Although Parker was under exclusive contract to use only one type of saxophone whilst gigging in the United States, outside the U.S.A. A sales representative for Grafton (or the owner of the company, depending upon from whom one receives the story) asked Parker to use a Grafton for a Massey Hall gig in May 1953. While in Toronto, Charlie Parker and “the quintet” were scheduled to perform at Massey Hall, but Parker had pawned his saxophone - some sources say to buy heroin. 'The most notable player of a Grafton saxophone was Charlie Parker. Everyone has his/her own preference for tone and how the keyboard responds to one's touch.įirstly, do you want THE BEST, or do you want 'the one that suits my needs' or 'the one I can afford'?

Honestly though, you should go out and try the electric piano sounds of various keyboards if you don't want to get a real one. The MKS-20 is not in production but Gospel Musicians sells a MKS-20 sample library or something like that - they definitely sell a plugin/app called Neosoul Keys. Hartwell's DVDs came out long before the Montage, so who knows what they think of the Montage today. But if you can't deal with the weight/maintenance of a real tine piano like the Rhodes, then a Yamaha keyboard might be the 2nd best bet. The VV is basically a modern build of the classic Rhodes design. So going back to what's 'best' - nothing beats a real Rhodes. Presumably the MOTIF is used for whatever other sounds are desired - the e.piano is the most important sound, everything else is gravy. Jamal Hartwell, who has several Urban/Contemporary Gospel and NeoSoul instructional DVDs with Gospel Musicians, says a Yamaha MOTIF layered with a Roland MKS-20 is the go-to sound for the urban gospel/neosoul electric piano. Aside from the good electric piano, anything will do as far as synths go. A well-maintained Fender Rhodes or Vintage Vibe Tine Piano if you can't find a good used Rhodes and can afford the VV.

Jamal hartwell neo soul keys