I found my way to Roland’s Ax Edge keytar while digging into guitar/bass synth sounds, and some MIDI things I’ve been doing for a while. The keytar form factor isn’t the important part, rather it’s an all in one controller and sound engine, 4 octaves gives some range and you can split it for separate two hand needs, plus it was actually cheaper and simpler than other options… plenty good for what I’m hacking through, but not all the way to full fledged piano or synth. Beyond this, there is a whole new path for GAS, just in case you have already acquired all of the basses and bass gear on your bucket list.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Learning Keyboards
- Thread starter 57pbass
- Start date
Now that's a quote!
A book I've read, Creating Jazz Bass Lines, by Jim Stinett, encourages its readers to learn how to play the piano so that they can be familiar with the sound of the chords.
I got this for my then 4 year old daughter, but I find myself playing it more than she does.
It has 128 sounds, speakers, and runs on 4 AA batteries for a long time (I am using rechargeable Panasonic eneloop batteries).
Make sure you get the “Play” version, there is a similiarly named device that is just a MIDI keyboard.
MPK Series | Akai Professional
Explore the MPK Series from Akai Professional — iconic MIDI controller keyboards trusted by producers for expressive playability, hands-on control, and seamless integration with modern music software.www.akaipro.com
Yeah this one looks a winner thanks!
I started messing around with keys in my 40s then found a piano teacher and started taking lessons. I still do. I play some keys as well as bass in my cover band and i still find the keys stuff alot harder imo because even though i practice, Im still a bassist first. So if i have an hour to practice Im going to be on bass for about 45 minutes. "Synth bass" only is easier but i only do that on a couple of songs, the others I am playing leads/chords/etc while covering the synth bass too. Overall its been a great addition and i highly recommend it.
I started with a midi controller connected to my macbook and used the lessons inside of Garageband. Then I bought a 61 key Korg Kross workstation, it doesnt have built in speakers though but I would just use headphones. There are used digital pianos on Facebook marketplace if you just want piano sounds.
I started with a midi controller connected to my macbook and used the lessons inside of Garageband. Then I bought a 61 key Korg Kross workstation, it doesnt have built in speakers though but I would just use headphones. There are used digital pianos on Facebook marketplace if you just want piano sounds.
I didn't start learning ANY instrument until I was 49, which was bass. I've also started to learn piano over the last couple years (I'm now 55), which I admit doesn't go as quickly as learning bass because I don't practice it as much. Forces me to learn to read standard notation and makes a certain amount of theory unavoidable, which were kind of the goals. Also good since DAWs are typically keyboard-centric in many ways.
You need one of these. Yamaha builds several versions of the Reface besides the CP. Around $400. It has an internal speaker.
That's the one I own. The built-in (tinny) speaker makes it easy to hang out and play around on the sofa. I sometimes connect to a regular, full-size controller keyboard via MIDI to get the full benefit of those vintage electric keys.
I got mine 7-8 years ago after being inspired by a bunch of uploads Nahre Sol made with hers on location (including a plane flight and a car wash).
She sometimes uses it with a basic Zoom multiFX box for things like delay and chorus.
Not sure that OP could get along just with vintage electric keys though.
We're talking jazzy, neo-soul hip-hop sound? PianoGroove has a Neo-Soul seminar in addition to regular video lessons on piano and jazz foundations, beginner jazz arrangements, essential chord progressions, etc. I don't know their pricing but everyone significantly discounts around Black Friday.
If you want free you should do a deep dive on YouTube. J3PO is a keyboardist who breaks down Glasper-style harmony, and people like David Bennett and Sean Wilson Piano have videos on jazz/neo-soul theory and voicings.
And of course Glasper is all over YouTube too.
Let me start by saying that I think every serious musician should have at least a minimum proficiency on the keyboard.
But, even knowing nothing about you or your background, or the area you play in, to go from ground zero to a gigging keyboard player over the winter is pretty optimistic.
But, even knowing nothing about you or your background, or the area you play in, to go from ground zero to a gigging keyboard player over the winter is pretty optimistic.
I hear you. $450 is a chunk. These are probably the least expensive keys that you wouldn’t hesitate to use on stage, but i’m sure there are much cheaper.
YES!
Had never heard of PianoGroove, David Bennett or Sean Wilson Piano! Will check them out over time.
I do follow J3PO (and his bassist hehe) but never warched his tutorials! Will do from now on!
Thanks a lot! I should have checked TB earlier, just spent two hours on bass when i could have split that in half and checked out your links!
Thanks though! I appreciate it!
I got this for my then 4 year old daughter, but I find myself playing it more than she does.
It has 128 sounds, speakers, and runs on 4 AA batteries for a long time (I am using rechargeable Panasonic eneloop batteries).
Make sure you get the “Play” version, there is a similiarly named device that is just a MIDI keyboard.
MPK Series | Akai Professional
Explore the MPK Series from Akai Professional — iconic MIDI controller keyboards trusted by producers for expressive playability, hands-on control, and seamless integration with modern music software.
Tried this at the local GC. But those keys are just too small. I ended up with a 61 key Casio S200.
Gonna take up more real estate than I want but full size keys are worth it turns out.
Wise choice! I don't think I'd like the mini keys or "synth" vs. "Piano" keys because of the pivot point. I ended up with a Casio 88 and really like it.
Thanks, you've cured my GAS for one of those minis, I can now safely delete it and case from my Amazon Cart.
Interesting. In one of the user videos the pitch runs "backwards" with lowest note on the right and highest note on the left (the other is like a typical piano):
Watch How does this melodica actually sound? on Amazon Live
I wonder if that video is reversed/mirrored, as the blow tube is on the "Bass" end in both?
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
@57pbass , FYI MusiciansFriend currently has the microKORG2 on sale for $480 instead of $599 if you're logged in and put the synth in your cart.
