Yamaha KX76
The KX-76 by Yamaha, along with the KX-88 are to my knowledge the first MIDI master keyboard controllers on the market. Released in the mid 80's (approximately '85 or '84?), the KX-76 was a six octave keyboard (76 keys) designed very closely in appearance to the original DX7. The concept behind the Midi master keyboard controller is for it to be the keyboard from which the user controls and plays all other Midi modules and keyboards. Therefore the KX-76 makes no sound of it's own, triggering it's sounds from other Midi devices.
This concept of a keyboard that manages the Midi of an entire setup is a good idea, and the KX series included many features such as programmable sliders, pedals, mod wheels and buttons; splitable, layerable and zoned keyboard; the ability to setup custom velocity curves and many other features that were ahead of it's time. Unfortuantly the KX series was flawed by a cryptic programming interface that offered little in visual feedback (2 two digit LEDs). This didn't stop the KX series from being a success; however, as the KX series remained in production for many years, well into the '90's. I would venture to guess that this is because of the outstanding playability of the instruments and their solid construction.
Average Advertised Price:
$400 to 800
Jetboy's Humble Opinion Of Worth:
$500 for an exellent condition unit. $350 for a decent one. Their value is in their playability, and not much else.
Jetboy's Review: A very solid and dependable unit that is very inviting to play due to it's great keyboard action. I keep mine midied up to my Oberheim OB-3 organ module for playing all those great Hammond licks that I keep pretending I know how to play.
