Looking to buy a used keyboard/synth

[CrispyDelicious]

So I'm looking for a used keyboard/synth for writing at home. I don't know much about them, however. Roving about CL, I've found a couple that look interesting, but I was wondering if anyone could suggest a keyboard with a good bank of different sounds that would be good for writing at home (and recording at home as well).

Some of the CL ads:

http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/msg/1167348614.html

http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/msg/1165855365.html

http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/yrk/msg/1164959349.html

For about $300, are these decent enough to get a few good sounds out of, or am I just kidding myself? What, realistically, sould I need to spend for a half decent keyboard/synth for my home?

[Bhuti]

well, the first keyboard you showed has no bank. It's a midi controller, and the the last of the two seems to be better. But i'd go a bit more upscale and get something with some better sounds. Reason and a midi controller will do it fine.

I personally run an Axiom 49 through reason on a laptop. the reason why i haven't suggested it is because i'm learning it more and more as every day passes. So until i'm experienced enough to evaluate it fully, i'll just say what i use.

[uaudio]

I used to also run an Axiom though a MacBook. Worked great for recording, great for Ableton live stuff, not so good if you just want to have a bank of instruments available at your fingers without a USB connection to the computer.

If you plan on mostly using Ableton (or Reason) live with it, I'd look for plenty of transport controls to cue stuff up. A simple midi controller might actually be fine in this instance.

Otherwise a low end Korg is a good call, they generally make good stuff at a decent price. Personally I'd stay away from the keyboard/synths with speakers attached, usually the patches aren't as good and weak stage gear because they're more consumer oriented.

[CrispyDelicious]

Thanks for the info. None of this stuff I was aware of. Yes, I do plan on using it with Ableton, but I also would like something that can be a standalone synth.

[superbassman2000]

I am am fan of the Novation keyboards--i really liked my xiosynth 25 so much that i sold it to buy a xiosynth 49 key lol I love it to pieces, and its got built-in sounds and also a good midi controller for things like ableton, reason, etc