Possibility of making a 49-keys version of M3?

denistu007 · Post by **denistu007** » Wed Dec 11, 2019 5:59 pm

Hi there,

I was wondering if there is a possibility of cutting a 61-keybed for M3 and making a 49-key version of it. Think of it as removing 12 of the lowest keys close to the pitch bend, and then cutting off the metal structure that is not needed any more.

By looking at the original keybed, it seems that mechanically it wouldn't be a big problem.

But the question is whether the remaining keys will work if a portion of the keyboard-panel (which used to hold the missing keys) is cut away, even after making sure that cables needed by the remaining keys stays intact.

The reason for this would be reducing the weight and footprint of the M3, assuming you don't need all 61 keys. You can think of it as an M3 in Radias format.

Thanks,
D.

voip · Post by **voip** » Wed Dec 11, 2019 7:13 pm

A Korg Radias keybed (RD-KB) will work with the M3 module.

.

denistu007 · Post by **denistu007** » Wed Dec 11, 2019 8:45 pm

voip wrote:A Korg Radias keybed (RD-KB) will work with the M3 module.

.

Thanks, but I don’t think the cable is the same. Yes, you can connect Radias keyboard using a MIDI cable but I don’t think it’s the same as when connecting with the “internal” cable provided. Also, I am not sure that the M3 module will fit onto the Radias frame like on the M3 one.

Cheers,
D

voip · Post by **voip** » Wed Dec 11, 2019 8:58 pm

The "TO KYBD" miniDIN connector pinouts on the Korg M3 module and the Radias are exactly the same. Whilst there is no mounting kit, as such, for the M3 module on the RD-KB, the height of the two (Radias and M3) is very similar. Alhough the M3 module is physically deeper, perhaps something could be rigged up, using the RD-KB, with less fuss than hacking a keybed.

.

iowagold · Post by **iowagold** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 6:45 am

i guess my music is different..
I always needed more than 61 keys!!
unless you are not doing the bass line with the left hand..
or if you are setting the m3m for bass line only...

but if you are doing the m3 as bass only... I would use a midi foot peddle system so you could free up your hands for other key beds...

oh I forgot to ask, is he doing the m3m for live or studio??
if for studio use a sequencer!! or software!

as rare as these key beds are now I would not hack one up...