Controller that feels like a real piano (but not cement)

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LoCaRi987
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Controller that feels like a real piano (but not cement)

Post by LoCaRi987 » Fri Oct 05, 2018 10:25 am

Hello,
At present, I do not like my present controller (AKAI Professional MPK 88). It's supposed to have a "real piano" feel, but I find the action waaaay to hard to press the keys. If there are any piano players out there who like lighter action and can recommend a good "piano feel" controller that has light action, let me know, I'm ready to buy a new one since that is my primary instrument.

Thank you.

Lori

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Re: Controller that feels like a real piano (but not cement)

Post by funsongs » Sun Oct 07, 2018 11:10 am

Likewise, this is one piece of gear that I do not have - but need to consider getting whenever it is that I get around to trying to do home recording.
I look forward to the recommendations you get; thanks for posting this question, Lori.
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Re: Controller that feels like a real piano (but not cement)

Post by LamarPecorino » Sun Oct 07, 2018 12:22 pm

Hi Lori:

Thank you for posing this question. It is of interest to me as piano is my principal instrument too. Currently I use two keyboards in my studio. One is a Yamaha P series digital piano. The other is a Roland keyboard. I don't keep them both set up in my studio space due to space limitations.

I love the Yamaha P series for playing acoustic and electric piano-oriented parts. The P series allows for a traditional 3 pedal configuration i.e. the soft pedal (or una corda), the sostenuto pedal, and the sustaining pedal (or damper pedal). It also makes the transition from digital to acoustic fairly painless.

I use the Roland for playing organ/synth type of parts. It is easier for me to play orchestral parts on a non-weighted keyboard. Having used Roland products for many years, I'm used to the combination pitch bend/modulation lever.

I've tried doing everything from one master controller, but have never found one with a touch that worked well in both areas. It will interesting to see what solutions others offer.
Onward and upward!
Lamar

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Re: Controller that feels like a real piano (but not cement)

Post by LoCaRi987 » Wed Oct 10, 2018 5:59 am

Decided I'm going to attach the synth I use for live shows and use that (Korg Krome) as the controller instead.

Thanks for your feedback.

LM

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Re: Controller that feels like a real piano (but not cement)

Post by LamarPecorino » Wed Oct 10, 2018 1:17 pm

That makes sense to me. After all, you are used the feel of the keyboard.
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Re: Controller that feels like a real piano (but not cement)

Post by mojobone » Thu Oct 25, 2018 2:50 am

My best keyboard is a Korg SV-1. Not a controller, but the action is based on a Rhodes suitcase, and it's like buttah, but the 88 is not a cheap option. If you want a real-feel grand piano action, it's hard to go wrong with Yamaha's S series if you're on a budget and buying used. That's also not a controller, but it helps if you can match the action to the samples and Yamaha done did that.
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