Second keyboard

does anyone use a second keyboard in your rig or in the studio? Which keyboard and why? I’m trying to use a digital piano but can’t decide if it’s worth it.

I love the option in a studio, or long term setup. It's not important enough for me to lug to my regular shows, but if I was doing a tour - I'd have a 76 key weighted action piano-ish (Rhodes) on bottom, and a powerful synth/arranger on top. Sometimes midi connected, but even when not - the flexibility of playing two handed Rhodes as an intro, then jumping up for bass and chords while the drums play from the top kb.
Here's one vote for YES ... if you don't have to move it a lot ... or you have roadies.

I’m trying to use a digital piano but can’t decide if it’s worth it.

Cassp, how would you use it. Rikki, is thrilled with hers. If I bought one I would play it as a piano by itself.

Why are you thinking about getting one?
That’s the best I can do, John C.

Hammond SK-1 on the top of whatever else I'm using. Often, I just use the SK-1 and a drum machine.

Gotta love that walking bass.

R.

I use the SK1 under the Ketron SD40. I can switch between SD 40 lead and full organ w/rhythm with one switch. Great setup.

I personally dislike a heavy piano action. The Hammond keys, on the other hand, are heaven!! Maybe it's just me, but it seems that on the Hammonds the black keys go "straight down" instead of hinging from the rear, which gives it a more ergonomic feel IMO. The action is faster too. I could someday see my rig being an SK1 midi'd to the BK-7m or SD40. My $.02.

The formfactor of Hammond sk1 combines very well with arrangers...

Other instruments that come to mind for the upper position with comparable functionallity are :
-Nord stage compact or Nord Elektron
-Roland v combo keyboards
-Yamaha YC61

But then, if youre happy with the sk1, why look any further..

I have had an Sk1-73, VR-09, Privia 360, and now a Studiologic Compact 2x. The Studiologic is very light, but I can’t get comfortable with it. The Drawbars are raw and have an edge to them - the pianos too. The Leslie sim is poor.

So now I’m looking again and the other three plus maybe a Yamaha P-121 (76 key version of the P125) are back in the running. I would basically want it for the piano sound I don’t like from my s975. I’m open to all sorts of suggestions.

Hi Cassp
I have the p121 connected to my sx900, BUT, p121 doesn’t have dedicated midi sockets.
You need some sort of a midi interface.
You can buy dedicated little boxes apparently, ( I haven’t checked into them) because I just use my laptop since I only use it at home.
USB out sx900, USB out p121 both outs plug into my laptop.
Again there’s probably dedicated software available but I find it easy to just use my xg works pc sequencer. I just set the midi in , to p121, midi out, sx900 press the record icon ( doesn’t actually record anything,just allows the 2 to communicate with each other)

Might sound complex , but really quite simple.

A little box would probably be easier, just haven’t bothered to date. Figured why spend the extra money , if I don’t need to.

I use the p121 as controller for the sx900 hence I need the set up above Ie I use the p121 keys to conrol the sx900, the sx supplies the styles and all the sounds, splits etc.

I can play the sx900 on its own. I can play the p121 on its own.
I can play r/h melody p121, chords l/h on sx900 , then I I don’t need the midi set up above.

Thanks, Rikki. Your explanation was easy to follow. I’m pretty much using the SL Compact 2x the same way, BUT I’m not as enamored with it as I hoped I’d be. Strangely, maybe not, it records much better than what I hear live. I’m getting used to it. Maybe when my Michigan stay at home order is lifted I’ll go out and try a p121/125. No more chance internet buying for this. Again, thanks.

I didn't like the on board speakers in the P-125. The 121 sounds so much better. I sold the 125 and sorry I didn't get the 121 (which is cheaper). Good luck

Hi Cassp,

Tend to agree, much better idea to try before you buy, even if it means waiting a few weeks.

Hi Zuki,
didn’t realise there would be a difference, I thought they’d be the same except for the number of keys. I was tossing up between the two, ( had to buy sight unseen), so I was hoping I would like the sound, (which fortunately I do) . I also use some piano vst’s with mine, just for a bit of variety.

Maybe the smaller cabinet provides a tighter response. Air displacement is crucial in sound design.

Hi Dave,
The amplifier & speakers are the same, so your theory is probably correct.