?new.....I wonder about VTPO'ers experience

[orgoblo]

Hi

I am a VTPO'er. Built 5 manual console...custom stacked Berhigner 61 note MIDI k/g's. Just decased and built staick to AGO specs. Pretty much a kluge but it is stable, reliable and El Cheapo!! I added programmable 25 momentary 'on' buttons (eg: pistons) per division. Also MIDI'ed pedal and 4 shoes. A pair of touchscreens are custom mounted (close in) each side of stack. I DON'T USE THESE (voice selection)...believe it or not. I rely on the divisional and general pistons. This is all fine but still looks like a prototype

Anyhoo....I am considering a new console: something like OrganWorks stacks, etc. Maybe an MDS. BUT....I wonder: What might YOUR experience with YOUR DIY?? Are you satisfied? How do YOU manage voice selection (eg: touchscreens, MIDI touch pads, maybe even keys of a 61 note Behinger...sorta like the Hammond presets)?? I'd be interested. I DON'T see a lot to be gained in m case from migrating to what may be something that looks more appealing. As I say..mine plays well, feels good and just plain works. WHen is 'good enough' Good enough?? A dumb question.

I just thought of this idea for a VTPO with piston issues: Consdier stacking 88 note keyboards and dedicate the left ocatve 'plus' to presets...like those on the Hammond organ. I mean...can you spell this system to look like 'PRESIDENT AND CEO OF 'UGLY TOWN VTPO SYSTEMS'>> ;*() ..but if it works for you, and you'd have presents, why not? But what do I know.
Thank you forum.

Best
Dave

[rjsilva]

I have considered a DIY but haven't (yet), but I can say I wouldn't use touchscreens. I think tactile feedback is a pleasure and important so I'd use standard console controls. Currently I run my computer headless with my 90's Viscount console. The occasional times I need to interact with the computer I use VNC from my phone or Screen Share from my other Mac.

[orgoblo]

Hi rj

Agreed on touchscreen. I invariably end up making more than the single tab I seek ..on the fly / I rely on cost-effective pistons...many per divisioin.

[jbird604]

I'm in the early stages of my project. Got an old Rodgers console MIDI-ed up and about ready to bring home. Pistons will surely be my main means of registration, as I totally understand the touch screen drawbacks, though a touch-screen is more or less essential for setting up the pistons and for the occasional hand registration. To me, the touch-screen is a practical and affordable way to access the stops of a VPO, as a mouse is awkward, and it's all but impossible to have enough real tabs or knobs to accommodate all the stops in a big sample set. The touch-screen obviates the need for any kind of hardware capture action or system to light up your stops, cutting down on the cost and complexity of a VPO.

The touch-screen also has the advantage of being able to display the stops in their correct arrangement and layout. Others have of course done it with tabs or knobs, and I would certainly give that a shot if I had enough of them. A nice big Allen console with lots of stops could work for a pretty big sample set, and if the built-in capture system is left intact, that makes it even better.

Would love to see pics of your setup. I have a thread going about mine, though I haven't added any pics recently. Hope to get back into it in a week or two, once I bring the console home.

[lizny]

I'm midway through my console conversion. I haven't made a decision or choice about touchscreens. Right now I'm using a mouse and regular screen because I had them kicking around. I I set the pistons and toestuds to some favorite combinations for the lessons and pieces I'm working on, and when I want to experiment or reset them, I use the mouse. The next big step in the conversion is getting the physical stops going - at that point I'll just use them for the controls, or my most frequently used ones. When I've done that for a while I'll think about whether I still need touchscreens or what other physical controls might be helpful. I'm thinking a small knob and LCD screen to switch between favorite organs.

[jbird604]

It's always good to go with whatever you have available. Since I had to order a computer for the VPO, having nothing on hand except my very old and inadequate laptop, I went ahead and got a good-sized touch-screen monitor with it. But I do use the mouse at times, as the touch-screen turns out to be a bit dodgy when trying to hit a smallish button or tab in the midst of playing. I'll soon have my "customized" MIDI console at home, which will have a shelf built just for the touch-screen, close by the music desk. Once the screen is within easy reach I should be able to use it more effectively.

Still thinking that pistons are going to have to play a very large role, and I'm planning to have a LOT of them.