I'm really starting to think about buying a decent MIDI keyboard. I'm looking for a full size, preferrably 76 or 88 keys, with weighted keys.

I wouldn't feel comfortable spending more than, say, $400 but I might spend a bit more if someone feels it's entirely justifiable. Mod wheels and knobs aren't all that important to me, I don't plan on using it for recording or live purposes, just something that'll feel nice to play and can be used to experiment with synths in my DAW. I come up with a lot of my melodies by playing my QWERTY keyboard as it is now and it's about time I use something a bit more user friendly.

Thanks.

yamaha kx8 is around there new possibly less. 88 keys, weighted. I've played on one. No complaints really considering the price.

___________________
"This is why Superman works alone." GC
old stuff from days gone by (2001-2004)
Mad For Brad's gay little contest

Last edited by Looney4Clooney on Dec-14-2010 at 21:55

At $400 or less, I think you're pretty much limited to the M-Audio Keystation, as far as new keyboards go. I've used an older version of the Keystation and, while it wasn't the best feeling keys I've ever played, it had a ton of controllers on-board. If you're considering second-hand units, you should be able to find a StudioLogic, Yamaha KX8/88, or older Fatar in that price range - I'd definitely recommend one of those over the M-Audio. IF (although unlikely) you can find a Roland A-80 in that price range, I'd jump on it - it's an older controller, but it's built like a tank, has a great keybed, and more features and functions than you'll probably ever need.

___________________
cryophonik.com | facebook | soundcloud

Sonar Platinum | Ableton Live 9 | Logic Pro X | Access Virus TI2 Keyboard | Kurzweil PC3X | Nord Lead 4R | NI Maschine

Isn't / wasn't there some crazy deal on Fatar Studio Logic 88 key keyboards on here recently. It was a great price, but only available in the US.

I think woody stared a thread about it?

quote:

Originally posted by DJ RANN Isn't / wasn't there some crazy deal on Fatar Studio Logic 88 key keyboards on here recently. It was a great price, but only available in the US. I think woody stared a thread about it?

Yeah, I forgot about that: DJWoody's Studiologic thread

___________________
cryophonik.com | facebook | soundcloud

Sonar Platinum | Ableton Live 9 | Logic Pro X | Access Virus TI2 Keyboard | Kurzweil PC3X | Nord Lead 4R | NI Maschine

Oh wow, good deal. I was looking at the KX8 but they're like $700 new and even used it's a bit too much.

Thanks guys.

Kyasora, experiment for yourself with different Midi keyboards, they will feel differently to you, what its a good key-weigh for someone it isnt for another. Put your hands on the keyboard and buy the one you feel more comfortable!

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik At $400 or less, I think you're pretty much limited to the M-Audio Keystation, as far as new keyboards go. I've used an older version of the Keystation and, while it wasn't the best feeling keys I've ever played, it had a ton of controllers on-board. If you're considering second-hand units, you should be able to find a StudioLogic, Yamaha KX8/88, or older Fatar in that price range - I'd definitely recommend one of those over the M-Audio. IF (although unlikely) you can find a Roland A-80 in that price range, I'd jump on it - it's an older controller, but it's built like a tank, has a great keybed, and more features and functions than you'll probably ever need.

M-Audio Keystation pro 88 is a TANK!
I had one but had to sell it for $200.

___________________
Trance Addict 4 LIFE!

quote:

Dr.DRE "It's not the equipment....it's the muthaf@#%r running it"

quote:

Originally posted by Pagan-za Fighting online is like winning the special Olympics. Even if you win, you're still retarded.

___________________
Trance Addict 4 LIFE!

quote:

Dr.DRE "It's not the equipment....it's the muthaf@#%r running it"

quote:

Originally posted by Pagan-za Fighting online is like winning the special Olympics. Even if you win, you're still retarded.

quote:

Originally posted by Mise Kyasora, experiment for yourself with different Midi keyboards, they will feel differently to you, what its a good key-weigh for someone it isnt for another. Put your hands on the keyboard and buy the one you feel more comfortable!

Well this is a cute notion but aside from the local Guitar Center that doesn't have much in the way of weighted-key portable MIDI keyboards I don't have a warehouse that'll let me playtest a bunch of pianos and let me decide from there.

Apparently that thread for the Studiologic pianos was just a deal going on at a local store, I can't find much of anything about it online.

I think I'm going to go with a Williams Allegro digital piano, it seems like one of the best options considering it's only $300. Can anyone vouch for it?

quote:

Originally posted by Kysora Oh wow, good deal. I was looking at the KX8 but they're like $700 new and even used it's a bit too much. Thanks guys.

they retail right now for 450$. I remember seeing some for 350$ new

___________________
"This is why Superman works alone." GC
old stuff from days gone by (2001-2004)
Mad For Brad's gay little contest

I can't find a retailer online selling them, Musiciansfriend is saying it's discontinued and so are a few others I found through google.