Synth keybed improvement possibilities (moog SUB37)

[Hillboy]

Greetings!

Intermediate guitar player here, although lately quite heavily interested (and invested) in keyboard instruments.

Last spring I pulled the trigger on Moog Subsequent 25, and while I absolutely love the sounds it can produce, I’ve come to realize that the 2-octave keyboard is simply too limiting for other than bass lines and simple riffing. Couple of weeks ago I got an opportunity to purchase a near mint condition Sub 37 Tribute edition (2016, serial around 11000)… so now I have two Moogs!
While once more, an amazing sounding instrument, the Sub37’s keybed is not even close to as smooth, light and *most importantly* _even_ in it’s action as the Sub25’s. Especially the difference in stiffness between white and black keys is quite noticable.

I read somewhere that some people had changed lighter springs (and pads) into their synth keybeds. Has anyone done this, and if yes, can someone recommend a source? And even better, if someone can refer to exact parts used, would be highly appreciated!

I’ve actually made an inquiry to Moog regarding such parts, but they only sell full Subsequent37 keybed assemblies (202€ + supposedly delivery costs added on top), and seems that they wouldn’t allow DIY installment, but Moog certified service would need to do it. Sounds pricey, right?

 

[Solarflares]

Greetings!

Intermediate guitar player here, although lately quite heavily interested (and invested) in keyboard instruments.

Last spring I pulled the trigger on Moog Subsequent 25, and while I absolutely love the sounds it can produce, I’ve come to realize that the 2-octave keyboard is simply too limiting for other than bass lines and simple riffing. Couple of weeks ago I got an opportunity to purchase a near mint condition Sub 37 Tribute edition (2016, serial around 11000)… so now I have two Moogs!
While once more, an amazing sounding instrument, the Sub37’s keybed is not even close to as smooth, light and *most importantly* _even_ in it’s action as the Sub25’s. Especially the difference in stiffness between white and black keys is quite noticable.

I read somewhere that some people had changed lighter springs (and pads) into their synth keybeds. Has anyone done this, and if yes, can someone recommend a source? And even better, if someone can refer to exact parts used, would be highly appreciated!

I’ve actually made an inquiry to Moog regarding such parts, but they only sell full Subsequent37 keybed assemblies (202€ + supposedly delivery costs added on top), and seems that they wouldn’t allow DIY installment, but Moog certified service would need to do it. Sounds pricey, right?

Send it back, and buy a used DX711D - probably the best key-bed of all semi-weighted keyboards.
This is just 6 operators on the bass sound. Imagine it with all 12.
I would recommend any musician takes a year out to learn FM Synthesis. I did.
You can blow Moogs into the weeds.

 

[GuitarBilly74]

Greetings!

Intermediate guitar player here, although lately quite heavily interested (and invested) in keyboard instruments.

Last spring I pulled the trigger on Moog Subsequent 25, and while I absolutely love the sounds it can produce, I’ve come to realize that the 2-octave keyboard is simply too limiting for other than bass lines and simple riffing. Couple of weeks ago I got an opportunity to purchase a near mint condition Sub 37 Tribute edition (2016, serial around 11000)… so now I have two Moogs!
While once more, an amazing sounding instrument, the Sub37’s keybed is not even close to as smooth, light and *most importantly* _even_ in it’s action as the Sub25’s. Especially the difference in stiffness between white and black keys is quite noticable.

I read somewhere that some people had changed lighter springs (and pads) into their synth keybeds. Has anyone done this, and if yes, can someone recommend a source? And even better, if someone can refer to exact parts used, would be highly appreciated!

I’ve actually made an inquiry to Moog regarding such parts, but they only sell full Subsequent37 keybed assemblies (202€ + supposedly delivery costs added on top), and seems that they wouldn’t allow DIY installment, but Moog certified service would need to do it. Sounds pricey, right?

These synths all have a MIDI out, so I'd suggest leaving them as is and getting an external MIDI keyboard controller for them with an action/key bed you like. Then get a MIDI splitter, assign the 2 synths to different MIDI channels and play them from your "master" keyboard. If you are using them for live performances, you will find it easier to do it that anyway (IMHO), especially if you add more synths/modules along the way.

I asked Roland about something similar a few years ago (adjusting the action of my FA-88) and got a similar response: it could only be done by an authorized service center and it was ridiculously expensive. I ended up getting an Arturia Key Lab 61 Mk3, which cost me almost the same as what Roland would charge me to service the FA, but I can use to control all my synths and it's an one-time purchase. I don't even have the FA anymore but I am still using the Arturia to control all my other synths (including plug-ins), so it was a good investment.

Ideally, you should go to a music store with a good inventory of MIDI controllers and try different ones and see what you like. This can be hard to do online, since you have to actually play them to get the feel of the different beds.

 

[László]

Billy is right. Just find a good feeling MIDI controller or synth of any kind that you like, they all have MIDI outputs. Then either plug it into your Moog, or use a splitter (mine goes back to 1987!) or use a MIDI output from your computer and DAW or use a MIDI interface; all will do the job.

Very simple stuff.

 

[Solarflares]

 

[Solarflares]

I like my Studiologic SL990 Pro, but it is a fully-weighted keyboard.
Ideally look for something semi-weighted that is either high-end Yamaha, or has a high-end Fatar key-bed.
You might run into issues with requiring fast adjustments on a synth separate from your master keyboard. Even more so if the panel is flat, and you’re not leaning over it. So think ergonomics before jumping in. A master controller with one slightly-angled synth on top is do-able, but if you want more synths, then you either surround yourself with them, or consider going soft-synth with an assignable master control surface that has Oled scribble strips.

 

[Solarflares]

Or you could just say fuck it.