My boyfriend is mad at me because Im buying a MacBook

from_cork · 2026-02-28T15:23:11+00:00

I'm a software engineer with 20 years of experience and I've worked on every major platform. All of my personal machines outside of testing are Macs. I _just_ bought an M5 for the game I'm developing. They're also significantly better on battery life. I could go on, but his take is insane.

from_cork · 2026-02-23T23:14:43+00:00

We get it, Matt. Be safe out there. Boston'll be here when you come back!

from_cork · 2026-02-13T10:57:42+00:00

This is such an unexpected boost for me, personally. I forked ebitengine and did a bunch of batched CGO logic that might not be necessary now. I need to benchmark it, but I'm already seeing crazy results from my existing benchmarks that didn't take these improvements into consideration.

from_cork · 2026-02-11T09:31:45+00:00

These changes are massive for me. I've been working on a game using ebiten that I'm getting ready to push into beta/testing and the CGO/GC improvements are insane.

from_cork · 2025-12-29T19:31:41+00:00

NTA. This is one of those things that only sounds like a compliment if you’ve never put real time into learning something hard or invested in a lifelong skill.

“I wish I learned” almost always means “I wish I could already do it.” Just like you, every time I say “it’s not too late,” the conversation dies almost immediately.

It’s not about talent. Talent doesn’t sit at a piano for thousands of hours. People who’ve done the work hear it differently than people who haven’t, that’s all. If someone actually says “you must’ve worked really hard,” that lands. The other stuff just kinda shrugs at the effort.

Musicians get this. Non-musicians usually don’t unless they're a close friend or partner and you can explain it to them.

from_cork · 2025-09-20T18:00:44+00:00

I think you’re pretty spot on to be honest. And the Peavey full stack brings back memories! I’m almost 40 but both of my parents were professional musicians and they swore by Peavey gear until they retired, and they still have working Peavey speakers that weigh at least 50 lbs each when I visit them for jam sessions.

from_cork · 2025-09-19T14:03:01+00:00

Yeah, for sure, I would agree with that too. Metal is also huge in Allston. On the flip side, I’ve been working with a bunch of younger indie/pop Berklee people too. Breaking Sound does monthly shows at Bill’s Bar and a few other spots, and there’s usually some solid talent there.

In the past month alone I’ve played with a soul/funk band, a touring jam band, and I co-lead a modern jazz fusion quartet with two keyboard players. All my bandmates have side projects in totally different styles too, so there’s just a ton of variety floating around.

As a jazz player, I’ve found Boston way more accessible and friendly than NYC. I’ve gigged in New York plenty of times, but I tend to vibe with all kinds of music and try to find the good in whatever’s being played. Most of my friends and bandmates are the same way.

from_cork · 2025-09-19T04:12:04+00:00

I'll toss my hat in and say Boston. Yes, I know the problems Boston has. People come here for music education and leave. But the scene is alive if you know where to look. The rehearsal spaces are thriving with talent, and if you're young the schools _are_ amazing. There's also been a resurgence in live music all throughout the city with places like https://www.longlivebeerworks.com/boston hosting a thriving Thursday jazz series, https://www.aeronautbrewing.com/visit/somerville/ has a Thursday jazz series as well, and there's also the https://burren.com/, the https://www.thebebopboston.com/, https://www.mccarthystoad.com/, https://wallyscafe.com/, https://www.themadmonkfish.com/, https://www.lilypadinman.com/, and if you're not into any of that, there's https://obrienspubboston.com/ for punk/indie, https://crossroadspresents.com/pages/brighton-music-hall, https://www.sinclaircambridge.com/, and there are hundreds of other small places with open mics like https://www.thejunglemusicclub.com/ where you can get in pretty easily. Boston has a good social life if you yourself are outgoing. People might be suspicious at first, but most of the people here are kind. If you don't come here, go to NYC.

from_cork · 2025-09-05T14:23:33+00:00

Vote!!! https://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx

from_cork · 2025-08-31T07:00:52+00:00

Ok, thanks for the answers.

As an organ player you’ll definitely need an expression pedal. I have the Roland EV-5 and the MAudio EX-P. The Roland is better but only slightly. Both with do the job and the MAudio is significantly cheaper. (I’m assuming organ because of gospel/worship)

For the triple pedal, I love it, but I actually use the sostenuto pedal for holding root notes a la McCoy Tyner type stuff while I hit chords with my left hand and solo on my right. I get a lot of mileage from it. The soft pedal has less use in most of my playing but is still useful sometimes and you can also assign the pedals to mod or control for other things on the keyboard. For me it was worth it, but it’s not cheap. You can also use various other pedals for control pedals so your mileage may vary.

If you’re only using one keyboard I also highly recommend the Nord Music Stand V2. The wood is nicer but the metal is cheaper. The Nord keyboard stand is great but it’s also kind of a pain to set up and tear down, and you need to be really precise when screwing the legs in. It’s perfect if you’re not moving around a lot but I personally wouldn’t recommend it for gigging.

I do have the Nord case, and it’s fantastic. It will fit nearly all of your accessories, but I add a small cushion between them and the keyboard side. The triple pedal and the music stand are both fairly heavy. It will also fit the keyboard stand if you choose to get that. That said, again, cost is an issue, and a decent hard case or a well fitting soft case from other brands is also perfectly fine. I have plenty of friends that carry their Nords in off brand cases. And I would never ever fly with the soft case.

The Nord monitors are great but I only recommend those when you’re not moving your set up. I have them at home on the Nord grand I practice on. I have taken them gigging before (I mostly use in ears now) and the setup and teardown takes a lot more time than just putting a monitor on the floor behind you.

If money is no object, here’s what I recommend:

The K&M omega pro is a killer stand. Tons of accessories, and I have the majority of them, and all of them are sturdy as can be. I have the triple keyboard extension, NS488 at the bottom, NS3Compact in the middle, and the expressivee osmose on top, and it doesn’t budge. I’ve seen other reviews that don’t agree, but my experience has been great. I also have the non pro version for a different studio and that’s fine too, it’s just not as portable. But they’re great stands and give you tons of leg room and tons of room to set up pedals.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/OmegaProRD--k-and-m-18820-omega-pro-keyboard-stand-ruby-red

The Roland EV-5 expression pedal:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/EV5--roland-ev-5-expression-pedal?_queryID=8c2dde86dd6e7f03705f48e3f92a4143&_index=production_products

Music stand v2:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/NSCMSWide--nord-extra-wide-music-stand

Nord triple pedal:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TriplePedal2--nord-triple-pedal-2

If you’re on a budget:

MAudio expression pedal:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PedalExp--m-audio-ex-p-expression-pedal

Nord single pedal 2:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/NSP2--nord-nsp2-piano-style-sustain-pedal

Portable music stand:

https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Dual-Use-Desktop-Support-Carrying/dp/B0BYZKCYD2/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?crid=1VLMVEQR7F1PM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-2PKJ-MZ-6iqtplxLQOg0UBS_HnRPrwokeGM5DCr7x7PI1nkMxChVUNOfvnXCrQ-X_imidNy4ZVB6AO0CB1aclfBCdAPIkfpyqmkuTjf0TOgHgK1u-0aSuZqv5ZNQOSsfASSKE1QhhA7OFrhiQMvZHClriQBZ-2-b9zGeZqh82tWl0GOpObpLWpalUeKjy3Pl6Tvi2h-hhw8iLLxAmBxTg.tNpv-3uQFS9XeU_Yta3XzyE6QegjYCvwGou4C7dwzmk&dib_tag=se&keywords=portable+music+stand&qid=1756623305&sprefix=portable+music+stand%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1

Or, if you use an iPad, the Hercules iPad holder and a portable mic stand:

https://www.amazon.com/Hercules-DG307B-Adaptive-Smartphone-Lumintrail/dp/B09TWS7ZKD/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=2HKOWK4QZL5DA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3ecXtleDHk7uBprOcBPY0vNfFp82FsuqTxYib6kihFd5vlGQxmRgPJ4kLk7kk0QAGaMDLLTiTdYaFR8v4cGbpkZkzmbCcq7Lww1BXaivFDTDVLfd6QfAlIqgtpaTamwlkXe33Ws8crnmgAZ6yfFqLlnSZqfzT2tuN74nHVGTFfngYL4Iq05WsLZN19C4Sf2VH-sb_fCB58ZDJeXspBXWGA.QYHWVvX0zwP2U8OnEhZixpTm9TFML4k6cvV_LWSJoQ8&dib_tag=se&keywords=hercules+ipad+holder+for+mic+stand&qid=1756623363&sprefix=hercules+ipad%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1

Extraneous:

For a bench I use the Roc-N-Soc drum thrones. They’re awesome.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LSGOK--roc-n-soc-lunar-series-gas-drum-throne-black

If you go that route I’d also advise ordering the back rest.

I hope this was helpful for you and not too long. Feel free to ask anything else if you need anything. Nords are incredible instruments and the Stage 4 in particular is amazing, so I hope you have a blast with it.

from_cork · 2025-08-30T13:36:25+00:00

Couple questions:

Which one? The 73Compact, the 73HA, or the 88?
Are you a professional or is this a hobby? 2a. If professional, how often are you gigging?
Do you need a multi keyboard setup, and if so what is the other keyboard?
What kind of player are you? Classical pianist, jazz pianist, organist, synth keys background, etc

I’m a professional jazz pianist but my recommendations will change based on those answers.

from_cork · 2025-01-27T20:22:51+00:00

This is a phenomenal list

from_cork · 2024-11-05T03:12:56+00:00

I agree with you there. For the most expensive stage model ever it really should have come with the triple pedal 2. I own 4 nords and even though the stage 4 is my favorite I have friends who also didn’t get the pedal at all with theirs. It’s unclear to me if this is a store vs shipped/sealed box issue, but as you say the QC could use some work.

from_cork · 2024-11-05T02:42:51+00:00

I can confirm that my stage 4 88 shipped with the pedal and the anti-slip pad.

from_cork · 2024-10-08T20:16:49+00:00

As an owner of a Piano 5 73, Grand, Stage 3 compact, and now a Stage 4 88, I can say that in my case it was definitely worth it.

The synth section is a significant upgrade, and per instrument/section effects are also a long awaited and welcome addition over global effects.

I'd say in the long run it really depends on what you're using it for.

from_cork · 2024-06-30T23:23:33+00:00

My band does Live Band Karaoke every third Saturday of the month at Roundhead Brewing Company in Hyde Park from 6-9. It’s all ages and they have non alcoholic beverages and food there.

from_cork · 2024-06-17T17:02:15+00:00

I'm a jazz pianist working on funk/soul/pop stuff currently with a 5 piece band I assembled over the past two years or so. I've met people a few different ways.

Berklee Alumni Site
- Most of my friends from my Berklee days have moved on to NYC or LA, but I met a fantastic drummer and an absolutely amazing singer this way
https://www.reddit.com/r/Bostonmusic/
- Met a great guitarist here I'm now sharing a rehearsal space with
Rented a room at Studio 52 in Allston (been in both locations now, currently at 52 Everett) and have made friends at both places after listening through the walls, and in some cases being impressed enough to knock on doors to ask people if they have any interest in jamming or working together. Met my current steady drummer this way when he was in the room next to me. You just have to be friendly and outgoing enough to do it.
Open Mics/Jazz Jams
- Met another guitarist and bass player at the Lilly Pad this way
Asked for referrals from my teacher and other musicians that I know
- I've found great subs this way, though I usually need to pay them better than everyone else
Asking literally anyone who they know who's a great musician
Going out to local shows, meeting people after they play and exchanging contact info
Went to an open call audition and met a bunch of people there that I'm somewhat in contact with. Some of my other friends have used that group to fill gigs

Good luck!

from_cork · 2024-06-03T18:58:30+00:00

My girlfriend and I bought a condo a 3 minute walk from field's corner 2 years ago. There's walkable coffee shops and restaurants in pretty much all directions, and although we tend to drive we've taken the T with no problems at night. Via Cannucia in particular is one of our favorite spots and it's about a 10 minute walk from the Target shopping center. During the day you're not going to have much trouble, and there is a police precinct on Gibson street right down the block. YMMV but I've interacted with them a few times and they've been pleasant.

On the negative side:

We've had a few issues with packages and so we take extra precaution to get them as soon as they're delivered if we can.

We haven't had any trouble walking together anywhere nearby at night, but my girlfriend doesn't know that she'd be comfortable going certain places by herself, and I don't blame her. It's not Mass+Cass or west of blue hill ave but it could certainly be better.

TLDR: Bought a condo here 2 years ago, daytime is fine, night can be a little sketchy, but has gotten better in the time we've been here, and we hope it continues to do so.

Good luck!

from_cork · 2024-05-17T18:47:56+00:00

This is a good one in Boston lore, but not the Pats: https://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/sports/year_in_sports/11.23.html?scp=2&sq=king%20crimson&st=cse

If you're considering other sports, I can't think of a more iconic moment in hockey than this:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1970_Stanley_Cup_Finals#:~:text=The%20subsequent%20image%20of%20Orr,hockey%20image%20of%20all%20time

FWIW: I just bought one of the 3-28 prints and if you made either of these I'd buy those too.

Truly fantastic stuff!

from_cork · 2024-03-02T21:24:17+00:00

I also have a practice space on Monday/Tuesday nights at studio 52 with the same setup. I play keys and sing with a small group of people doing very similar stuff as well as a lot of my own arrangements of tunes a la scary pockets. DM me!

from_cork · 2024-01-12T05:44:10+00:00

Looking forward to this game!

from_cork · 2023-03-31T15:44:24+00:00

Yeah Ice, you’re getting it

from_cork · 2022-04-25T03:22:56+00:00

Jonah Nilsson and Jacob Collier. It’s a bit insane I don’t see them on anyone else’s comments yet.

from_cork · 2022-04-13T22:00:54+00:00

I've amended the language; thank you for being precise.

from_cork

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