76 Key Options...lacking

Does anybody else get bothered by the fact that many times you can't buy a 76 key version of some of today's modern ROMplers and workstations?

For example, the Fusion only comes in 61 and 88...so does the Yammy MO.

I've had a couple of 61 key synths, but I find the keyboard too limited. 88 keys are great, but they're generally only piano-weighted...

Sorry for my minor rant, but "Does anybody feel the way I do..." (Pink Floyd:))

Nord ?

Nord ?

Mostly, I'm talking about the Fusion...cuz I kinda want one. With the prices being what they are (basically the cost of an Ion)...I'd like to pick one up for backup...or to sit in my studio or something...I'd want unweighted, but more than 61 keys.

An MO7 would've been a great addition to Yamaha's lineup.

I've been looking for a modern, 76-key controller with quality aftertouch (and preferably poly-AT), mod wheels, and a touchpad for quite some time - even if there is a synth engine attached to it. No such luck. Either weighted 88ers, or 61ers. You want 76? Not many choices. The Fantoms come in 76, but their AT doesn't suit my playing style, and I'd prefer mod wheels.

There's also disparity in *what* 76 keys you get - Roland and Yamaha 76ers don't match CME 76ers, etc. It's not standardized like the C-C 61 or full 88. And then there are some 73's thrown in for fun.

An ES7 or XS7 that were only a couple of hundred more than the 61 key versions would also have been a great addition. Yamaha really punishes you if you want to go 76.

I'm one who likes Korg's 73 key layout. I want to go down to that low C. But I'm not into it's action. I think it's a step backwards from what they used on Tritons because of the difficulties I had getting consistent velocities out of the blacks. But most everyone else just loves it, so maybe it's just me...

There aren't a lot of choices for those of us who prefer an extended range, and it is frustrating.

+1. The Fusion HD8 looks like a great replacement / upgrade for my workhorse Yamaha S80. The *only* problem is I want something lighter than the S80, and the 8HD is actually heavier. I'd be willing to go down to 76 keys, but not 61.

Oh look, it's the same problem everyone has.

(side note: I still need to put the Fusion's action through it's paces and make sure it's as good as the S80's. And I need to get the money, preferably before they stop making them...)

Good luck. Some really like the S80's action even over the S90 and S90ES.

I haven't really played an S80 for years, so I can't remember.

But a Fusion 7HD would be a {censored}ing amazing release.

I was all set to love the Kurzweil PC1SE because it has 76 weighted keys. I just didn't like the sounds enough to spend the money.

Yeah, I've heard that it's considered to be quite good. I would really love to keep the S80 indefinitely... the only other 88-key I have access to is an old Yamaha P-series that's gotten so spongy it hurts to play.

Now if they made a Fusion 7HD, then I could afford to have both!

Definitely couldn't fit two KP3s on a 61-key synth ... Do I have to say I love my X7?

Definitely couldn't fit two KP3s on a 61-key synth ... Do I have to say I love my X7?

And soon I will be able to say that I love my XS7!!!

But Diametro...you don't own any weighted synths...

I'm guessing you don't have a background in piano?

I had a piano in the house I grew up in

I actually think there are plenty of 76 note boards out there (look at Motif ES/XS, Fantom X, Triton). What there is not enough of is fully weighted 76-note boardz. The Nord Stage 76 and Kurzweil PC1se are about the only ones available. Ensoniq used to make a weighted 76 as well. I have been grousing Yamaha for a long time to make an S76ES.

Although, if you really think about it, today's 88-note boardz are so much lighter and more portable than what was available 15 years ago. So shaving off about 12" in width does not buy you a ton in portability. I think the size, weight and form factor of the Stage 76 is ideal. I'm just not able to easily replace my S90's rompler duties with it.

I also am looking for a 76er that has semi-weighted/synth weight, not hammer action. I learned on a piano, but that action doesn't jive with my synth playing. The Roland action is generally pretty good, but the AT doesn't work with my style at all. I played with an X7 for quite some time to determine that, as I was somewhat excited by all the features it offered. I've yet to find a synth-weight 76er that has responsive AT that doesn't require a hammer to activate.

Actually, I find the AT on the X7 quite acceptable ... not like on the Fusion where it gets activated by breathing on it ...

I've never played a Fusion; now I'm intrigued.

Be intrigued, be very intrigued ...

Just make sure you pick it up for a nice price ... (Actually, I don't use mine much now in a significant manner ... except as a mixer ... When I finally get a digital mixer/interface, I'm starting a 'second studio' with it ... I'm actually pretty ambivalent about the Fusion ... It just hasn't found its niche in my setup (except, as I said, as a digital mixer ... ) I'd like to try and use its HD multisampling at some point ... )

Be intrigued, be very intrigued ...

I have to admit...I was, at one point, a classic Fusion nay-sayer...now I fit into the intrigued category as well.

I just wish it came in 76 keys

I'm surprised to hear that. I haven't tried an 8HD, but I've got an S80 and its action is heavier than almost anything else I've run across.

I really like the S80, but just wish it had release velocity. I've also read several times that the 8HD isn't a real heavy action, but perceptions vary.

The 6HD I've got has a pretty nice action.

As to 76's, I agree with eric - there's a lot to choose from, but if you're looking for a specific action type, it gets iffy.

I would get a fusion for some lead sounds......Is it good for any of that?