So I decided to learn keyboards, what should i be looking for when buying one?

Vacume · #1 03-12-2008, 09:45 PM

I know its a good idea to have weighted keys, but Id also like a keyboard with cool synthesizer effects (I love synth keyboards) or just regular keyboard effects, would it be possible to get a decent keyboard for 500$ canadian or is that too low?

tplyons · #2 03-12-2008, 10:14 PM

I'd recommend something very basic without any toys, bells, and whistles if you're just learning. On my synth, I spend more time getting the sound I want than actually playing. Avoid those distractions.

If you can find a Korg SG-1 or SG-1D, I would recommend them wholeheartedly. Heavy as hell, but sound great, especially run through a bit of chorus. Weighted keys, and very basic. It's my favorite keyboard.

Deacon_Blues · #3 03-13-2008, 01:40 AM

To learn keyboards with, I think almost any keyboard would work, as long as it isn't one of those baby tools you find in supermarkets...

Roland RD-600 is a basic, full-length keyboard with decent sounds and weighted keys, probably perfect as a learning tool as well as gigging if you don't need a lot of synth sounds. They cost over 2000€ when they came out about 10 years ago but are nowadays much cheaper.

One option could also be to use a midi keyboard and a sound module.

Depth_Charge · #4 03-13-2008, 02:15 AM

When my missus wanted to play keyboard I went and bought her a Casio CTK-800.

It has all these cool learning modules that run you through lessons at whatever level you are at, it has a display panel to show proper fingering, a metronome to drill scales with, a tonne of synth sounds, a tonne of songs to learn along to etc etc.

I wouldn't know what someone NEEDED in a keyboard, but as an entry level keyboard this one has suited our needs OK.

Vacume · #5 03-15-2008, 12:04 AM

the problem is i LOVE synth effects and would most likely use it for gigging

varunkapahi · #6 03-15-2008, 12:26 AM

yamaha E403 or higher
thats what am just going for...

megadan · #7 03-15-2008, 08:36 AM

The question is, do you want a synth? Or do you want something that can do piano, horns, pads, strings, record, etc.? You sort of need to decide that. There are lots of decent workstations out there.

For synths, I recommend going old school. Moog, Roland, Korg. I love my Juno-60, all though I think prices have gone up a bit since I got mine.
Check out this site to see more.
http://www.vintagesynth.com/index2.html