[YamahaDX] Off-topic: Electone

[Marcelo Confortino [e-mail] [YamahaDX]]

Hi everybody! I've been lurking in the group since a while now, and I've
learned a lot about Yamaha gear. Now I have a question. I'm about to buy
an MR-700 Electone. In the manual it says that it has Midi-In and
Midi-Out connectors, but I wasn't able to find any data about it's
specification and/or use. So, I'll be deeply grateful if anybody can
provide some information on this. Thanks.



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[Daniel Forró [e-mail] [YamahaDX]]

This is DX/TX group, maybe you can ask in some Electone group.

Problem is that AFAIK Yamaha didn't publish detailed MIDI
implementations for their organ (and some other types of instruments).
I have a feeling that the reason is they didn't suppose such
instruments like organ or portable keyboards will be used by
professionals in bigger MIDI setups to control other instruments, or
to be controlled from computer or external sequencer. They are used
mainly as solo instrument for live play without MIDI connection. These
simple models were targeted for use by music schools, children or
music amateurs, not for quite professional use in studio and in MIDI
setup.

To some degree it is not quite bad idea, because to control other
instruments from Electone is not so flexible and effective. For
example if you connect some tone generator, you can use only three
parts on three MIDI channels, selecting the sound programs on tone
generator is very limited if not quite impossible (because organ has
limited Program Change transmitting)... Connecting of organ with
portable keyboard with automatic accompaniment styles has no sense,
both instruments have similar way how they play and what is on the
output... etc. etc.

Connection to the computer or hardware sequencer has some sense, but
usually such organ has its own internal sequencer (mostly limited in
capacity or editing). Instrument can send SysEx data (usually only on
the dump request from external machine), but it's not necessary
because it has often its own way of saving internal RAM data to
cartridges or to floppy disk. MR700 is so old that it has even
cassette tape interface!
Concerning sound editors - they are non existing, so for some higher
models some people try to program editors if the instrument has good
MIDI SysEx implementation and parameter control (not so often).

All this is rather special theme for other yahoo group. There are for
example HS or HX groups.

Frankly said there were much better Electone models when you want buy
some... You can have problem to get ROM/RAM packs, or to repair it.

How much will you pay for it? Usually you can get such instrument
without payment, just for delivery it away. Many people want to get
rid of it, and give away or throw away.
Recently I have seen Electone EL70 for 90 USD in one recycle shop here
in Japan... Don't pay much for it.

Daniel Forro


On Mar 29, 2017, at 7:35 AM, Marcelo Confortino

Post by Marcelo Confortino ***@yahoo.com.ar [YamahaDX]
Hi everybody! I've been lurking in the group since a while now, and I've
learned a lot about Yamaha gear. Now I have a question. I'm about to buy
an MR-700 Electone. In the manual it says that it has Midi-In and
Midi-Out connectors, but I wasn't able to find any data about it's
specification and/or use. So, I'll be deeply grateful if anybody can
provide some information on this. Thanks.

[Marcelo Confortino [e-mail] [YamahaDX]]

Wow! That was an answer!

I agree with your thoughts about MIDI and Electones in general. I have
restored quite a few Electones, mostly pre-1980, just for fun and
challenge. This one will be the first digital Electone I will work in.
I don expect much from the MIDI implementation, maybe just note-on
note-off on one channel per manual, but I'd like to know for sure.
The price is fair. Sadly here in Argentina hardly anybody gets rid of
anything just for free. As a guide, a D-65, a two manual, one pedal, one
solo/synth manual, ribbon controller, analog, 200 kilos monster, sells
for 1000 USD, and it is cheap.
So Daniel, thank you very much for your answer. I'll try to post my
findings, if any.

Marcelo Confortino

Post by Daniel Forró ***@yahoo.com [YamahaDX]
This is DX/TX group, maybe you can ask in some Electone group.
Problem is that AFAIK Yamaha didn't publish detailed MIDI
implementations for their organ (and some other types of instruments).
I have a feeling that the reason is they didn't suppose such
instruments like organ or portable keyboards will be used by
professionals in bigger MIDI setups to control other instruments, or
to be controlled from computer or external sequencer. They are used
mainly as solo instrument for live play without MIDI connection. These
simple models were targeted for use by music schools, children or
music amateurs, not for quite professional use in studio and in MIDI
setup.
To some degree it is not quite bad idea, because to control other
instruments from Electone is not so flexible and effective. For
example if you connect some tone generator, you can use only three
parts on three MIDI channels, selecting the sound programs on tone
generator is very limited if not quite impossible (because organ has
limited Program Change transmitting)... Connecting of organ with
portable keyboard with automatic accompaniment styles has no sense,
both instruments have similar way how they play and what is on the
output... etc. etc.
Connection to the computer or hardware sequencer has some sense, but
usually such organ has its own internal sequencer (mostly limited in
capacity or editing). Instrument can send SysEx data (usually only on
the dump request from external machine), but it's not necessary
because it has often its own way of saving internal RAM data to
cartridges or to floppy disk. MR700 is so old that it has even
cassette tape interface!
Concerning sound editors - they are non existing, so for some higher
models some people try to program editors if the instrument has good
MIDI SysEx implementation and parameter control (not so often).
All this is rather special theme for other yahoo group. There are for
example HS or HX groups.
Frankly said there were much better Electone models when you want buy
some... You can have problem to get ROM/RAM packs, or to repair it.
How much will you pay for it? Usually you can get such instrument
without payment, just for delivery it away. Many people want to get
rid of it, and give away or throw away.
Recently I have seen Electone EL70 for 90 USD in one recycle shop here
in Japan... Don't pay much for it.
Daniel Forro
On Mar 29, 2017, at 7:35 AM, Marcelo Confortino

Post by Marcelo Confortino ***@yahoo.com.ar [YamahaDX]
Hi everybody! I've been lurking in the group since a while now, and I've
learned a lot about Yamaha gear. Now I have a question. I'm about to buy
an MR-700 Electone. In the manual it says that it has Midi-In and
Midi-Out connectors, but I wasn't able to find any data about it's
specification and/or use. So, I'll be deeply grateful if anybody can
provide some information on this. Thanks.

------------------------------------

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<*> Your email settings:
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[Daniel Forró [e-mail] [YamahaDX]]

Hi, Marcello,

that's great you work on Electones. I also maintain and can repair my
instruments, it's a good hobby.

I see now the situation in your country on instruments market is not
like here in Japan. Hopefully you will get what you want.

If you need some manuals or Service manuals, try to ask me, maybe I
have something in my rather huge collection. Good source is also
elektrotanya.com server, I'm sure you know it.

All the best!

Daniel


On Mar 29, 2017, at 9:02 PM, Marcelo Confortino

Post by Marcelo Confortino ***@yahoo.com.ar [YamahaDX]
Wow! That was an answer!
I agree with your thoughts about MIDI and Electones in general. I have
restored quite a few Electones, mostly pre-1980, just for fun and
challenge. This one will be the first digital Electone I will work in.
I don expect much from the MIDI implementation, maybe just note-on
note-off on one channel per manual, but I'd like to know for sure.
The price is fair. Sadly here in Argentina hardly anybody gets rid of
anything just for free. As a guide, a D-65, a two manual, one pedal, one
solo/synth manual, ribbon controller, analog, 200 kilos monster, sells
for 1000 USD, and it is cheap.
So Daniel, thank you very much for your answer. I'll try to post my
findings, if any.
Marcelo Confortino

Post by Daniel Forró ***@yahoo.com [YamahaDX]
This is DX/TX group, maybe you can ask in some Electone group.
Problem is that AFAIK Yamaha didn't publish detailed MIDI
implementations for their organ (and some other types of
instruments).
I have a feeling that the reason is they didn't suppose such
instruments like organ or portable keyboards will be used by
professionals in bigger MIDI setups to control other instruments, or
to be controlled from computer or external sequencer. They are used
mainly as solo instrument for live play without MIDI connection. These
simple models were targeted for use by music schools, children or
music amateurs, not for quite professional use in studio and in MIDI
setup.
To some degree it is not quite bad idea, because to control other
instruments from Electone is not so flexible and effective. For
example if you connect some tone generator, you can use only three
parts on three MIDI channels, selecting the sound programs on tone
generator is very limited if not quite impossible (because organ has
limited Program Change transmitting)... Connecting of organ with
portable keyboard with automatic accompaniment styles has no sense,
both instruments have similar way how they play and what is on the
output... etc. etc.
Connection to the computer or hardware sequencer has some sense, but
usually such organ has its own internal sequencer (mostly limited in
capacity or editing). Instrument can send SysEx data (usually only on
the dump request from external machine), but it's not necessary
because it has often its own way of saving internal RAM data to
cartridges or to floppy disk. MR700 is so old that it has even
cassette tape interface!
Concerning sound editors - they are non existing, so for some higher
models some people try to program editors if the instrument has good
MIDI SysEx implementation and parameter control (not so often).
All this is rather special theme for other yahoo group. There are for
example HS or HX groups.
Frankly said there were much better Electone models when you want buy
some... You can have problem to get ROM/RAM packs, or to repair it.
How much will you pay for it? Usually you can get such instrument
without payment, just for delivery it away. Many people want to get
rid of it, and give away or throw away.
Recently I have seen Electone EL70 for 90 USD in one recycle shop here
in Japan... Don't pay much for it.
Daniel Forro
On Mar 29, 2017, at 7:35 AM, Marcelo Confortino

Post by Marcelo Confortino ***@yahoo.com.ar [YamahaDX]
Hi everybody! I've been lurking in the group since a while now, and I've
learned a lot about Yamaha gear. Now I have a question. I'm about to buy
an MR-700 Electone. In the manual it says that it has Midi-In and
Midi-Out connectors, but I wasn't able to find any data about it's
specification and/or use. So, I'll be deeply grateful if anybody can
provide some information on this. Thanks.

------------------------------------
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
Yahoo Groups Links

[Marcelo Confortino [e-mail] [YamahaDX]]

Hi Daniel.

It's just a hobby to keep me active and focused.
From elektrotanya.com I got some service manuals, I think B-45, C-55.
There is also the service manual for the MR-500, a stripped down version
of the MR-700 without MIDI. I appreciate your offer.

Regards.

Marcelo

Post by Daniel Forró ***@yahoo.com [YamahaDX]
Hi, Marcello,
that's great you work on Electones. I also maintain and can repair my
instruments, it's a good hobby.
I see now the situation in your country on instruments market is not
like here in Japan. Hopefully you will get what you want.
If you need some manuals or Service manuals, try to ask me, maybe I
have something in my rather huge collection. Good source is also
elektrotanya.com server, I'm sure you know it.
All the best!
Daniel
On Mar 29, 2017, at 9:02 PM, Marcelo Confortino

Post by Marcelo Confortino ***@yahoo.com.ar [YamahaDX]
Wow! That was an answer!
I agree with your thoughts about MIDI and Electones in general. I have
restored quite a few Electones, mostly pre-1980, just for fun and
challenge. This one will be the first digital Electone I will work in.
I don expect much from the MIDI implementation, maybe just note-on
note-off on one channel per manual, but I'd like to know for sure.
The price is fair. Sadly here in Argentina hardly anybody gets rid of
anything just for free. As a guide, a D-65, a two manual, one pedal, one
solo/synth manual, ribbon controller, analog, 200 kilos monster, sells
for 1000 USD, and it is cheap.
So Daniel, thank you very much for your answer. I'll try to post my
findings, if any.
Marcelo Confortino

Post by Daniel Forró ***@yahoo.com [YamahaDX]
This is DX/TX group, maybe you can ask in some Electone group.
Problem is that AFAIK Yamaha didn't publish detailed MIDI
implementations for their organ (and some other types of
instruments).
I have a feeling that the reason is they didn't suppose such
instruments like organ or portable keyboards will be used by
professionals in bigger MIDI setups to control other instruments, or
to be controlled from computer or external sequencer. They are used
mainly as solo instrument for live play without MIDI connection. These
simple models were targeted for use by music schools, children or
music amateurs, not for quite professional use in studio and in MIDI
setup.
To some degree it is not quite bad idea, because to control other
instruments from Electone is not so flexible and effective. For
example if you connect some tone generator, you can use only three
parts on three MIDI channels, selecting the sound programs on tone
generator is very limited if not quite impossible (because organ has
limited Program Change transmitting)... Connecting of organ with
portable keyboard with automatic accompaniment styles has no sense,
both instruments have similar way how they play and what is on the
output... etc. etc.
Connection to the computer or hardware sequencer has some sense, but
usually such organ has its own internal sequencer (mostly limited in
capacity or editing). Instrument can send SysEx data (usually only on
the dump request from external machine), but it's not necessary
because it has often its own way of saving internal RAM data to
cartridges or to floppy disk. MR700 is so old that it has even
cassette tape interface!
Concerning sound editors - they are non existing, so for some higher
models some people try to program editors if the instrument has good
MIDI SysEx implementation and parameter control (not so often).
All this is rather special theme for other yahoo group. There are for
example HS or HX groups.
Frankly said there were much better Electone models when you want buy
some... You can have problem to get ROM/RAM packs, or to repair it.
How much will you pay for it? Usually you can get such instrument
without payment, just for delivery it away. Many people want to get
rid of it, and give away or throw away.
Recently I have seen Electone EL70 for 90 USD in one recycle shop here
in Japan... Don't pay much for it.
Daniel Forro
On Mar 29, 2017, at 7:35 AM, Marcelo Confortino

Post by Marcelo Confortino ***@yahoo.com.ar [YamahaDX]
Hi everybody! I've been lurking in the group since a while now, and I've
learned a lot about Yamaha gear. Now I have a question. I'm about to buy
an MR-700 Electone. In the manual it says that it has Midi-In and
Midi-Out connectors, but I wasn't able to find any data about it's
specification and/or use. So, I'll be deeply grateful if anybody can
provide some information on this. Thanks.

------------------------------------
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
Yahoo Groups Links

------------------------------------

------------------------------------


------------------------------------

Yahoo Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/YamahaDX/

<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional

<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/YamahaDX/join
(Yahoo! ID required)

<*> To change settings via email:
YamahaDX-***@yahoogroups.com
YamahaDX-***@yahoogroups.com

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
YamahaDX-***@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo Groups is subject to:
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[[e-mail] [YamahaDX]]

Good morning everyone! Just a few lines to keep you informed. After some weeks of studying circuit schematics and following white cables, and with invaluable help from the guys in the electonetalk group, I finally have my MR-700 in full working order. All of the LEDs light up, and I don't need to play blind any more. It turns out tha the MR-700 is a close sibling of the MC-600, from which I got the service manual and a precious document called "Yamaha Electone MC series service guide analysis". I think it applies to the ME and MR series also.
As for the failure, it was caused by a single open resistor which provides +5V to the LED drivers. Five minutes repair after three weeks of study. A lot learned about these Electones.
So, thank for your guidance and advice and Greetings from Patagonia.

[Eldred Pickett [e-mail] [YamahaDX]]

Cool - congrats!

Eldred

Post by ***@yahoo.com.ar [YamahaDX]
Good morning everyone! Just a few lines to keep you informed. After some
weeks of studying circuit schematics and following white cables, and with
invaluable help from the guys in the electonetalk group, I finally have my
MR-700 in full working order. All of the LEDs light up, and I don't need to
play blind any more. It turns out tha the MR-700 is a close sibling of the
MC-600, from which I got the service manual and a precious document called
"Yamaha Electone MC series service guide analysis". I think it applies to
the ME and MR series also.
As for the failure, it was caused by a single open resistor which provides
+5V to the LED drivers. Five minutes repair after three weeks of study. A
lot learned about these Electones.
So, thank for your guidance and advice and Greetings from Patagonia.

[Daniel Forró [e-mail] [YamahaDX]]

I've seen your message in Electone group. Good to know what was the
problem and its solution. Congratulations!

My EL500 is still waiting for the repair, I have no time recently to
continue with it...

Daniel Forro

Post by ***@yahoo.com.ar [YamahaDX]
Good morning everyone! Just a few lines to keep you informed. After
some weeks of studying circuit schematics and following white
cables, and with invaluable help from the guys in the electonetalk
group, I finally have my MR-700 in full working order. All of the
LEDs light up, and I don't need to play blind any more. It turns out
tha the MR-700 is a close sibling of the MC-600, from which I got
the service manual and a precious document called "Yamaha Electone
MC series service guide analysis". I think it applies to the ME and
MR series also.
As for the failure, it was caused by a single open resistor which
provides +5V to the LED drivers. Five minutes repair after three
weeks of study. A lot learned about these Electones.
So, thank for your guidance and advice and Greetings from Patagonia.