Who here knows keyboards?

Selta · #1 07-13-2009, 12:57 PM

OK, so, looking to get my first keyboard. Also want it to be one that'll last me a few years... if, down the line, I come to terms and play it as much as I'd like, then maybe blow a cool amount of cash on it.
So, I went to guitar center and wondered into their keyboard section... well, I should say "we", since my partner was with me. Anyhoo...
We play around on a bunch of them... and two thus far are sticking in my head as "really neat":
Casio PX575R
Roland Juno-G

The Casio I like as it's 88 key, and just pretty intuitive. The Roland I like as it has more useable tones, a lot better I/O options etc. However, I really don't know WHAT to look for in a keyboard/synth.

That's where you come in to help

. Wheee.

I want to keep it under $1000 for sure, if not $750. We already use Fruity Loops for drums, but having drums items on the 'board would be a plus. Built in speakers are not a MUST, but a big plus... wereally don't have a dedicated amp we could use for the board. I don't want to put it through my SVT half, and she would rather not put it through her Vox half

.

All ideas are welcome. Looking for everything from cheesy 80s tones to general synth-y tones, and a decent roll of "piano" tones. Weighted keys doesn't matter at the moment... not sure what else will help you point me the right way.

GeneralElectric · #2 07-13-2009, 05:42 PM

Get weighted keys. It'll vastly improve your playing ability.

I use a Nord Electro II. It was 1,000 or so when I bought it and its a top of the line keyboard.

Unweighted keys and built in speakers are signs of cheap junk and you're throwing your money away.

All IMO and IME.

popinfresh · #3 07-13-2009, 05:44 PM

QWERTY style keyboards are the easiest I find.

Then buy a mouse so you can click on the 'miscellaneous' forum link

GeneralElectric · #4 07-13-2009, 05:47 PM

You also might wanna try Craigslist and find an old upright piano for cheap and practice on that for awhile.

Arranger · #5 07-14-2009, 08:27 AM

I've played keys for 51 years. If you are interested in something to play out with or carry around, a weighted key model will be a burden. Consider a non-weighted keyboard that has velocity sensitive keys.

IMO, a superb keyboard to consider it the original Yamaha Motif. It comes in non-weighted 61 and 76 key versions and an 88 key weighted model. The sounds are more analog and sound more natural than most of the competition. The Motif is one of the more highly regarded professional standards.

You can find 61 key used Motifs on e-Bay all the time in the $400-800 range. You won't lose a dime on it if you decide to sell it later. I have a 76 in my studio and bought another 61 for traveling. Be aware that Yamaha made the ES series and now makes the XS series. These will cost much more. You should consider a used Motif ('classic') that does not have the EX or XS prefix. You'll save a bunch and be very happy. The pianos and organs are wonderful. The synth patches and expandability are very good, too.

Arranger · #6 07-14-2009, 08:32 AM

Here's one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/YAMAHA-MOTIF-6_W0QQitemZ260443439120QQcmdZViewItemQQptZKeyboard s_MIDI?hash=item3ca3a38010&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_t rkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1205|293%3A1|29 4%3A50

BTW, the newer 'MO' is not the same as a Motif. Don't be misled by that alternate model line.

Selta · #7 07-14-2009, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arranger

Here's one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/YAMAHA-MOTIF-6_W0QQitemZ260443439120QQcmdZViewItemQQptZKeyboard s_MIDI?hash=item3ca3a38010&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_t rkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1205|293%3A1|29 4%3A50

BTW, the newer 'MO' is not the same as a Motif. Don't be misled by that alternate model line.

I was looking at the Korg M50-61 and the Roland Juno-G as well. These are two that also caught my attention at GC. I just found the M50 for sell at $830 all said and done... sounds like a good deal (open box). Any input one way or the other?

Arranger · #8 07-14-2009, 12:27 PM

You need to listen and feel them to know. Of course, you'll get what you pay for. Any keyboard you buy new is worth little more than half of that in one year.

I'd look for a good used one and get pro quality at a consumer price.

Muusers · #9 07-14-2009, 12:37 PM

Maybe a Yamaha CP33, found one one the bay for cheap: http://cgi.ebay.com/Yamaha-CP-33-Digital-Stage-Piano-CP-33-CP33_W0QQitemZ150358371334QQcmdZViewItemQQptZKeybo ards_MIDI?hash=item23020eac06&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14 &_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1205|293%3A1 |294%3A50

Muusers · #10 07-14-2009, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeneralElectric

Get weighted keys. It'll vastly improve your playing ability.

I use a Nord Electro II. It was 1,000 or so when I bought it and its a top of the line keyboard.

Unweighted keys and built in speakers are signs of cheap junk and you're throwing your money away.

All IMO and IME.

+1 on the weighted keys. But built in speakers doesn't really matter, you can't really call a Yamaha cp300 a bad keyboard.

sonic assassin · #11 07-14-2009, 03:00 PM

looks like you can find a korg triton under a grand on ebay. i used them every day for a month in a midi class i took. wasnt too hard to figure out. lots of sounds. keys felt alright.

GeneralElectric · #12 07-14-2009, 03:52 PM

This is what I use:
http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfrien...gan?sku=702626

Turns out the keys aren't fully weighted, but they feel and respond like they are.

I only picked up a keyboard because I missed having a piano around...

MD · #13 07-14-2009, 04:21 PM

You might want to have a look around here....
http://www.pianoworld.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/cfrm

I used to have a Yamaha PSR ??, sub 88, touch sensitive/non weighted keys. Traded up to a Technics SX-PR35 digital piano. Full 88, fully weighted, 40w/ch. into 2-5.5" speakers. Not very portable @ 104 lbs. but it sounds real nice and the piano players I get together with like it a lot. But I wanted a digital piano, not a "keyboard" Technics does make some good KB's as well.