Hi, Florian

>> it lacks two very common controls: modulation and pitch
>> bend.
> The A100CGK is built for very small dimensions. Thats the reason why it
> does not contain it. In the A-100 range there are already moduls like
> the joysticks or the theremins, which can replace this.
> Either you connect the announced A-174-2 to it or you add some diy
> stuff: http://www.doepfer.de/zubeh_e.htm#modulation%20wheels

I understand what you're saying, Florian. But when we're talking
about why the keyboard might have been a poor seller, missing standard
controls like these could be one of those factors. I really have not
much free time for DIY type projects and I suspect there may be others
with that same limitation. Additionally, Dieter has already said that
DIY kits are also not good sellers either. Again, this is my favorite
"synth" keyboard contoller, but in reality for $600 it can't compete
with other (much cheaper) MIDI controllers on the market due to
missing basic features (> 1 oct transpose and performance controls)
for more "normal" use. It also doesn't look very aesthetically
pleasing to piece together functionality via DIY efforts :-) And to
be a successful product (not counting people like me who actually
bought one!), it needs to both look good, perform well and be a better
value than the competition.

From what I can see, there is plenty of room where the large LED and
configuration buttons are situated that could have *instead* been used
for important performance controls while moving these rarely used
configuration stuff to the back or to a computer interface. Changing
the mode, retrig and hold options during a real performance are highly
unlikely so they don't need to be immediately accessible. With some
kind of performance controls, this keyboard would have been my main
synth MIDI controller (and modular controller) - because I REALLY
REALLY love the keyboard for the feel and solid construction!! But
now I still need to use something else for that does include
modulation and pitch controls. And yes I did try performing a live
jazz/fusion set with the CGK and an A100P case-mounted joystick and I
can tell you was awkward. Not to mention I had to waste the module
space for a joystick.

When I'm home with my Monster Case wearing my "mad scientist" hat (or
lab coat, if you will) creating crazy sonic experiments, I don't care
where the controllers are located because I'm using the system
differently. But when I'm wearing my "keyboardist" hat playing
traditional (i.e., melodic) music in a live setting, I need the
performance controls nearby. Can you image playing a guitar but having
to reach to the amp head when you need to bend a note or add vibrato
Sure, I could take a cheap MIDI controller to gigs instead, but
hooking up some plastic Emu or M-Audio thing to a $2000+ analog
modular system just seems so dirty to me! :-P

Kindest regards,
John