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Hi all,

I thought I would ask everyone's expertise in this forum.

I tried an M50 73 in a music store today, and I could swear that it had a different feeling keybed than my 61...is this possible? Without a 61 key version to try on the spot, I could only go by my imagination thinking of my 61 at home....

My early M50 advertisement pamplets state that the 61 and 73 key version have the same description keyboard (I forget the name they gave it). But the 73 key version I tried today felt different. It almost had the feel of the M3 - shorter "throw" in the key action is the first thing I noticed.

Although I have gotten used to my M50 61's action, I always felt it was one of the less-desirable aspects of this synth.

Anyone else have a similar experience? Could the M50 73 I saw today in the store have an improved keyboard? (Being that it is factory-new, and of an up-to-date standard including possible changes to the keyboard action?)

I appreciate you taking the time to read this!

We have one of each and we haven't noticed any difference between the two keybeds.

mike

I've ALWAYS felt that the 61 and 73 felt differently (73 seemingly less cheap). They are exactly the same (I've torn them both down) but the construction of the 73 makes it feel more solid.

Hey DoctorMo and McHale,

Thanks for the input.

I am now thinking there may have been changes to the keybed on a newer production run of instruments. I just tried out a "new" M50 61 as well, and it felt different to me. Is it possible that newer M50s now have a slightly different design in the keyboard? Is there a phenomena whereas when you try a piano in a different surrounding it affects tactile senses?!?

My M50 is an earlier serial number, bought second-hand. I think the only way I will figure this out is if I bring my keyboard in and set it next to the newer one.

I'm sure the employees will be looking at me strangely...well, that's how it goes when you play keys! Even the slightest difference in key action makes quite a difference.

Okay, Okay,

It appears there is no difference when comparing the "new" M50s in the store and the one I have at home. I took a tiny draftsman's ruler into the store, and measured both the 73 and 61 key's throw. They throw approx 1cm each.

Sure enough, when I went home, I found my M50 61 to be exactly the same. Why do they feel so different to me? Different tension in the keys or something?

...the only thing I can think of is that I am trying the keyboards at the store standing up whereas I sit and play when I am at home. That might make for a different feel to me.

That 73 key version just feels so nice though...!

Personally I find the M50 keybed spongy. For me is harder to use for leads than for chords, that's why I have it below my Wavestation on a 2 keyboard setup or at my left side on 3 keyboard setup. My main keyboard is the Wavestation, sharing the same keybed as the M1 and Triton series, is simply a joy to play with. I also use some of its internal sounds from time to time.

I know what you mean, Martin,

I have had a really hard time adjusting to the M50's keyboard. I love the sounds, and can't bring myself to purchase another synth just to use as a controller!

I'm kind of waiting to see what the Kronos sounds like - if it actually sounds like a $3000 keyboard (or however much it will cost...) I might consider that. It also would have to sport an acceptable key action, unlike the M50 where I feel I have had to comprimise.