How many keys does the Compact EX version have?

The Compact EX version features a 73-key hammer-action keyboard, designed to be more portable than 88-key models while maintaining a realistic piano feel.

What modules are included as standard in the EX edition?

The EX edition comes standard with the Electric Piano, Clavinet, Acoustic Piano, and Sound Collection modules.

Can I add more modules to the Legend 70s Compact EX?

Yes, the instrument has room for a total of four modules, allowing you to customise or expand the soundsets as needed.

What is the primary benefit of the modular design?

The modular design allows players to customise their sound engine by swapping modules, ensuring the instrument only contains the sounds they actually need for their performance.

Is the top of the piano flat?

Yes, the piano features a flat top designed specifically for placing secondary gear like laptops, synthesizers, or rhythm composers.

What era of music inspired the design of the Legend 70s?

The instrument is heavily inspired by the style and sound of vintage electric pianos from the 1970s.

Does the keyboard have weighted keys?

Yes, the Compact EX is equipped with a hammer-action keyboard to replicate the feel of a traditional piano.

What is the typical price for this model?

The Viscount Legend 70s Compact EX is typically priced around £2,249.

Is this instrument suitable for live performance?

Yes, its rugged build, immediate physical controls, and compact 73-key frame make it highly suitable for professional live use.

Can I use the flat top for a drum machine?

Absolutely, the flat top is sturdy enough to hold devices like a Roland TR-08 or other compact synthesizers.

Who is the manufacturer of the Legend 70s?

The instrument is manufactured by Viscount Organs, a company known for their high-quality digital keyboard instruments.

Does the 'Sound Collection' module include non-piano sounds?

Yes, the Sound Collection module is designed to provide a wider variety of sounds beyond standard pianos and clavinets.

Gear article

Viscount Legend 70s Compact EX Modular Stage Piano

The Viscount Legend 70s Compact EX is a 73-key modular stage piano designed to emulate the sound and aesthetic of vintage 1970s keyboard instruments. It features a unique interchangeable module system that allows musicians to customise their internal sound engines according to their specific performance requirements.

See live prices

Overview and Design

The Viscount Legend 70s Compact EX is a professional stage piano that prioritises a modular approach to sound synthesis. Unlike fixed-architecture digital pianos, the Legend 70s series allows users to install specific hardware modules to expand or alter the instrument's sonic capabilities. The 'Compact EX' edition is specifically configured with a 73-key hammer-action keybed, striking a balance between portability and the weighted feel required for authentic piano performance.

The chassis design serves both aesthetic and practical purposes. It features a retro-inspired aesthetic that pays homage to 1970s electric pianos, but includes a flat top surface. This design choice provides a stable platform for auxiliary equipment, such as a laptop, a secondary synthesizer like a Behringer Neutron, or a drum machine such as the Roland TR-08.

Modular Architecture

The defining characteristic of the Legend 70s Compact EX is its modularity. The instrument accommodates a total of four modules simultaneously. In the standard EX configuration, the unit includes four essential sound sets:

Electric Piano Module: Dedicated to Tine and Reed simulations.
Clavinet Module: Focused on the percussive string sounds of 1970s funk and rock.
Acoustic Piano Module: Provides high-fidelity grand piano samples.
Sound Collection Module: Offers a broader palette of pads, strings, and auxiliary sounds.

This modularity allows for future-proofing and customisation, as players can swap or add modules based on their evolving needs in the studio or on stage.

Roland Boutique TR-08 Rhythm Composer Drum Machine

Performance and Playability

Equipped with a 73-key hammer-action keyboard, the Compact EX is designed for players who require a tactile response similar to an acoustic instrument. This makes it suitable for complex dynamic playing. The interface is designed for live use, featuring physical knobs and switches that allow for immediate adjustments without deep menu diving. Its compact footprint is specifically tailored for touring musicians who require a professional-grade weighted action in a more manageable size than a full 88-key instrument.

Market Context

The Viscount Legend 70s enters a market populated by various synthesis and digital piano technologies. While it focuses on classic keyboard emulations, it sits alongside diverse gear such as the Oberheim OB-X8 for pure analogue synthesis or the Yamaha MX49 II for lightweight music production. Compared to fixed-engine units like the Yamaha YDS-150 or boutique modules like the Future Sound Systems Cric, the Viscount provides a unique middle ground of vintage physical design and modern modular digital flexibility.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

How many keys does the Compact EX version have?: The Compact EX version features a 73-key hammer-action keyboard, designed to be more portable than 88-key models while maintaining a realistic piano feel.
What modules are included as standard in the EX edition?: The EX edition comes standard with the Electric Piano, Clavinet, Acoustic Piano, and Sound Collection modules.
Can I add more modules to the Legend 70s Compact EX?: Yes, the instrument has room for a total of four modules, allowing you to customise or expand the soundsets as needed.
What is the primary benefit of the modular design?: The modular design allows players to customise their sound engine by swapping modules, ensuring the instrument only contains the sounds they actually need for their performance.
Is the top of the piano flat?: Yes, the piano features a flat top designed specifically for placing secondary gear like laptops, synthesizers, or rhythm composers.
What era of music inspired the design of the Legend 70s?: The instrument is heavily inspired by the style and sound of vintage electric pianos from the 1970s.
Does the keyboard have weighted keys?: Yes, the Compact EX is equipped with a hammer-action keyboard to replicate the feel of a traditional piano.
What is the typical price for this model?: The Viscount Legend 70s Compact EX is typically priced around £2,249.
Is this instrument suitable for live performance?: Yes, its rugged build, immediate physical controls, and compact 73-key frame make it highly suitable for professional live use.
Can I use the flat top for a drum machine?: Absolutely, the flat top is sturdy enough to hold devices like a Roland TR-08 or other compact synthesizers.
Who is the manufacturer of the Legend 70s?: The instrument is manufactured by Viscount Organs, a company known for their high-quality digital keyboard instruments.
Does the 'Sound Collection' module include non-piano sounds?: Yes, the Sound Collection module is designed to provide a wider variety of sounds beyond standard pianos and clavinets.