They call it a stage keyboard, but to me it is the near perfect club keyboard. And that 11 pin for a real leslie. Pump the organ thru that and the piano thru PA and that is a simple but awesome rig to tote around. I don't know if you could make a better club keyboard. Amazing that Hammond is still the king of the Hammond sound. And that people still desire and enjoy it. Kudos to Hammond engineers.
@@ernieelizondo3777 But it still cannot compete with Nord, as it is the number one keyboard for all musicians and in Nashville, Nord is the only keyboard that I see on stage. Even Luke Combs plays on a Nord.
Fantastic. This is a dream keyboard. Every parameter is editable to its full range (unlike so many wannabes), especially in effects, amps, et al. And the addition of the synth is a great bonus. I already own the SK1 and a Nord Electro 6. I will gladly trade both in for the SK Pro. I preordered one and cannot wait to get my hands on it. Thanks Hammond, and thanks Jim for your introduction videos.
It is a pleasure listening and watching your tutorials. Easy to listen to your voice and very knowledgeable on The Hammond SK pro. Thank you so much. Gary B
Actually no one can compete against Nord, it is the most popular drawbar keyboard and in Nashville, I have never seen anyone play a Hammond or any other name brand than Nord.
A real step above the previous models. This is a real killer board. Awesome playing by Jim too! Hope you'll do a video on the Kurzweil k2700 if you're still affiliated with them.
Great video. You are very good at explaining how an instrument/device works and - as always - your playing is the best. Looking forward to coming videos in this series. Material like this is truly helpful in deciding to buy an instrument.
Great video! Bit of a frankenstein but I really like it. Love playing organ bass, rhodes piano bass, and synth bass -- and this keyboard has all three!
Great playing, Jim, and a nice intro to the SK Pro. I would've liked to see an on-the-fly, 3-band equalizer, and an analog delay, instead of the massive monosynth section. Nord got it right with having all the effects at your disposal.
Super video as always Jim. I think this could be game-changer of a keyboard for the sort of gigs I do. (Whenever they may happen again)! Hammond seem to have created something I've been wishing for in a keyboard for a while, which they came close to in the earlier SK models.
This looks promising from the days of gigging with the skx , since this whole pandemic thing its hard to say if we're going to need another keyboard but this definitely fits the bill for musician looking for both synth
Thanx Jim!...as usual you answered a lot of curiosity about this new instrument. It looks to be very powerful and inclusive. Had I not just bought the XK5 and XLK5 I would probably consider buying this SK Pro as it solves the problem of having to use multiple keyboards in live situations (remember them?🤦🏼♂️), and the sounds are there I believe that you would need to gig. I praying you skipped over a clavinet voice as that is key (pun intended). The deal breaker for me is not having the multi contact keybed like the XK5...it has respoiled me back to playing like on a real B not a Fatar cloned keybed. I do like the portability compared to the XK5 and would probably be the one I’d grab for a gig but w/o that touch ...nope! That touch makes one play differently. I like the IK Multimedia B3X but when I tried it w the XK5 it doesn’t respond to the multi contacts losing that touch makes it a dust collector. I hope Hammond will take this into consideration in their next model 🤞
This is really intriguing. Over the years of buying things, my main rig has settled on an XK3 through a Vent, and a Roland FA-08. However, it’s a lot to lug around, and set up. I also run a vocoder sometimes off one of the outputs on the 08, the cabling for the Vent, etc. On a smaller gig I’ll sometimes take a Juno G (no really good organ sounds, so sometimes with an XM2 and drawbars, and more extra setup time), and in the pandemic I’ve been experimenting with an Arturia controller and Macbook. Still some fussy cabling setup. This genuinely seems like it could be a one board solution for everything, even the vocoder with a saw wave assigned out of an independent out. On a jazz gig it could be half of a two manual Hammond with the XK3, with some really usable extra sounds. On a bigger gig, the acoustic piano sounds on the demo seem like it may be better than the 08, but could trigger with the 08, and I might be able to leave the vent out of the setup (vent is a must with an XK3, but killer combo, with my XK tweaked like my real A100). Anyway, the one thing I haven’t heard on any demo is brass...does this have gig usable horn sounds too?
When you showed the replacement adaptor with the $99 price and the screeming, was so funny! I have a SK1-73, but the worst part is saving your favorites is not very easy. The piano voices sounds good, especially the electric piano. I still wished that Hammond would still add a touch screen because the set up on my Wersi Pegasus Wing was so easy. I now use both a Roland VR-09 and my Hammond SK1-73 Stage Keyboard together on stage. But sadly still made in China both Roland, Yamaha and Hammond.
I have to say the acoustic piano sounds are very much improved and sound great compared to previous Hammonds and other digital pianos I've heard. The only thing that I'm not digging is the Rhodes sounds. In the upper octaves they sound very digitally glassy like a FM synth Rhodes. I would of hoped they had improved the EP sounds with this version. Couldn't they just put accurate samples in it, like the piano sounds? I have a 1974 Mark 1 Rhodes and a real Rhodes has a almost woody mallet attack sound and lots of rich harmonics in the upper keys, also much more aggressive and gritty sounding. The bass notes below middle C should sound much fuller as well, like an electric bass guitar.
Nice review, Jim. Question for you... Is the tonewheel contact noise level adjustable? Wondering if that is a user-selectable parameter in the menus. TIA.
For a recreational keyboardist playing in a blues band (90% organ, 10% piano/EP, 0% synth) is the SK pro worth more than twice the price of the SK1? I would have no use for the fancy synth section on the Pro
Thanks Jim. Great playing as always. I was impressed by the way the attack of the sounds seems more detailed an intense. Would you say that’s true of this new instrument, or could it have just been the compression on the video. It sounded really good, and ‘present.’
@@JimAlfredson I'm thinkin' about buying the Hammond S-K5 model...or the one you have...or the Hammond B3 Organ that Joey plays. Price-wise, how much would it cost (if you know)
This seems to become the Nord Stage Compact killer with the 73 key version. Anybody interested in some classic sounds can have it under one hood with top-notch Hammond engine, nice warm sounding Yamaha grand, EPs, monosynth for solos with all controls on the panel and also the bread-and-butter sounds like strings and pads for layering etc. Looks elegant, looks to be cleverly designed. And the price looks quite reasonable even at the release.
Hello Jim. Enjoying your Hammond SK Pro video's; very educational. I have one 'backordered'. Do you any plans for a video showing how to save/loads patches and combinations? There seems to be a lot of confusion on what you can save on a USB, and how to load them back into the SK Pro....Thanks Mike
Great demo thanks. Can you tell if the 11 pin output on the SK pro always sends the signal (like the XK5 ) or is it like the SKX where it requires 12 V on one of the rails to indicate it is connected to a leslie which automatically switches the output. I am able to use the an 11 pin to 1/4 adapter cable on my XK5 but that doesn't work on the SKX. This would be important if using a ventilator. Also does it have the screw holes for the CU-1 switch?
Thanks for the great first impression review, Jim! I've been wondering, though, does Sk PRO have built in The Doors' VOX Continental organ sound as well?
Hi Jim.Can you help me decide? I own a Nord Stage 3 and a Viscount Legend Joey Di model (dual manual). I started giggin out in a Steve Miller Tribute Band and a Blues/Funk band. 80% of the time, I'm playing a B3 sound/clone. But I don't want to drag and set up the bigger 40 pound + Legend. And, I'm not crazy about the sound of the Nord organ and the weighted keys (slows down my chops) and "edges" of the keys on the NOrd don't glissando well (sticky edges for a palm). If I were to sell the Legend and get a single manual lightweight Hammond, should I go with the SK Pro, or the XK-4? I think I would only go with the XK-4 if the new MTW2 engine is really richer and better than the MTW1 in the SK PRo. Or if the 3 key contacts emulate the B3s 9 contacts better, more expressive and responsive. What do you think? If I already have great piano, string, and synth sounds from my Nord, should I still get the SK Pro, or go "all organ" for the better engine and keys on the XK-4?
Hi Sean! If you're going to use the Nord for piano and other sounds, I would go for the XK4. It sounds amazing. To be honest, the pianos in the SK Pro are not that great. Definitely not better than the Nord.
Best Jim , very nice demo of the new Sk-pro , deep respect your playing style. Master in hammond. btw whats the name of the song at the end of your demo - love it. regards and best greetings. Belgium.
@@JimAlfredson Thanks Jim , really look forwarding to the new record. love your skills on the hammond. let me know when is it aviable. all the best. regards.
My understanding is that the acoustic pianos are new samples but the electric pianos are the same samples as the original SK series. However, the sample engine they are using to play the samples back is much higher resolution, so they sound A LOT better. That said, I am hoping Hammond-Suzuki will offer some new EP samples in the future. I'm pushing them hard to do so. The EPs sound pretty good thanks to a much better sample playback engine, better effects, and better velocity switching / voicing to the keybed. The Wurli has always been pretty good.
It might be my mobile but the sounds seems a bit thin. I once used a new hammond that had 2 different types of tube. The smoothed out the digital immensely. What happened to them. Oh!... it was the xk3
One more question if you can help. pg 28 of manual says "note: you can select whether or not the expression pedal will affect a voice....explained further in manual." Can't find how to turn expression on or off for an EP voice. Can you help? Thank you
It's the standard Fatar that Nord / Crumar / etc use. I think Hammond requested slightly different springs, though as it isn't as stiff as other uses of this keybed I've felt.
Hi again Jim, I would like to know if the synth button can be assigned to anything besides synth sounds. Can I place a EP voice there for example. If so, how?
There isn't one, unfortunately. I'm also disappointed that they removed the master EQ knobs from the previous generation of SK. Everything is a compromise, I guess.
@@JimAlfredson Is not possible to assign the function to the modulation wheel neither ? So you can only set the amount of the overdrive through the menu? Can't believe it!
I just got my SKX Pro Dual keyboard in and when playing the piano sounds, it does not sound as good as when you are playing. Also, when playing the piano I get a background vibrator, tremalo sound effect. I checked the edit of the piano sound and there is nothing to adjust nor is there anything causing it to sound that way. Your does not have that effect on it when played. Any suggestions? I have the 1.0 Release version.
I figured out the vibrato was caused by the mod wheel being slightly on. The only other issue I am having is that with the sustain pedal I am using, it works well with the piano sounds but it also sustains the bass pedal sounds. I tried to check for some adjustment in the menu, but was not able to fix this.
@@JC-td4gg I was going to mention the mod wheel. Regarding the sustain pedal, you can choose which ALLOCATIONS are affected by the sustain pedal per COMBINATION. In other words, these parameters are saved within a COMBINATION. So if you want to make the changes permanent, you need to save a new COMBINATION with your settings applied. To access the damper / sustain pedal parameters in question, press the MENU button, choose COMBINATION (should already be highlighted in blue) by pressing ENTER, then use the right PAGE button to scroll over to the CONTROL page. You'll see four columns of parameters. The second column is labeled DAMP. which is short for DAMPER (ie the sustain pedal). You can see that each allocation, listed along the left side, can be set to either respond to the sustain pedal or not (OFF / ON). And indeed each of the three organ sections, UPPER, LOWER, and PEDAL, can be set independently.
@@JimAlfredson Yeah, it was the mod wheel slightly on. I was able to access what you mentioned and noticed the the lower keyboard was sustining also and was able to turn off that function. Perfect. By the way my organ has the 1.0 release and I downloded the 1.1 Release but cannot get it to load even after following the instructions. Also noted the Hammond website was down. Any info on this. Good to hear from you. Thanks,Jerry
@@JimAlfredson Thought I would mention that when I was trying to get the update to load, I finally noticed that there was one action needed in the instructions on loading the updates, in order for the update to be loaded on the USB and that is you need to click on the Hammond file on the USB file, it will go the SK_Pro file and then drag the update to the USB file and then when you insert it in the organ it will start the update. That one action is not in the instructions.
I dont understand the concept of the keyboard. On one hand it is a player keyboard. But only 100 Performances. One the other hand it has so much knops as a workstation. If i go on stage i dont need all knobs esp. for the subtractive achitecture of mono synth. So much only for one voice. Also Im unsure how multitimbral it is. I have 4 Sounds on the keyboard, but only if they are from 4 sections? What if I want 2 Strings sounds out of one section? It seems only for organ I can take 3 Sounds at once. I think it sounds phantastic but my old MOXF has 4 Sounds to layer or to split and I need it. I can choose what ever sound i want from the thousands of sounds with no limitations of voices. Maybe one can explain. Thanks a lot.
The concept of the keyboard is to provide basic 'bread and butter' sounds to the working keyboardist, with an emphasis on Hammond organ sounds. So you have great organs (obviously), pianos, electric pianos, clavinets, strings, pads, some poly synth sounds, some woodwinds / brass, bass, tuned percussion (vibes, marimba, etc) and the monosynth. There are four allocations. The first allocation is for the organs only. You can choose between several models of Hammond, several transistor organs (Farfisa, Acetone, Vox), or pipe organ sounds. You can only have one organ sound per COMBO (Hammond's term for a Multi (in Kurzweil or Korg speak) or Performance (in Yamaha speak). The second and third allocations are for non-organ sounds like piano, electric piano, polysynth, etc. Yes, you can have strings on both allocations if you want, even though one is labeled "PIANO" and the other "ENSEMBLE". They share the same library of sounds. So if you wanted a piano sound on the ENSEMBLE allocation and a string sound on the PIANO allocation, you could do that. If you wanted two piano sounds, you can do that. Any non-organ, non-monosynth sound can be assigned to either allocation. The fourth allocation is for the monosynth only. Yes, other keyboards are more flexible but for most gigs this should fit the bill. If you need more power or more flexibility, then something like the Kurzweil PC4 would provide that (16 independent zones per MULTI.... ie 16 sounds at once, split across the keyboard or layered or whatever). The SK series is more like the Nord Electro series. The Electro 6 has three zones (or allocations in Hammond speak); organ, piano, and sample.
I see you have the 73-key version. Is the 61-key version exactly the same functionally- only less keys? Or does it lose some features because it’s not as wide?
Is it me, or do the Drawbars seem a little small (width) ? I noticed the small house they are sitting in wich als seems not very deep wich made me wonder
Only way for us to hear all this is here online...could you explain the difference in this keybed a little further in depth. Bonner’s Music video of this shows Tony pushing the key slowly and it fires the drawbars separately much like the XK5 What’s the difference?
I haven't compared the XK5 and the SK Pro side by side but on the XK5, there are three physical contacts under each key. Each physical contact controls three 'virtual' contacts in order to provide all 9 busbars of a vintage Hammond. The SK Pro has two contacts, which is pretty much what every other digital keyboard on the market for the last 30 years has. So my understanding is that the 9 busbar emulation in the SK Pro is all in software, using velocity values from the two physical contacts to determine the key-click and when each drawbar is triggered.
Do the four allocation buttons only turn on and off the internal tones built-in to the SK Pro, or can one or more of the allocation buttons be used to turn on and off the MIDI Out port? For example, If you have an external tone module connected to the SKPRO and want to be able to turn on and off the external tone module with one of the allocation buttons.
That's a great question. In looking at the manual, it appears this might be possible. The SK Pro features three programmable external MIDI zones which are independent from the local zones (ie, allocations) and those go out over MIDI or USB. However, the local zones also send MIDI data. So it would appear that you could program one of the allocations to output no sound (just turn the volume of the allocation all the way down) and use it to control an external source instead on that corresponding MIDI channel. I'll have to experiment with this.
I'm really torn between getting this or the sk 1. The monosynth on the pro does seem cool but I've been wanting to get an actual analog polysynth like a prophet rev 2, Would it be more cost effective to get an sk 1 to cover organ, EP, clav etc. and then save up for a genuine analog synth i.e. does the the sk 1 cover all the bases apart from the synth stuff well enough?
The organ engine in the Pro is better than the SK1. So are the non-organ voices. The multi-timbrality is nice, too. But I don’t think it would replace a dedicated analog poly. That’s a tough one.
@@JimAlfredsonthanks for the quick response! How does it compare to the engine in the skx? I would like to have the option to practice with two manuals though i like the portability of the sk pro and don't know of a cheap 61 key midi controller that would have the same feel.
Jim you are cool musician :) but this video is about new instrument from Hammond. I listened very carefuly many demos on studio monitors and I have very mixed feelings. Let's start with organ: sounds good - much better than sk line but not the same like XK5, not so warm I would say. May be because was derived not 100% from XK5 engine, but only primary features. Monofnic synth seems good. The back panel looks great. The bezel or frame around the screen doesn't look so good. Also platform under which there are placed drawbars looks strange but this is subjectively. About Piano - not bad at all but it still feels that skPRO is not far from its predecessor, very weakly, considering how many years have passed. About electric pianos - very cheap rhodes sound!!! what kind of strings si that? Hammond you are seriously? C'mon, we are in 2021. I can't even believe that these sounds are from the aclaimed - HAMMOND. And all this is under the postscript and heading - skPRO....for professional yes? Hammond - It's a pity! I wonder what will be the price on skPRO.
@@hydorah My opinion is that Ensmble/Piano section is very weak and can't even compete with Nord, Yamaha CP/YC, Korg SV, Crumar, Viscount Legend 70, Prophet XL and more... I wonder why they were able to made these sounds good and Hammond can't? Maybe a couple of registers or some pads of that section are good, but in general like I mentioned above. If Hammond would have focused only on the strong sides - Organ and Synth sections, the instrument would have been more solid and reliable, but it looks like they tried to implement a lot, mix shit with something good and get something weird. Imagine there will be somebody who will buy this instrument just for the Organ and Synth, and you will ask: what bothers you about the Ensemble/Piano section? Because you end up overpaying a lot for it, and the sounds in fact are scarce. From what I've heard, Rhodes is just awful...Wurlitzer is 2000's level, violins not violins at all...and now pay attention!!!! Waldorf Zarenbourg, wich is from 2006, listen how it sounds like, it's just beautiful. And Hammond with his Piano/Ensemble section = chicken shit...I'm not saying all this for nothing, if I'm wrong about something - correct me please!
@@VadimShinnik Your dead right. I immediately heard that terribly thin, rinky dink, cheesy, no balls organ tonality it didn’t matter what any of the other patches sounded like. But they are tiny sounding also! Certainly not an instrument capable of coaxing much inspiration from players familiar with the real items.
@@VadimShinnik Vadim, you are a gentleman to respond. My comments were not meant as a critique of yourself, or of your playing. I've gigged and lugged loved many chopped Hammonds over the years. The sound of actual electromechanical tone wheels and tube amplifiers. I can't forget what that sounds like. Peace to you, friend in the new year.
I was referring to the XK1. It's sometimes hard to hear the difference between "S" and "X", especially when you talk fast like I do. I try to talk more slowly in these videos but it's hard for me. :)
They call it a stage keyboard, but to me it is the near perfect club keyboard. And that 11 pin for a real leslie. Pump the organ thru that and the piano thru PA and that is a simple but awesome rig to tote around. I don't know if you could make a better club keyboard. Amazing that Hammond is still the king of the Hammond sound. And that people still desire and enjoy it. Kudos to Hammond engineers.
Impressive instrument and a wonderful overview. Thanks so much for the video! This looks like a competitor to the Nord Stage Compact.
But it will never compete with Nord, as it is the most popular among professional keybaord musicians, especially in Nashville.
It looks and sounds much better than those red pianos
@@ernieelizondo3777 But it still cannot compete with Nord, as it is the number one keyboard for all musicians and in Nashville, Nord is the only keyboard that I see on stage. Even Luke Combs plays on a Nord.
Fantastic. This is a dream keyboard. Every parameter is editable to its full range (unlike so many wannabes), especially in effects, amps, et al. And the addition of the synth is a great bonus. I already own the SK1 and a Nord Electro 6. I will gladly trade both in for the SK Pro. I preordered one and cannot wait to get my hands on it. Thanks Hammond, and thanks Jim for your introduction videos.
Losing the power transformer is FANTASTIC!
I totally agree, I laughed so hard when they showed the price of $99 dollars for replacing it and a loud screem, was so funny.
Thanks for the video, Jim! Really enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next one.
IEC power! Finally!!!
It is a pleasure listening and watching your tutorials. Easy to listen to your voice and very knowledgeable on The Hammond SK pro. Thank you so much. Gary B
Great video Jim! (Stephen Fortner here) Looking forward to checking out the SK Pro in person!
Great demo Jim! Very cool board....I’ll miss hearing you at NAMM maybe next year
Hammond should sell a bunch of these to working musicians and this demo will help those buyers make a really informed decision, my friend!
Actually no one can compete against Nord, it is the most popular drawbar keyboard and in Nashville, I have never seen anyone play a Hammond or any other name brand than Nord.
A real step above the previous models. This is a real killer board. Awesome playing by Jim too! Hope you'll do a video on the Kurzweil k2700 if you're still affiliated with them.
I hope to get a K2700!
Nice to hear Herbie Hancock's 'Gentle Thoughts' get an airing towards the end of the video.
Great video. You are very good at explaining how an instrument/device works and - as always - your playing is the best. Looking forward to coming videos in this series. Material like this is truly helpful in deciding to buy an instrument.
I don’t know how to play but this machine is making me wanna dedicate my life to learn lol omg the possibilities are endless
Love the pre-flight checks. ! Thanks 😊
Great video!
Bit of a frankenstein but I really like it. Love playing organ bass, rhodes piano bass, and synth bass -- and this keyboard has all three!
It's so much of a frankenstein that Yamaha, Nord, Korg and Kurzweil all thave their own version of the same thing.
Great playing, Jim, and a nice intro to the SK Pro. I would've liked to see an on-the-fly, 3-band equalizer, and an analog delay, instead of the massive monosynth section. Nord got it right with having all the effects at your disposal.
Quality of the video is outstanding. Especially sound.
That organ sounds fantastic!
Super video as always Jim. I think this could be game-changer of a keyboard for the sort of gigs I do. (Whenever they may happen again)! Hammond seem to have created something I've been wishing for in a keyboard for a while, which they came close to in the earlier SK models.
You are a great Hammond Player ... respect ☀️
This looks promising from the days of gigging with the skx , since this whole pandemic thing its hard to say if we're going to need another keyboard but this definitely fits the bill for musician looking for both synth
Thank you James for an informative video, just got mine and I’m looking forward to navigating this beast the best I can.
This was a great thumbs up video for sure. You have my vote!!! Great Job!!!
Thanks Jim for the videos. I can't wait till this lands in Australia. Keep safe and well.
Thanx Jim!...as usual you answered a lot of curiosity about this new instrument. It looks to be very powerful and inclusive. Had I not just bought the XK5 and XLK5 I would probably consider buying this SK Pro as it solves the problem of having to use multiple keyboards in live situations (remember them?🤦🏼♂️), and the sounds are there I believe that you would need to gig. I praying you skipped over a clavinet voice as that is key (pun intended). The deal breaker for me is not having the multi contact keybed like the XK5...it has respoiled me back to playing like on a real B not a Fatar cloned keybed. I do like the portability compared to the XK5 and would probably be the one I’d grab for a gig but w/o that touch ...nope! That touch makes one play differently. I like the IK Multimedia B3X but when I tried it w the XK5 it doesn’t respond to the multi contacts losing that touch makes it a dust collector. I hope Hammond will take this into consideration in their next model
🤞
Definitely up-ing your game with the videos Jim!
Well Done Jim!! 👍🎹 Very Informative and as usual; Excellent Playing Jim!! 👍🎶🎹😎 Wes
Thanks fir the great video Jim. Looking forward to the deep dives.
That German American piano is just lovely and 'Bosey' ;)
OOOoooo Wow !. I just ordered one keyboard and was tempted by the SK1 too, but I think this rather more interesting. Maybe my next one.
thanks Jim! Nice to get this overview, really helps especially for newbies
It has to be the ULTIMATE!
This is really intriguing. Over the years of buying things, my main rig has settled on an XK3 through a Vent, and a Roland FA-08. However, it’s a lot to lug around, and set up. I also run a vocoder sometimes off one of the outputs on the 08, the cabling for the Vent, etc. On a smaller gig I’ll sometimes take a Juno G (no really good organ sounds, so sometimes with an XM2 and drawbars, and more extra setup time), and in the pandemic I’ve been experimenting with an Arturia controller and Macbook. Still some fussy cabling setup. This genuinely seems like it could be a one board solution for everything, even the vocoder with a saw wave assigned out of an independent out. On a jazz gig it could be half of a two manual Hammond with the XK3, with some really usable extra sounds. On a bigger gig, the acoustic piano sounds on the demo seem like it may be better than the 08, but could trigger with the 08, and I might be able to leave the vent out of the setup (vent is a must with an XK3, but killer combo, with my XK tweaked like my real A100). Anyway, the one thing I haven’t heard on any demo is brass...does this have gig usable horn sounds too?
Great review. What a keeb. A real performance UI.
Would have liked to hear the Farfisa and Vox voices.
thoroughly enjoyed that video.
My favorite SK is Yamaha's early 80ties SK50D! It has 2 keyboards and more "drawbars" then a Hammond can ever dream of. Check it out! :-)
Ha! The SK50d is cool but those aren't drawbars! :) I have a Yamaha YC45d combo organ. That thing is a lot of fun.
@@JimAlfredson Drawbars shnawbars! They are sliders on the SK50D but the function is the same! :-)
Wow! Cool! Thank you for such beautifully played. I wonder if you have tried The Roland version of this kind of keyboard organish concept.
Smokin playing
Thank you Jim! Love your detailed videos! 🎹
Wow! Great demo. Thanks.
She sounds great 👍
Thanks Jim for the great video.
great demo thanks! i really wish Hammond would release a full blown synthesizer and polyphonic!
When you showed the replacement adaptor with the $99 price and the screeming, was so funny! I have a SK1-73, but the worst part is saving your favorites is not very easy. The piano voices sounds good, especially the electric piano. I still wished that Hammond would still add a touch screen because the set up on my Wersi Pegasus Wing was so easy. I now use both a Roland VR-09 and my Hammond SK1-73 Stage Keyboard together on stage. But sadly still made in China both Roland, Yamaha and Hammond.
OMG it sounds so good!!!
Excellent review
Looks like a step up from Nord. Great video!
Great stuff Jim!
I have to say the acoustic piano sounds are very much improved and sound great compared to previous Hammonds and other digital pianos I've heard. The only thing that I'm not digging is the Rhodes sounds. In the upper octaves they sound very digitally glassy like a FM synth Rhodes. I would of hoped they had improved the EP sounds with this version. Couldn't they just put accurate samples in it, like the piano sounds? I have a 1974 Mark 1 Rhodes and a real Rhodes has a almost woody mallet attack sound and lots of rich harmonics in the upper keys, also much more aggressive and gritty sounding. The bass notes below middle C should sound much fuller as well, like an electric bass guitar.
I agree, Brian Ellis!
Nice video, Jim!
Nice review, Jim. Question for you... Is the tonewheel contact noise level adjustable? Wondering if that is a user-selectable parameter in the menus. TIA.
Thank you!
For a recreational keyboardist playing in a blues band (90% organ, 10% piano/EP, 0% synth) is the SK pro worth more than twice the price of the SK1? I would have no use for the fancy synth section on the Pro
All sounds piano organ sound AMAZING.BRILIANCE IN ALL PIANO ARE AMAZING
Thanks Jim. Great playing as always. I was impressed by the way the attack of the sounds seems more detailed an intense. Would you say that’s true of this new instrument, or could it have just been the compression on the video. It sounded really good, and ‘present.’
I would say you are spot on! The compression of CZcams didn't seem to affect the audio all that much. The organ engine is especially great!
@@JimAlfredson I'm thinkin' about buying the Hammond S-K5 model...or the one you have...or the Hammond B3 Organ that Joey plays. Price-wise, how much would it cost (if you know)
very cool, the problem that here in Brazil the value of buying a house, totally unfeasible! more and my dream of consumption
Yep, very true. An iPad with an good organ app and a controller will get you pretty far these days.
@@bsdguy in Brazil it is totally unfeasible, taxes are absurd! here only in dreams
@@bsdguy Not when an iPad costs around 5-6 grand.
Wow! I want oneand will not wait for Xmas. Anyone like to buy an XK1 in great shape?
This seems to become the Nord Stage Compact killer with the 73 key version. Anybody interested in some classic sounds can have it under one hood with top-notch Hammond engine, nice warm sounding Yamaha grand, EPs, monosynth for solos with all controls on the panel and also the bread-and-butter sounds like strings and pads for layering etc. Looks elegant, looks to be cleverly designed. And the price looks quite reasonable even at the release.
Hello Jim. Enjoying your Hammond SK Pro video's; very educational. I have one 'backordered'.
Do you any plans for a video showing how to save/loads patches and combinations? There seems to be a lot of confusion on what you can save on a USB, and how to load them back into the SK Pro....Thanks Mike
There seems to be a lot of confusion on how to save patches in general, so I should probably make a video detailing that.
its so great 👍👍
Great demo thanks. Can you tell if the 11 pin output on the SK pro always sends the signal (like the XK5 ) or is it like the SKX where it requires 12 V on one of the rails to indicate it is connected to a leslie which automatically switches the output. I am able to use the an 11 pin to 1/4 adapter cable on my XK5 but that doesn't work on the SKX. This would be important if using a ventilator. Also does it have the screw holes for the CU-1 switch?
Mr. Alfred son, have you also played the Roland VR-730? This Hammond model appears to be a direct parallel to it.
Thanks for the great first impression review, Jim! I've been wondering, though, does Sk PRO have built in The Doors' VOX Continental organ sound as well?
It has Vox, Farfisa, AceTone, and pipe organ sounds.
@@JimAlfredson Thanks, Jim! 👍🏻
Hi Jim.Can you help me decide? I own a Nord Stage 3 and a Viscount Legend Joey Di model (dual manual). I started giggin out in a Steve Miller Tribute Band and a Blues/Funk band. 80% of the time, I'm playing a B3 sound/clone. But I don't want to drag and set up the bigger 40 pound + Legend. And, I'm not crazy about the sound of the Nord organ and the weighted keys (slows down my chops) and "edges" of the keys on the NOrd don't glissando well (sticky edges for a palm). If I were to sell the Legend and get a single manual lightweight Hammond, should I go with the SK Pro, or the XK-4? I think I would only go with the XK-4 if the new MTW2 engine is really richer and better than the MTW1 in the SK PRo. Or if the 3 key contacts emulate the B3s 9 contacts better, more expressive and responsive. What do you think? If I already have great piano, string, and synth sounds from my Nord, should I still get the SK Pro, or go "all organ" for the better engine and keys on the XK-4?
Hi Sean! If you're going to use the Nord for piano and other sounds, I would go for the XK4. It sounds amazing. To be honest, the pianos in the SK Pro are not that great. Definitely not better than the Nord.
@@JimAlfredson pThe ie
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Best Jim , very nice demo of the new Sk-pro , deep respect your playing style. Master in hammond. btw whats the name of the song at the end of your demo - love it. regards and best greetings. Belgium.
Thanks, Philip! It's an original tune that's on my upcoming project 'Dirty Fingers' called 'Pocket Sauce'. I hope to have that record out by March!
BTW, that's the XK5 in that song.
@@JimAlfredson Thanks Jim , really look forwarding to the new record. love your skills on the hammond. let me know when is it aviable. all the best.
regards.
Would love to hear all the B3 voices
Great demo Jim and a really exciting keyboard, I might just have to "upgrade" from my SK1 :-)
Hey Jim, hope you are well. Happy New Year. Lovely playing as ever, and very well explained but - is that a 'new' Wurly? Or the same as the older SKs?
My understanding is that the acoustic pianos are new samples but the electric pianos are the same samples as the original SK series. However, the sample engine they are using to play the samples back is much higher resolution, so they sound A LOT better. That said, I am hoping Hammond-Suzuki will offer some new EP samples in the future. I'm pushing them hard to do so. The EPs sound pretty good thanks to a much better sample playback engine, better effects, and better velocity switching / voicing to the keybed. The Wurli has always been pretty good.
It might be my mobile but the sounds seems a bit thin. I once used a new hammond that had 2 different types of tube. The smoothed out the digital immensely. What happened to them. Oh!... it was the xk3
One more question if you can help. pg 28 of manual says "note: you can select whether or not the expression pedal will affect a voice....explained further in manual." Can't find how to turn expression on or off for an EP voice. Can you help? Thank you
This is in the CONTROL section of the COMBINATION edit menu. Pg 76 in the manual.
Hammonds own action/keybed? Pure organ or a littel stiffness?
It's the standard Fatar that Nord / Crumar / etc use. I think Hammond requested slightly different springs, though as it isn't as stiff as other uses of this keybed I've felt.
We still need a Mellotron
It has tape strings, choirs, and flutes in there.
How would you rate this vs the Electro 6D and YC61?
Same please
Hi again Jim, I would like to know if the synth button can be assigned to anything besides synth sounds. Can I place a EP voice there for example. If so, how?
Hey Jim, do you feel the extra voices (mainly piano) are of higher quality compared to the sk1 sk2 etc? Thanks for the awesome video!
Yes, especially the acoustic pianos. And Hammond has opened up the editing so you can really dig in a tweak. I'll detail that in an upcoming video.
@@JimAlfredson Great, good to know thanks!
nice
Good sounds, especially the Rhodes from 14:35, but the acoustic piano at 17:40 does not convince.
Hi Jim, nice demo. I don’t see the knob for setting the overdrive amount on the go while you’re playing live ...
There isn't one, unfortunately. I'm also disappointed that they removed the master EQ knobs from the previous generation of SK. Everything is a compromise, I guess.
@@JimAlfredson Is not possible to assign the function to the modulation wheel neither ? So you can only set the amount of the overdrive through the menu? Can't believe it!
I just got my SKX Pro Dual keyboard in and when playing the piano sounds, it does not sound as good as when you are playing. Also, when playing the piano I get a background vibrator, tremalo sound effect. I checked the edit of the piano sound and there is nothing to adjust nor is there anything causing it to sound that way. Your does not have that effect on it when played. Any suggestions? I have the 1.0 Release version.
I figured out the vibrato was caused by the mod wheel being slightly on. The only other issue I am having is that with the sustain pedal I am using, it works well with the piano sounds but it also sustains the bass pedal sounds. I tried to check for some adjustment in the menu, but was not able to fix this.
@@JC-td4gg I was going to mention the mod wheel.
Regarding the sustain pedal, you can choose which ALLOCATIONS are affected by the sustain pedal per COMBINATION. In other words, these parameters are saved within a COMBINATION. So if you want to make the changes permanent, you need to save a new COMBINATION with your settings applied.
To access the damper / sustain pedal parameters in question, press the MENU button, choose COMBINATION (should already be highlighted in blue) by pressing ENTER, then use the right PAGE button to scroll over to the CONTROL page. You'll see four columns of parameters. The second column is labeled DAMP. which is short for DAMPER (ie the sustain pedal). You can see that each allocation, listed along the left side, can be set to either respond to the sustain pedal or not (OFF / ON). And indeed each of the three organ sections, UPPER, LOWER, and PEDAL, can be set independently.
@@JimAlfredson Yeah, it was the mod wheel slightly on. I was able to access what you mentioned and noticed the the lower keyboard was sustining also and was able to turn off that function. Perfect. By the way my organ has the 1.0 release and I downloded the 1.1 Release but cannot get it to load even after following the instructions. Also noted the Hammond website was down. Any info on this. Good to hear from you. Thanks,Jerry
@@JimAlfredson Thought I would mention that when I was trying to get the update to load, I finally noticed that there was one action needed in the instructions on loading the updates, in order for the update to be loaded on the USB and that is you need to click on the Hammond file on the USB file, it will go the SK_Pro file and then drag the update to the USB file and then when you insert it in the organ it will start the update. That one action is not in the instructions.
I dont understand the concept of the keyboard. On one hand it is a player keyboard. But only 100 Performances. One the other hand it has so much knops as a workstation. If i go on stage i dont need all knobs esp. for the subtractive achitecture of mono synth. So much only for one voice. Also Im unsure how multitimbral it is. I have 4 Sounds on the keyboard, but only if they are from 4 sections? What if I want 2 Strings sounds out of one section? It seems only for organ I can take 3 Sounds at once. I think it sounds phantastic but my old MOXF has 4 Sounds to layer or to split and I need it. I can choose what ever sound i want from the thousands of sounds with no limitations of voices. Maybe one can explain. Thanks a lot.
The concept of the keyboard is to provide basic 'bread and butter' sounds to the working keyboardist, with an emphasis on Hammond organ sounds. So you have great organs (obviously), pianos, electric pianos, clavinets, strings, pads, some poly synth sounds, some woodwinds / brass, bass, tuned percussion (vibes, marimba, etc) and the monosynth.
There are four allocations. The first allocation is for the organs only. You can choose between several models of Hammond, several transistor organs (Farfisa, Acetone, Vox), or pipe organ sounds. You can only have one organ sound per COMBO (Hammond's term for a Multi (in Kurzweil or Korg speak) or Performance (in Yamaha speak).
The second and third allocations are for non-organ sounds like piano, electric piano, polysynth, etc. Yes, you can have strings on both allocations if you want, even though one is labeled "PIANO" and the other "ENSEMBLE". They share the same library of sounds. So if you wanted a piano sound on the ENSEMBLE allocation and a string sound on the PIANO allocation, you could do that. If you wanted two piano sounds, you can do that. Any non-organ, non-monosynth sound can be assigned to either allocation.
The fourth allocation is for the monosynth only.
Yes, other keyboards are more flexible but for most gigs this should fit the bill. If you need more power or more flexibility, then something like the Kurzweil PC4 would provide that (16 independent zones per MULTI.... ie 16 sounds at once, split across the keyboard or layered or whatever).
The SK series is more like the Nord Electro series. The Electro 6 has three zones (or allocations in Hammond speak); organ, piano, and sample.
Hey Jim I have Hammond sk2 but I can’t get the Hammond xpk 200l to work with it can you help me out? How do I get them to play bass notes
Can standby be bypassed where it stays on. I take a break and its off.
Anyone know if there any stores or showrooms where someone could play these before deciding on one?
I see you have the 73-key version. Is the 61-key version exactly the same functionally- only less keys?
Or does it lose some features because it’s not as wide?
Exactly the same functionally.
@@JimAlfredson Thank you.
Very nice Grand piano samples (Yamaha and Steinway). Upright piano???
Are there tutorials for programming, editing voicings and saving as favorites ?
Is it me, or do the Drawbars seem a little small (width) ?
I noticed the small house they are sitting in wich als seems not very deep wich made me wonder
No, they are the same size as vintage drawbars in terms of width.
Alfredson=the best
Only way for us to hear all this is here online...could you explain the difference in this keybed a little further in depth. Bonner’s Music video of this shows Tony pushing the key slowly and it fires the drawbars separately much like the XK5
What’s the difference?
I haven't compared the XK5 and the SK Pro side by side but on the XK5, there are three physical contacts under each key. Each physical contact controls three 'virtual' contacts in order to provide all 9 busbars of a vintage Hammond. The SK Pro has two contacts, which is pretty much what every other digital keyboard on the market for the last 30 years has.
So my understanding is that the 9 busbar emulation in the SK Pro is all in software, using velocity values from the two physical contacts to determine the key-click and when each drawbar is triggered.
@@JimAlfredson does it have the same feel as the XK5 or just something in that direction??
Great review. Does it have any FM piano sounds?
Thanks. Yes, it does have an FM electric piano as well as an electric grand sound (think CP70).
Look out Nord! This one looks like butt kicker!
Would this unit be considered multitimberal so each tone section (organ/piano-synth/mono synth) would be able to receive on its own midi channel?
Yes.
Do the four allocation buttons only turn on and off the internal tones built-in to the SK Pro, or can one or more of the allocation buttons be used to turn on and off the MIDI Out port? For example, If you have an external tone module connected to the SKPRO and want to be able to turn on and off the external tone module with one of the allocation buttons.
That's a great question. In looking at the manual, it appears this might be possible. The SK Pro features three programmable external MIDI zones which are independent from the local zones (ie, allocations) and those go out over MIDI or USB. However, the local zones also send MIDI data. So it would appear that you could program one of the allocations to output no sound (just turn the volume of the allocation all the way down) and use it to control an external source instead on that corresponding MIDI channel. I'll have to experiment with this.
@@JimAlfredson Yes, please experiment. I hope you’re able to find out about this... thanks.
This is a good idea! For example I have a Behringer Model D that I could use instead of the built in monosynth and control it though the SK pro.
@@brianellis5164 yes
add a Mellotron/Tape strings should be perfect!
They are in there!
I'm really torn between getting this or the sk 1. The monosynth on the pro does seem cool but I've been wanting to get an actual analog polysynth like a prophet rev 2, Would it be more cost effective to get an sk 1 to cover organ, EP, clav etc. and then save up for a genuine analog synth i.e. does the the sk 1 cover all the bases apart from the synth stuff well enough?
The organ engine in the Pro is better than the SK1. So are the non-organ voices. The multi-timbrality is nice, too. But I don’t think it would replace a dedicated analog poly. That’s a tough one.
@@JimAlfredsonthanks for the quick response! How does it compare to the engine in the skx? I would like to have the option to practice with two manuals though i like the portability of the sk pro and don't know of a cheap 61 key midi controller that would have the same feel.
@@creightonmoench6894 the SKX engine is the same as the SK1/2. It's the old VASE III engine and small samples for the non-organ voices.
is it 88 keys or 76? every keyboard now days sounds the same.a logic 88sl will do all this organ and more for less.
There is a 61 note version and a 73 note version.
Jim you are cool musician :) but this video is about new instrument from Hammond. I listened very carefuly many demos on studio monitors and I have very mixed feelings. Let's start with organ: sounds good - much better than sk line but not the same like XK5, not so warm I would say. May be because was derived not 100% from XK5 engine, but only primary features. Monofnic synth seems good. The back panel looks great. The bezel or frame around the screen doesn't look so good. Also
platform under which there are placed drawbars looks strange but this is subjectively. About Piano - not bad at all but it still feels that skPRO is not far from its predecessor, very weakly, considering how many years have passed. About electric pianos - very cheap rhodes sound!!! what kind of strings si that? Hammond you are seriously? C'mon, we are in 2021. I can't even believe that these sounds are from the aclaimed - HAMMOND. And all this is under the postscript and heading - skPRO....for professional yes? Hammond - It's a pity! I wonder what will be the price on skPRO.
Those strings did sound awful. very whiny, thin and false. I wonder if it was just that preset? Or the settings used? They were certainly very bad
@@hydorah My opinion is that Ensmble/Piano section is very weak and can't even compete with Nord, Yamaha CP/YC, Korg SV, Crumar, Viscount Legend 70, Prophet XL and more... I wonder why they were able to made these sounds good and Hammond can't? Maybe a couple of registers or some pads of that section are good, but in general like I mentioned above. If Hammond would have focused only on the strong sides - Organ and Synth sections, the instrument would have been more solid and reliable, but it looks like they tried to implement a lot, mix shit with something good and get something weird. Imagine there will be somebody who will buy this instrument just for the Organ and Synth, and you will ask: what bothers you about the Ensemble/Piano section? Because you end up overpaying a lot for it, and the sounds in fact are scarce. From what I've heard, Rhodes is just awful...Wurlitzer is 2000's level, violins not violins at all...and now pay attention!!!! Waldorf Zarenbourg, wich is from 2006, listen how it sounds like, it's just beautiful. And Hammond with his Piano/Ensemble section = chicken shit...I'm not saying all this for nothing, if I'm wrong about something - correct me please!
@@VadimShinnik Your dead right. I immediately heard that terribly thin, rinky dink, cheesy, no balls organ tonality it didn’t matter what any of the other patches sounded like. But they are tiny sounding also! Certainly not an instrument capable of coaxing much inspiration from players familiar with the real items.
@@superfuzzymomma this is that we have, that Hammond can offer, unfortunately :(
@@VadimShinnik Vadim, you are a gentleman to respond. My comments were not meant as a critique of yourself, or of your playing. I've gigged and lugged loved many chopped Hammonds over the years. The sound of actual electromechanical tone wheels and tube amplifiers. I can't forget what that sounds like. Peace to you, friend in the new year.
Is this the organ engine that's in the SKX? I'm not clear on that.
No. The SKX uses the older VASE III engine. The SK Pro series used the bee MTW engine from the flagship XK5.
Cool.
No wheels on the SK1 though...
I was referring to the XK1. It's sometimes hard to hear the difference between "S" and "X", especially when you talk fast like I do. I try to talk more slowly in these videos but it's hard for me. :)