The Viscount Legend '70s MKII Artist-W is an 88-key modular stage piano that takes a genuinely original approach to the instrument category, allowing players to build and expand their sound engine over time by installing modules directly into the front panel. At its core is a new dual-DSP main circuit that doubles the computing power of the original Legend '70s, giving each installed module more headroom for richer, more detailed sound generation. The Artist-W features a fully graded hammer action keyboard with real wood keys and a feel that rewards expressive playing. Designed and built in Italy, this is a platform as much as it is a piano, built for players who want a professional-grade foundation today with room to grow as Viscount continues expanding the module lineup.
- 88-key graded hammer action keyboard with wood keys
- Triple-sensor key detection for precise velocity and touch response
- New dual-DSP main circuit doubles processing power over the original Legend '70s
- Modular front panel design with 5 total slots: 1 included module, 4 empty slots
- Comes with Acoustic Piano module installed (Other modules available separately)
- Acoustic Piano module: 128 voices of polyphony
- Electric Piano and Clavi modules use Viscount physical modeling technology
- FM Synth module offers two independent layers with 6 operators each, compatible with Yamaha DX/TX series sound libraries
- 384 presets across 24 banks of 16 programs each
- 9 setlist banks of 40 songs, with 4 sets per song
- Effects: room, hall, stage, plate, spring, and tape reverb; tremolo, vibrato, chorus, flanger, phaser, wah-wah, rotary, amp simulations, delay, EQ, and compressor
- Dual 1/4-inch stereo main outputs and dual 1/4-inch stereo aux outputs
- 3.5mm stereo audio input
- MIDI in, out, and USB to host for MIDI and audio
- USB flash drive port for preset storage
- (2) 1/4-inch foot controller inputs, (2) 1/4-inch footswitch inputs, dedicated sustain and program change inputs
- Pitch bend and modulation wheels
- Split and transpose features
- Free Legend '70s Editor software for deep parameter editing on macOS and Windows
- Premium wood chassis construction with new aluminum knobs
A Modular Stage Piano You Can Customize
Unlike any other stage piano on the market, the Legend '70s MKII Artist-W is built around a modular front panel where sound engine modules can be physically installed, repositioned, and swapped out to match your musical needs. The MKII ships with the Acoustic Piano module in one slot and four slots open, so players can add the Electric Piano, Clavi, FM Synth, Synth-8, Sound Collection, or External module as their setup evolves. Crucially, each module runs its own dedicated sound generator rather than sharing processing resources with other sounds, which means polyphony and performance stay consistent no matter how many modules are installed. Viscount has committed to expanding the module catalog over time, so the instrument you buy today can become something considerably more capable down the road.
Dual DSP at the Core, twice the power of the original
The MKII's most significant internal upgrade is the new dual-DSP main circuit, which provides double the computing power compared to the first-generation Legend '70s. This expanded processing headroom allows modules like the updated Acoustic Piano to deliver broader dynamic range and more nuanced sound generation, and it opens the door for more complex modules in the future as the platform matures. The new EPROM also brings an expanded program set, with 384 presets available across 24 banks.
Physical Modeling Where It Matters Most
Viscount's approach to electric piano and clavi sounds is physical modeling rather than sample playback, using mathematical models that calculate the behavior of each key and dynamic level individually. This eliminates the timbral inconsistencies that plague sampled instruments, where a single sample is stretched across multiple keys and dynamic layers. The Electric Piano and Clavi modules each deliver full polyphony through this engine, meaning no note stealing and no compromise in dense chords or sustained passages. The Acoustic Piano and Sound Collection modules use Viscount's high-definition sampling technology, optimized for the extended dynamic range those instruments require.
Wood Keys, Graded Action
The Artist-W keyboard uses real wood keys with a graded hammer action that gets progressively lighter as you move up the keyboard, matching the feel of an acoustic grand piano. Three contact sensors under each key capture velocity with high precision, and touch sensitivity can be adjusted across five settings to suit different playing styles.
A Complete Effects Engine, idependant of your module choices
The effects section of the Legend '70s MKII Artist-W lives in the keyboard chassis itself, not in the individual modules, so the full suite of reverbs, modulation effects, amp simulations, and dynamics processing is available regardless of which sound engines are installed. Six reverb types cover everything from tight rooms to open plates and spring tanks, while the modulation section spans tremolo, vibrato, chorus, flanger, phaser, wah-wah, rotary, and delay. A master EQ and compressor round out the chain, giving players a complete live performance signal path without any external processing required.
Built for the Stage and the Studio
The MKII provides dual stereo main and aux outputs for simultaneously feeding a front-of-house system and a stage monitor or amp, along with a 3.5mm stereo input for backing tracks or a phone feed. Four footswitch and foot controller inputs handle sustain, program changes, and continuous expression independently, and USB to host carries both MIDI and audio to a connected computer. The setlist system stores 9 lists of 40 songs with 4 sets per song, and a USB flash drive port allows preset storage and recall for different gigs or configurations. The free Legend '70s Editor software provides access to deep parameters not available on the panel itself and runs on both macOS and Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions: Viscount Legend '70s MKII Artist-W
What makes the Viscount Legend '70s MKII Artist-W different from other 88-key stage pianos?
The Legend '70s MKII Artist-W is the only stage piano with a modular front panel that lets you physically install, reposition, and swap sound engine modules over time. Rather than locking you into a fixed set of sounds at purchase, it ships with one Acoustic Piano module installed and four open slots for future expansion. Each module runs its own dedicated sound generator, so adding more sounds never compromises polyphony or performance.
What modules are available for the Legend '70s MKII, and which ones come included?
The piano ships with the Acoustic Piano module installed in one of its five slots. Modules available separately include Electric Piano, Clavi, FM Synth, Synth-8, Sound Collection, and an External module. Viscount has committed to expanding the module catalog over time, so the instrument can grow well beyond what is available at launch.
Does the Viscount Legend '70s MKII use samples or physical modeling for its electric piano and clavi sounds?
The Electric Piano and Clavi modules use Viscount's physical modeling technology, which mathematically calculates the behavior of each key and dynamic level rather than playing back recorded samples. This approach eliminates the timbral inconsistencies common in sample-based instruments, where a single sample is stretched across multiple keys and velocity layers. The Acoustic Piano and Sound Collection modules use high-definition sampling, which Viscount optimized for the extended dynamic range those instruments require.
What kind of keyboard action does the Artist-W have, and does it feel like a real piano?
The Artist-W features a fully graded hammer action with real wood keys, where the action gets progressively lighter from the low end to the high end of the keyboard to mirror the feel of an acoustic grand piano. Three contact sensors under each key capture velocity with high precision, and touch sensitivity can be adjusted across five settings to suit different playing styles and preferences.
Is the Viscount Legend '70s MKII Artist-W a good stage piano for live performance?
Yes, it is designed specifically with live performance in mind. The dual stereo main and aux outputs let you simultaneously feed a front-of-house system and a monitor or amp, and four footswitch and foot controller inputs handle sustain, expression, and program changes independently. The setlist system stores 9 lists of 40 songs with 4 sets per song, and a USB flash drive port makes it easy to load different preset configurations for different gigs.
Does the Legend '70s MKII Artist-W work with a computer for recording and MIDI control?
Yes, the USB to host connection carries both MIDI and audio to a connected Mac or Windows computer. Traditional 5-pin MIDI in and out jacks are also included for connecting to hardware synthesizers, samplers, or other MIDI gear. The free Legend '70s Editor software provides access to deep editing parameters not available on the panel itself and runs on both macOS and Windows.
Is the FM Synth module on the Legend '70s MKII compatible with Yamaha DX7 patches?
Yes, the FM Synth module is compatible with sound libraries from the Yamaha DX and TX series, giving you access to a large existing library of FM patches alongside its own two independent layers with 6 operators each. This makes it a strong option for players who already have a collection of DX-format presets or want to explore classic FM synthesis alongside the piano-focused modules.
Does the Viscount Legend '70s MKII have built-in effects, and are they available for all modules?
The full effects engine lives in the keyboard chassis itself, not within the individual modules, so every installed module has access to the complete suite regardless of which sounds you are using. Effects include six reverb types (room, hall, stage, plate, spring, and tape), plus tremolo, vibrato, chorus, flanger, phaser, wah-wah, rotary, amp simulations, delay, a master EQ, and a compressor. This means you can run a complete live signal chain without any external processing.
What is the polyphony on the Viscount Legend '70s MKII Artist-W?
Polyphony varies by module. The included Acoustic Piano module provides 128 voices, and the Sound Collection module (sold separately) also delivers 128 voices. The Electric Piano and Clavi modules use physical modeling, which provides full polyphony with no note stealing, even in dense chords or sustained passages. Because each module runs its own dedicated sound generator, polyphony does not degrade as more modules are added.
Who is the Viscount Legend '70s MKII Artist-W best suited for?
This instrument is designed for professional and serious working keyboardists who want a premium stage piano today with the flexibility to expand their sound engine over time. The wood-key graded action, dual-DSP architecture, and modular design make it a strong fit for touring musicians, studio players, and performers who want one instrument that can cover acoustic piano, electric piano, clavi, and synthesis without compromise. It is less suited for beginners or players who prefer a simple, all-in-one instrument with no additional investment required.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | VIS-LEGEND70AMKII |
| Model Name | Legend 70s MKII Artist-W |
| Vendor | Viscount |
| Built In Speakers | No |
| Included From Manufacturer |
Acoustic Piano 2G module (installed) Power adapter |
| Keys Weighted | Hammer Weighted |
| Number of Keys | 88 |
| Midi | In and Out |
| MPN | 9A13LEG70MK2T88W |
| Key Action | Graded Hammer Action with Wood Keys |
| Programs/Presets | 384 (24 banks × 16 programs each) |
| Voices of Polyphony |
Acoustic Piano module (included): 128 Electric Piano module (sold separately): Full Clavi module (sold separately): Full Sound Collection module (sold separately): 128 |
| Transpose Feature | Yes |
| Split Feature | Yes |
| Effects |
Reverb: Room, Hall, Stage, Plate, Spring, Tape Tremolo, Vibrato, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Wah-Wah, Amp Simulations, Rotary, Delay, EQ, Compressor |
| Onboard Controllers |
Pitch Bend Wheel Modulation Wheel |
| Audio Inputs | (1) 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo |
| Audio Outputs |
(2) 1/4" Stereo Main (2) 1/4" Stereo Aux |
| USB Port (to Host) | MIDI and Audio |
| USB Flash Drive Port (to Device) | Program/Preset Storage |
| Number of Songs | 9 setlists × 40 songs, 4 sets per song |
| Finish | Black and Mahogany |
| Product Weight | 48.5 lb (22 kg) |
Viscount products are covered by Viscount's limited 1 year warranty. Viscount Legend and Viscount Cantorum products are warranted against normal use and manufacturing defects for 2 years on parts and 1 year on labor from the date of purchase. Owner must supply a copy of the dated sales receipt for this warranty to be honored. For more information please visit www.viscountinstruments.com.
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