80's Pop/Rock set Vintage keys

[aron]

The last time someone obsessed about the sound being exactly the same, the person was also obsessing about the part being played exactly the same.

That was when I was in High School.

Since then I've learned that the sounds don't have to be nailed exactly, just executed properly. I've heard plenty of the original bands not using the same stuff/sounds exactly as recorded.

However, that being said, more and more bands are using tracks and in that case, yes, it can sound pretty close to the original.

At some point, if it has to be that close, just play with tracks or sequencer. IMO.

[PinkFloydDudi]

The last time someone obsessed about the sound being exactly the same, the person was also obsessing about the part being played exactly the same.

That was when I was in High School.

Really? Cause while the random drunk guy in the corner of the bar might not care, I most definitely see most people as caring how things sound. You don't have to necessarily obsess to the point that you are looking at the wave form coming out...but it should be pretty close.

Since then I've learned that the sounds don't have to be nailed exactly, just executed properly. I've heard plenty of the original bands not using the same stuff/sounds exactly as recorded.

As the original band who wrote the song, they have every right to change it all they want. As a cover band who is trying to replicate the sound, you don't have that luxury.

However, that being said, more and more bands are using tracks and in that case, yes, it can sound pretty close to the original.

At some point, if it has to be that close, just play with tracks or sequencer. IMO.

Pressing play for a sequence isn't "playing" the keyboards IMO. Again, if I see someone sequence the opening to a Journey song, I immediately think less of them as a keyboard player (a lot less, since those parts aren't hard).

In my area, there is pretty steep competition for 70's and 80s rock cover bands. If you aren't top notch, nobody will be coming to your show.

Hell one of the guys who played bass in a local classic rock cover band got picked up by Lou Gramm (Foreigner) to play in the Lou Gramm Band on tour.

If you are a cover band that wants to put your own spin on things, fair enough...but I'm referring to the guys that really half-ass the sound and their playing (like by sequencing it! or not getting the right sound!).

[BrickPilot]

The last time someone obsessed about the sound being exactly the same, the person was also obsessing about the part being played exactly the same.

That was when I was in High School.
...
IMO.

Ideologies and judgments aside, the point of this thread is that there is a market for same-or-nearly-so "classic rock synth" sounds for the Kronos. An enterprising sound creator could readily make some money if they produce some quality work along these lines. Whether anyone chooses to buy them or use them, for whatever reason, is their own choice.

Let's not let this devolve into a discussion as to whether or not someone is obsessive / a hack / an unoriginal peon, just because they want to use sound X instead of X' or Y.

The Kronos has immense and nearly bottomless capability for creating new and exciting sounds, but was purpose built with engines that can faithfully reproduce old sounds as well. Not utilizing all facets of this fantastic piece of equipment would be a shame, IMO.

[aron]

As the original band who wrote the song, they have every right to change it all they want. As a cover band who is trying to replicate the sound, you don't have that luxury.

What about the original band that uses tracks? I've seen an awful lot of those for sure.

I could understand wanting the sounds to be as close as possible - but at what point do you call it quits? I mean, in reality it's a copy band. Every thing is "not real". Since we are not going out with a real Oberheim, surely almost any basic sawtooth patch - synth style will work for "Jump"??? Or maybe not?

I am sure that there are lots of people that want their band to sound as close as possible to the recording. I'm just not so sure there are original bands that sound as close themselves - that's all.

However, if you can sound that close and emulate all of those plugins and parts and keyboards, more power to you for sure!!!!

I am not talking about the type of bands that copy everything - looks, clothes, equipment etc... Just your top 40 cover band.

> In my area, there is pretty steep competition for 70's and 80s rock cover bands. If you aren't top notch, nobody will be coming to your show

OK, yes, I am not talking about your type of "pro" copy band. Just the typical top 40. What area is this? Sounds pretty tough music-wise.

And yes, there's always a market for good sounds. I thought that Motif sound programs sounded pretty darn good.

[aron]

but was purpose built with engines that can faithfully reproduce old sounds as well

Good point. I wish you could daisy chain more pedals in the effects loops of the electric pianos. Also, like you said, there's probably a market for nailing the old sounds of recordings with a Rhodes, Clavinet and Wurlitzer - something like Kurzweil did with the PC3.

[shawnhar]

The necessary accuracy depends very much on the song and sound in question.

Absolutely, any raw sawtooth patch will work for "Jump", but that's pretty much the simplest possible synth sound so not really a typical example

And of course, some bands prefer to reinterpret songs as opposed to sounding like the original, in which case accuracy of sound is irrelevant to their musical goals.

But...

I played my wife (who is not a musician and has no interest in synths or sound programming) the demo for those Motif patches, and she recognized every song within the first couple of bars. No need to wait for the main melody to come in: just a couple of notes from an arpeggiated C major chord, using a DX EP sound with just the right kind of pad behind it, is enough for her to know the song and start singing the tune.

Sure, you could do an interesting cover of that song with different sounds, but if you played that same arpeggio on a significantly different patch, she would not have recognized it the same way.

This is a powerful thing if your goal is for the first few notes of a performance to trigger the audience to react "oh hell yeah", get up on the dance floor, start singing along, etc.

[aron]

This is a powerful thing if your goal is for the first few notes of a performance to trigger the audience to react "oh hell yeah", get up on the dance floor, start singing along, etc.

I disagree. The more powerful thing is alcohol - and lots of it!

[Dniss]

That sure would make a good starting list!

Soooo...who wants to get started? lol.

Seriously? I know nothing about creating sounds asides from the basics. But if I did and had the spare time, I would do it.

It would sell like hot cakes, I have no doubt.

[Dniss]

If you are playing this song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7p2NJfGKxk
(Journey, Separate Ways)

You had better have that sound nailed (IMO).

It's kinda funny you mentionned that one, I stumbled on something almost identical while playing around with the param.

[Dniss]

+1 For me, it's all about sounding like the record if you're playing covers.

I totally agree. Makes you look professional and willing to ge the extra mile for the audience.

I wouldn't want to nail ELP Lucky man solo with anything different.

[aron]

I don't know how you guys can cover all of the parts on the record now days. Especially all the synth parts if you have to do everything from the 80's as well.

Amazing.

[NuSkoolTone]

Gotta chime in here and say I can't stress ENOUGH how much accurate keyboard sounds give your band credibility as PROFESSIONALS vs. weekend warrior HACKS.

People NOTICE! When we get comments like "Keyboards really sets you guys apart" on our website, I know the time I invest in creating those sounds was worth the effort. I'm not sure if it's great or not, but we've often been told by patrons they didn't realize we went back on and "thought it was the CD".

So if you're listening Korg, any banks of all the classic recognizable sounds that find their way into OS 1.5 will NOT go unappreciated!

[Dniss]

I guess it depends what band is being covered. Some I don't care, others a close match will do, others have to be as close as possible.

But when we're talking about classic keyboard piece, I'm a purist. It may not be rational, but I find real pleasure in this.

[SanderXpander]

Of course it depends somewhat on the song and sound. Sometimes an organ is just an organ, and any fast strings patch might do for a disco classic. But mostly I'm with Shawnhar; if you want people to get that instant party vibe within a few bars, you better nail the signature sound from the song. We play One by Swedish House Mafia, and Just Dance from Lady Gaga for instance. They would be useless to play without those instantly recognizable synth leads, in my opinion.

[BrickPilot]

We play One by Swedish House Mafia, and Just Dance from Lady Gaga for instance.

Hey, get in line pal. Classic Rock collections are first.