Korg BX3 Combo Organ

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61 keys per manual. Full keyboard polyphony.

The Real Thing
For years, if you wanted the sound of a real tone-wheel organ, there was only one instrument that could deliver--until the CX-3 was introduced in 2000. The CX-3 single manual, Combo Organ so accurately and faithfully re-created the classic sound, demand for a dual-manual grew. Now, 2 years later, Korg introduces the BX-3 dual manual, Combo Organ.

The original Korg CX-3 first went on sale in 1979 followed by its dual-manual sibling, the BX-3. Both went on to become favorites in their own right, and are still widely used. Now, using advanced DSP technology and painstaking attention to sound, touch, and style, they have been reborn and vastly improved upon.

Meticulous Re-Creation of the Tone-Wheel System
Korg's state-of-the-art DSP technology has made it possible to precisely re-create the unique sound that, until now, could only be produced by the real thing. Two different tone-wheel sounds are provided: "Vintage" and "Clean." The CX-3 and BX-3's amazing realism even extends to such details as allowing you to add the "leakage" noise generated by the tone-wheels, and the ability to adjust their overtone levels.

Drawbars--The Backbone of the Organ Sound
Both the CX-3 and BX-3 feature 2 sets of 9 drawbars that duplicate the sonic characteristics of the originals--including the proper foldback settings and harmonic distortion. And you can easily select between the presets and these 2 sets of "live" drawbars while performing for that real organ-playing experience. read more The CX-3 and BX-3 also provide an EX mode in which all 18 drawbars can be utilized as one extended palette. The resulting new harmonics and percussion timbres can be used to create organ sounds never before heard.

Percussion/Key-Click Effects Add Character
One of the unique characteristics of a genuine tone-wheel organ is the percussive effect that adds a readily identifiable sound to a note's attack. The CX-3 and BX-3 recreates that beautifully. The volume, decay rate, and harmonic pitch (2nd, 3rd) of the percussion can be adjusted--and the percussion has the proper "multi-triggered-yet-monophonic" characteristic for authentic organ performance. You can even control the amount of key-click heard when you press or release a key, simulating the dirty contacts often found on older instruments.

Classic Sounds and More
With 128 programs, the CX-3 and BX-3 are ready to cover a wide range of musical styles including pop, hard rock, jazz, gospel, and rhythm and blues. Detailed drawbar and parameter settings are displayed, and can be easily edited and stored. Thanks to the involvement of leading organ players such as Brian Auger, Bill Champlin, Tom Coster, Al Kooper, Greg Phillinganes, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and Derek Sherinian, the CX-3 and BX-3 provide a number of these artists' "signature" sounds plus new voicings that take full advantage of this finely crafted organ.

Realistic Rotary Speaker and Spatial Effects
Korg's proprietary "REMS" modeling technology is applied to create effects that add further authenticity to the organ sound. The rotary speaker effect, so important to the organ experience, is recreated here with total realism. You can even adjust the time required for the rotor and horn to speed up or slow down when switching speeds, or stop the rotation altogether. Three types of amp simulation are provided: a traditional rotary speaker sound, a blend of rotary and tube amp sounds, or a preamp-only signal. The amp simulations are dynamic, so your sound naturally evolves from a warm and fat sound to a natural overdrive as your volume increases. In addition, the classic vibrato and chorus settings are provided along with 3 types of reverb, featuring adjustable time and depth.

Ultra-Fast Response
Careful attention has been paid to the long-neglected aspect of keyboard response speed. The key scanning method used on the CX-3 and BX-3 starts the sound at the first key contact, ensuring a much faster response to your playing. Notes speak more crisply, allowing glissandi, trills, and "smears" to be played with total authenticity.

Extensive MIDI Features
Not limited to a vintage recreation, the CX-3 and BX-3 is equipped with many advanced MIDI features. Every drawbar, switch and control can be transmitted as MIDI data so your complete performance can be perfectly captured by a sequencer. The CX-3 and BX-3 keyboard can be set to transmit key dynamics via MIDI to an external device that can even be layered with the onboard organ sound.

BX-3 Adds More
The new limited edition BX-3 provides all these features in a dual manual model. Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels for improved MIDI control, additional voice parameters for even more authentic sound reproduction, and a newly-designed "waterfall" keybed for absolutely authentic look and feel have all been added.

Different sets of drawbars, and Chorus/Vibrato On/Off can be assigned independently to the BX-3's Upper and Lower manuals, just like using a real tone-wheel organ. The single manual CX-3 gives you this functionality via a Split Mode, enabling you to play the single keyboard in 2 sections. Or you can plug in a second MIDI keyboard to recreate the dual manual playing experience.

Timeless Aura and Inimitable Presence
Drawbars, vibrato/chorus, and percussion switches are placed in the same location as on the classic tone-wheel organs, demonstrating a total commitment to tradition and playability. The sturdy wood cabinet gives the instruments the proper vintage look, and the BX-3's wooden stand pays homage to the original.

Note: Specifications subject to change without notice.
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Keyboard: 61 keys per manual

Sound Generation Method: Tone Wheel Organ Modeling

Polyphony: Full Keyboard Polyphony

Drawbars: 9 x 2

Modes: Normal/Ex, Normal Edit/EX Edit, Global

Effects: Rotary Effect, Vibrato/Chorus, Reverb, Overdrive

Programs: Normal Mode=64 (A-1 - H-8), EX Mode=64 (A-1 - H-8)

Display: VFD 20 x 1

Panel:
Rotary Effect Control, Vibrato/Chorus on/off, Upper/Lower Select, Drawbars Select, Percussion Control, Volume, Tone Control, Preset/Manual Select, Edit, Split, Master Level, BX-3 only--Pitch Bend Wheel, Modulation Wheel

Inputs:
Expression Pedal Input x 1,
Assignable Control Pedal/SW Input x 2

Outputs: L, R, Headphone

MIDI: IN, OUT, THRU

Power Consumption: 14W

Dimensions (W x D x H):
Mounted to Stand: 43.39 x 24.41 x 37.17 in.
Including rubber feet: 43.39 x 24.41 x 8.7 in.

Weight:
112.2 lbs. (including STD-BX3 stand),
72.6 lbs. (without stand)

Accessories:
AC cord
Expression Pedal(OXP-1)
Stand (STD-BX3)

Options:
XVP-10 EXP/VOL Pedal
EXP-2 Expression Pedal
PS-1 Pedal Switch

Note: Specifications subject to change without notice.

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 631-390-6800
Web: https://www.korgusa.com/support

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (56 ratings)
Submitted August 26, 2003 by a customer from westchestergov.com

"My fellow organists - you will not believe your ears!!!!!!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
To surpass this would be a different instrument I never heard of and probably woul not want.
Sound
The sound of this organ is unbelieveable. The sound quality is rich and full like the real B-3. This organ allows you to get whatever sound you want. My friend who owns it also told me that you can program the drawbar settings. I played this organ outside at my friends place and he had it hooked up to a small leslie and a pa system it was rich and full and the internal leslie coming thru the pa speakers (15" woofers and horn) was as good as the leslie activated. Outside the sound was full like I was playing in a church .
Features
This organ needs some full size pedals. My friend used a small set of pedals by another company. The organ also needs two separate individual drawbars for the pedals.Then I'll stop using my Hammond.
Quality
Product made well and is durable. My friend has it all over the place
Value
value is unbelieveable for the price and its versatility and portability.
Manufacturer Support
haven't dealt with support
The Wow Factor
I would take one and demo it to a lot of my other friends churches and at some concerts.You can't beat getting a fat sound like this from a set up that is so portable.

Musical Style:

Gospel
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