Ken Madell

On 12/20/2020 at 6:41 PM, Tsquare said:

The attached mp3 is a piano interpretation of my favorite Christmas song which is largely unknown.  The lyrics are amazing in the original acapella version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOob4CRW8m0&list=FLOVsap3ETXN641nYQ4v76Sw&index=4 

 

Merry Christmas!

In the First Light.mp3 4.05 MB · 3 downloads

Inspiring group. Marvelous composing and performing; opera quality. Tnx Tsquare.

Thanks Tsquare, the songwriters deserve a lot of the credit for the bridges; Duke Ellington, Charles Trenet, Fats Waller.

and CASIO for the 'Codas, which are just the Accompaniment endings.

Since I'm 'keyboarding', I'm not looking for piano tone exactly.  Satin Doll is StagePiano layered with Syn-Bass5, with Chorus 2.  and Ain't Misbehavin is just  StagePiano with an AutoHarmonize and some reverb.  I use Audacity and any piano is the toughest; BUT it's probably the mp3 format that is responsible; the .wav recording is pretty realistic.   

Maybe I get some credit for the interpretations.  

Hi T,

I like what you are doing VERY MUCH.  and relate it to years of my past activity, that proved to be SO fruitful for me.  Just a SMALL upgrade will save you years of tiresome work and frustration.  560 though fine, is outdated, and not standardized.    FIRST thing is FREE or very nearly FREE -  GET 'SWEET SIXTEEN MIDI SEQUENCER' from the Windows store.  I just opened my AINT_MISBEHAVIN.MID save from my CT-S400, and immediately could see that all 16 tracks were Casio standard that I learned from my WK7600 .   Rhythm tracks are MIDI 9-16.  bass 8 drums 10 miscperc 9.  11+accomp instrument parts.  

Those easy arrangements of the Gershwin are VERY good.  Whose are they, and where available? I want copies.  PLAYED EXPRESSIVELY and MUSICALLY !!  Actually more than half of what I do is to write 'easy piano' arrangements at similar skill levels. I also teach piano AND drums for the Guitar Center company. My personal YouTube channel has tutorial videos of many of my arrangements.  

WHAT I LIKE:

    You are doing some great by Ear playing/arranging already

    You sense the value/need of Classical Training for your fingers/ ears/ and musically expressive sensibilities

    You are already applying expressive USABILITY of your hands and ears. 

SO - JUST DO IT; FIND $229 SOMEHOW, FOR A CT-S400.  I'm exploring it, like you're exploring your hex layers; and the 400 is less technical.  THUMBS UP STIMULATING INSTRUMENT, AND the 6 track recorder has a mixer.  Piano touch is VERY REALISTIC semi-weighted, and piano sample and speakers are improved over the 560. 

I'm really happy learning to vary and combine the many controls the CT-S400 gives you to style each tune, and mix the final production.  Satin Doll, I Wish You Love, and Ain't Misbehavin'.   Still looking to see if my cheap PC will let me record in stereo.  For most holiday performing, will be using a small mono Fender Bass amp anyway.  

Thanks Tsquare.  and I'll convert future posts. 

Thank you Brad.  What IS EXPRESSION that it does?  I don't understand what it is supposed to be doing.  Thanks again.    

This is the tune I decided to learn to explore operating my 3000, and it's content.  Simple, and I enjoy it. 

Colors of the Wind.wav

I have it calibrated, and can't find anything in the manual about how to make it do something useful; like moving a slider in the mixer etc. 

Is anybody using an expression pedal ?  

2 hours ago, Brad Saucier said:

Unfortunately the pattern sequencer on the CT-X5000 does not have a step recording function.  I'll mention a couple of other options in case it sparks an idea for you.   There is a step input function in the MIDI recorder, and in the pattern sequencer there is a quantize function, so that may be useful to you because it can correct the timing on your recorded notes.  

Thanks for jumping in Brad, Dunkie has set me scurrying also, and I saw all you mentioned; plus remember you can quantize each track of your recorded SONGS.  It sounds to me now that Dunkie just wants his own drummer tracks, not chord changes or multi-instruments as I first interpreted 'backing tracks'.  If so, I tried this, and think he should just record each of his 'drum kit' drums, one at a time like overdubbing, on it's own song track in the recorder.  Use the metronome and precount.  He can re-record any track he doesn't like and/or quantize each track.  Worked real good for me and was kind of fun.  

Dunkieboy, we just need to find out now if that is what you want to do?  

20 hours ago, dunkieboy said:

Hi Ken, thanks for your post. I'm a really busy guitar player who recently purchased a ct-x5000 for it's sound quality. I'm bamboozled by

the instructions however. Basically I'm looking for something that can provide  a decent rhythmical background. Trying to create a simple

background alone is so difficult, please help. Thanks in advance.

Hiya dunkieboy, I'll be glad to work with you. I've been desciphering these d*n Casio manuals for 20 years now. I'm very busy also as a teacher and band member, but I have a head start on you, in having created a user rhythm (and done some song writing) of my own already ( yeah, which took about 2 weeks learning, in spite of my previous Casio experience ).

Just be a little patient.  The problem is not with the design of our Casios; they are awesome.  The problem is that their features are so flexible and advanced.  It's worth a study time investment.  Many guitarists won't do that.  I'm busy like you, but know it's worth the time to review what I learned ( and have certainly forgotten some of, last year ), and do this with you, if you want to. 

Maybe you are just looking to RECORD a backing track of chord changes with fill-ins and rhythm variation USING a rhythm pattern that is included in the 5000.  That's pretty easy....  If you just want this, you don't need to know anything of piano, but the note names of the keys.

If you want to create something new, the easiest thing to do is  to find an existing rhythm in the 5000, that you feel would be suitable if you could change the mixer volumes and instrument assignments, and perhaps mute a track or two; not compose anything new.  Remember that you have 4 variations, fill-in, etc.  as much as you need to, (or have time to) work with.  

You think that will do what you need?  

I do some teaching and chatting on Messenger and Quora, and email, which is easier.  If you want to do this little project let's connect by Messenger or email,phone. Start on facebook.com/piano.and.keyboard.lessons for contact info. Direct telephone call won't work though, because I keep priority only turned on. Or you can tell me how to connect with you.  

Absolutely, not to fear, Casio is shattering my expectations more than ever the past 2 years on those portable models that Brad mentioned, and that I use for teaching, composing, and even some solo performing.  These models are being picked over Yamaha by reviewers, mainly because the sound is so awesome.  I love them also because their operation is greatly streamlined, and you can do very quick, interactive editing, and all manner of tonal adjustments.  I'm excited to see what's next also.  

Wow, is this word processor interface something new? Woopie! 😁

On 7/5/2018 at 10:41 PM, Casiofun said:

Sat down and played a 3000 recently. Here are some thoughts. I don't understand why they ditched the drawbars and drawbar organ. Also it sounds like many organ tones are the old Casio tones. Strings are noticeably much better as are drum samples. Quite a few new arrangements mixed in with updated older rhythms. On the whole better than the older Casio styles. Wonder if these styles will be available to download in newer WK boards. Pattern Sequencer from Wk series looks to be gone.  Like the Galaxy electric piano. Stage piano voice has decent sustain in the high notes. The sound is noticeably better than the WK/CTK series and as good as or better than PSR E series. Did not get to play it for long. Need another sit down.ferently

It was accidental negligence missing your post.  Hi.  I'm still in awe of my 3000.  I still love my 7600, 4400, and 691, but this is different.  I can view, modify or create almost anything.  Anything bad or limiting about a keyboard seems to be gone.  You do things a little differently, but I like it better.  And if I ever need to, I think I'll be able to create some things on the 7600, and load into the 3000.  Love the new Synth library and piano.  

23 minutes ago, Brad Saucier said:

Release note only says it corrects a minor bug in registration memory.   Do you have a green dot like the firmware page indicates?

I will look.  Y'know, I'm a dedicated teacher hooked on Casio because I think they are the same.  So, I doubt myself B4 them.  And the 3000 is an amazing design, but there is a bit of small print in the manual that is important, and might be missed.  

I am actually surprised, and relieved to find out that if there are verified bugs, they can be fixed.  Casio amazes.  I often giggle (with glee, I guess) as I digest the design, and the musical possibilities.

I have a 7600.  This is light years better.

On 6/26/2018 at 6:40 PM, Midijunky said:

No nothing new with summerpl yet. I am too busy or lazy to do much keyboard stuff during the week:-D  thanks for the tip about the function button, so much to remember! Hey, feel free to add whatever to the rhythm and repost. I think its really cool being able to make you own rhythms on the Casio now. Maybe someday there will be thousands of rhythms posted online just like the psr tutorial website. 

 

That's all I've ever done if play by ear haha! Never learned to read. But I've done OK. Played in bands in my younger years doing bars, backyard, and wedding gigs and lots of fun with that! I'm just glad my liver survived if ya know what I mean.  Now considering the nursing home circuit but that means a one man band gig and not use to that, haha, stage fright.

 

 

 

Did the band and club circuit back then also as a drummer.  I've started keyboard playing in church and Salvation Army Senior parties.  No more stage fright.  Want to do solo weddings on my 3000.  Wish me luck. 

Some people can do very nicely, by ear like you.  My step-son never took a music lesson, but he's soooo creative.  I had to study hard.  

I found that the important thing is to reach a place where you feel you have found your own musical voice.  If you haven't done that yet, then study a little theory and reading to let more ideas into your head.    Ken

On 6/26/2018 at 6:57 PM, Brad Saucier said:

It sounds like your keyboard is already up to date.  In case it isn't, here is a link to a firmware update.   This is for the CT-X3000.  CT-X5000 has another page for its update file.

 

https://support.casio.com/en/support/download.php?cid=008&pid=2224

Wow, Brad you are on the ball with answers.... Should I update my 3000?  Like I said there seems to be a phrase pad bug.  But, I've learned from many years computing, "If it ain't really broke, don't fix it. ".   I probably own one of the first units to be sold in the States.  Suggestion?  Ken.  

On 6/29/2018 at 4:38 AM, jared808 said:

you should check out soundcloud. easy to upload music to it. the casio comes with a usb cord. I am lazy with recording and putting stuff online, but I have some older stuff on there 

Thank you Jared.  I'm pretty active on SoundCloud ( soundcloud.com/user-259598476/  ) . I also have a Facebook business page where I post music videos   ( facebook.com/piano.and.keyboard.lessons ) .  How do I find you on SoundCloud? 

20 hours ago, Midijunky said:

You are a life saver and just increased the value of my keyboard quite a bit! That syncho start first to save variations to registrations works perfectly, thank you so much! Where ever did you learn how to do that? I hope Casio includes this info in their next manual printing. 

 

I did listen to the mp3s you posted and was quite impressed! Good job for only a week of learning.  The phrase pad issue has me thinking. Could be a few things. Maybe the last bar you recorded was void of data the last few beats? Could be the beat you selected  was wrong?  Which brings me to my next complaint. When selecting a time signature, all it shows is the beat number. 1, 2, 3...etc. So you have to guess where you are. I was doing a 12/8 time and had to try a lot numbers before finding the right one.

 

Anyway, I'm posting the rhythm I worked on this weekend. Its not complete yet, , only variation 1, no intro, fills, end, etc. Its called A summer place.

 

Load it into your keyboard and see what you think. 🙂

 

 

SUMMERPL.AC7

Sharing musical ideas in the forum is definitely the way to go.  Now I know just how to start, when doing my own first 'from scratch' rhythm.  Minor stroke of musical genius adding the strings to bind it all together, nice.  A simple approach can make some very usable music.  Also notice from my example, how useful altering, and adding to an existing rhythm can be.  You benefit by having some very close to suitable fills, plus your intro and ending.  

It's my respect for Casio's integrity that got me the answer to the registration problem.  There had to be a way to do it; so I just tried the first logical button, and it worked.  I'm gonna keep your suggestions about the phrase pad in mind, and give it another optimistic go.  

I've found occasional omissions (mistakes) in the manual.  That time signature thing is another example.  I think I was reading about the 'function' settings, when it mentioned the function key could also be used to toggle between an option given simply as a number, and the actual words to describe the option.  That should solve your problem there.  ALSO, the function key seems to be the only way to clear an error message condition.

I'm so happy you gave me some feedback.  I've been a classical piano teacher for years, but now really just doing my own thing, creatively venturing into popular genres, and playing by ear.  I've had some self doubts mingled in over the past year while my ears continue to develop.  Actually, I'm just reaching the point of confidently believing in myself.  I want to start performing on keyboard, as I so enjoyed as a drummer.  

Anything new with 'SUMMERPL'? 

Ken

On 4/9/2018 at 12:25 AM, skyy38 said:

 

One advantage that CASIO will always have over Korg.

The UI of Casio is not NEAR as confusing, as the PA series, or Roland, or Yamaha.

Right now, I am trying to dump my recent purchase of Korg PA600, in favor of the CTX-5000, for more than ONE reason.

AMAZING UI.  I feel like I'm actively painting with sound.

On 6/25/2018 at 11:12 AM, Gina said:

 prices fell slightly

At these prices, Casio is the right choice.  Keep the $299 CT-X3000 in mind.  It's SO portable, and almost identical to the 5000. Amp it if required.  I've had mine over a week, and it's already made me a better musician.  It's a reinvented, very quickly interactive user design.  A few days getting used to.... Now I feel like I'm painting with sound.... A new experience compared to earlier keyboards.  

2 minutes ago, invicta alec said:

 

in a word......delicate. Very delicate!

 

Alec.

 

 

Alright,  well just relax and be confident.  Your body is pretty smart about healing.  At first it takes some time, but then you can almost feel it kick back into gear, and that your going to be alright again. 

7 hours ago, invicta alec said:

Ken,

 

I owe it to you, to keep you in the loop. Today I'm back in my home, this time last week I was undergoing unexpected major heart surgery following a heart attack. I know that I'm about to start many weeks, if not months, of recuperation. For quite how long it will delay our proposed on line training sessions I'm not sure. Bear with me please.

 

Alec.

 

Dear Alec,  

I am very sorry to hear about your medical event.  But, here you are.... doctoring these days can be quite amazing.  I had a stroke a year ago, and was unconscious for almost a month.  Here am I,  good as new.  

How are you feeling right now?  

Keep in touch,   Ken 

1 hour ago, Midijunky said:

Hi Ken,

 

Also got a CTX 3000 a couple days ago and spent most of the weekend learning how to do a user rhythm from scratch. I managed to succeed but took a while to get the hang of all the long press stuff and unlabeled buttons! I do think this is a great machine but one thing bothers me...can't save a rhythm variation to a registration button. While playing a song, would like to change tone and variation by just pushing  a regist button. 

 

Any ideas to pull that off?

I know Yamaha e-series boards can do it but not Casio? This seems to be a big goof on Casio's part.

I think Casio tried to make EVERYTHING possible with a 3000, but it is such a completely improved redesign over previous models, I guess a few little bugs are understandable.  

THE MANUAL DOESN'T SAY THIS, BUT YOU HAVE TO PRESS THE 'SYNC' BUTTON B4 YOU PRESS THE VARIATION BUTTON, Then store to a registration.

I've run across one annoying bug(?)  with phrase pads.  Maybe you'll find the solution or operating mistake I'm making.  I saved a 4 bar 6/8 phrase, which appeared to record correctly.  But in loop playback in 6/8 time, the pad inserted a delay of a few beats before repeating.  ( Also a mistake in the manual, that says to 'long press record', to setup phrase pad recording parameters.  The setup is there without having to do that.  The 'long press' at that point doesn't do anything. )

I'm tolerant, because in addition to being a music teacher, I was a programmer for about 10 years, and I find the 3000 from both musical and technological standpoints, completely mind blowing and wonderful.  

I'm glad to hear you diving right in.  I ran into EXACTLY the same stuff with the unlabeled and long press button functions, but now see what a great design it is, and operate like I'm touch typing at 80 wpm.  Do you dare to share any of your early creations?  Any helpful feedback on my music?  

Ken

Every day I'm learning something new with my 3000.  This post can supercede the previous; it's better.  I've enjoyed and learned from trying most of my musical ideas on portable Casios for quite a few years.  If you're like me, you've found them musically motivating, but still 'not quite there' as completely capable instruments.  My first week with the 3000 has told me that it is a completely mature, new and beautifully designed musical instrument. 

It's very well designed for interactive musical creation.  Now that I am fluent in operating it, I feel like I'm 'painting with sound'.  Touching the right button or two is very natural, and feels to me like an artist changing paint brushes for a new effect.   First you do your musical sketch.  Then add features.  Then do your next layer where you fix all the mistakes, and so on; very fluid.  

Here's my first example from my first week.  Keep in mind, I'm still focused a little on children's music, because that's the event I'm preparing for.

Needed a Mexican rhythm for the Hat Dance.  Closest thing was rhythm 44  6/8Blues; not very exciting.  Added a guitar part and was very happy.  Decided to develop a full 4 variation user rhythm.  It took a day, but I learned so much by the sound orchestration and tweaking I had to do to get it just right ( Mexi R&D ).  Here's the finished song ( Mexi Hat ).   

I like very much the idea that was suggested, that we start contributing to each other, any good creations we come up with. 

3000 can make beautiful music, practically as easy as sight reading a fake book ( BEAUTY 1 ).  

It plays a full classical piano repertoire from the free Casio 'Chordana Play Piano' app from your smartphone.  The app was designed for Casio piano models, but recognizes the CT-X as a Casio, and let's you play the 100 classical masterpieces that sound great on the 3000 ( Chopin )  

Mexi R&D.mp3

Mexi Hat.mp3

BEAUTY 1.mp3

Chopin.mp3

The 176227 and 176228 are good .mp3 files which will download into your download directory, but you need to rename them and add the .mp3 extention to play them.  They uploaded this way without their .mp3 extension; I don't know why.  I'm going to try again here.

Mexican.mp3

MexiHat.mp3