MIDI Keyboards.... recommendations ? what do you use?

[remmet]

If I was going to get a new keyboard, I'd want one with aftertouch. It seems like very few keyboards have that feature, but it certainly would expand the expressive capabilities of MIDI music production.

Richard

[AndyKotz]

I'm also a guitarist by nature but have liked my M-Audio Oxygen 61. It has done everything I have asked of it and then some but I'm also of limited keyboard skills. I'm probably going to stick with M-Audio since they're in my "price range" for my next purchase. I'd like to go to an 88 key so I'm gonna get the M-Audio Keystation 86es (http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/K ... n88es.html):

- 88-note velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted action

- built-in USB MIDI interface w/ MIDI out jack

- powered via USB or 9VDC

- class-compliant with Windows XP, Vista (32 bit), and Mac OS X

- includes Ableton Live Lite music production software, so you can make music right away

and it lists for $250... so it can be had for less. Remember... I said I was a guitarist. I do take great care of my equipment so they last me a long time... and besides "it ain't the arrows... it's the indian".

[remmet]

I'd like to go to an 88 key so I'm gonna get the M-Audio Keystation 86es (http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/K ... n88es.html):

This is the keyboard I use, and it works great. (I think you meant Keystation 88es.) A prime reason I got it was because it was narrow enough to fit on my workstation platform!

Richard

[AndyKotz]

I'd love to get M-Audio's Oxygen 88 for the 88 weighted keys and more importantly, the expression pedal jack!
But it's out of my price range...

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Oxygen88.html

[Russell Landwehr]

Before I got my Korg Kronos 88 ($4k) I was using the M-Audio Keystation Pro 88 ($0.3k). http://www.m-audio.com/images/global/ma ... _CD-EN.pdf

(@nickec who posted about the Kronos... Ya, the feel of this thing is like an orgasm for my fingers.)

I had the Keystation Pro 88 for the TON of controls. Most importantly I got it for the action. I tested a lot of keyboards to find the one that had the quickest and most natural action that I could afford (I played a Bb note two handed as fast as I could) and the Keystation Pro 88 had the quickest action and best feel in its price-range. (NOTE: in its price range)

I don't use it any more (unless I don't feel like hauling the Kronos out of the case after a gig.)

I'll PM you

rl

[Razor7Music]

I don't have weighted, but definitely stick with 49 keys. Unless you're a concert pianist, you'll never use more keys than that for a midi controller kb and it just takes up space. If you need more octives, click a button.

I have the M-Audio Radium with 61 keys. Too large IMHO.

[kclements]

About 10 years ago - when I was looking for a new rig, I absolutely loved the Kawai M9000 http://www.kawai.de/mp9000_en.htm. It's a little spendy, but you can't beat the action (it uses real wooden hammers). It was the best feeling digital piano I had played at the time. Plus some pretty good controller functions - although it is more of a stage piano than controller. I didn't end up with one for numerous reasons, but if I were looking for a 88 note weighted keyboard/piano, this would be high on my list.

On the other end, I have read good things about the new Samson midi keyboards - haven't played one, but they are said to have a good tough - though not weighted. Also really like the Akai keyboards

I used to have a Roland A-80 that was fantastic as well. Roland really cheapened their controllers up as the years went on, but you may find one on ebay.

I now have my Yamaha C-3 Midi Grand piano that I use as a controller. Love it. You can find them sometimes on Ebay, but they are a full size grand piano, so don't know if that will work for you.

cheers
kp

[andygabrys]

but definitely stick with 49 keys. Unless you're a concert pianist, you'll never use more keys than that for a midi controller kb and it just takes up space. If you need more octives, click a button.

that is definitely something to check out - probably based on what you actually use your keyboard for.

although I grew up in a house with a piano, I am not a fantastic pianist. I like to be able to play the full range straight off.

in addition to that, I got an 88 key controller cause I just couldn't stand switching octaves all the time. It speeds up my workflow to know exactly where i can find sounds in the least possible time. Kontakt instruments often can span a lot of the keyboard, or will have key switches in certain ranges. If I am fumbling to efficiently key switch, its frustrating for me. key switches in Vienna Instruments are in the C1 area on high pitched instruments, but C6 on low pitched instruments. with my old controller, 61 keys wasn't actually enough to play and key switch those low instruments. It took two passes.

If I am switching octaves on the keyboard itself to hit those ranges I get confused fast, make mistakes, and consequently get not a lot done. but that is just my take.

[Razor7Music]

but definitely stick with 49 keys. Unless you're a concert pianist, you'll never use more keys than that for a midi controller kb and it just takes up space. If you need more octives, click a button.

that is definitely something to check out - probably based on what you actually use your keyboard for.

although I grew up in a house with a piano, I am not a fantastic pianist. I like to be able to play the full range straight off.

in addition to that, I got an 88 key controller cause I just couldn't stand switching octaves all the time. It speeds up my workflow to know exactly where i can find sounds in the least possible time. Kontakt instruments often can span a lot of the keyboard, or will have key switches in certain ranges. If I am fumbling to efficiently key switch, its frustrating for me. key switches in Vienna Instruments are in the C1 area on high pitched instruments, but C6 on low pitched instruments. with my old controller, 61 keys wasn't actually enough to play and key switch those low instruments. It took two passes.

If I am switching octaves on the keyboard itself to hit those ranges I get confused fast, make mistakes, and consequently get not a lot done. but that is just my take.

I can see how a pianist would prefer 88 weighted keys. My reference is to using it primarily as a controller. In case you don't already know, an 88 weighted key controller is going to weigh a ton--we used to break our backs moving those things--FYI.

[andygabrys]

yep the 88 key weighted Akai that I own does way a tonne. or a ton. i try not to move it at all. I can lift it, that is about it.

it actually serves double pupose as i can put heavy stacks of books on it and it doesn't fall over.

Yeah, if I was performing with it and had to move it out of the house, I would look at something really light like a Key-tar. only half kidding about the key-tar.

luckily I am a knuckle dragging guitarist and only have to heft heavy amps, no keyboards.