KVR Audio

iain010100 · Post by **iain010100** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 6:52 pm

Hi,

This is a question for those who gig with an 88 key, hammer action keyboard. How do you do it? Specs show that they're no less than 60 pounds (American units of weight). I have enough trouble moving my Kurzweil away from the wall to plug in wires. I can't imaging dragging that thing from home, to the car, to a gig, then back again.

Do you have roadies? A hand truck?

What kind of gig bags/cases do you use, soft foam, aluminum, hard plastic, pewter, plastic bags?

What other gear do you bring along to add to the load?

Do you have a van?

Do you work out five days a week?

Has anyone downgraded to a non-hammer action keyboard to save their back?

Are there lighter-weight controllers with 88 keys of hammer action? I don't think so, but thought I'd ask.

-- Iain

Opax · Post by **Opax** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 7:18 pm

The Clavia Nord Stage series are supposed to be very lightweight in comparison. Check out the specs @ http://www.clavia.se.

peteblues · Post by **peteblues** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 11:53 pm

I have a Yamaha p80, which is only like 37lbs, and has an excellent hammer action (in fact, best action I've ever played)

Gregjazz · Post by **Gregjazz** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 12:04 am

I use the Roland FP3, which is like 42 lbs I believe. I've carried around everything.

I am probably going to upgrade to a Motif XS8, which is 60 lbs, so we'll see... looking forward to the keyboard but not to the weight of the thing. Gotta have those 88 weighted keys though.

clueless · Post by **clueless** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 12:06 am

Used to gig a Vox Continental, a Clavinet, a Yamaha CS-15, and a Fender Rhodes, which weighs about as much as an occupied coffin. Just get on with it. Kraft durch Bier. But be prepared to have a knackered back.

peter01 · Post by **peter01** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 12:08 am

Yamaha S80. About 25 kilos, 88 keys, great hammer action, great sound, fits on the backseat of a small car, and I can carry it on my own (if the parking lot is near the club). Got a flight case for touring, but I stopped touring...

pethu · Post by **pethu** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 8:15 am

Not to forget, any kind of folding trolley, or case with wheels, does help a lot...

Black Box Recorder · Post by **Black Box Recorder** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 9:41 pm

I use an M-Audio Keystation. I don't know; 40lbs isn't that much. Especially considering I'm a guitarist as well (also bassist, mandolin, banjo, etc. Try loading up a bass rig and then bitch about a keyboard) and used to having to carry around amps which are in the 50-60 lb range, its no more or less of a hassle than anything else. It all sucks setting up and tearing down, regardless of how heavy or light it is. Tear down/set-up just sucks period. Look at it this way...its better than trying to move a B3 with a Leslie....

But seriously casters (for amps and racks) and hand carts are a gigging musicians best friend...

88 key controller for gigs - how do you do it?