Conference napalm::commusic_v1

    Roland makes/(used to make?) one such device called the Axis.
    
    It is just a controller with no sounds of its own, so you have to run
    it to an SGU. I go mine from the Want-Advertiser. They are rare but
    they do appear now end then. 
    	Not too many people seem to want one anymore, but I love mine. It
    is great to be able to step out from behind the keyboards sometimes,
    but you should be prepared for its limitations. Strapping a keyboard
    around your neck does not make two handed playing possible. In
    addition, unlike the steady position of a stand-mounted keyboard, the
    strap-on tends to move around making it more difficult to play. You
    will need to develop a few different techniques for keeping your place
    on the keys by looking and feeling.
    
    	I saw a writup earlier this year for a Lynx wireless MIDI
    controller, but at ~$1500 list it is a bit too rich for my taste.
    
    	I think Casio makes/used-to-make one also. (AZ-1?) 
    
    	good luck,
    	Mark

	For a real cheap (and limited) portable MIDI keyboard, try to
	find a Yamaha SHS-10. I've seen them for around $50.00 new.
	They have small keys, no velocity sensitivity, no Mod wheel (but
	do have pitch bend), and can send on any MIDI channel. They are
	bright red & are a great MIDI controller for the price. 

	If you want a better strap on, look for a KX-5 (Yamaha) - but
	if you are using the newer Ensoniq gear (EPS or VFX or SQ-1)
	be warned that  the KX-5 will more than likely crash them
	(I have a freind with this combination & It is nasty to the
	VFX and EPS that he has).

								Jens

>	If you want a better strap on, look for a KX-5 (Yamaha) - but
>	if you are using the newer Ensoniq gear (EPS or VFX or SQ-1)
>	be warned that  the KX-5 will more than likely crash them
>	(I have a freind with this combination & It is nasty to the
>	VFX and EPS that he has).

	Some KX5's do crash both the EPS and the VFX.  One solution
to this problem is to filter activive sensing coming from the KX5 using
some sort of midi processor (pocket filter etc...).  Not all KX5's have
this problem.

				Mark...

    re: the last two...
    
    	AHA! maybe that is my problem. I am trying to run my Roland Axis
    with my EPS and have been having all manner of problems including
    crashes. What needs to be filtered in order to prevent this???
    
    	tx,
    	Mark

    I have a mini-keyed Yamaha KX5, and I've used it with many types of
    gear with no problem (except one).  During performance, it sends
    controls just fine (mono-pressure, pitch bend (ribbon), modulation,
    sustain), with no glitches that I've ever run into (including Ensoniq
    gear).
    
    The one problem I do have with it is when the unit is powered up (and
    powered off).  It sends some kind of MIDImush, along with a program
    change command at power on, and the mush scrambles brains of some
    units.  Power off is even worse, but you can get around that by
    unplugging the cable first.  (Incidentally, I've not noticed my KX
    sending any active sensing messages.)  I probably ought to put a MIDI
    scope on it, but I just haven't done it yet.
    
    Earlier comments concerning technique modifications are right in line;
    it's hard to do a two-handed thing, and unless you strap it right (for
    some reason, keyboard folks tend to strap on lower than they should),
    it's hard to play fast or clean.  They're kinda fun for synth bass,
    though - and it *is* fun to "get out front".
    
    I don't have any idea what the going rate is for these things.  I don't
    know if Yamaha even makes 'em anymore.
    
+b

    
    I have a KX5 too, and I love it, especially the ribbon pitch bend.
    When you release your finger it drops to middle (off), so by running up 
    and down it with your finger (kinda like Eddie Van Halen leads) you can 
    get some neat guitar lead type sounds depending on the patch. There's
    a sustain button right above the ribbon patch, so you can hold whatever
    note(s) where playing while you go nuts on the pitch bend.
    
    Only transmits on channels 1 or 2.  Besides that limitation I think
    it's pretty good bang for buck.  I got mine used at Daddy's 2-3 yrs ago
    for around $200-$250, I'm sure you could find one for that and probably
    less now.  Just keep an eye on the Want Ads and check with stores that
    carry used gear, like Daddy's.
    
    -TR 
    

    
    
      I had KX5 also. Sold it to the gentleman in Colorado. Sucker ate
    batteries and had no AC option. Nice feeling keyboard, although
    I couldn't take the ribbon pitchbender.
      I saw a video in which Jan Hamer had a KX5 with a pitchbend wheel
    mounted on it. Alas, I doubt it was a factory option...
    
    
    
    
    RichC
    

>      I had KX5 also. Sold it to the gentleman in Colorado. Sucker ate
>    batteries and had no AC option. Nice feeling keyboard, although
>    I couldn't take the ribbon pitchbender.

	Hi Rich, how's it goin,

	Your old KX5 is working great (one of the few I have found that will
work with the Ensoniq gear).  I solved the battery problem by using
rechargeable batteries.  They last about 6-7 hours, which is plenty
for gigs.  Also, I like the ribbon controller.  Don't get me wrong,
I also like wheels, but the ribbon controller is good for certain things.

				Mark...

    
    
      Glad to hear its still kicking....
    
    
    RichC