PlanetZ forums - scopeusers.com

I'm not a synth guy so excuse me if this is common knowledge but I've noticed that keyboard manufacturers seem to be selling newer models with 3 less keys than before (73 vs. 76 keys). Can someone explain what's going on with that?

I think 73 and 76 have both been around for some time, haven't they? I don't think it's suddenly three fewer (not less) keys, just a different 'standard'.




P.S. Sorry for the English correction, bit of a grammar Nazi here and I'm worried about the loss of the word 'fewer' from the English language.

Maybe 73 keys leaves room for mod and pitch bend wheels

I guess I'm referring to the more modern types of synths. Seems like they used to come in 3 flavors: 66, 76 and 88 key versions with the 88 key versions having weighted keys like a piano. Looking through the various pro audio catalogs I get every month, I'm not seeing 76 key options anymore. They've all been replaced with 73 key options. I was just curious why (although I suspect it's all about economics).

from what I've seen, I associate 73 with the fender rhodes. Nord electro came out with with a 73 key version, which I guess was an authenticity statement. I didn't know that other synth makers also did 73. I don't really see the significance of 73 or 76, they both have that nice compact form factor. For things that sell as "rhodes" clones, it kind of makes sense since you can't really sample beyond the original 73 notes. For other synths, I'm not sure why they'd go 73. Teeny tiny bit smaller, and maybe teeny tiny bit cheaper.

as keyboards are made from 'modules' with a key pattern, it can make quite a difference for the manufacturer
(a certain start note allows the same module type for upper and lower keys in small desktop units)
probably it's a similiar thing here...

cheers, Tom