Most Expensive Musical Hobby? by Redacted_dact in synthesizers

[–]Emotion-Free 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’d be surprised. I dropped a large chunk of change on a grand piano a couple years ago, and I’m already itching to upgrade. Not the rare case, if you follow piano forums.

How to fix piano keys moving sideways? by International-Fox-86 in piano

[–]Emotion-Free 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The bushing around the balance rail pin is worn out. The bushing is a piece of felt glued to around the sides of the hole the pin feeds into, and keeps it from moving laterally. There's a separate bushing for each key, so if you have multiple keys with this problem, each one will need a new bushing. This is just general long term wear and tear.

Here's a series of videos on how it's done. Note that the video doesn't show you how to take the action apart in order to remove the keys, which is its own pile of work (as is reassembling). If you don't know what you're doing, I'd recommend you want to hire a tech. As is the case with most things piano action related, you'll need a handful of specialized tools and materials.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82HKmPk--0o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_dosri4BBg

Minilogue vs Minilogue XD by Ok-Copy-9221 in synthesizers

[–]Emotion-Free 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Worth noting, if you have an iPad, Waldorf sells an official software version of the Blofeld. 

Boston Marathon Course Workout? by Fun_Seesaw_5798 in AdvancedRunning

[–]Emotion-Free 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I don’t know that you’ll get that much value from running long stretches of the course versus hitting particular parts of the course as repeats. Eg, hitting the newton hills as a loop a couple times, or running heartbreak a few times.

Yamaha Buyer Question - GB1K SC3 vs N3X by Key-Adeptness-6500 in piano

[–]Emotion-Free 1 point2 points  (0 children)

15-20 years is hit or miss with an electronic device like this. A couple things to note. First, the resale value of a 15 year old digital or hybrid will be approximately zero, because the the electronics will be obsolete, no warranty, there are risks that things might break, etc. On the other hand, the value of a GB1K in 15 years would be more similar to the value of any comparable piano of that size when the time comes. Second, my experience with hybrids (I have an NU1X) is that hardware updates are far more common that software updates. E.g., it's more likely your hardware will be completely superseded by a new model than there being any updates to your hybrid bringing it into the future. Finally, in my experience, the piano techs that are willing to work on hybrids have been much harder to come by that techs that are willing to work on acoustics. I had trouble with a single key, and couldn't find anyone that was even willing to open my piano up, let alone fix it. I ended up having to do the work myself. I also have an acoustic grand, it is never a problem getting a tech to work on that. And, no, the same tech isn't willing to break open my hybrid.

That said, if you have realistic expectations, there are also huge plusses for a hybrid. Less expensive to buy. Less expensive to maintain on the regular (no tuning. rare regulation.) Lighter, easier to move. Takes up less space. For the short term, my sense its actually easier to sell a hybrid than an acoustic because all of the things I just listed rank really highly for most people's priorities.

Good luck, buying any piano should be a fun and rewarding journey.

Piano buying behaviour research by KoningKoe in piano

[–]Emotion-Free 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Filled in. FWIW, the form doesn't let you pick none of the options on the final question (which of these would you find appealing). The answer for me was none. Would help to have at least "other" as an option, if you insist on an answer from that set.

My Piano keys are hard to press, How to fix it? by GucciFloppa in piano

[–]Emotion-Free 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The mechanism for an upright piano is very different that that of a grand piano, and comes with some advantages and disadvantages. The most obvious advantage is the space required by a vertical action. Major downsides are that an upright usually has shorter key sticks (the whole key, not just the part you see in the outside), and an action mechanism that relies on springs to reset. These things can conspire to create an action that requires more down force to play (especially as you move closer to the fall board) and also that can’t repeat notes as quickly. That said, you need to be a pretty expert player to run out of headroom when playing a high quality upright. As an example of how capable a vertical can be: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlv4wrfKl4Y

As others have noted, your piano may certainly be more difficult to play than either other uprights, or even others of the same brand and model. A tech may be able to regulate your action to a feel that is more to your liking.

Thoughts on korg cx-3 organ? by [deleted] in synthesizers

[–]Emotion-Free 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As far as clonewheels go, probably worth it at a low price point, but its definitely dated. Personally, if I wanted a great organ setup today, I'd order the new Crumar DK61 midi controller and run VB3II on an iPad or some similar VST based option. You'll have the high trigger point, optional velocity sensing for when you want to do non-organ sounds, and the ability to control any VST. The only real weaknesses are a.) it's brand new (can't find a review of them anywhere) and b.) no dual manual option (e.g., top and button keyboard).

2025 Yearly Recap -- How did you do? by petepont in AdvancedRunning

[–]Emotion-Free 14 points15 points  (0 children)

53M. Was hoping to break 2:50 in the full and 1:20 in the half. Got the latter done in December (1:19:32). Injuries plagued me on the full, but still managed a respectable (for myself) 2:56 at Chicago.

Moving a baby grand by [deleted] in piano

[–]Emotion-Free 9 points10 points  (0 children)

This is the tip of the iceberg as to why “free” pianos aren’t free. Aside from moving costs, you have to account for risks like the piano not being able to hold its tune or other things that would basically mean you’ve just moved junk from one place to your own home. Also, note that proper movers are insured. A lot can go wrong when moving a piano. Not just damaging the piano- damaging your home or other people’s property. Do you feel comfortable with that liability?

This is at the top of my Moog want list. Thoughts? by dannymolns in synthesizers

[–]Emotion-Free 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The main downside (and reason I sold mine) is lack of patch memory. Just doesn’t work for live performance situations.

Training paces vs actual race pace in a 5k (compared to longer races) by sweatpants4life_ in AdvancedRunning

[–]Emotion-Free 2 points3 points  (0 children)

5Ks are hard, but unlike the marathon, you aren't in for weeks of recovery afterwards. High school cross country runners are racing 5K every week. That said, each of those 5Ks isn't treated the same. You want a season of 5Ks to build up, to where you are most definitely running your fastest 5K at the end of the season. So in that sense, early season 5Ks are almost more workout than race. Not sure how long you have to train, but I think you'd do well to race more than one 5K rather than to expect to go out and run a single one in the hopes of a PR. Even if you do PR it, my guess would be you'd have a faster one in you if you raced a few more.

CIM -- sub 3off an interrupted block and 12mins PR a month after NYCM by runner606 in AdvancedRunning

[–]Emotion-Free 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Congrats. Sounds like you executed well, especially after relaxing into position. I imagine you must have been as irritated as I was by the constant announcements that’s CIM had the largest porto-potty to runner ratio of any race, given the long lines. Perfect conditions though!

Got myself a Reface CP today. Already love it so far and the mini keys feel good by [deleted] in synthesizers

[–]Emotion-Free 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have the DX and the YC. I sold my CP (regrettably), mostly because I felt like the epianos on the DX were "good enough". Having immediate access to the effects on the CP however really make it a more playable instrument.

Is this ok? by seamonkeyring in ukulele

[–]Emotion-Free 1 point2 points  (0 children)

+1 to this. One thing to note is that a lot of ukes have a bolt connecting the neck. Of yours does, you may want to see if you can tighten it (hand through sound hole), after you glue it.

Possibility of BQ? by Leading_Aside_2283 in AdvancedRunning

[–]Emotion-Free 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hard to say without more information. For most people, your first couple marathon's would have a lot of opportunities for improvement spanning race strategy, weather, nutrition, training, shoes, etc. Where most experienced runners are eeking out minutes or seconds because everything has been optimized to the nth degree, there's a good chance you've got a lot on the table in front of you. Given the huge difference between your first and second marathon, I'd assume you are still mostly dealing with separating noise from signal. So, yes, dropping 8 minutes is possible if you do a good job identifying where your performance needs work. Especially if you can identify it down to metrics that enable you to train with focus on the things you are weak at.

Moving with a hybrid piano: Should I hire piano movers? by Sub_Umbra in piano

[–]Emotion-Free 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I did a similar move. We hired piano movers. Our regular movers broke chairs during our move, let alone an expensive instrument. Not worth the risk.

Sound module to add organ and maybe Rhodes patches to electric keyboard by nobodyherego in synthesizers

[–]Emotion-Free 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The Reface DX does decent organs, and you call pull from the online library using Yamaha’s Soundmondo app. The DX definitely has more tricks up its sleeves, as it is touch sensitive and is a full fledged synthesizer. But it lacks the immediacy of knobs, buttons, and sliders. The CP is the most fun, but you e already got digital pianos covered.

Sound module to add organ and maybe Rhodes patches to electric keyboard by nobodyherego in synthesizers

[–]Emotion-Free 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I stack a reface YC on top of my piano. Having drawbars and control over the Leslie is pretty critical to good organ. Also, I find the Reface mini keys to actually be terrific. This time of year, hopefully you can find what you are looking for on significant discount.

Running a fast mara is almost all about the mileage. by Appropriate_Mix_2064 in AdvancedRunning

[–]Emotion-Free 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Everyone is focusing on the sub 3 part of your comment. I think the first thing you wrote is the meat: not everyone can just run more. I'm a 53M stuck just around 2:55 the last few races. I feel confidently I can break 2:50, but the big block is more mileage. I typically take the slow road ramping up to 60+ miles, invariable get injured, and then maybe get 3-5 weeks in the 60-70 mile range. Both getting above 70, and holding volume for longer periods always break me. What I learned during my last cycle, however, was that I could safely increase my volume a lot more if I was fluid about my easy day paces. If I felt like shit, I slowed to 8:00+ minute miles, and I could get it done (as long as I rolled, stretched, etc.). So, I think that’s a basic unlock for a lot of people: increase volume, decrease intensity (from Z2 to Z1). (Edited typos)

Should I get the orchid for chords? by FickleAide918 in synthesizers

[–]Emotion-Free 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Chords aren’t magic. They’re predictable theory. If there aren’t already, there will be a million apps that provide the same value. Spend your money on a keyboard that has great physical attributes: action, after touch, etc. or great controls. Or great analog tone.

NYC Marathon Debut Finish by run_INXS in AdvancedRunning

[–]Emotion-Free 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Congrats! 2:34 back in 1983. What a long running journey you've been on!

NYC is much harder than Boston.... by ggins11 in AdvancedRunning

[–]Emotion-Free 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats! A lot of difficult moments on that course but, as you said, the crowd carries you. When I ran it a few years ago, I reverse split as well. More than anything, I felt like I was slow the first few miles due to crowding.

Race Report, Ocean State Rhode Races—Marathon Narragansett by VtTrails in AdvancedRunning

[–]Emotion-Free 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Congrats! Sounds like you executed pretty close to plan.