Seeking advice on manuals ++

[GleNewbie]

Dear Members,

Could someone help me to decide on a second (upper) manual for Hauptwerk digital organ? I use Yamaha P140 for the lower manual, which is a weighted console. Does it make sense to use a weighted console for the upper manual as well?

A more general question: which controller type weighted / semi-weighted / non-weighted is preferable? I prefer weighted, but, being only an intermediate level piano player and 0-level organist, would be happy to hear more educated opinions (or to be pointed to relevant posts/threads).

Finally, is it really beneficial to start learning organ at 30 something years of age before becoming much better at piano?

Thank you very much,

Glen

[wljmrbill]

Welcome to the site.... I can help you with the last request as to learning organ.... Now adays you can learn at any age and with any musical background. In the old days we had to have piano first before any teacher would consider talking you for organ lessons ( 60's). I have had students from both backgrounds and they both performed well in the long haul.. I do believe it is harder to learn organ wihout a musical background first as organ tends get harder quicker than piano. This can be noted when you realize you have 3-staffs to read and 2 hands and 2 feet always doing something.... so jump in there an give it a go!!.. Good luck....Bill

[jhnbrbr]

I am currently using semi-weighted (m-audio Keystation 61) for my lower manual and unweighted (m-audio Oxygen 61) for the upper. I prefer the touch of the Keystation, but the Oxygen has the advantage of 15 programmable buttons which I use as pistons. Both have proved reliable - no ciphers at all.

Regarding your second question, it is discussed in this thread

http://www.magle.dk/music-forums/236...gan-organ.html

but, as Bill says, the idea that you shouldn't be allowed to start organ before mastering piano isn't as widely held as it used to be.

[GleNewbie]

Thank you very much, Bill and Jhnbrbr. The thread is comprehensive indeed.

As to the non- vs weighted upper manual, I tried ancient non-weighted PSR280
and was not thrilled. Will keep looking, trying, and reading the posts...

Glen

[allen]

I agree that one need not learn piano before organ. Never quite saw the logic in that. I was also held back from learning organ till I had more piano.

[SilverLuna]

I actually leanred organ before piano xD I think you can learn any instrument at any age, i started organ when i was 5, (which WAS my first instument to play besides violin, and i don't really have that much of a musical family), and hardly began piano this year Oo But heck SURE you can keep learning organ at your age- if you're determined, you have your mind up to it, and you can practice, and who knows how far you can go- both on organ and piano!!

I'm sorry, but i don't know much about digital organs, as i am more of the old school with drawknobs and pipes, and, please don't mind me asking.... but.... waht does "weighted" mean..... *is shy* ?
Thanks,
~Silver

[jhnbrbr]

I'm sorry, but i don't know much about digital organs, as i am more of the old school with drawknobs and pipes, and, please don't mind me asking.... but.... waht does "weighted" mean..... *is shy* ?
Thanks,
~Silver

Hi Silver,

I agree that nothing can compare with the "real thing" and I've always steered clear of electronic instruments in the past, but last year I was amazed when I discovered "virtual organ" software which gives you an awful lot of organ (or organs) for quite a modest cost. Well worth looking into for home practice (unless you're lucky enough to have a pipe organ in your house).

As for "weighted" keys, I think this means quite simply that they have embedded a metal weight of some sort in the plastic of the key to improve the touch. It still doesnt come anywhere close to a good "tracker" action, of course, but i find it quite acceptable.

John.

[greatcyber]

I use an Axiom 61 which is semi-weighted and has 8 touch pads and several controller knobs that can be programmed to act as couplers/pistons, etc. It also has a transport panel with standard keys for recordings and 2 mod wheels. The weighted action is great for playing piano samples. Weighted, to my mind, means that the "action" when you depress the key is akin to a real piano's feel.

It does not pose any problem using it as a second manual in Hauptwerk or Miditzer, etc. It is also very lightweight and inexpensive. I believe I paid near $200 USD.

My other midi keyboard/controller is a Casio WK-1630 and it is not weighted but has several switches/knobs/mod wheels, all of which can be programmed to suit your needs.

My third keyboard is an e-mu x board which also has knobs and switches as above.