Great controller for your B3 clonewheel

By PianoMan51 from Wilmington, NC on 3/27/2010 5:35:20 PM

I wanted a controller that would mimic a B3. B3s are heavy. B3 keyboards are quite expensive. But, Apple Logic, which I use for recording, has a terrific B3 model, EVB3. I've had plenty of synths, including a k2500, that have nice organ sounds, but the keyboards never enabled the palming and glides that define playing a B3. The keyboard on the VMK-161 Organ doesn't feel exactly like a B3, but easily supports playing it like a B3. The 9 sliders, again, are not exactly like a B3, but they do let you 'play' the sliders. Lots of knobs and buttons can be programmed to control all the normal B3 settings, as well as others. Quirks to know: the CC pedal inputs take a unique potentiometer range, and you may need to purchase a Fatar volume pedal (and these pedals have major quality control issues). Next, the keyboard does have aftertouch, but it is extremely sensitive, sometimes unreliable, and not generally usable. (That's why I gave 4 out of 5 stars) So, I've had mine for two years now, and I'm happy with the purchase. Without a dedicated waterfall keyboard, B3 sounds are typically relegated to pads only. But with this keyboard and a good clonewheel B3, I can get mighty darn close to the B3 experience. Very cool.