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  • Lowrey GX1 vs Technics SX-EX35



    <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; line-height: 15px; ">I posted this in a Lowrey group and thought it might be informative here as well.<br style="line-height: 1.22em; "><br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">Appearance &amp; control grouping<br style="line-height: 1.22em; "><br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">GX1 - The GX1 looks more like an organ. Lots of wood, lighted front <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">panel and buttons. Just a grand look about it. But setting things up <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">makes your hands run all over the front panel. Voices to the left and <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">right, volumes all on the right, and of course the keypad that is <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">quite important.<br style="line-height: 1.22em; "><br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">EX35 - Functional in design. Very plain looking and somewhat <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">austere. Voicing controls are all on the left, most have individual <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">volumes for the group (Poly, orchestral, solo), as well as an overall <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">volume setting.<br style="line-height: 1.22em; "><br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">Winners : GX1 for looks, EX35 for control groupings<br style="line-height: 1.22em; "><br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">Voicing :<br style="line-height: 1.22em; "><br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">GX1 - many more voices, including a pretty complete set of flutes. <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">Tab voicings quite easy to change around, while orchestral and solo <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">voicings can be a bit of a PITA as the numeric keypad comes into <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">play. The flutes of the GX1 are superb, but the other instruments are <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">a bit 'not real'. Nice sounding, but you would never mistake the <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">GX1's trumpet for the real thing.<br style="line-height: 1.22em; "><br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">EX35 - Fewer voices, but more control of the voices. Flutes a bit <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">lacking (16, 8, 4, 2 on upper w a percussion), (16, 8, 4 on lower). <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">No fractional flutes at all. Orchestral (called special) and Solo <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">voices are mostly dead on. Selecting that same trumpet on the EX35 <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">really does sound like a trumpet, and the Clarinet is just fantastic. <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">Each section (Poly, Special and Solo) has a volume control, so you can <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">control the voicing 'color' better and quite easily. Special and Solo <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">can be used on either the upper or lower keyboard, but not both.<br style="line-height: 1.22em; "><br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">Overall sound :<br style="line-height: 1.22em; "><br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">I have to give the edge here to the EX35. The EX35 has excellent bass <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">and plenty of bass voicings while the GX1's bass is weak with fewer <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">selections, imo. Also the EX35 has a small speaker on each side of <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">the upper keyboard that really makes the sound to the player much <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">better while the GX1 plays to your knees. At higher volumes, the EX35 <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">has a smoother sound, while the GX1 can get a little harsh (not bad, <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">just a little bit).<br style="line-height: 1.22em; "><br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">Automatics :<br style="line-height: 1.22em; "><br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">GX1 - tons of automatics, and cartridges for when you need more. <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">Great rhythms and accompaniment with good voicings. Some variation <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">allowed that is very nice and some melody in the accompaniment. For <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">upper keyboard, harmony is very nice, offering an easy way to change <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">it a bit from open to closed and such.<br style="line-height: 1.22em; "><br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">EX35 - Again tons of automatics, lots of rhythms and good <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">accompaniment with good voicings. Each rhythmic accompaniment has 2 <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">variations, each variation being either somewhat plain, or more <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">melodic with a seperate control. Upper keyboard harmony is about the <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">same as the GX1, with a few different selections available. One thing <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">that the EX35 has that the GX1 doesn't is one-button setup. Pick a <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">rhythm, push a button and everything is set up, upper, lower, pedals, <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">all of it. Makes just sitting down and starting to play a bit quicker <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">and is very convenient at times.<br style="line-height: 1.22em; "><br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">Programmability -<br style="line-height: 1.22em; "><br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">Here the EX35 is just easier, or maybe it is because the book is much <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">better. Setting presets is very simple on the EX35. One method is <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">the VSC (voice setting computer). Make your voice settings, hit the <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">record button, hit a VSC number (1 thru 7) and you're done. The other <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">method is a bit more confusing from the book, but turned out to be <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">just as easy. FSC (Full Setting Computer). Again make voice <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">settings, but add rhythm, accompaniment and most any other setting and <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">hit the record button and FSC (1 thru 5) and it sets the whole thing <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">up. Just like the one-button setup, only controlled by you.<br style="line-height: 1.22em; "><br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">Also recording a chord sequence to that you can just play the melody <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">when you are learning a song is very easy and the book is quite good <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">in the how-to on this function.<br style="line-height: 1.22em; "><br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">The EX35 also has 10 presets built-in that offers voicings not <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">available any other way. While quite good, it doesn't really explain <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">what each setting is, you have to try each to see which you like (or <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">don't).<br style="line-height: 1.22em; "><br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">Chording -<br style="line-height: 1.22em; "><br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">GX1 - Here the GX1 really shines in that you can mix fingered and one- <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">finger chords quite easily. Also the GX1 offers more chord variants <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">with fewer fingers. Excellent.<br style="line-height: 1.22em; "><br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">EX35 - Technics chose to only allow major chords with one finger, <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">minor, 7th and minor 7th are done by pressing a foot pedal or in the <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">case of minor 7th, two foot pedals. For all other chord variants, you <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">must finger them yourself. And while you can go from fingered to one- <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">finger chording, there is a very distinct delay before the organ picks <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">up that you have done it. From one-finger to fingered doesn't have <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">that delay.<br style="line-height: 1.22em; "><br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">Overall I like both the organs just fine. Each has sound and <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">characteristics that make them attractive and very nice. For the <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">rhythms and auto-accompaniments<wbr style="line-height: 1.22em; ">, I like the styling of the SX35 more <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">than the GX1. For broad selection of voicing I like the GX1. For <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">looks, it is a tie. I like both for what they are and how they look.<br style="line-height: 1.22em; "><br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">All of that said, a major downside of any Technics organ is parts <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">availability. They are no longer produced for the US market and <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">reports of parts scarcity are all over the internet. The Lowrey line <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">is much better in this respect. If I were buying a used organ today, <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">I would find myself more willing to pay more for a Lowrey of a given <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">year of production than I would a Technics. In other words, the <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">Technics would have to be a real bargain to even consider it, a few <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">hundred at most for the newest and fanciest of the Technics line would <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">be the most I would pay. That is sad as Technics made some superb <br style="line-height: 1.22em; ">organs.</span></p>

     </p>
    Lloyd
    Lowrey SU-630 Palladium, Lowrey GX-1, Hammond Aurora

  • #2
    Re: Lowrey GX1 vs Technics SX-EX35



    Great review! Thank you very much! </P>


    Regards, oliver</P>

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Lowrey GX1 vs Technics SX-EX35



      [quote user="lparsons21"] <SPAN class=Apple-style-span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 15px; FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"><BR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.22em"><BR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.22em">Overall I like both the organs just fine. Each has sound and<BR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.22em">characteristics that make them attractive and very nice. </SPAN></P>


      <SPAN class=Apple-style-span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 15px; FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"></SPAN>[/quote]</P>


      Great revue Lloyd. I would make just one comment - The Technics was released in 1989 with a retail price here of $AU5595.00 whilst the Lowrey was realeased in 1987 with a retail price of $AU19,700.00. Bit like comparing chalk and cheese, don't you think?</P>


      Cheers, Ian</P>
      sigpic
      Hammond X77GT & Leslie 77P
      Lowrey C500 & Leslie 720/540
      Hammond T524 & Leslie 710
      Gulbransen Theatrum & Leslie 700
      Yamaha EL90T

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Lowrey GX1 vs Technics SX-EX35



        I didn't know that much of a price disparity was there as I bought both of these well used.  When new, those Technics must have been a real bargain.  Which brings up a question.  In the US, Lowrey is famous for fat 'retail prices' while the actual selling prices are much lower, is that the same down under?  Of course, Lowrey in the US is very well known for the constant 'trade up' program around wealthy retirement centers too...  :)</p>

        For info, one GX1 just sold on the US Ebay site for $20.00!  I paid $115 for my Technics.  Now I will be the first to admit that the $20.00 for the GX1 was ridiculously low, but still that is what it sold for. </p>

        I guess my point is that outside of very few models of any brand of organ in the used market, there is little real dollar value in the US market.  Heck over here, giving them away is oft times an effort in futility.  </p>

         </p>
        Lloyd
        Lowrey SU-630 Palladium, Lowrey GX-1, Hammond Aurora

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Lowrey GX1 vs Technics SX-EX35

          [quote user="lparsons21"]


          . In the US, Lowrey is famous for fat 'retail prices' while the actual selling prices are much lower, is that the same down under? Of course, Lowrey in the US is very well known for the constant 'trade up' program around wealthy retirement centers too... :)</P>


          [/quote]</P>


          Hi Lloyd,</P>


          No new Lowrey here any more. Even with heavy discounting off the top of inflated retail prices we still can't afford to buy one. Silly really, because unlike you guys we're not smack in the middle of a recession, just fighting inflation with an unusually strong currency. We could however come to $115 for an EX35 - great buying!</P>


          Ian</P>
          sigpic
          Hammond X77GT & Leslie 77P
          Lowrey C500 & Leslie 720/540
          Hammond T524 & Leslie 710
          Gulbransen Theatrum & Leslie 700
          Yamaha EL90T

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Lowrey GX1 vs Technics SX-EX35

            <P mce_keep="true">Not many of us can afford a new Lowrey. The target market being for rich retirees could be why they are so heavy on "automatics."If I have that kind of money I would get a new Atelier instead.</P>

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Lowrey GX1 vs Technics SX-EX35



              My understanding is that the LIFE membership 'free' lessons are geared around all those automatics too.</p>

              I understand why Lowrey has chosen to market the way they do, but it seems like that is unsustainable over the long haul.  Us 'elder' types these days remember the organs we played or saw when we were younger, so buying one in today's depressed market makes sense.  But what about the next generation of 'elders'?  I mean how many times do you see the story begin "this was my grandmothers/mothers/dads organ..." on Ebay and other sales sites.</p>

              Kind of leads me to believe that the already depressed organ market is going to get more depressed.  And Lowrey could be the worst off if I'm right as they don't really target professional musicians at all.  Kind of sad when you think about it.</p>

               </p>
              Lloyd
              Lowrey SU-630 Palladium, Lowrey GX-1, Hammond Aurora

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Lowrey GX1 vs Technics SX-EX35

                [quote user="lparsons21"]


                I understand why Lowrey has chosen to market the way they do,</P>


                [/quote]</P>


                I don't Lloyd,</P>


                Please explain how, when my kids have decided that I can no longer care for myself and toss me in one of those "twilight homes" or "God's Waiting Rooms" how I can possibly fit a thumping great "Lowrey GZ Omnipotent" or whatever they're called into my little 10x10 room with all my other stuff that they haven't already sold or taken to the landfill. Maybe it would fit into the beautifully appointed ensuite that I have to share with the grubby old geezer next door.[:-*]</P>


                Mytime is marching on,</P>


                Ian</P>
                sigpic
                Hammond X77GT & Leslie 77P
                Lowrey C500 & Leslie 720/540
                Hammond T524 & Leslie 710
                Gulbransen Theatrum & Leslie 700
                Yamaha EL90T

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Lowrey GX1 vs Technics SX-EX35



                  At that point in time, I am not going to be worrying about what the kids do with my organs, electronic or otherwise! :)</p>

                  For info, I'm not exactly a spring chicken myself...</p>

                   </p>
                  Lloyd
                  Lowrey SU-630 Palladium, Lowrey GX-1, Hammond Aurora

                  Comment

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