My new Casio CT-x700 seems too complicated

[TedS]

@Bouncingogre would you say the following are workarounds...

No footboard --> Add a MIDI pedalboard. Or, learn and embrace the "lowest note controls the bass" faculty of an intelligent arranger. (If you play arranger chords with altered bass, you really are playing three instruments with two hands. That might be the definitive reason to choose an arranger over a synth workstation.)

No stops --> simulate this with registrations?

No dual manuals --> split the manual, in some cases a 3-way split with two RH voices active, if the keyboard allows it

No couplers --> I'm not 100% sure what couplers do. Could this functionality also be simulated with registrations? Or is this a "right-hand harmony"-type thing, where chords you play on a lower manual trigger additional notes on an upper manual?

There's a frustrated church organist inside me trying to get out. I'll probably never own or play a real organ, but I would love to learn more about simulating an organ on an arranger. Thanks!!

 

[Bouncingogre]

@Bouncingogre would you say the following are workarounds...

No footboard --> Add a MIDI pedalboard. Or, learn and embrace the "lowest note controls the bass" faculty of an intelligent arranger. (If you play arranger chords with altered bass, you really are playing three instruments with two hands. That might be the definitive reason to choose an arranger over a synth workstation.)

No stops --> simulate this with registrations?

No dual manuals --> split the manual, in some cases a 3-way split with two RH voices active, if the keyboard allows it

No couplers --> I'm not 100% sure what couplers do. Could this functionality also be simulated with registrations? Or is this a "right-hand harmony"-type thing, where chords you play on a lower manual trigger additional notes on an upper manual?

There's a frustrated church organist inside me trying to get out. I'll probably never own or play a real organ, but I would love to learn more about simulating an organ on an arranger. Thanks!!

There Are workarounds, and some of the things you mention may be possible. But the bottom line of it is how much time, effort, and not least cash are you prepared to throw at it?
For an exercise..... Spend an hour or so checking out Hauptwerk.

Hauptwerk – Virtual Pipe Organ

www.hauptwerk.com

This is software designed for playing Organs from pretty well every major organ in the world.

Also check out ePianos in Oxfordshire.. They are the people to speak to about quality used organs and keyboards, and great advice too.
And don't forget good old Ebay... There's a Lowrey Sensation on there right now at £1500 (so about the price of a half decent quality keyboard) and if that doesn't fulfill pretty well all your needs, then I'll eat my hat!
Finally there are LOTS of 2nd user Genos 1 keyboards out there since the introduction of the G2.
Aim to pay around £1500--£2000 and remember that you need to buy speakers for it too unless you are lucky enough to find a package for around £2000....Dont pay more.... Owners are still trying to sell them at inflated prices! And don't touch any that have been gigged (used to perform with) . Ever! Usually pretty well knackered!
Hope that helps.

 

[LoveLoud]

I used to play a Wurlitzer home organ. Simple! I just played. My new Casio keyboard scares me. Too complicated! Is there a way to simplify? I just want to play not sit studying the manual and getting confused and frustrated. Suggestions?

My CASIO...

Depress the TONE button once

TONES list is on far right, printed on the counsel

ORGANS are the third category down.

Input the CODE. 062, 066, 089, 099, up to 100 in my case.

+ - BUTTONS to surf up and down the tones without using codes.

I'm in Day Two of exploring every ELECTRIC PIANO in the system. Might take you three sessions to sample every ORGAN tone.

Once in the ORGAN tones list, use the + - buttons to surf.

The purpose of entry level CASIO is to be open and flexible. The mass of menus is necessary to pack it in. However, it is unnecessary to jump into every menu immediately. If you want an organ KB, just learn how to surf the TONES for now. Make a note of which codes / tones you prefer.

 

[Lee Borrell]

Agree with anotherscott, you can't dismiss all casio as for 8yt olds. There is a massive range from simple to complex.