actually this is the closest sound I've ever seen to Elton John. Great job man !!!. I have had a problem with my youtube account and all my comments have been lost. That's why I'm here writing a little bit again.
Thanks! This is a video I recorded about a year ago. I didn't have the Soundcraft Console at that time, but the mix is basically the same. ua-cam.com/video/1dClyWBza2E/v-deo.html
My pleasure... Glad I finally was able to do it. Granted, it's very bare-bones and "amatuer" for someone who produces professional content for a living, but given the space, it's the best I could do haha. Drop me a line if you have any other questions and I will try to assist!
Hey man Please excuse my bad english.. I have the Roland Rd 2000 keyboard. Can I connect a Motif Rack with the Rd 2000 witch has the Rd1000 sound to get the Elton sound? Love your work
Thank you! I hope to record more content soon... just been too busy to devote time to do so. To answer your question: yes, the RD-2000 has MIDI In/Out ports. However, to get be able to blend and hear the Motif Rack, you will need to have a mixer (I'm assuming you already have one). * You will take a MIDI Out of the RD-2000 In to the Motif Rack. * Then you will take either Line or Mic/XLR Outputs from both the Motif Rack and the RD-2000 into their own audio channel inputs on the mixer so that you can fine-tune the two sounds together. Hope that helps!
Thank you so much for your answer! Yes that helps a lot! But I have another question if you like to answer me. Do you know if there's also a way to get the Philadelphia Freedom sound with these racks? I’m looking forward to the upcoming uploads!
I love the Elton John Sound, is there any VST who has this Sounds on Board? And why not, there are Trillions of Sounds to find but not the Elton John Piano. I dont understand that.
I don’t believe there is, unfortunately, and I think that’s because of the blend of different brands’ voices. Even I don’t have every component... there’s also the Technics WSA in Elton’s rack, and I think for a time he was using the Alexis NanoPiano too (maybe late 1999/early 2000s?). But I’m trying to make up for not having those by using some of the built CFX voice from my Yamaha CP4.
I have a RD300s, which is the smaller, lead weighted key version of the RD1000, and I've kinda been exploring the sound of the "Roland RD1000" era. I can't seem to figure out if he's using piano 1 with some very specific EQ, or piano 2. but I think it sounds more like piano 2 with some slapback delay, most of the time.
I'm pretty sure he's using mostly Piano 1, but I do agree, certain songs have an even "fatter" sounding piano and I think that may be a heavily EQ'd Piano 2. Keep in mind, I have several inputs here blending to reproduce this sound, not just the Roland MKS-20. My personal EQ changes with regularity as I continue to dial it in... every room, every mixer, every output source (I.e. Headphones vs. Full Range Monitors) is different, so some re-EQ-ing is necessary depending on application. I've tried to replicate mine off of the One Night Only Concert. I love how that piano sounds in that Live recording, so I that's the baseline I use and I think I've got mine VERY close. Highs are usually boosted, Mids are boosted at specific frequencies (more toward the Highs 2K-3K, rather than anything 750Hz or lower), and then the Bass is boosted a bit too, not so much that it looses it's punchiness. When I listen and play along with the One Night Only tracks, I've found that Piano 1 on the MKS-20/RD-1000 is what he uses most.
@@20gravedigger11 oh yeah, I was just watching the one night only concert, I definitely hear more of the piano 1 character in a lot of that, but - I'm talking more along the lines of the 'live in barcelona' concert, arena di verona 1989 version of saturday night's alright for fighting that's on his official youtube channel, of the performance of the bitch is back on the jonathan ross show in 1990, live at knebworth etc - when he was using the RD-1000 on stage, it sounds like he used piano 2 mostly. there's a certain 'over-emphasis' of the attack transient on piano 2 in the low register that sounds like a synth filter sweep when its played hard, and that seems quite prominent in these performances. I definitely hear the 2-3k boost though, I mean, I think that upper mid boost is quite possibly the most definitive characteristic of elton's sound - almost as much as any specific sound module... it's the EQ that gives it the cut and presence in the overall mix, I think :)
@@bojackhorseman5367 Def... I just listened to it and I think that "synth filter" you're hearing may just be a chorus modulation like we hear on today's Live cuts of Bennie and the Jets. I know he uses a Lexicon Effects Controller (like most of the greats) but the MKS20/RD1000 have a superb chorus built in and that's what I'm hearing. I still think I hear a lot of the Piano 1 voice to be honest, maybe with some layering of Piano 2 or maybe even Piano 3 and its tiney/CP70-like sound. But def some heavy EQ-ing and modulation effects going on here. Keep in mind, he didn't have the Motif Rack, the Technics Rack, or anything else to help make it "cut" like he does now. That was added when he switched to Piano A, his most used 9-foot Yamaha Grand.
@@20gravedigger11 I think I wasn't clear about the synth filter effect I was referring to, it's part of the way the structured adaptive synthesis handles the attack transient character that's present without chorus - where when you play hard you can sort of hear an envelope filter opening up more and then quickly fading away. it's there on piano 1 too, but not as prominent. I think I hear this on a lot of live performances when he was using the RD-1000 on stage. there's also a slightly harder metallic overtone and a bit more of a kind of electronic "chirp" in the higher registers on piano 2. But of course, it could just be that Elton's very bright EQ configuration is exaggerating these characteristics on piano 1. I trust your judgement as you've clearly studied this type of thing a lot more closely than I have :D
I am so sorry I missed your comment... Ironically, my spare/backup keyboard is the same: the P125, and no, it doesn't have MIDI in or out. My keyboard technician cousin told me that I would need a MIDI Host Box. This would take the USB Host Out of the P125, In to the MIDI Host Box... then take MIDI Out of the MIDI Host Box to MIDI In of you MIDI Tone Generator (such as the MKS-20). (Example here: www.amazon.com/dp/B074NGTGHN/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_glt_fabc_YTFJAZSMGTZEVMHAF9HW?pldnSite=1) ***PLEASE NOTE: I have not purchased or tested one of these yet, so I cannot say for sure that it works. If anyone has experience with these, please feel free to chime in.
Hi Evan, thanks for the great video! I too am after the Elton sound. I recently acquired the MKS20 and Motif racks and today I got my hands on the same mixing board as you. All I need now is a stage piano. I did look at the CP4 but it looks like it has been discontinued & I can’t find one anywhere. Do you have any recommendations of a good alternative? In terms of sound output, could I ask whether you know of any good headphones that will give the sound justice? Further, what speakers do you use when performing/for your monitor? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Will... The CP4 is a hell of a piano and its lifespan on the market lasted (I believe) 4-5 years. I love it so much that I've had it repaired now multiple times (from rocking out haha) just because I don't want to move-on from it. Christine McVie with Fleetwood Mac was one of the first pros I saw using it when she returned to the stage in 2014. I got mine in 2016, replacing my Korg SP300 from 2002. The only piano I cross-shopped with the CP4 at the time was the Roland RD2000, and I have to say, while CP4 had less features... the action and feel IMO were second to none. The new model(s) to essentially replace the CP4 are the CP73/CP88. The CP73 is a keyboard (73 keys) where as the CP88 (88 keys) is a weighted stage piano like the CP4. From a design and user-ability standpoint, the CP4 had a more menu-based operation in lieu of a more simplified button layout. Oppositely, while I haven't used it, based on reviews I've watched, the CP88 goes in the other direction, giving you more button/quick-hit controls up-front and keeping menus/settings hunting to a minimum. It reminds me a lot of the Nord Stage 3 in terms of having more button controls... looking more intimidation and complicating than it actually is. Check out a review from Kraft Music on the CP73 (both function exactly the same) here... it's quite in-depth: ua-cam.com/video/w8s19V9Yjek/v-deo.html Congrats on the getting you're own Elton Rig and good luck with your piano hunting. Let me know if you have any other questions... I'd be happy to assist in any way I can.
@@20gravedigger11 Thanks Evan! I picked up a Yamaha P90 for the time being which does a decent job! I do have a couple of questions if you don’t mind. With regard to EQ, I know it will differ depending on what I’m outputting to etc, but what is the general rule of thumb for the mix? What should I be boosting and by how much? What levels do you have your inputs at? Also, can you recommend any good quality speakers that would do the sound justice & may be used for live performances? Cheers buddy 👍🏼
@@WillEvans_ Nice... for EQ-ing, to my ear, the MKS-20 really needs a lot of boost. I'm talking like full EQ boost across the frequencies. The Motif PowerGrand Voice doesn't need as much because it's a very punchy, bright sound to begin with. If you have an email you don't mind sharing, I'll gladly send you a pic of my board so you can see how much I've boosted things, etc. Remember, even when trying to replicate, sound is extremely subjective, so you may find I have over boosted some frequencies... but for my ears and monitors, I've found a happy spot for myself. Depending on your speakers, mixer, and phones... you may need make some tweaks. In terms of gain, I do about 65-70% MKS and 30-35% Motif, while also mixing in some of the natural sampling CX Grand on the CP4 as well. If you have an email you don't mind sharing, I'll gladly send you a photo of my mixer so you have some reference of my mix.
Hey I have a question. I bought my Motif rack. And I got it hooked up and I got the multis working. But can't get the voices to make any sound. Is this something I can fix or is there something wrong wrong with my unit? Please help!
So the first question is: Are you going Out of the Motif Rack with a 1/4" Cable into a Mixer? That's the only way you will hear anything (unless you're using the 1/4" Headphone jack in the front of the unit). Any kind of MIDI Rack/Module needs to go to a mixer for sound projection... Output will NOT redirect back and project from your piano speakers. Therefore, from a mixer, you would use the 1/4" Headphone jack to hear your mix when you're just playing for yourself, or take an output from that to a PA speaker(s).
Evan I fixed it! The previous owner had it on the wrong midi channel. I had to get it receiving on 1. It was receiving on 3. Thanks anyway! I'm looking forward to more videos! Post some!!! The Funeral for a friend was Awesome!!!!!
Great video!, any idea which is the extra pad he only uses during Rocket Man when he plays solo as can be heard on the choruses in this version... ua-cam.com/video/ObV-6BiMtT8/v-deo.html
It really is so unique. And yes, concert pianists probably would hate it... but for Elton's application, it's truly so awesome Live. It's fat, it's rich, and it cuts... that's everything you want from a Live piano sound in a big room.
@@20gravedigger11 I agree totally. It's not like a real grand piano (I have a grand at home) but it works so well and I am so used to hearing it in his music it's distinctively engrained in my head. Most modern stage pianos with the latest sampling and modelling struggle to achieve that live cutting quality. Closest I have found to be my Nord with the Bright S4 sample and it's amazing these old rack samples are still sounding great today. The One Night Only concert I have compared piano samples to for years. (The Your Song track with Ronan Keating let's it be heard particularly nicely don't you think?) Thankyou for sharing the secret recipe :-)
NEW UPLOAD --> ua-cam.com/video/N0WvZVCbZTw/v-deo.html
actually this is the closest sound I've ever seen to Elton John. Great job man !!!. I have had a problem with my youtube account and all my comments have been lost. That's why I'm here writing a little bit again.
Nice video. Id like to see you playing the set up to hear how it sounds, or link to a video where you do.
Thanks! This is a video I recorded about a year ago. I didn't have the Soundcraft Console at that time, but the mix is basically the same.
ua-cam.com/video/1dClyWBza2E/v-deo.html
thank you very much ! loved the 2016 FFFLLB vid, now with explanation too , great work
Thank you so much dude! I can't tell you how appreciative I am! I'm very happy! Like I said thank you so much!
My pleasure... Glad I finally was able to do it. Granted, it's very bare-bones and "amatuer" for someone who produces professional content for a living, but given the space, it's the best I could do haha.
Drop me a line if you have any other questions and I will try to assist!
Evan I will. My motif comes in Friday and I have a show Saturday evening. So I may have questions about the EQ'ing and such!
Hey man
Please excuse my bad english..
I have the Roland Rd 2000 keyboard. Can I connect a Motif Rack with the Rd 2000 witch has the Rd1000 sound to get the Elton sound? Love your work
Thank you! I hope to record more content soon... just been too busy to devote time to do so.
To answer your question: yes, the RD-2000 has MIDI In/Out ports. However, to get be able to blend and hear the Motif Rack, you will need to have a mixer (I'm assuming you already have one). * You will take a MIDI Out of the RD-2000 In to the Motif Rack.
* Then you will take either Line or Mic/XLR Outputs from both the Motif Rack and the RD-2000 into their own audio channel inputs on the mixer so that you can fine-tune the two sounds together.
Hope that helps!
Thank you so much for your answer! Yes that helps a lot!
But I have another question if you like to answer me. Do you know if there's also a way to get the Philadelphia Freedom sound with these racks?
I’m looking forward to the upcoming uploads!
@@PianoManDustin hey… for an EP voice, I used either Voice 8 (E. Piano #2 with Chorus) on the MKS-20 or TX802 on the Motif rack.
I love the Elton John Sound, is there any VST who has this Sounds on Board? And why not, there are Trillions of Sounds to find but not the Elton John Piano. I dont understand that.
I don’t believe there is, unfortunately, and I think that’s because of the blend of different brands’ voices. Even I don’t have every component... there’s also the Technics WSA in Elton’s rack, and I think for a time he was using the Alexis NanoPiano too (maybe late 1999/early 2000s?). But I’m trying to make up for not having those by using some of the built CFX voice from my Yamaha CP4.
@@20gravedigger11 Thank you. Yes the search continues. I will continue to try on the pc to achieve the sound. It is worth it.
I have a RD300s, which is the smaller, lead weighted key version of the RD1000, and I've kinda been exploring the sound of the "Roland RD1000" era. I can't seem to figure out if he's using piano 1 with some very specific EQ, or piano 2. but I think it sounds more like piano 2 with some slapback delay, most of the time.
I'm pretty sure he's using mostly Piano 1, but I do agree, certain songs have an even "fatter" sounding piano and I think that may be a heavily EQ'd Piano 2. Keep in mind, I have several inputs here blending to reproduce this sound, not just the Roland MKS-20. My personal EQ changes with regularity as I continue to dial it in... every room, every mixer, every output source (I.e. Headphones vs. Full Range Monitors) is different, so some re-EQ-ing is necessary depending on application. I've tried to replicate mine off of the One Night Only Concert. I love how that piano sounds in that Live recording, so I that's the baseline I use and I think I've got mine VERY close. Highs are usually boosted, Mids are boosted at specific frequencies (more toward the Highs 2K-3K, rather than anything 750Hz or lower), and then the Bass is boosted a bit too, not so much that it looses it's punchiness. When I listen and play along with the One Night Only tracks, I've found that Piano 1 on the MKS-20/RD-1000 is what he uses most.
@@20gravedigger11 oh yeah, I was just watching the one night only concert, I definitely hear more of the piano 1 character in a lot of that, but - I'm talking more along the lines of the 'live in barcelona' concert, arena di verona 1989 version of saturday night's alright for fighting that's on his official youtube channel, of the performance of the bitch is back on the jonathan ross show in 1990, live at knebworth etc - when he was using the RD-1000 on stage, it sounds like he used piano 2 mostly. there's a certain 'over-emphasis' of the attack transient on piano 2 in the low register that sounds like a synth filter sweep when its played hard, and that seems quite prominent in these performances.
I definitely hear the 2-3k boost though, I mean, I think that upper mid boost is quite possibly the most definitive characteristic of elton's sound - almost as much as any specific sound module... it's the EQ that gives it the cut and presence in the overall mix, I think :)
@@bojackhorseman5367 Def... I just listened to it and I think that "synth filter" you're hearing may just be a chorus modulation like we hear on today's Live cuts of Bennie and the Jets. I know he uses a Lexicon Effects Controller (like most of the greats) but the MKS20/RD1000 have a superb chorus built in and that's what I'm hearing. I still think I hear a lot of the Piano 1 voice to be honest, maybe with some layering of Piano 2 or maybe even Piano 3 and its tiney/CP70-like sound. But def some heavy EQ-ing and modulation effects going on here. Keep in mind, he didn't have the Motif Rack, the Technics Rack, or anything else to help make it "cut" like he does now. That was added when he switched to Piano A, his most used 9-foot Yamaha Grand.
@@bojackhorseman5367 I just recorded this the other day. You can hear my mix.... ua-cam.com/video/kk4_VnS1BQM/v-deo.html
@@20gravedigger11 I think I wasn't clear about the synth filter effect I was referring to, it's part of the way the structured adaptive synthesis handles the attack transient character that's present without chorus - where when you play hard you can sort of hear an envelope filter opening up more and then quickly fading away. it's there on piano 1 too, but not as prominent. I think I hear this on a lot of live performances when he was using the RD-1000 on stage. there's also a slightly harder metallic overtone and a bit more of a kind of electronic "chirp" in the higher registers on piano 2.
But of course, it could just be that Elton's very bright EQ configuration is exaggerating these characteristics on piano 1. I trust your judgement as you've clearly studied this type of thing a lot more closely than I have :D
Thanks for posting
Could this work for a Yamaha P125?
I am so sorry I missed your comment...
Ironically, my spare/backup keyboard is the same: the P125, and no, it doesn't have MIDI in or out. My keyboard technician cousin told me that I would need a MIDI Host Box. This would take the USB Host Out of the P125, In to the MIDI Host Box... then take MIDI Out of the MIDI Host Box to MIDI In of you MIDI Tone Generator (such as the MKS-20).
(Example here: www.amazon.com/dp/B074NGTGHN/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_glt_fabc_YTFJAZSMGTZEVMHAF9HW?pldnSite=1)
***PLEASE NOTE: I have not purchased or tested one of these yet, so I cannot say for sure that it works. If anyone has experience with these, please feel free to chime in.
Kraft Music puts out some great Demos/Reviews... check it out here, it may have some info on MIDI: ua-cam.com/video/GUVgnka93fg/v-deo.html
Is it possible to adjust to sound of piano Collard & Collard?... You gotta love someone.
Hi Evan, thanks for the great video! I too am after the Elton sound. I recently acquired the MKS20 and Motif racks and today I got my hands on the same mixing board as you. All I need now is a stage piano. I did look at the CP4 but it looks like it has been discontinued & I can’t find one anywhere. Do you have any recommendations of a good alternative?
In terms of sound output, could I ask whether you know of any good headphones that will give the sound justice? Further, what speakers do you use when performing/for your monitor?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Will...
The CP4 is a hell of a piano and its lifespan on the market lasted (I believe) 4-5 years. I love it so much that I've had it repaired now multiple times (from rocking out haha) just because I don't want to move-on from it.
Christine McVie with Fleetwood Mac was one of the first pros I saw using it when she returned to the stage in 2014. I got mine in 2016, replacing my Korg SP300 from 2002. The only piano I cross-shopped with the CP4 at the time was the Roland RD2000, and I have to say, while CP4 had less features... the action and feel IMO were second to none.
The new model(s) to essentially replace the CP4 are the CP73/CP88. The CP73 is a keyboard (73 keys) where as the CP88 (88 keys) is a weighted stage piano like the CP4.
From a design and user-ability standpoint, the CP4 had a more menu-based operation in lieu of a more simplified button layout. Oppositely, while I haven't used it, based on reviews I've watched, the CP88 goes in the other direction, giving you more button/quick-hit controls up-front and keeping menus/settings hunting to a minimum. It reminds me a lot of the Nord Stage 3 in terms of having more button controls... looking more intimidation and complicating than it actually is.
Check out a review from Kraft Music on the CP73 (both function exactly the same) here... it's quite in-depth: ua-cam.com/video/w8s19V9Yjek/v-deo.html
Congrats on the getting you're own Elton Rig and good luck with your piano hunting. Let me know if you have any other questions... I'd be happy to assist in any way I can.
@@20gravedigger11 Thanks Evan! I picked up a Yamaha P90 for the time being which does a decent job!
I do have a couple of questions if you don’t mind. With regard to EQ, I know it will differ depending on what I’m outputting to etc, but what is the general rule of thumb for the mix? What should I be boosting and by how much? What levels do you have your inputs at?
Also, can you recommend any good quality speakers that would do the sound justice & may be used for live performances? Cheers buddy 👍🏼
@@WillEvans_ Nice... for EQ-ing, to my ear, the MKS-20 really needs a lot of boost. I'm talking like full EQ boost across the frequencies. The Motif PowerGrand Voice doesn't need as much because it's a very punchy, bright sound to begin with.
If you have an email you don't mind sharing, I'll gladly send you a pic of my board so you can see how much I've boosted things, etc. Remember, even when trying to replicate, sound is extremely subjective, so you may find I have over boosted some frequencies... but for my ears and monitors, I've found a happy spot for myself. Depending on your speakers, mixer, and phones... you may need make some tweaks.
In terms of gain, I do about 65-70% MKS and 30-35% Motif, while also mixing in some of the natural sampling CX Grand on the CP4 as well.
If you have an email you don't mind sharing, I'll gladly send you a photo of my mixer so you have some reference of my mix.
Since this video has gotten some attention... Here is my latest recording:
ua-cam.com/video/kk4_VnS1BQM/v-deo.html
Hey I have a question. I bought my Motif rack. And I got it hooked up and I got the multis working. But can't get the voices to make any sound. Is this something I can fix or is there something wrong wrong with my unit? Please help!
So the first question is: Are you going Out of the Motif Rack with a 1/4" Cable into a Mixer? That's the only way you will hear anything (unless you're using the 1/4" Headphone jack in the front of the unit). Any kind of MIDI Rack/Module needs to go to a mixer for sound projection... Output will NOT redirect back and project from your piano speakers. Therefore, from a mixer, you would use the 1/4" Headphone jack to hear your mix when you're just playing for yourself, or take an output from that to a PA speaker(s).
Evan I fixed it! The previous owner had it on the wrong midi channel. I had to get it receiving on 1. It was receiving on 3. Thanks anyway! I'm looking forward to more videos! Post some!!! The Funeral for a friend was Awesome!!!!!
Great video!, any idea which is the extra pad he only uses during Rocket Man when he plays solo as can be heard on the choruses in this version... ua-cam.com/video/ObV-6BiMtT8/v-deo.html
Hm Evan I think you will have just forced me to go and spend some money. Got to have this sound lol!!
It really is so unique. And yes, concert pianists probably would hate it... but for Elton's application, it's truly so awesome Live. It's fat, it's rich, and it cuts... that's everything you want from a Live piano sound in a big room.
@@20gravedigger11 I agree totally. It's not like a real grand piano (I have a grand at home) but it works so well and I am so used to hearing it in his music it's distinctively engrained in my head. Most modern stage pianos with the latest sampling and modelling struggle to achieve that live cutting quality. Closest I have found to be my Nord with the Bright S4 sample and it's amazing these old rack samples are still sounding great today. The One Night Only concert I have compared piano samples to for years. (The Your Song track with Ronan Keating let's it be heard particularly nicely don't you think?) Thankyou for sharing the secret recipe :-)
Cool video,but you should’ve gave us at least a sample of the piano sound.
Here is a sample... ua-cam.com/video/1dClyWBza2E/v-deo.html -- but, there is also a link pinned in the comments with samples.