However - just a little reminder - its Shrove Tuesday this week, so get those skillets and Fry Pans ready to toss some pancakes !!

In Olney in England, they have a Pancake Race, where contestants (women and men dressed as women) have to keep tossing their pancakes in a race around the village !!



Back to business, before I partake of Sunday Lunch.

I have had a return Email from 'Pro Forums' the site providers, and they say that it is really rare anyone complains about the legibility of the Security - Anti-Crawler device installed on their Forum Sites, and they go on to say that they host thousands of Forums, with over 2.7 million members, gosh knows how many posts and topics, I can't remember as it is irrelevent!!

I think everyone that wants to be in, is in now, and look forward to seeing some interesting topics started, as well as Articles and FAQ's. I keep saying it, and here it is again !! LOL - A forum is only as good as the membership make it. I am only the provider !!

Enjoy the 7th Day, everyone ...

John


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Time will tell as it did when we - www.keyboardcapersclub.com - tried to get a forum going. I came to the conclusion that there is a lot more to it than just being a provider...

It seems to me that this SynthZone/Technics forum is adequate...no need for additional websites that offer the sharing of information about Technics instruments.....

Bill Norrie's site is also informative and has links to many other's as well....

I am a retired person who just does not have any additional time to accomplish as much as desired! I have no interest in more places to log into for the same information that is already provided right here on SZ/Technics....

For those who have the time....and see the potential value...go for it!

Elizabeth

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Hello Happy People,

Sadly I have to keep posting in this almost disasterous thread, to explain the aims, objectives and content of my web site, which appears to create some amount of negativity in a few readers minds who seem to be incapable of absorbing or understanding the written word, or post without facts easily obtained.



For those, I will go into some depth, and type very slowly, so that they can assimilate and understand what I am saying !

I too am a retired 'Old Fart' and am 76 tomorrow !!

However, with a positive and lively single remaining braincell to keep actively engaged, I have many hobbies ... I am , and have been since 1956, a Licenced Radio Amateur (Americans call them 'Hams'), and besides operating my radio station, I also own a very busy UK Radio Amateur Radio Forum with almost 2000 members, and posts of over 200 every month.



I have bred and shown German Shepherd Dogs since I was born, following in the footsteps of my late Mother who was the top UK Breeder, and Show Judge from the early 1930's. I still keep two dogs, and occasionally successfuly exhibit them throughout Europe. I own a German Shepherd Breeders Forum which is comparitively quiet, with only 227 members, and averaging about 80 posts a month, and has been running since 2001. Needless to say, I will be making my annual pilgimage to 'Crufts' Dog Show (The largest in the world), this coming Friday !!

Please folks, don't attempt to belittle my attempts to start yet another Forum/resource site with negativity. I have been there for over 10 years, and have the scars to prove it !!



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I have many other interests and hobbies that keep my one remaining braincell very active, Including teaching my American wife, English !! Twelve years in England now, and I can see some signs of progress !!

I still have time on my hands to persue other interests, and have spent 1000's of hours tracing my Ancestry back to AD 630 !!
See .... A N C E S T R Y

(Later Edit !!!) - Oooops! -I forgot to mention, I also play keyboards, even though I retired when I was 70! I play for two old folks homes every month, free of charge (most of 'em are younger than me!), and also every year including this one - in the local ASDA (Walmart)foyer for Comic Relief Charity, plus occasional dances in my local community hall.
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Yes! Its my old Tyros One !!!



So please guys, don't tell me you are too old to do anything more - If you have the drive and initiative - anything is possible !! - Use it or lose it, before you are old !!

The 'Technics Keyboard Forum' is unique - in that it (in separate sections) it supports ALL TECHNICS MODELS The current excellent sites like my good friend Bill Norrie's Pages - cater only for the KN7000. Bill is a personal friend, and we have many mutual interests and past experiences, besides our music - and we correspond almost daily. So there is certainly no competetive intent, and in fact, Bill is a member of my site! So thats another dead argument!

Sorry to 'rattle on' but I hope to end this thread with some objectivity, positivity and optimism.

Every week on Ebay, there are over 20 sales in just in UK of Technics Keyboards - That is 20 new owners, and twenty people needing help, possibly double that worldwide?. There is on average just one of these sales that is a KN7000. It therefore logically follows that there is a definate requirement for help, articles, written experiences, etc, for Technics Boards other than the existing excellent sites, such as this one, KN7000.net, and Willums Pages. The other 'red herrings' tossed into the pot are not dedicated Technics Forums, and do not carry specific model information, knowledeable assistance from users, etc on older models displayed in an easily followed format.

Several also once excellent 'Resource' sites are now neglected and abandoned by their owners, and slowly disintegrating into Cyber Debris - such as Gunnar Jonny's site and Cees's Keso Cafe.. A lot of what was on those sites has been saved and incorporated into the new Forum before all that valuable matter is lost for ever.

Perhaps the attitude of Nigel (who has posted above) might be the proper and enlightened way to go, rather than looking for 'Why you can't', when a more helpful and kind attitude would be 'Why we can', and join the site, to give a little of your time to contributing help to others by posting instructional articles, for example.

I have been helped over my lifetime as a professional performer by many people for whom I have held respect and admiration - Its 'Payback Time' !!

I think I should perhaps write a book, looking back on this post! So I hope my time is not wasted !!

No animosity or bad feeling intended, just a desire for facts!

Kind thoughts to all,

John


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The great thing about this world is we have choices. I being a long time SZer, agree, except for the fact that there are many people who don't frequent the Zone, and there are potentially, many people who have acquired Technics instruments, in need of help. Who knows, maybe we can get a few ideas from them also.

We are fortunate in having the learned people with great resources. This is not to diminish their importance at all.

Bernie

Lucky you, the one that's still alive in my brain use a wheelchair.

I really like your humoristic sense, but don't fancy your avatar as much!

Yes, you're right, my website is a shame, sadly, but as written to read, it's still some stuff working, and if I get time and spirit, I'll move files from closed hosts and bring inactive links for downloads back to life.

Keep on the good work, because as you say, for each used Technics bought on eBay or elsewhere there might be a new Technics user who start search for related stuff at the web.

Cheers
GJ

Write a book, John?
You nearly just did.
By the way, which one is the dog?

I AM ONLY JOKING!!!

What we need is more posters, but that leaves less time for the music.

Regards.
Peter B

Retirement. Whats that.



Enjoy ... it’s all true!! xx
----- And They Ask:

Why Do I Like Retirement ?

Question: How many days in a week?
Answer: 6 Saturdays, 1 Sunday



Question: When is a retiree's bedtime?
Answer: Three hours after he falls asleep on the couch.


Question: How many retirees to change a light bulb?
Answer: Only one, but it might take all day.



Question: What's the biggest gripe of retirees?
Answer: There is not enough time to get everything done.


Question: Why don't retirees mind being called Seniors?
Answer: The term comes with a 10% discount.



Question: Among retirees what is considered formal attire?
Answer: Tied shoes.


Question: Why do retirees count pennies?
Answer: They are the only ones who have the time.



Question: What is the common term for someone who enjoys work and refuses to retire?
Answer: NUTS!


Question: Why are retirees so slow to clean out the basement, attic or garage?
Answer: They know that as soon as they do, one of their adult kids will want to store stuff there.



Question: What do retirees call a long lunch?
Answer: Normal.


Question: What is the best way to describe retirement?
Answer: The never ending Coffee Break.


Question: What's the biggest advantage of going back to school as a retiree?
Answer: If you cut classes, no one calls your parents.



Question: Why does a retiree often say he doesn't miss work, but misses the people he used to work with?
Answer: He is too polite to tell the whole truth.



And, my very favorite....
QUESTION: What do you do all week?
Answer: Monday through Friday, NOTHING..... Saturday & Sunday, I rest.


SERENITY


Just before the funeral services, the undertaker came up to the very elderly widow and asked,
'How old was your husband?' '98,' she replied...
'Two years older than me'
'So you're 96,' the undertaker commented..
She responded, 'Hardly worth going home, is it?


Reporters interviewing a 104-year-old woman:
'And what do you think is the best thing
about being 104?' the reporter asked.
She simply replied, 'No peer pressure.'


The nice thing about being senile is
you can hide your own Easter eggs.


I've sure gotten old!
I've had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement,
new knees, fought prostate cancer and diabetes.
I'm half blind,
can't hear anything quieter than a jet engine,
take 40 different medications that
make me dizzy, winded, and subject to blackouts.
Have bouts with dementia.
Have poor circulation;
hardly feel my hands and feet anymore.
Can't remember if I'm 85 or 92.
Have lost all my friends. But, thank God,
I still have my driver's license.


I feel like my body has gotten totally out of shape,
so I got my doctor's permission to
join a fitness club and start exercising.
I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors.
I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour. But,
by the time I got my leotards on,
the class was over.


An elderly woman decided to prepare her will and
told her preacher she had two final requests.
First, she wanted to be cremated, and second,
she wanted her ashes scattered over Wal-Mart.
'Wal-Mart?' the preacher exclaimed.
'Why Wal-Mart?'
'Then I'll be sure my daughters visit me twice a week'


My memory's not as sharp as it used to be.
Also, my memory's not as sharp as it used to be.


Know how to prevent sagging?
Just eat till the wrinkles fill out.


It's scary when you start making the same noises
as your coffee maker.



These days about half the stuff in my shopping cart says,

'For fast relief.'





THE SENILITY PRAYER :
Grant me the senility to forget the people
I never liked anyway,
the good fortune to run into the ones I do, and
the eyesight to tell the difference.



Now, I think you're supposed to share this with 5 or 6, maybe 10 others. Oh heck, give it to a bunch of your friends if you can remember who they are!

Always Remember This:
You don't stop laughing because you grow old,
You grow old because you stop laughing!

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Thanks GJ, Peter, et al for the kind remarks. I needed them !!

Peter - I keep a book into which I save every funny saying or decent joke, for future use. Its called 'My Entertainers Bible' and since I started it in the late 70's, it now has with your superb Age related ones above 3,071 entries (yes - I Index them !!)

Thank you for giving this old fart a good chuckle !!

I have always believed, as an entertainer, you need an extrovert personality, to be larger than life, and have a load of 'Patter' - It certainly helps to cover for your poor Musicianship !!! LOL

Good Night All -

John

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John
I am having difficulty with your site.
I have put in my favouites list and loaded it several times from there.
For the last few days this connection has not been working.
I can't get from the 'address bar' either
Haven't got a problem with any of the others

Peter B

I think John's website is down at present - maybe he's doing some maintenance.........

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No Bill ..... Its just disappeared !!, as have all 'ProForums' sites... No warning, just suddenly - Nada !!!

I can only hope that its just a server down, as I put in quite a lot of work to get that show on the road.

My other two Forums, on UBB are fine - so will give it a couple of days, and then decide whether to replace it or not.

In the meantime, for those who 'Joined' - I can only appologise, but will inform everyone when I have any news.

Kind regards,

John

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Its back !!! However, just in case, I will make a back up !!!

Kind regards,

John

I agree with Elizabeth, we do not need another site. This site is THE BEST and Nigel's dedication to it is second to none. Thanks to him it has always been friendly, courteous and most of all very informative. Other sites sometimes get very 'heated' and on the odd occasion when this has happened here, Nigel has always politely intervened to stop it going further.

I would hate to see it become yet another 'chat show' so by all means run your own site, but please! leave this very popular, much loved and long established Forum alone.

Audrey

Here's another one I've not heard of / found before http://www.keyboardforums.com/

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Hello Audrey,

May I quote you on your last post, as I am somewhat confused!!

' we do not need another site'.

May I respectfully ask - Who are 'we' ? ...
Most of the contributing posters on this Technics forum, are in fact members of the Forum I run, so can I assume therefore you are using the Royal 'We', meaning yourself ?
Or are you a leader or spokesperson for a number of members ?

If you took the time to get some facts, you would realise that it is not a Forum as such, but a repository for programs, music, useful articles, and resources for ALL Technics keyboards and Organs, each with its own section. It does not compare with this, or any other site. The nearest to it on the Internet is Cees's Keso Cafe, which is now sadly defunct, and I am trying to replace, as it was perhaps one of the best resource sites on the internet for Technics, albeit, mainly for the KN7000 as is that great resource Bill Norrie's 'Willums Pages'.
My site is for all Models. ..

The Forum is not new. It has been open for almost a year!

'I would hate to see it become yet another 'chat show'
Definition of a Forum ' 'A meeting place for discussion and social discourse' - Is this a 'Forum'? - If it is, then I am sure that one is allowed to 'chat' with other like minded people, without offending you!

'please! leave this very popular, much loved and long established Forum alone'. Why Audrey? What has anyone done to this Forum?
Who needs to leave it alone?
Am I to assume you mean me? Are you telling me not to post?
If so, please tell me what I have done or said to offend you, and the other couple of posters who seem to be intent upon attacking me, and belittling my attempts to replace several Technics resource sites that have fallen by the wayside.?

Our 'Leader' you quote above - Nigel, has welcomed me into the fold, as well as saying the Forum is welcome too, and in fact placed a link to it on the link page.

I do agree however that Nigel does do sterling work, as does anyone running a busy forum - We do it purely to hold out a helping hand to others, with no recompense other than gratitude from those we assist.

I am sad that just the odd one or two members seem to want to contribute negativity, rather than the usual (in this forum) positive attitude.

Can we all please let this matter rest, and get on with what we all do best, and play some sweet music, this thread is becoming a boring and long playing repetitious gramophone record, which just a few members seem to want to keep turning.

John

AUDREY.... Count me in your "We" group!

For me the SynthZone Technics Forum is wonderful! I also go to Bill Norrie's site frequently. I have signed on to several others though I do not go to those anymore.

Many have attempted to begin other websites that deal with the Technics keyboards quite effectively. Many have also failed to maintain a membership for very long.

Most of those that have fallen by the wayside were very nice and those who still operate are also fine. I just do not want to spend ALL of my time going from one website to another and participating all day every day with Technics forums, or any other I-Net forums! I want to spend more of my time playing my Technics keyboards. I like finding all the information I want & need right here on the SynthZone Technics Forum.

That is the basic reason I have no interest in yet another Technics forum....

Yes, JOHN..."Can we all please let this matter rest, and get on with what we all do best, and play some sweet music..."

Elizabeth

I couldn't have put it better myself Elizabeth.

Changing the subject, a few years back, I met Bill and heard him play 'live' it was awesome. We were at a Technics Convention and Bill gave a very interesting talk on what could be done to enhance our playing. Whilst he talked, he used a PC monitor to show us which buttons to press to achieve these improvements. He had obviously given much thought and a great deal of time to his topic. In fact, he was an inspiration to us all, (as were several other people who attended).

I do have some of his 'sets' on an SD card, so if there is anything in particular you would like, let me know and I'll put it on a floppy for you, but I think you can download his setups direct from his website to your own PC, then you could save them to your own floppies - it would certainly be quicker than 'snail mail'

Audrey

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Golly, Ladies.

Thank you for responding so quickly, (All of 20 minutes !!), and for putting it all out of mind.

On the subject of Bill, we are good friends, and share many other interests beyond music. We were in the same Regiment at the same time in the Army, with the same trade, as Radio Mechanics. We were in the same places at home and abroad, and lived with our wives in the same private apartments in Richmond Yorks, where Bill eventually settled. I moved on to become a musician in the Band of the Coldstream Guards for 17 years !

Since recently upgrading to a KN7000, Bill has given me an enormous amount of time and help - and soon, I hope both my wife and I will be able to post some music off it, and become knowledgeable enough to help others on this and other Forums, to pay back the kindness and help we have had..

Its a small world, isn't it !!

Regards,

John

Yup that was a great Technics Convention that I organised in Cambridge wasn't it Audrey - perhaps Tony Deaf aka John would like to organise the next one...

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Hello Roger

Thank you for what I guess is a somewhat 'Tongue in Cheek' invitation to organise your next little 'Convention' !!

Unknown to you, however is the fact that I have already successfully walked that road 4 years ago, when I had the idea of organising a 'Forum Meet' for one of the larger Yamaha Forums.
I organised and co-ordinated the Events, Accomodation, etc, and then was struck down and admitted to Hospital on the day before the weekend, by a Pulmonary Embolism (A Clot on my lungs).



It was a highly successful idea, and has carried on every year since the first 'Meet' and grown from the initial
meet of 30 Members plus their wives, to a twice-yearly event, with the last meeting being only last weekend at Skegness!! Members travel from USA, Croatia, Ireland, etc to attend.

I have never attended any of the meets, as in the same year as the initial Meet, I switched allegience from Yamaha to other organs and keyboards, after 35 years of supporting them.

I was aware of your 'Convention' as had seen pictures of your Members somewhere in a much larger size than that on the current Keyboard Kapers site.



Looking at both pictures, I am suddenly struck with the realisation that the majority (That means well over 50%) of keyboard enthusiasts (not necessarily performers), are all 'Old Farts' like myself. I would guess that the average age of members in both pictures, must be well over 60 !! My thoughts are - what will happen when all these 'Senior Citizens' have curled up their toes? Will there be a market for Arranger Keyboards any more? There is a desparate need for young and fresh blood into the hobby.

Sadly, even if the offer to a total stranger to organise your next 'Convention' was serious (Did you consult your Committee before you made it?), I would not be able to do it, due to my many and varied illnesses, not least for a musician my rapidly advancing Carpel Tunnel Syndrome (Repetetive Strain Injury - due to years of pounding piano keys!). Plus my moblity is seriously affected by a 'Glued' Spine, and Leg Ulcers. Hey! - my one remaining brain cell is still doing sterling work, and I whizz around my local area and shops on my electric buggy at an almost frightening 8 miles an hour!

As you are aware, Roger - I am in the early stages of setting up a Keyboard Tuition (Formal) centre, combined with a Players and Enthusiasts Club, here in this City. This is only possible for me, due to the fact that there is an almost completed Shopping Mall and Community Hub being built just a few paces from my front gate.

The local YMS (Yamaha Music School), where both my wife and I were Tutors, closed when the local Yamaha Dealer went 'Bump'. So I suspect there is still a need for formal tuition, as well as a Club.

I have approached the City Council as to hiring costs of one of the new Halls, and for an initially small group (but hopefully with growth, to become much bigger), the hourly cost is bordering on Astronomical (£10 an hour, for 2 -3 hours). I have now submitted a request to the Arts Council - officially backed by the City Council, for a years provisional funding.

Two interesting facts -
1. As an ordained Minister of Religion, I can have free use of a Hall for weekly religious services not exceeding 4 hours in total !!

2. (Right off topic, but useful knowledge for your mental database) - The Arts Council will fund the purchase of new Musical instruments with a 12 month interest free loan. It is means tested, and requires quite a lot of personal information.

There ends todays epistle. from

John

AKA

Tone Deaf


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AUDREY....

Thanks for your reference to Bill Norrie's site and the down-load possibilities there. You are correct, he is an inspiration to all.

Thanks also for your offer to send a floppy if I am unsuccessful in downloading....

You are another "Zonie" who is an inspiration and certainly a very kind friend as well!

Happy playing!

Elizabeth

Now you're talking John. Sadly, the younger generation do not seem to be that interested live music and attending music clubs, which I think is partly due to the amount of software available on the net which can, an does, make them sound real good.

Other contributing factors I think are the cost of instruments and the dwindling number of music teachers available not helped by the lack of music appreciation in the schools these days. Some schools I know don't even have music in the curriculum. Having said that, it isn't all 'doom & gloom' as we still have very talented self-taught/ear players who will always be around because their talent is a natural gift, of which I am very envious. Two of my brothers and my eldest daughter can play instantly, any piece of music they listen to, whereas I have to see the 'dots' first - Grrrrh! There is an upside to it though, as we all get older we tend to be forgetful, so at least I have the music sheet in front of me when this happens, whereas my ear-playing friends find it very embarrassing when they sometimes 'dry-up in the middle of a tune.

Ah well, we should be thankful with what we have and in view of the recent disaster in Japan we should all remember to count our blessings every day.

Audrey

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Just a suggestion .... (Hopefully a Good Idea).
I saved all of Bills Songs on to floppies in the Computer as Technics File types, as well as all those remaining on the 'Keyboard Players' pages on Cees's Keso Cafe site. These made some 28 floppies, each of 20 songs - a massive 560 songs, all in my mainly 'Oldies but Goodies' favourite 'Easy Listening' Genre.. I then took a 1Mb SD card, and transferred them off the floppies to the SD Card - A long process, when you can't run SD file programs in Vista or Windows 7 !!! - I now just plonk the SD card into the KN7000, and use the continuous play mode, which gives me great music to listen to all day, while I persue my many other interests and hobbies.

I was surprised to find a very old friend and talented musicians music on the Keso site - John North (Organ Eyes), who I have only ever known using Yamaha Tyros Arrangers. I didn't know he played a 7000 back in 2003, just before I met him, and used to attend his gigs in Derbyshire. A lovely man, and Oh, so very talented! As I commented earlier - Its a small world in the music game !!

Kind regards,

John


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I don't do things by committee, John - they just go round in circles...
Fascinating question you raise about new younger blood though.
Rog

I've never met John North in person but consider him a good friend of mine. Not only did he help me out on several occasions with the Technics keyboards through this Forum, but when I bought the Yamaha Tyros 3, I found the operating system an extremely up-hill struggle to learn and John kindly talked me through the basics for two hours on the telephone. He also sent me a USB stick with everything on it that we had talked about, ready to load and play. What a joy to play it is too.

I can honestly say if it wasn't for him, the T3 would have been returned to the Dealer within hours of purchase. That was when I came to fully realise what a great keyboard the KN7000 is, way ahead of it's time. Don't get me wrong, I quite like the Yamaha keyboards but for very different reasons. O.K. so the sound system is brilliant on the Yamaha T4(my latest) but, for me, the KN7 keyboard is still the 'King' of them all.

Over the years, I've learned such a lot about the Technics keyboards from members of this Forum. It has always been a welcoming, friendly site and long may it reign.

Audrey

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Here are a couple of pics of John North, about 2 years back, taken at The 'Black Boy' at Heanor in Derbyshire, where he does a gig every Saturday night.
He has a regular set of 'Floor Singers' there .... something I have always managed to avoid, its an art on its own !!




On that particular visit, we took along a few musician friends from our local area,
and had a meal together at the pub before he started his Gig - he is seated on the left. I am far right leaning back,
and must have been drunk, as I am 'all blurred' !!.




So now you know what your 'Telephone Friend' looks like, Audrey - I was aware of your probs with the T4, as I am a 'silent member' on YPKO !!

Bill reminded me last night, that John is a retired 'Bobby', and before that was in the Royal Marines.

Kind regards,

John