IN DEPTH COMPARISON: Viscount Legend 70's Compact / Crumar Seven / Korg SV2 S

[@ThePianoforever]

The longest video that I have ever made. I have included time stamps for you, but I reviewed the video during the editing process and removed over a half hour of video, but at that point I felt if I removed anything more valuable information would be cut out. I really don't believe in time stamps as when they are used people will ask questions addressed in the video, but in this case I made an exception below. Let me know what should have been cut out or what might be missing. Making unbiased reviews for over 10 years: www.patreon.com/thepianoforever Milan Recording Studios: kzbin.info/door/u1LrpmWwK1ztTvIayRar9w 00:00 Basic Introduction 04:33 Viscount Legend Features 11:36 Crumar Seven Features 17:05 Korg SV2 Features 22:30 Viscount Legend Rhodes Performance and Effects 27:36 Crumar Seven Rhodes Performance and Effects 32:20 Korg SV2 Rhodes Performance and Effects 40:01 Viscount Legend Electric Pianos 45:32 Crumar Seven Electric Pianos 49:40 Korg Sv2 Electric Pianos 54:21 Viscount Legend Organ Sounds 59:04 Korg SV2 Organ Sounds 1:01:31 Viscount Legend Acoustic Piano 1:06:42 Crumar Seven Acoustic Piano 1:12:08 Korg SV2 Acoustic Piano 1:14:40 Viscount Legend Clavinet Sounds etc. 1:20:26 Crumar Seven Clavinet Sounds etc. 1:26:25 Korg SV2 Clavinet Sounds etc. 1:38:38 Final thoughts

[@enzoguida6305]

Excellent video review!

[@jumpingman8160]

THIS is how all demos should be done when comparing instruments. Well done James.Had lots of fun

[@ThePianoforever]

Thank you very much.

[@HighFiveOfficial]

What a great review. A masterpiece. Hope you enjoyed making the video and playing around on the pianos as much as we enjoyed watching the video!

[@ThePianoforever]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@moldenburg909]

That’s really I think the longest video you ever done. But it was really worth watching it. A masterpiece of a review. Honest, clear and a lot of fun. I am happy that you put a time stamp in it because I had to come back to it. But watching you playing and fiddling around is always nice. The legend seven has so many possibilities that it is almost impossible to show all but you did quite a good job. Thank you for sharing, playing and fiddling!

[@azguitar]

Excellent review, James. The Viscount Legend 70’s FTW, and I was surprised by just how beautiful sounding it is!

[@ThePianoforever]

I love mine for sure.

[@AaronGlenn88]

dude, when you play bach or scarlatti it litterally makes my day. Thank you for helping us pick the best options for instruments we love!

[@atomman40]

Finally a real demo of the classic sounds and boards available today.

[@crnova7]

Great review. I have the Crumar Seven and on their website Crumar has posted a video they are doing recording a grand piano. They promise this becomming available for the Seven in the future. Also these days the Crumar has build-in wifi. So no need for a dongle anymore. Connecting using IP is easy and better IMO than those apps or PC programs which will never be updated again.

[@devwhite22]

Phenomenal flow and editing, well done and THANK YOU for this.

[@awienc]

Wow, you did it! The best piano comparison I’ve seen. I’ve only tried SV2 but I bet they all play like a dream in person That said, I would love to get the Crumar just so it can stay in my living room, it looks fantastic and classy!

[@roo.stewart]

Great job! Loved the setup. Just realised how much you look like Jonah Nilsson in this video! Thanks for all your work

[@ThePianoforever]

It by far was the most complicated set up were have ever done for a video comparison.

[@michaelklein4582]

What a great comparison! Thanks! Crumar has just released the „Seventeen „ I hope you get your hands on one soon to compare it to the „ seven“ ! It is a bit cheaper, so maybe it’s a „lighter „ version . It sure looks more basic, but let’s see! Definitely looking forward to more such well done videos!

[@adamandlorraine]

Crumar Seven my favourite on test here.

[@thejazzpiano2074]

I own a SV2... looking forward to this!

[@ThePianoforever]

I have had a SV1-88 for years, but the SV2-88 S is more recent. I love them both.

[@thejazzpiano2074]

@@ThePianoforever James, great video - appreciate the real effort it takes to keep posting - this was the monster, but superbly done!

[@Jim0i0]

These 'boards are so cool. I just got an MP11se largely due to your reviews, I'm surprised by how much I enjoy playing the electric piano sounds. Creamy goodness. Thanks for the details.

[@ThePianoforever]

Great to hear!

[@AllINMusicMedia]

It came down to the Viscount and Crumar for me. I liked the physical look of the Crumar better(not so much the LED lights)..but ultimately the modular design of the Viscount won out and I got the Legend Compact. Playing it does transport me to my teenage days playing the Fender Rhodes my family owned. It also weighed on me that I use and am satisfied with the Crumar Mojo as my B3 clone, so wanted to try a Viscount product...and thanks to James, I went with a Kawai MP11SE over a Nord Grand for my Controller and main piano board.

[@davidcoons89]

Wow. What a fantastic and comprehensive video review! Thank you so much for all your time and hard work that went into this. I’ve been binging a bunch of your videos and I’d never heard of the Viscount until more recently and after several videos of yours highlighting many of its features and tones etc, I am positively sold in the Legend 70’s now! Thanks again friend 🙌🏼 🙌🏼

[@markwillis2980]

Thanks for your effort. When I was a teenager 40 years ago, I used to read the Crumar ads over and over imagining when I might been able to buy one.

[@ThePianoforever]

Thanks for sharing!

[@areyoujelton]

Man... you’re such an inspiration.

[@TheWalrus835]

As soon as you started playing that wurly sound on the Viscount my jaw hit the floor.

[@CanalDojogames]

Great video! The panel of the left one appeaes star wars desk panel with those cool buttons

[@ThePianoforever]

It really is a very cool layout for sure.

[@johnweller1423]

What a wonderful video of these 3 keyboards wow, so well done. I bet this was a complex but rewarding set up. 👍😎

[@ThePianoforever]

Yes it was a complex setup. It's now time to break it down to get ready for the next setup.

[@johnweller1423]

@@ThePianoforever More exciting times in the studio 🤩👍

[@zeusapollo8688]

We do like similar stuff. My wersi died and I only have a few vintage organs left in the studio...what can replace them all? If the sv2 had more organ control...

[@FrankBruce]

Had to switch from the speakers of the notebook (not good) to earphones (good but not enough) to my headphones (enable the SRS and ready) I was able to really appreciate most of the details of the mechanics and electronics of each instrument. Reminded me of an argument I had with a friend of mine long ago as to why most musicians have modest stereo systems at home. Nothing like enjoying the real sound of an instrument, even more, a good quality instrument. Thank you for providing a direct recording of each instrument output.

[@ThePianoforever]

Always my pleasure.

[@MimicoBungalow]

SV2 orchestra and strings sounds are heavenly...certainly better than my ancient $14.99 at Value Village Casio CTK-611 heh heh heh...Nice review of three keyboards that I've always coveted...and, BOY you can PLAY!!!!

[@DebF124]

Yeah I have the SV2 🤣 It’s funny the best part is the orchestra sounds

[@RolandTumble23]

Stellar review, as always. Speaking of Italians, though, I would love to see your take on the Dexibell VIVO S9 (or even S7/S3/S1). Also, at the other end of the scale, to the Casio CT-S1 (due for release in... June, I think). Thanks for all you do.

[@ThePianoforever]

Great suggestion!

[@salsa-studiowuppertal145]

Hi James! I really like your reviews! Thanks for comparing these three stage pianos. Have you heard about the Valente Electric Piano?

[@ThePianoforever]

I have heard of it, but do not know how much it costs or where to order one, besides their website. I would be interested in reviewing one if I could get access to it!

[@iseeolly9959]

Epic review mate, love from the UK ! Personally, I'd save a few hundred dollars and get a Roland Juno DS 88....the most underrated keyboard ever made.

[@joeygnecco9479]

I’m selling my juno DS-88 and getting one of these because unfortunately the EP sounds just can barely hold a candle to the dreamy tones of these machines

[@GMatt193]

Amazing review! Just one thing, if I'm not mistaken more EP models can be accessed through the crumar seven editor

[@tomlavelle8340]

Three unique retro style keyboards. Very awesome!

[@johanmalmer4876]

Thanks for another great video. Sometimes five minutes is too long, but your videos could probably be five hours long without getting boring.

[@ThePianoforever]

This one was challenging for me because I really didn't want to leave anything out that should be important to review.

[@billsolomon1]

Thank you for the video, very informative!

[@ian757]

Fantastic review and comparison James. You were very articulate and fluent in this - especially considering you weren’t reading an autocue! I’m really tempted to buy the Viscount 70s. All 3 are great keyboards though. 👍👏👏👏

[@ThePianoforever]

They are the three best keyboards of this design sold today. You just can't go wrong with any one of them.

[@poupou_run]

Hello I own a nord Electro 6 and wanted to buy a more vintage EP. I am hesitating between the Crumar and the viscount so I will tell you which one I will choose after your video. I am just starting. Thank you, thank you again for all your outstanding videos they help a lot.

[@ThePianoforever]

I don't thing you are going to go wrong between those two.

[@poupou_run]

So, choice is made !!! I will go now for the viscount 70 ex 88 W as the master keyboard of the studio (more pianos... more effects... extra modules coming) BUT I will certainly get later-on the Crumar seven for the fun and for its style. The Crumar is by far the sexiest keyboard I ve seen since the old Rhodes (would love to have a real one but I understand they require a lot of electro-technical skill....) thanks again your video is awesome

[@HighFiveOfficial]

@@poupou_run You will be very happy with the Viscount :)

[@jeffreyreid6981]

The reason why I ask you because I do value your opinion I think you’re a great pianist and you always get a good evaluation

[@BizAndProductReviews]

The modularity of the Legend 70's makes it the winner if I'm going to compare the 3 pianos. Being able to create such a vast amount of layers is beyond comprehension. You can also hook it up to other MIDI devices and get even more sounds. Hands down its Legend 70's for me. I would rate the Korg SV2 S in second place because it seems to be able to do more layering than the Crumar Seven. I would rate the Crumar Seven as the third because it seems to have the least ability to do as much layering of the three pianos. If I am rating the pianos strictly according to looks then I would rate them: #1: Korg SV2 S #2: Crumar Seven #3: Legend 70's The Legend 70's is a future proof piano. That means that as all of the other equipment may become obsolete, you will still be able to upgrade the Legend 70's with newer modules. I believe that all of the other manufacturers are going to have to do the same thing by making their pianos upgradable and modular. This is definitely going to cause me to do some more research to see if there are other pianos out there that are similar to it.

[@LiberLotus]

My favorite subject: 70s electric pianos! My favorite video so far just for taste. It begs the question though, what are your thoughts on Vintage Vibe, and specifically the VV "Vibeanet"? - That could be a great video

[@ThePianoforever]

I would not mine reviewing them, but not in my budget at the present time.

[@LiberLotus]

@@ThePianoforever You and me both James! lol :)

[@stevec.1802]

Are there firmware updates available in any of the boards. Unfortunately the SV2 doesn’t have a digital display to let you know which patch variation you’re on, but it fits the bill for a gigging keyboard. The baroque selections you chose really showed off the SV2’s versatility in addition to the electro mechanical pianos it’s based on. Btw- can the sympathetic resonance be adjusted to more of a realistic grand in the legend 70’s? You’re presentation on these three boards was long overdue. Thank You.

[@ThePianoforever]

The Legend '70s has a computer editor which I still have yet to mess around with, but my understanding is that there is a huge amount of customization available there.

[@robertbartelmes7623]

just so there's no confusion, the Crumar Seven has an on-line 45 page PDF User's Manual ...

[@dannysmith4649]

I believe the Crumar Seven does include a clone wheel sound! Did you miss it?

[@antoineblot5347]

Nice review guy ! If i can say... To me the Crumar Seven seems to have the most vintage spirit. I love these ep demo sounds but but I'm a little bit afraid to read several complains about it fiability... I had the chance to play for few days the SV2-S88 and the Legend 70's Artist W. The SV2 is very elegant and internal speakers seems to be a wonderfull option for home use but unfortinatly i wasn't very satisfied with this amplification (just my opinion...). However, sounds are very great with good "bread and butter sounds" with the editor. And Yes, you can buy a "specific" stand for SV2: the SV1-BK or the new ST-WL (wood model)... ;) I finaly let my choice on the Legend 70's witch seems to me the best compromise: maybe not best sound but sound good (i love the CP80 emulation ! ;)). Maybe sounds of general module are a little bit classic, some of them updated... BUT i really like his versatility for this category of keyboard: a lot of effects and many ways to parameter them, possibility to make directly split and layers textures, audio and midi connectivity to use it with other synths or external effects. Very powerfull !! And the look is so So...!!! (I confirm the stand is an option ;)) Thanks again for your job.

[@grahamt33]

I know that Italy has decades of history with electric keyboards but what is the reliability history of the Viscount and Crumar ?

[@ThePianoforever]

I believe this new generation of keyboards will have an excellent reliability record.

[@alexandervoytovsky2714]

I have heard that Crumar has some problems with it and Viscount does not, but the second one has less reviews in general

[@AaronGlenn88]

You should consider doing a virtual recital on some of your fav. keyboards and and do some old classics in wild sounds. :)

[@Hamfantasy56]

great demo

[@pawelsz95]

They are much more different one from the other than I expected. Crumar Seven is very limited compared to the other two but has that nice Rhodes Mk I style cabinet. Korg is the most versatile and the smoothest sounding for me, but Viscount is nice concept of an instrument, too. If we call a digital organ emulation a clonewheel, how should we call those? Clonedes? XD

[@pawelsz95]

I forgot to say that this comparison review is really well made, you are a bit crazy but in a positive way :) I just got an idea for another similar review like this or kind of supplement to this, and that could be Viscount Legend '70s vs Nord Grand.

[@seanmurray170]

What kind of headphones were you using for the Korg SV2? I'm looking for a good pair of headphones for a relative who I bought a Korg SV2, who has to practice through headphones 90% of the time.

[@ThePianoforever]

I was just using a cheap pair, but we might be doing some reviews in the near future on mid grade headphones.

[@indiana7083]

I have a Crumar Seven , great keyboard btw.. really fun to play especially with all the effects.. I have the WiFi dongle, can’t figure out how to do the update, also can’t figure out how to transpose on it.. which was a nightmare when the lead singer decided to throw capos wherever he likes.. can you sign post me to where you found out how to do these things? 😊

[@TECH3_]

hey can you test out the yamaha dgx 670 as a primarily pianist ? i know its not really a piano but an arranger which is trying to be a portable piano at the same time but its really interesting and i cant just make my mind tbh , it will be great if you can a make a review of that " portable grand " as you have a fair share of experience with higher end piano ( which i dont have , i dont even know what to feel for tbh as the only thing i have played is a very basic arranger )

[@chrisdickson5686]

About to get the clp 745 do you have a review for it yet. It's the new Yamaha.

[@ThePianoforever]

No review for that one.

[@chrisdickson5686]

@@ThePianoforever I have seen a few on ypu tube. But okay let me know if you find one. Cool, ty.

[@jacobk1505]

Can you review casio CTs1?

[@ThePianoforever]

Not quite available at the present time. The only reviewers who have them are the ones who work for the company or get free instruments to say nice things.

[@jacobk1505]

@@ThePianoforever oh, okay, also thank you for all the reviews you do, I love watching them so much

[@fingolfin4269]

I agree that the owner's manual for the Viscount is good, but it is thick because it repeats in 2 (or 3?) languages ;)

[@scottrogers2831]

If I could only own one, I wonder which one I should choose?

[@ThePianoforever]

No bad options here!

[@adameury60]

If you already had a Kawai MP11SE, would you still get much use out of one of these, or do you think the MP11SE would make having one of these redundant?

[@ThePianoforever]

Depends on what you need from a musical instrument. The MP11SE and one of these are both excellent instruments, but are geared for totally different styles of music with entirely different types of musicians in mind. While a classical pianist could easily play any of these three instruments, they would find much more enjoyment from the MP11SE, and a contemporary keyboardist (rock, pop, jazz, blues, etc.) would be able to play the MP11SE but if they were looking for realistic, vintage sounds and an analog-style experience, then one of these would be the way to go. For myself personally, I find benefits from all 4 instruments (including the MP11), and inspiration to practice, record, and compose would become a bit more difficult if these phenomenal instruments were not in the studio.

[@adameury60]

@@ThePianoforever I really appreciate the response! I'm actually just getting started on the piano and recently purchased an ES110 based on your reviews. I'm personally mostly interested in jazz and was just wondering what the best upgrade instrument would be when the time came. Thanks again!

[@simonbailey2151]

What an amazing video. I have the Korg SV1 and love it. By the way; my brother had a 1975 Rhodes 73. He wasn’t playing it much so threw it IN THE TRASH. I could have killed him.

[@ThePianoforever]

I believe in the 90's they were not considered cool. It's funny that now many of the keyboards sold at that time are no longer desirable, but a vintage Rhodes is considered a treasure.

[@bongmeim]

Nice review

[@ThePianoforever]

Thanks! This video has taken me over two weeks to make and has been wonderful through the entire process.

[@mariofiorin3174]

In my opinion Crumar sounds better and more detailed. And its FX are amazing.

[@mariofiorin3174]

Crumar sounds better in my opinion. More detailed and fx more deeper.

[@StevenCalwas]

Three fun keyboards. FYI: The Crumar Seven has a 44-page online manual that describes the piano's built-in WiFi editor--a major feature that enables extensive sound modifications. For example, the sound of the Rhodes Tine Electric Piano can adjust hammer hardness, bark and bite, pickup offset, resonances, attack and release, and several other sound settings. The Seven's sound design capabilities go well beyond the assignment of effects. Cheers.

[@ThePianoforever]

Yes, I did check it out to find out some of the information in the video.

[@aselma10]

Good review . But the sounds are much more authentic on the SV2. It really sounds like rhodes. Also the alternate (greem) num 2 if you take the effect off you'll hear the most amazing one of all . Not to mention the acoustic pianos which are insane . The Grummer had nice tone in the lows but the highs for playing a jazz solos sound thin .

[@billsolomon1]

The SV2 has a PC or Mac software to do n screen editing!

[@jeffreyreid6981]

So in your opinion which one you think is the best keyboard

[@ThePianoforever]

There is in fact no best keyboard here, just keyboards that are better at doing different things. In watching the video I will make it clear the advantages each has at doing different things. There are no losers in this video and I believe these are the 3 best keyboards at vintage sounds that I am aware of having done a great deal of research.

[@jeffreyreid6981]

Ok

[@jeffreyreid6981]

OK if you had to pick one for yourself which one would you pick I get all three r great but if you had to pick one which one would it be

[@KirklandWilliamsWorkout3000]

Is this Jake’s Duxburys clone 😅🎶or is Jack a clone 😂

[@doordedeur]

Why do Americans call Viscount Vicount?