Built-in wireless MIDI interface. World’s first master keyboard with multi-function expansion board.
7 People rated this product : 6 out of 10
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2 People wrote reviews |
Read all CME UF80 88-Key Hammer-Action Controller reviews... |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() 3 out of 10
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Feature:
Some cool features...like the wireless USB feature (comes with the keyboard). However, again the lack of ability to use the expression pedals leaves me with an awfully big paper weight. I bought the Garritan Stradivarious Violin program which is awesome but needs both aftertouch and expression pedal. I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to do at this point. Also be forewarned as I've surfed the CME forum that there are lots of problems with this keyboard that are posted on that forum. Nothing is consistant. One keyboard will have one devastating problem while another will have something else. However the universal problem is the expression pedal.
Quality:
The keyboard looks great...but I have to come back to the fact that it does not do what CME says it will do. I can't rate it well when they've hood winked me claiming it would do something that it won't. It's sturdy but weighs a ton (I think it's 70 pounds). If you've got a strong back then you may be ok with it.
Value:
I have to once again go to the fact this keyboard does not work with most expression pedals and the ones it does it works poorly. Anyway I'll let you be the judge.
Desirability:
Looks fine...not incredible but it is attractive.
Sound:
Action is ok. However, one of the big reasons I bought it was for the expression pedal and aftertouch. The aftertouch works fine but the expression pedal input is a joke. Most pedals won't work (I bought the Korg EP2 pedal) and the ones that do don't work well with the board. Check the CME forum if this is a function you want and you will see the comments regarding this issue. CME customer service is basically non existant as well so just know that when buying this keyboard.
Ease of Use:
Again, the wireless USB is cool. You just plug in the thumb drive type of thing and all software is installed without you having to crack so much as a CD open to install. I haven't checked all the functions out...almost afraid to at this point as I can't return it (should have bought it at ZZ sounds but have to learn from my mistakes). Regardless I believe return shipping is something that a customer would have to cover regardless of where it's purchased. That's a bit off of the subject...anyways, the low down is I don't know what else doesn't work that is supposed to...just be forewarned.
Support:
Support? Umm...forget it. I wrote them almost a week ago about this problem and haven't heard so much as a peep from CME. I've read in their forums about firmware updates that people have downloaded only to have there keyboard completely go dead on them and have had it rendered completely unusable. No word is mentioned on the download portion of the CME website and there's no help if something does screw up due to CME's poor directions and/or software.
Overall:
I may have to resign this piece of gear to paperweight status and spend a grand to get something that actually does what I was told this product does but doesn't. Maybe I can dump it on Ebay and at least recoup some of my cost.
Submitted: 1/4/2008
Style of Music: All types. Presently in a country band and writing country songs
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18 of 27 people (66.67%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() 2 out of 10
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zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us. |
Overall:
I should of thought twice about buying something made in China. midi sync issues right out of the box. Firmware update just came out, maybe I'll post again if that changes anything. The only good thing about this keyboard is that it really feels like a piano. But also I had problems with a simple damper/sustain pedal: it works intermittently... I'm gonna have to take this one in the pants , I think I would have had better luck with even an middle priced Casio
Submitted: 3/12/2009
Style of Music: piano
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3 of 3 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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Read all CME UF80 88-Key Hammer-Action Controller reviews...
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