I like those type of key boards & arranger keyboards.. with all those features that are tons of fun, but man there's a long learning Curve with those features.
As you know Tony, I (after returning of Hammond XK-4) almost bought Nord Electro 6D 73 keys but after analyzing again what already have (many piano and organ VSTs and different pedals) and what I really need, I ordered Yamaha YC61 and Arturia Keylab Essential 88. I also have Studiologic 17 note pedalboard on order. This will be my setup for organ (both B3 and pipe) and basic blues and jazz piano practice (I signed up for a few courses). The next will be to get a custom made wooden stand 😊
Wow that sounds awesome, hope you like the YC and Keylab; are you going to setup the Keylab as a lower manual and just live with the weighted keys for organ so you also have them for piano?
If you like to make tutorials about the SK pro, please would you like to show how to get the Theatre Organ sound shown in one of Hammonds UA-cam videos?
I actually don't own the SK anymore so sorry I can't (to be honest I'm not too familiar with any of the organ sounds other than just Hammond). Sorry I can't be more help!
Thanks so much! It’s an amazing machine - can get pretty complex (if you want it to) but wow. Although the SK1 is no slouch either even though it came out a while ago - one thing I miss is the dedicated overdrive knob (you can assign it to the mod wheel but you have to do it to every patch)
@@PianoTone yes, I’d like an opinion based on your current experience. Is the sound engine of SK Pro so much better compared to SK1? Do you consider the SK1 still a good choice as Organ keyboard? For me selling the SK1 and add at least €700 extra for buying SK pro 73 is an absolute effort. So I was wondering if keeping my SK1 and invest the extra money on pair of monitors as I heard they can reproduce and amazing sound when in stereo for better Leslie reproduction + lounsberry organ grinder pedal to get that deep purple distortion effect. At the end of the day I also have the SK2 . The reason for SK pro is its various features the screen, the new beautiful piano sounds and all the better options on splitting and combining sounds.
@@davideviolante73 I only had an SK1 (borrowed from a store) for a week, but I loved it. I didn't compare it to the SK Pro (didn't have it yet) but I did compare it to the M-Solo (which actually has a newer sound engine than the SK Pro) in my M-Solo review here: ua-cam.com/video/sl70Vo-G6JQ/v-deo.htmlsi=dWJCSvKK9et-jULx&t=1150. To be honest the sounds are SUPER close (the M-Solo might sound a tiny bit better in headphones, live with a band I'd never be able to tell the difference). One thing that is different is the SK Pro (like the M-Solo) as a "virtual multi contact" keybed, meant to mimic actual Hammond's tonewheels spinning up at different times; while that is super cool, for a rec player like me in a band (who is often playing piano in my left hand and organ on the right) that can make it challenging sometimes (I demo'd that here in this review: ua-cam.com/video/RkUL2CG2fpc/v-deo.htmlsi=0xB4DJ-OkhsCkZZe. A super talented player will probably love that, for a recreational "hack" ;) like me it can catch me offguard. So given the organ sounds are only a TINY bit better (and that might just be a personal opinion), you're right the main reason to spend money upgrading would be improvements in the other sounds, the screen, and the improved ability to split and layer. The SK Pro's main piano I believe is a sample from Yamaha (CF Grand) used in many of their (older top end and current lower range) keyboards, and it is an awesome piano. And the Rhodes is fabulous, as are the pads. The horns (my band always wants me playing some sax solos) are kinda bad though. But you can split & layer the keyboard with or without organ (I think the SK1, one sound had to be organ?) however you like with 2 or all of organ, piano, ensemble (pads, strings etc) & synth (which I never used) so that's pretty cool. As far as whether you should spend $ on upgrading that's hard especially if you also have an SK2; if you have the SK1 for portability and jamming with others/playing in a band etc, there are definite advantages to having the same operating system on 2 boards so you're used to it; if you need the advanced splitting and updated other sounds then the SK Pro would be awesome. Or if you want to widen what you have (given you have an SK2), something like the Yamaha YC-61 will have even far better piano sounds, and also has a pretty good organ and waterfall keys. Hope that helps (or did I confuse you more lol)!
@@davideviolante73 I only had an SK1 (borrowed from a store) for a week, but I loved it. I didn't compare it to the SK Pro (didn't have it yet) but I did compare it to the M-Solo (which actually has a newer sound engine than the SK Pro) in my M-Solo review here: ua-cam.com/video/sl70Vo-G6JQ/v-deo.htmlsi=dWJCSvKK9et-jULx&t=1150. To be honest the sounds are SUPER close (the M-Solo might sound a tiny bit better in headphones, live with a band I'd never be able to tell the difference). One thing that is different is the SK Pro (like the M-Solo) as a "virtual multi contact" keybed, meant to mimic actual Hammond's tonewheels spinning up at different times (I demo'd that in this video here: ua-cam.com/video/RkUL2CG2fpc/v-deo.htmlsi=OoUqTV1Ug7gKeOZt&t=461). That is cool (especially for players used to real Hammonds) but for guys like me (often playing piano in one hand and organ in the other in my band) it does catch me offguard sometimes. Given that the organ sounds are pretty close, to be honest like you said the main reason to upgrade would be the updated user interface, better quality "extra" sounds (the piano is a great sample from Yamaha), and the ability to split and layer any 2-4 voices you like (organ, piano, ensemble, synth); I think the SK1 required one voice was an organ?). So whether you should iupgrade or not depends on how important that stuff is to you I guess. Given you have an SK2 there are advantages to "knowing the interface and sounds" on your SK1 since they're the same, but moving to the SK Pro gives you newer options, so that all depends on what's important to you (and how important lol). If the main reason is other sounds you could also consider something like a Yamaha YC-61 which has even better pianos etc, but still has good organ sounds and similar waterfall key action (and is cheaper than the SK Pro). Hope this helped (I probably just confused you more lol)
@@PianoTone you didn’t confuse me at actually quite the opposite! I must take a tough decision, the real purpose of SK1 actually is portability, playing at rehearsal and some jamming but also recording home. Strangely enough I actually carry the SK2 on stage, it looks awesome on the stage scene, lol! I was thinking then to the Nord Electro 6D 73 since I can still use the SK2 for good organ sound, but… I have time to think about it!
Great! This is what I have been waiting for Tony! Thank you. Are you planning to get a pedal board for your Hammond organ, Tony? By the way, I got my XK-4 yesterday 😊 I really like the action of this keyboard. I can also use it with my piano VSTs (Pianoteq, Garritan CFX, VSL Bosendorfer 280VC and a few other VSTs, including Rhodes MkII) Michael
No I won't be getting a pedalboard; I'm only really using it as a top manual and mostly for blues music. That's awesome your XK showed and you like it, congrats! I was really curious what you were gonna think of the action; glad you're happy with it!
Great video. Very complete. I have a question: is the sound of the MTWII engine (M-Solo and XK-4) much better or is it the same as the MTWI engine of the SK Pro? What do you think about it? Thanks.
I didn’t own the MSolo and SK pro at the same time so I couldn’t compare directly. I think you MIGHT hear a difference in headphones but live? Not a chance they’ll both sound great (and so does the SK1 still) Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Tony, as you may remember, I was originally considering M-Solo but I got interested in learning to play pipe organ as well. At this point the only choice was XK-1C and XK-4. I needed proper simulation of a pipe organ, including pedal board option. XK-4 has a new sound engine and also proper outputs that I needed. I do not need any other sounds than pipe organ and Tone Wheel (if I need piano sounds, I have my piano and electric piano VSTs. I also have a MIDI controller and play regularly on Yamaha C7 - I really do not a digital piano anymore. By the way, did you mention XK-1C? Michael Ps. As you know, XK-4 has multiple ranks of Classical and Theatre Pipe Organ tones, which can be registered in the traditional manner. These sounds may be custom tailored and drawbars are used for it.
This amount of customization and associated with it the number of manual pages to read (it is not intuitive) plus the number of outputs (some I would never need) made me decide to return my Hammond XK-4 and get Yamaha YC-61 (plus a MIDI controller). I do not like to feel overwhelmed 😊
Thanks for the review and lesson. I just got my Sk Pro and do not find any mention of Rhodes or Wurlitzer patches either in my manuals or on the keyboard. Do they appear in yours? I downloaded the latest manuals and updated the operating system to the latest update Thanks so much. Mark
The EP voices aren’t named “Rhodes” etc (licensing I assume) - so you have to look for the hints. “EP Tine” for example refers to a Rhodes. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Tony, I would like to share with you that XK-4 is too complicated for me. I can play basic patches but after two weeks I am still studying the manual (more than 160 pages). It is not to know everything but to just do basic patch and tone edits and other functions. I think that it is all too much for me. I like the sounds, I like the action, I am impressed with the number of options and features but … I will be returning it. Another problem for me is the high cost of a 20 note pedal board and its weight. I am getting cheaper Studiologic pedalboard but there are (as I read) problems with its proper function when connected to XK-4. Believe it or not but I am getting Nord Electro 6D 73. I will have it in two weeks. Cheers, Michael
@@PianoTone I was also considering Yamaha YC61 but YC73 does not have waterfall action and YC does not have pipe organ sounds. By the way, the other problem is that when pushing the key slightly to get a sound there are sound “oscillations” - in other words the sound triggering is a bit “flaky”. Nord Electro 6D just triggers the sound (when a key is pushed) more reliably.
Are the “oscillations” on initial key touch you’re talking about on the Hammond? If so that’s intentional - real Hammond tonewheels do that (it’s a “virtual multi contact” keybed). The M-Solo had that as well, the older SK1 doesn’t; the XK-5 actually has real multi contacts instead of virtual to do the same thing. The YC61 has waterfall keys the 73 doesn’t
@@PianoTone Thank you. What I meant by “oscillations” was that the sound is triggered but does not stay unless you press slightly deeper. If I just pass this point I may trigger very short sound or series of short sounds. Nord Electro 6D does not have it (or it is far less pronounced). I found this effect difficult to deal with when playing fast piano pieces (using Piano VSTs).
LOL funny you should ask. I've been in touch with him recently, and will be reviewing his courses. I've just gotten started so won't be super soon though.
I love it except I’m not sure why they have B3 and C3 as different sounds. The vintage B3 and C3 are identical except for the cabinet (which doesn’t effect the sound)
I've never even seen a real Hammond in person before so I can't comment (sadly). Doesn't the C3 have a speaker built into the cabinet or something? Maybe it's that speaker they're trying to emulate (or is that the A100 or something?) Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Tony, could you tell me if I can sign up only for Hammond course on Marine Lacoste’s Online Lessons. I am not interested at all in her piano or rock courses. I have already sent a message to her as well. Do you know any other online courses focused on Hammond organ. I may as well get a private teacher if no other options are available. Thank you, Michael
While I am not target audience of this one, I really enjoyed your review, thank you very much! One remark to you bluetooth comment, I understand the excuse on manufacturer side, but why should we accept it? It is a stage piano, fine, but is it forbidden to use this at home? Do stage piano players practice literally on stage? 🙂 For this price I would expect that given device have everything possible and some more, and not some cheap shortcuts. It is a stage piano so it is OK it does not make laundry for you 🙂, but cutting on connectivity...
Hey thanks a bunch much appreciated! Yeah you have a point why not put Bluetooth in it - I just don’t think a lot of the target audience for this one would use it (id be fine having it added as long as it doesn’t raise the price even more lol) Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
I like those type of key boards & arranger keyboards.. with all those features that are tons of fun, but man there's a long learning Curve with those features.
Yeah some keyboards you can spend years learning how to use!
As you know Tony, I (after returning of Hammond XK-4) almost bought Nord Electro 6D 73 keys but after analyzing again what already have (many piano and organ VSTs and different pedals) and what I really need, I ordered Yamaha YC61 and Arturia Keylab Essential 88. I also have Studiologic 17 note pedalboard on order.
This will be my setup for organ (both B3 and pipe) and basic blues and jazz piano practice (I signed up for a few courses). The next will be to get a custom made wooden stand 😊
Wow that sounds awesome, hope you like the YC and Keylab; are you going to setup the Keylab as a lower manual and just live with the weighted keys for organ so you also have them for piano?
@@PianoTone Keylab Essential 88 does not have weighted keys, Tony 😊 Yes, it will be my second manual for the organ (and for piano).
If you like to make tutorials about the SK pro, please would you like to show how to get the Theatre Organ sound shown in one of Hammonds UA-cam videos?
I actually don't own the SK anymore so sorry I can't (to be honest I'm not too familiar with any of the organ sounds other than just Hammond).
Sorry I can't be more help!
Amazing review! I want to get now the SK pro in fact I am selling my SK1 😅
Thanks so much! It’s an amazing machine - can get pretty complex (if you want it to) but wow. Although the SK1 is no slouch either even though it came out a while ago - one thing I miss is the dedicated overdrive knob (you can assign it to the mod wheel but you have to do it to every patch)
@@PianoTone yes, I’d like an opinion based on your current experience. Is the sound engine of SK Pro so much better compared to SK1? Do you consider the SK1 still a good choice as Organ keyboard? For me selling the SK1 and add at least €700 extra for buying SK pro 73 is an absolute effort. So I was wondering if keeping my SK1 and invest the extra money on pair of monitors as I heard they can reproduce and amazing sound when in stereo for better Leslie reproduction + lounsberry organ grinder pedal to get that deep purple distortion effect. At the end of the day I also have the SK2 . The reason for SK pro is its various features the screen, the new beautiful piano sounds and all the better options on splitting and combining sounds.
@@davideviolante73 I only had an SK1 (borrowed from a store) for a week, but I loved it. I didn't compare it to the SK Pro (didn't have it yet) but I did compare it to the M-Solo (which actually has a newer sound engine than the SK Pro) in my M-Solo review here: ua-cam.com/video/sl70Vo-G6JQ/v-deo.htmlsi=dWJCSvKK9et-jULx&t=1150. To be honest the sounds are SUPER close (the M-Solo might sound a tiny bit better in headphones, live with a band I'd never be able to tell the difference).
One thing that is different is the SK Pro (like the M-Solo) as a "virtual multi contact" keybed, meant to mimic actual Hammond's tonewheels spinning up at different times; while that is super cool, for a rec player like me in a band (who is often playing piano in my left hand and organ on the right) that can make it challenging sometimes (I demo'd that here in this review: ua-cam.com/video/RkUL2CG2fpc/v-deo.htmlsi=0xB4DJ-OkhsCkZZe. A super talented player will probably love that, for a recreational "hack" ;) like me it can catch me offguard.
So given the organ sounds are only a TINY bit better (and that might just be a personal opinion), you're right the main reason to spend money upgrading would be improvements in the other sounds, the screen, and the improved ability to split and layer. The SK Pro's main piano I believe is a sample from Yamaha (CF Grand) used in many of their (older top end and current lower range) keyboards, and it is an awesome piano. And the Rhodes is fabulous, as are the pads. The horns (my band always wants me playing some sax solos) are kinda bad though. But you can split & layer the keyboard with or without organ (I think the SK1, one sound had to be organ?) however you like with 2 or all of organ, piano, ensemble (pads, strings etc) & synth (which I never used) so that's pretty cool.
As far as whether you should spend $ on upgrading that's hard especially if you also have an SK2; if you have the SK1 for portability and jamming with others/playing in a band etc, there are definite advantages to having the same operating system on 2 boards so you're used to it; if you need the advanced splitting and updated other sounds then the SK Pro would be awesome. Or if you want to widen what you have (given you have an SK2), something like the Yamaha YC-61 will have even far better piano sounds, and also has a pretty good organ and waterfall keys.
Hope that helps (or did I confuse you more lol)!
@@davideviolante73 I only had an SK1 (borrowed from a store) for a week, but I loved it. I didn't compare it to the SK Pro (didn't have it yet) but I did compare it to the M-Solo (which actually has a newer sound engine than the SK Pro) in my M-Solo review here: ua-cam.com/video/sl70Vo-G6JQ/v-deo.htmlsi=dWJCSvKK9et-jULx&t=1150. To be honest the sounds are SUPER close (the M-Solo might sound a tiny bit better in headphones, live with a band I'd never be able to tell the difference).
One thing that is different is the SK Pro (like the M-Solo) as a "virtual multi contact" keybed, meant to mimic actual Hammond's tonewheels spinning up at different times (I demo'd that in this video here: ua-cam.com/video/RkUL2CG2fpc/v-deo.htmlsi=OoUqTV1Ug7gKeOZt&t=461). That is cool (especially for players used to real Hammonds) but for guys like me (often playing piano in one hand and organ in the other in my band) it does catch me offguard sometimes.
Given that the organ sounds are pretty close, to be honest like you said the main reason to upgrade would be the updated user interface, better quality "extra" sounds (the piano is a great sample from Yamaha), and the ability to split and layer any 2-4 voices you like (organ, piano, ensemble, synth); I think the SK1 required one voice was an organ?). So whether you should iupgrade or not depends on how important that stuff is to you I guess. Given you have an SK2 there are advantages to "knowing the interface and sounds" on your SK1 since they're the same, but moving to the SK Pro gives you newer options, so that all depends on what's important to you (and how important lol). If the main reason is other sounds you could also consider something like a Yamaha YC-61 which has even better pianos etc, but still has good organ sounds and similar waterfall key action (and is cheaper than the SK Pro).
Hope this helped (I probably just confused you more lol)
@@PianoTone you didn’t confuse me at actually quite the opposite! I must take a tough decision, the real purpose of SK1 actually is portability, playing at rehearsal and some jamming but also recording home. Strangely enough I actually carry the SK2 on stage, it looks awesome on the stage scene, lol! I was thinking then to the Nord Electro 6D 73 since I can still use the SK2 for good organ sound, but… I have time to think about it!
Great! This is what I have been waiting for Tony! Thank you.
Are you planning to get a pedal board for your Hammond organ, Tony?
By the way, I got my XK-4 yesterday 😊
I really like the action of this keyboard. I can also use it with my piano VSTs (Pianoteq, Garritan CFX, VSL Bosendorfer 280VC and a few other VSTs, including Rhodes MkII)
Michael
No I won't be getting a pedalboard; I'm only really using it as a top manual and mostly for blues music. That's awesome your XK showed and you like it, congrats! I was really curious what you were gonna think of the action; glad you're happy with it!
Great video. Very complete. I have a question: is the sound of the MTWII engine (M-Solo and XK-4) much better or is it the same as the MTWI engine of the SK Pro? What do you think about it? Thanks.
I didn’t own the MSolo and SK pro at the same time so I couldn’t compare directly. I think you MIGHT hear a difference in headphones but live? Not a chance they’ll both sound great (and so does the SK1 still)
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Tony, as you may remember, I was originally considering M-Solo but I got interested in learning to play pipe organ as well. At this point the only choice was XK-1C and XK-4. I needed proper simulation of a pipe organ, including pedal board option. XK-4 has a new sound engine and also proper outputs that I needed. I do not need any other sounds than pipe organ and Tone Wheel (if I need piano sounds, I have my piano and electric piano VSTs. I also have a MIDI controller and play regularly on Yamaha C7 - I really do not a digital piano anymore.
By the way, did you mention XK-1C?
Michael
Ps. As you know, XK-4 has multiple ranks of Classical and Theatre Pipe Organ tones, which can be registered in the traditional manner. These sounds may be custom tailored and drawbars are used for it.
That sounds cool - I don’t know a lot about pipe organ but I know that Hammond does a good job with it
This amount of customization and associated with it the number of manual pages to read (it is not intuitive) plus the number of outputs (some I would never need) made me decide to return my Hammond XK-4 and get Yamaha YC-61 (plus a MIDI controller).
I do not like to feel overwhelmed 😊
There definitely can be a crazy amount of deep diving!
Nice video Tony!
What's the name of your blues band? You guys have a youtube channel?
Still in the works (cd will be released soon); stay tuned! 😎
Thanks for the review and lesson. I just got my Sk Pro and do not find any mention of Rhodes or Wurlitzer patches either in my manuals or on the keyboard. Do they appear in yours? I downloaded the latest manuals and updated the operating system to the latest update
Thanks so much.
Mark
The EP voices aren’t named “Rhodes” etc (licensing I assume) - so you have to look for the hints. “EP Tine” for example refers to a Rhodes. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Tony,
I would like to share with you that XK-4 is too complicated for me. I can play basic patches but after two weeks I am still studying the manual (more than 160 pages). It is not to know everything but to just do basic patch and tone edits and other functions. I think that it is all too much for me. I like the sounds, I like the action, I am impressed with the number of options and features but … I will be returning it.
Another problem for me is the high cost of a 20 note pedal board and its weight.
I am getting cheaper Studiologic pedalboard but there are (as I read) problems with its proper function when connected to XK-4.
Believe it or not but I am getting Nord Electro 6D 73.
I will have it in two weeks.
Cheers,
Michael
I know what you mean - the SK Pro is complicated as well; I am considering going to a Yamaha YC61. :)
@@PianoTone I was also considering Yamaha YC61 but YC73 does not have waterfall action and YC does not have pipe organ sounds.
By the way, the other problem is that when pushing the key slightly to get a sound there are sound “oscillations” - in other words the sound triggering is a bit “flaky”. Nord Electro 6D just triggers the sound (when a key is pushed) more reliably.
Are the “oscillations” on initial key touch you’re talking about on the Hammond? If so that’s intentional - real Hammond tonewheels do that (it’s a “virtual multi contact” keybed). The M-Solo had that as well, the older SK1 doesn’t; the XK-5 actually has real multi contacts instead of virtual to do the same thing.
The YC61 has waterfall keys the 73 doesn’t
@@PianoTone Thank you. What I meant by “oscillations” was that the sound is triggered but does not stay unless you press slightly deeper. If I just pass this point I may trigger very short sound or series of short sounds.
Nord Electro 6D does not have it (or it is far less pronounced). I found this effect difficult to deal with when playing fast piano pieces (using Piano VSTs).
Ps. Owner’s Manuals:
YC61 - ~70 pages
Nord Electro 6 - 32 pages
Hammond XK-4 - 163 pages
😊
Hello Tony,
Have you ever considered Mike Little’s Organ Pro course?
Thank you
LOL funny you should ask. I've been in touch with him recently, and will be reviewing his courses. I've just gotten started so won't be super soon though.
@@PianoTone Great!!! I will be signing up today 😊
I love it except I’m not sure why they have B3 and C3 as different sounds. The vintage B3 and C3 are identical except for the cabinet (which doesn’t effect the sound)
I've never even seen a real Hammond in person before so I can't comment (sadly). Doesn't the C3 have a speaker built into the cabinet or something? Maybe it's that speaker they're trying to emulate (or is that the A100 or something?)
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone the A100 does have an internal speaker
Tony, could you tell me if I can sign up only for Hammond course on Marine Lacoste’s Online Lessons. I am not interested at all in her piano or rock courses. I have already sent a message to her as well.
Do you know any other online courses focused on Hammond organ. I may as well get a private teacher if no other options are available.
Thank you,
Michael
No I think her course is just the whole package at this stage.
While I am not target audience of this one, I really enjoyed your review, thank you very much! One remark to you bluetooth comment, I understand the excuse on manufacturer side, but why should we accept it? It is a stage piano, fine, but is it forbidden to use this at home? Do stage piano players practice literally on stage? 🙂 For this price I would expect that given device have everything possible and some more, and not some cheap shortcuts. It is a stage piano so it is OK it does not make laundry for you 🙂, but cutting on connectivity...
Hey thanks a bunch much appreciated! Yeah you have a point why not put Bluetooth in it - I just don’t think a lot of the target audience for this one would use it (id be fine having it added as long as it doesn’t raise the price even more lol)
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe