Today’s journey was inspired by a favorable review of the new Korg MicroKorg S in Sound On Sound magazine. I simply cannot imagine playing a Reface at rehearsals and even remotely enjoying the experience. But, still, no love for the Reface mini-keys. I had a fair chance to plink away and the DX provided a wide range of solid sounds. As it seems for most interesting music tech, one needs to drive a zillion miles or take two or more trains to find and play Reface, Montage, Korg Arp Odyssey and so forth.

About one month ago, I sought and found a Yamaha Reface to try again. So, the issue of mini-keys rises from the grave like Joan Crawford. A good reminder that, yes, hymns actually have words. This isn’t such a bad idea in any case, since it’s good form to sing along in one’s head while playing - improvisationally or not. So, I sang with the group, hoping to internalize the melodies of the new music for the week. (A distant relative of “floor melodica?”) My body ached so much last Wednesday before rehearsal that even an eight pound Korg Triton Taktile was too much to schlep. I really could use a “lap piano” for rehearsals. That’s all “long term” as I’m having a lot of fun and staying busy with the S950 and MOX. I’ve been thinking about Yamaha Montage vs. (Not that I really want to do yard work.) Can’t do much of anything outdoors today, so off to GC. A rainy New England day and the leaves and pine needles are piling up.

Microkorg sound editor didnt respond