Shop visit
Why I still go into music shops
Trying the MODX M7 at Yamaha Music London, a chat with a stranger who owns a DX7II, and why the shop that gives you its time should get the sale.
Posted 12 October 2026Multi-Function Keyboards
On Saturday I went into Yamaha Music London ↗ to try out the MODX M7, and while I was there someone else wanted to try the same 73-key version. We got chatting.
I think at first he thought I worked there. Once we got talking, the conversation went off into what we both do. He had owned a MODX6, which he had just sold for not much less than he bought it for, and he was intrigued by the newer MODX M. We were both impressed by how much is packed into it for the money, as well as the new synth-action keyboard, which is great. He also told me he has a DX7II, which his parents bought for him.
Two visits in two weeks
It was my second trip to the shop in two weeks, because I am about to push the button on buying a MODX M7, and it reminded me how important going into music shops is. On my first visit one of the staff answered a lot of my very specific questions ('does it do this?', 'does it do that?'), but then left me to my own devices to try the keyboard out. They had the full range out, and the Montages to try as well.
My previous keyboard purchase (not counting the Novation MIDI controllers I bought last year) was a Nord Electro 6 from Rose Morris ↗ on Denmark Street. Again, they gave me time to sit down and try the different models at my own pace. It wasn't my first rodeo: I had an Electro 3 for a number of years and own a Piano 3 too, so I knew what to expect from Nord, which is still my favourite for action and sound. While I was there I also discovered the Kawai VPC1, which is now on my wish list.
The man working there was super knowledgeable about the Nord range, but again left me to it. When I worked in music retail, over two decades ago, that was really important to me when I was selling: let people discover things on the keyboard, but be around to help if they need it.
Give the sale to the shop that gave you its time
Needless to say, I bought the Nord later that day, from Rose Morris. I don't really believe in trying things out in someone's shop and then finding whoever is doing it cheapest to give them the sale. If someone gives you their time and shares their knowledge, it's only fair.
I will be doing the same with Yamaha. I know they are also the manufacturer, but they are my local music shop, albeit a 30-minute train ride away, and they put in the time and effort to help me and let me try the keys out in their lovely shop.
The MODX M7
Anyway, rambling over. The MODX M7 is a killer, and I recommend trying one. It is also a massive benefit that Narfsounds ↗ has an epic collection of covers programmed for it, which will be my next purchase. I have been using their Gig Performer® sets, and I can't say in words how good they sound.
Yamaha
MODX M7
Current- Keys
- 76
- Key action
- Semi-weighted
- Sections
- Piano, Electric piano, Organ, Synth, Sample playback
- Drawbars
- —
—2025
Yamaha
MODX6
Legacy since 2022- Keys
- 61
- Key action
- Semi-weighted
- Sections
- Piano, Electric piano, Organ, Synth, Sample playback
- Drawbars
- —
—2018
Nord
Electro 6D 73
Legacy since 2026- Keys
- 73
- Key action
- Semi-weighted
- Sections
- Piano, Electric piano, Organ, Sample playback
- Drawbars
- Physical
—2018
Nord
Electro 3 73
Legacy since 2013- Keys
- 73
- Key action
- Semi-weighted
- Sections
- Piano, Electric piano, Organ, Sample playback
- Drawbars
- LED (buttons)
—2008
Nord
Piano 3
Legacy since 2017- Keys
- 88
- Key action
- Hammer-action
- Sections
- Piano, Electric piano, Sample playback
- Drawbars
- None
—2015