Technics, Lowrey, or Roland?

[RayDF]

In Florida, I note that a Technics SX-G100, Lowrey Majesty, or Roland AT-80R are around the same price in the current market. I know that these instruments are quite different but I wonder which one would be the "easiest" to use for the musical enthusiast that is not a very good musician, such as myself. I currently use a new to me Technics SX-EA5 and I'm amazed at the tremendous possibilities of this instrument. Given this, I can only wonder how much better would a G100 be and that's my current target for my next upgrade.

Even so, I wonder about the Lowrey Majesty (much more impressive physically than a G100) or a Roland AT-80R? Could one of these instruments "beat" the technics G100 with respect to ease of use for the musically challenged (i.e., accompaniments and voice presets)?

Thanks in advance for your guidance on this.

Ray
Miami FL
Technics SX-EA5

[andyg]

If you're looking for lots of 'assistance' from the easy play systems, styles and the presets etc, the Lowrey will give you the easiest ride.

As for sound, only you can make that decision. I'd go for the G100, as it's my kind of instrument, one that needs to be 'played' more than the Lowrey. I love its ability to mimic other classic electronic organs like Conn, Lowrey and Gulbransen. The Roland has some great sounds but is a little long in the tooth for me as Rolands go, I much prefer the AT80S and SL versions, very different instruments to the original 80 and the 80R.

[lparsons21]

I agree with Andy even though I own an Lowrey Palladium. The Majesty is a great organ and will do lots of the work of playing for you with its autos and chord assistance. But it does what it does and can't do any more. ie; no adding tones or actual styles to it.

The G100 would be a great upgrade as it would add just more of the stuff you see on the EA5. I had the EA5 and loved it, but there is only so much room. For a person that likes to play with the organ as much or more as play, the G100 would be hard to beat. So many things can be done and changed in significant ways.

[RayDF]

Thanks for the advice! It does seem that the G100 is the way to go.

[seamaster]

I think that advice has to tempered by a recognition that Technics no longer makes organs and has not done so for several years. Spares and service may or may not be a concern. Lowery and Roland are still in the game.

[lparsons21]

So true, parts are an issue. And that is also true of many of the older Rolands and Lowreys, although maybe not as sparse and hard to find as the Technics parts are getting to be, but still an issue.

With Lowrey, the company only has parts going back a very few years and I've read that parts for the LX series from Lowrey are in very short supply. The LX series are not that old either.

[healsing]

So true, parts are an issue. And that is also true of many of the older Rolands and Lowreys, although maybe not as sparse and hard to find as the Technics parts are getting to be, but still an issue.

With Lowrey, the company only has parts going back a very few years and I've read that parts for the LX series from Lowrey are in very short supply. The LX series are not that old either.

There has been a shift regarding Technics Parts. There is a website where all parts are listed for the GA FA organs. I did contact Panasonic and speak with a representative and the parts are available. Here is the link:

http://www.pstc.panasonic.com/Epartr...ListChoice.asp

Rob

[RayDF]

Another interesting option for about the same investment is to add a Roland BK-7m Backing Module and interface it through MIDI with the existing SX-EA5 (which is in pristine condition in every way.) I read elsewhere that Lloyd has experimented with this to excellent results with his Lowrey Palladium, as I recall. Would this backing module interface as well with the older Technics SX-EA5?

If so, that could propel the SX-EA5 to 2011 with respect to styles and sounds, while keeping everything else as is.

Ray
Miami FL
Technics SX-EA5

[lparsons21]

The MIDI on the EA5 is very much good enough to use the BK7M. Simple connections and as you say, bring some new, more modern styles to it. And many of the sounds from the BK would be a very much welcome addition.

That said, one of the downsides of the BK is that if you want to use some of the EA and some of the BK you can do it, but not with the presets on the EA. I suspect that just like with the Palladium, when you push a Technics preset it will change some things on the BK too.

I was questioned in another forum as to why I wanted to add the BK to my Palladium. The answer at the time was to gain some styles and voices. And that is true. But the other gain was that I got the saxes and clarinets that are excellent from the BK and the only way to do that with Lowrey was to move to the Sterling. At $1K, the BK was one hell of a lot cheaper than upgrading to a Sterling!!

[RODDDIEHL]

Also consider Yamaha Electones.

The EL90 and ELX-1 AND 1M Electones can blow your socks off but have to be learned. Once you get the hang of it you get GREAT sounds.

Most voices have 3 layers of possible modifications. You can actually make the solo voices cry. OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a Majesty and an ELX-1. The ELX-1 is the better machine.

I MIDI my Yamaha keyboard to both to get the latest rhythms. Same results as using up a BK7M but a little more involved. (Procedures are published in the Crafty Music Forum)