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Roland VK8 Combo Organ
Single-manual keyboard, double-manual virtual tonewheel sound, with "waterfall" keyboard, rotary speaker model, and D-Beam controller.
"Jon Lord's sound at your fingertips..."
Feature:
Layout of controls is perfect, on the left are the drawbars. Top panel is similar to B3, on the left is vibrato/chorus control, in the middle leakage, overdrive and reverb, and on the right percussion. It's built to recreate B3, and match Jon Lord's style of play, so if you are Deep Purple fan, you must get this. There is no display, but the B3 doesn't have display, and theres realy no need for one, exept maybe for editing and patch browsing... It's has good midi capabilities, and ballanced stereo output's as well as leslie speaker output.
Quality:
This product is well-made and built to last for decades, sturdy and robust. The wood finish is nice but can be easily damaged, so flight case IS A MUST! Key's are great, watterfall key's perfectly recreate B3's keys, and are built for organ style plaing. They even recreate double-trigger, THIS IS NOT FAULTY MANUFACTURE, B3 has indentical reaction, and double-trigger is crutial for some organ playng styles. Key's have very fast triger and sound at the slightest touch, making fast-play styles easy.
Value:
This product is worth every penny, you get an decent organ for your money.
Desirability:
Im proud of it, it's one mean machine.
Sound:
Sound is very expressive, and very very close to B3, almoust perfect. Chorus/Vibrato is identical, very good stuff. It has killer overdrive effects, and drawbars are nice and smooth. Only thing that could be better is leslie simulator, it's a little thin, lacks that wrooompf on low's and scatering on high's, but haves nice doppler efect and it can be bypassed if you have real leslie. Other tones are not good, they are not useable at all, they sound cheap, i don't know why did they put them there, it's better to put nothing than crap... But generaly speaking this is an organ, you dont need other tones, you can use them only for emergency :)
Ease of Use:
Well besides presented controlls on the panel, that are realy easy to use, and you can set sound you want in a flash, advanced tweaking is not possible without manual. Roland supplies a quick editing refference, and i suggest that you allways have it with you. Manual covers everything else.
Support:
Never had any problems with roland devices
Overall:
If your locking for a real hammong, buy real hammond there's no substitute. If you want to save, money space, this is exelent alternative.
Layout of controls is perfect, on the left are the drawbars. Top panel is similar to B3, on the left is vibrato/chorus control, in the middle leakage, overdrive and reverb, and on the right percussion. It's built to recreate B3, and match Jon Lord's style of play, so if you are Deep Purple fan, you must get this. There is no display, but the B3 doesn't have display, and theres realy no need for one, exept maybe for editing and patch browsing... It's has good midi capabilities, and ballanced stereo output's as well as leslie speaker output.
Quality:
This product is well-made and built to last for decades, sturdy and robust. The wood finish is nice but can be easily damaged, so flight case IS A MUST! Key's are great, watterfall key's perfectly recreate B3's keys, and are built for organ style plaing. They even recreate double-trigger, THIS IS NOT FAULTY MANUFACTURE, B3 has indentical reaction, and double-trigger is crutial for some organ playng styles. Key's have very fast triger and sound at the slightest touch, making fast-play styles easy.
Value:
This product is worth every penny, you get an decent organ for your money.
Desirability:
Im proud of it, it's one mean machine.
Sound:
Sound is very expressive, and very very close to B3, almoust perfect. Chorus/Vibrato is identical, very good stuff. It has killer overdrive effects, and drawbars are nice and smooth. Only thing that could be better is leslie simulator, it's a little thin, lacks that wrooompf on low's and scatering on high's, but haves nice doppler efect and it can be bypassed if you have real leslie. Other tones are not good, they are not useable at all, they sound cheap, i don't know why did they put them there, it's better to put nothing than crap... But generaly speaking this is an organ, you dont need other tones, you can use them only for emergency :)
Ease of Use:
Well besides presented controlls on the panel, that are realy easy to use, and you can set sound you want in a flash, advanced tweaking is not possible without manual. Roland supplies a quick editing refference, and i suggest that you allways have it with you. Manual covers everything else.
Support:
Never had any problems with roland devices
Overall:
If your locking for a real hammong, buy real hammond there's no substitute. If you want to save, money space, this is exelent alternative.
"The Best Combo I've Played"
I've been playing blues and jazz for 30 years, live and in the studio, and its the best combo I've heard. I bought this for the B-3 funtions only. I have a motion sound leslie set-up, but the effect in the VK8 sounds just as good live, so I quit lugging it around. The other sounds are good enough for rehersal, but thats it. Changing internal parameters is painful, so keep the book handy at all times.
"B-3 or not B-3... that is the question. The VK-8 is a WINNER!"
I've tried a number of the Hammond B3-type "clones" - some of them keyboards, some modules, some software (such as VST-like plug-ins for MIDI/audio computer programs). Although I never owned a B3, I've been in several gig/recording situations where they were available (always with a Leslie speaker), and if you play the kind of music where that sound shines, it is impossible not to love the B3. You love it for the sound and the very fast action keyboard that begs for full palmed glissandos with thrusts on the expression pedal.
When it comes to sound, all of the current clones either use samples, modeling, or sometimes elements of both. However, my first purchase for the sound was a Univox Organizer, which was basically just an analog organ with drawbars, which, when played through a Leslie speaker, sounded pretty good. But it didn't have the "waterfall" keys that were unique to the Hammonds and made them so very playable, so certain Hammond techniques were hard to come by. Later, when more and more clones were made, I used to wonder WHEN anyone was going to use the right keys. I sold the Organizer in the mid-eighties and got a DX7, but I still longed for the Hammond sound, so I later got the Voce Micro B module. It had samples, sounded pretty good in some situations and pretty not-so-good in others. It had a harsh harmonic percussive attack sound (corrected with the Micro BII) which robbed it of some Hammond smoothness.
The first keyboard to really impress me was the Roland VK-7. It sounded quite good, and had a very decent Leslie emulator, which is a must unless you have a Leslie. For my purposes, I'd rather record with an excellent emulator than mic a Leslie anyway. For live, I will always prefer a Leslie. About the same time Hammond-Suzuki came out with the XB-2. They both sounded good (the Roland had more bite), but neither had the right kind of keys! However, Hammond (Hammond-Suzuki) revamped and improved the XB-2 and finally came out with the XK-2... better sound, better look, better Leslie emulation, and the right keys. I bought one of those and still love it. The keyboard, while not feeling exactly like a B3, has the features that make B3 technique work, and for some, the XK-2 would actually feel better than the B-3.
Now, with the new VK-8, Roland, Korg, Nord (Electro) and Hammond ALL have a portable B-3 "clone" with waterfall keys. They all feel a little different, they all sound a little different. The best? The problem is that it was actually hard to find two B-3/Leslie combinations that sounded alike, so... They are ALL quite obviously the Hammond B-3 sound, and they all have the right kind of keys. I won't buy another keyboard B-3 clone, cause I really dig the XK-2. If I were going to spend more money in the organ realm, I'd go for Native Instruments B4, a software "B-3". Plus, if you add to it the Tonewheel Set
When it comes to sound, all of the current clones either use samples, modeling, or sometimes elements of both. However, my first purchase for the sound was a Univox Organizer, which was basically just an analog organ with drawbars, which, when played through a Leslie speaker, sounded pretty good. But it didn't have the "waterfall" keys that were unique to the Hammonds and made them so very playable, so certain Hammond techniques were hard to come by. Later, when more and more clones were made, I used to wonder WHEN anyone was going to use the right keys. I sold the Organizer in the mid-eighties and got a DX7, but I still longed for the Hammond sound, so I later got the Voce Micro B module. It had samples, sounded pretty good in some situations and pretty not-so-good in others. It had a harsh harmonic percussive attack sound (corrected with the Micro BII) which robbed it of some Hammond smoothness.
The first keyboard to really impress me was the Roland VK-7. It sounded quite good, and had a very decent Leslie emulator, which is a must unless you have a Leslie. For my purposes, I'd rather record with an excellent emulator than mic a Leslie anyway. For live, I will always prefer a Leslie. About the same time Hammond-Suzuki came out with the XB-2. They both sounded good (the Roland had more bite), but neither had the right kind of keys! However, Hammond (Hammond-Suzuki) revamped and improved the XB-2 and finally came out with the XK-2... better sound, better look, better Leslie emulation, and the right keys. I bought one of those and still love it. The keyboard, while not feeling exactly like a B3, has the features that make B3 technique work, and for some, the XK-2 would actually feel better than the B-3.
Now, with the new VK-8, Roland, Korg, Nord (Electro) and Hammond ALL have a portable B-3 "clone" with waterfall keys. They all feel a little different, they all sound a little different. The best? The problem is that it was actually hard to find two B-3/Leslie combinations that sounded alike, so... They are ALL quite obviously the Hammond B-3 sound, and they all have the right kind of keys. I won't buy another keyboard B-3 clone, cause I really dig the XK-2. If I were going to spend more money in the organ realm, I'd go for Native Instruments B4, a software "B-3". Plus, if you add to it the Tonewheel Set
"Very Good emulation"
As a former B3 owner and player, I would say the VK8 is so very close. The Vibrato Chorus, percussion, and drawbars approach the real thing. The Leslie simulator is top-notch. I currently own the VK7 and will purchase the VK8 either when I get fanancially able or if I get a chance to get a deal on a used one in really good shape!(doubtful)
"Best clonewheel out there"
Feature:
No accessories, you have to buy those separately. Most useful feature is the ability to edit all the parameters. And LCD screen would've been nice but I can live without it. Also a second set of drawbars would've been nice.
Quality:
Seems very solid, but from what I understand, the wood finish is somewhat soft and can be easily dented or scratched. So when moving, I'd recommend getting some type of carrying case, otherwise be careful when moving in close quarters or door ways. The product came in perfect condition so I was happy about that. If treated well, I think this product will last for several decades. Roland makes their products to last. I have a 20 year old Roland keyboard that still runs like the first day it was turned on. This double-trigger issue everyone seems to complain about is not as big a deal as they've made it out to be. Maybe its the style I play, I don't know, but I've never had this thing double trigger on me. If it does, I can't hear it. The only time I could get it to double was when I purposely hit the key to where it would sort of bounce. Even then, it wasn't that noticable. So don't let that stop you from buying a VK-8.
Value:
It was worth every penny I paid. In fact I think its worth more than the Hammond XK-3.
Desirability:
I think it definately has the "I Want It" factor. The construction, feel, and sound of this unit will make you drool. If it doesn't, you seriously got problems or haven't heard a really Hammond and Leslie in a long time.
Sound:
Okay the organ tone section gets a 10. Heck I've give it a 20 if that were an option. There's no other clone out there that comes closer to a B3 than this. The leslie sim is excellent and once again, nothing comes closer to a real leslie than this. It sounds good by itself and in a band. I play a C3 with a Leslie speaker 122 model weekly so don't try and tell me I don't know what I'm talking about. The other tones, I'll give an 8. The Piano, Strings, and Jazz Scat come right from the FP-9 digital piano. I'm not sure where the E. Piano 1 came from but it sounds good too. The rest of the sounds are garbage though. Also these other tones are somewhat hard to use with waterfall keys, but this is an organ after all.
Ease of Use:
I give it a nine because basic tweaking can be done on the fly and is pretty much second nature. However any advanced tweaks, have your owners manual ready because you'll need it. But even so, that's okay. The manual is pretty clear about how to edit the parameters. It might be a good idea just to copy down the parameters you think you'll edit most, that away you'll have a "cheat sheet" handy so you won't have to drag out the manual every time you need to change something.
Support:
Never talked with Roland, so hopefully I never will.
Overall:
I don't think anyone can top this puppy. I've heard the Korg CX-3, Nord Electro 2, and Hammond's XK models. Roland comes out on top IMO. Last year when I was clonewheel shopping, I hesitated buying a Roland organ because I'd always known Roland for their awesome piano's, so I assumed that's all they were good at making. I was terribly mistaken. Roland not only has awesome piano's, but they've really done a work in the clonewheel department too.
No accessories, you have to buy those separately. Most useful feature is the ability to edit all the parameters. And LCD screen would've been nice but I can live without it. Also a second set of drawbars would've been nice.
Quality:
Seems very solid, but from what I understand, the wood finish is somewhat soft and can be easily dented or scratched. So when moving, I'd recommend getting some type of carrying case, otherwise be careful when moving in close quarters or door ways. The product came in perfect condition so I was happy about that. If treated well, I think this product will last for several decades. Roland makes their products to last. I have a 20 year old Roland keyboard that still runs like the first day it was turned on. This double-trigger issue everyone seems to complain about is not as big a deal as they've made it out to be. Maybe its the style I play, I don't know, but I've never had this thing double trigger on me. If it does, I can't hear it. The only time I could get it to double was when I purposely hit the key to where it would sort of bounce. Even then, it wasn't that noticable. So don't let that stop you from buying a VK-8.
Value:
It was worth every penny I paid. In fact I think its worth more than the Hammond XK-3.
Desirability:
I think it definately has the "I Want It" factor. The construction, feel, and sound of this unit will make you drool. If it doesn't, you seriously got problems or haven't heard a really Hammond and Leslie in a long time.
Sound:
Okay the organ tone section gets a 10. Heck I've give it a 20 if that were an option. There's no other clone out there that comes closer to a B3 than this. The leslie sim is excellent and once again, nothing comes closer to a real leslie than this. It sounds good by itself and in a band. I play a C3 with a Leslie speaker 122 model weekly so don't try and tell me I don't know what I'm talking about. The other tones, I'll give an 8. The Piano, Strings, and Jazz Scat come right from the FP-9 digital piano. I'm not sure where the E. Piano 1 came from but it sounds good too. The rest of the sounds are garbage though. Also these other tones are somewhat hard to use with waterfall keys, but this is an organ after all.
Ease of Use:
I give it a nine because basic tweaking can be done on the fly and is pretty much second nature. However any advanced tweaks, have your owners manual ready because you'll need it. But even so, that's okay. The manual is pretty clear about how to edit the parameters. It might be a good idea just to copy down the parameters you think you'll edit most, that away you'll have a "cheat sheet" handy so you won't have to drag out the manual every time you need to change something.
Support:
Never talked with Roland, so hopefully I never will.
Overall:
I don't think anyone can top this puppy. I've heard the Korg CX-3, Nord Electro 2, and Hammond's XK models. Roland comes out on top IMO. Last year when I was clonewheel shopping, I hesitated buying a Roland organ because I'd always known Roland for their awesome piano's, so I assumed that's all they were good at making. I was terribly mistaken. Roland not only has awesome piano's, but they've really done a work in the clonewheel department too.
"The double triggering keyboard is awful"
Looks great, sounds great until you try playing fast staccato notes and then the
keyboard double triggers when the keys hit the upstops. Like the early Korg CX-3s (new release) but worse. This would be a fantastic keyboard if they fixed that - oh yeah and what happened to the display? It was there on the VK-7 and was fine, but where has it gone with the VK-8?
keyboard double triggers when the keys hit the upstops. Like the early Korg CX-3s (new release) but worse. This would be a fantastic keyboard if they fixed that - oh yeah and what happened to the display? It was there on the VK-7 and was fine, but where has it gone with the VK-8?
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