Should I get a midi keyboard?

[tanman636]

I play bass but I thought I can play some midi keyboard for some parts in my band too. i could kinda be like bloc partys bassists.

i think ill get this one cuz i want one with pads http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfrien...ler?sku=706313

so is it a good idea to get a midi?

[TheDarkReaver]

If you want one sure. I don't see any reason why anyone would say otherwise.

[bluewine]

Depends, if you have all the stuff you need for what you want to do. I giess it depands on what your trying to do.

[TheDarkReaver]

That's a point, depends if you've got a laptop. You don't want to be hauling a desktop to a gig. Unless it's a programmable keyboard.

[tanman636]

do i need a laptop when im playing live with a midi? can i use anything else?

[TheDarkReaver]

Well, like I said a desktop. If you want a synthesiser then you need to get a synthesiser or regular keyboard, rather than a controller keyboard. I think you can by synths to use with controller keyboards but I'm not sure, or you could get a sampler.

Originally Posted by wiki

The most common MIDI controllers encountered are various sizes of "piano" keyboard. A modern controller lacks internal sound-generation, instead acting as a primary or secondary input for a synthesizer, digital sampler or a computer running a VST instrument or other software sound generator.

[ksandvik]

I will get a Roland AX-Synth when it is out end July. Perfect for synth bass and keyboard playing in general.

http://www.synthtopia.com/content/20...ck-the-keytar/

But yes, if you don't like keytars you will not like this one. Even if the expression parts in this new model are astounding.

[tanman636]

can i just plug the midi into like a speaker or something??

[TheDarkReaver]

I'd love a keytar like, that would rock!

[TheDarkReaver]

Originally Posted by tanman636

can i just plug the midi into like a speaker or something??

No, MIDI is an interface and this is the controller. You need something to actually generate a sound.

What you want is a regular keyboard/synth etc, like that there keytar.

[tanman636]

was the midi that i posted before good? cuz i think im gonna pick it up tomorrow.

[TheDarkReaver]

No idea tbh, it looks nice though...trigger pads...expression things and all that. Just remember you'll need a computer to use it.

[tanman636]

yeah, my mom just said that we have an extra laptop and someones gonna fix it up and im just gonna use that.

[i like tictacs]

Maybe you should just get an Alesis Micron or something...

great for playing bass parts, you can create your own sounds, store them, create your own drumbeats, and you can buy a controller to play it with down the road if you desire more keys. it also has thousands of preset sounds, samples, beats and patterns.

[IanStephenson]

I'd be cautious because it can get out of hand fast... That think you linked to doesn't make a noise, it's just a set of buttons to press. You can link to a computer, but for road use you're better off with a sound module - more limited, but dedicated to doing the job. Computers take up too much brain time to have on stage, and don't like being bounced round in the van, so you're probably going to want something in a rack. How long would a laptop last on stage? Where you going to put it? What happens when someone stands on the midi cable and pills it down. Sound Modules are more likely to survive with less babysitting.

Do you have a big PA? If not you'll need an amp for it. Even if you do have a PA to handle front of house, you'll have to think about improving your monitoring.

So you're now carrying a keyboard, laptop, monitors/amp. You're setup time just trippled...

A synth with built in sounds would be less trouble, but it's still a lot more work than it sounds. I've been there, and while I enjoy playing keys, I'd never play two instruments in a band again. Loading in two lots of gear was no fun at all, and I ended up not doing a great job of either instrument.

Ian