Can you recommend a good cheap weighted MIDI keyboard?

[mojobone]

I'm afraid I can't recommend the M-Audio controllers, particularly if you're used to a quality piano action; most are made by Fatar or Yamaha, but the feel of the M-Audio keys themselves-ugh. The key edges are less rounded and there's a perceptible side-to-side wiggle, and little cushion at the bottom of a stroke. They also rattle on the release. Your mileage may vary, but you should expect to pay $700-$900 for a decent 88 and a great set of grand piano samples, even used. (Yamaha S-90 or equivalent) That said, the Casio Privia series keyboards have a great feel, but some models are prone to double-triggering at ffff, so try before you buy. (the internal samples are okay for practice, but won't measure up to a good modern software instrument) If money's no object, (4k and up) Roland and Korg have some amazing new stuff, can't tell it from ebony/ivory.

[Rob Lorenzo]

Thanks for sharing, Mojobone.

I don't want to go too crazy and trying to think creatively. Maybe I'll look out for a good used semi-weighted keyboard for now with basic samples, for practice, and some software samples for the home studio which I can trigger via MIDI.

What software do you/folk recommend for grand piano samples, for example?

[Rob Lorenzo]

Are the planets aligned? Just seen this! :

http://forums.taxi.com/topic22935.html

[musicliner]

What software do you/folk recommend for grand piano samples, for example?

Rob,
Before you go and spend a fortune, give a try to MDA Piano ( a free VTS)

I do have some fancy libraries, but I've ended up using this baby for commercial pop/rock & hip-hop/rnb tunes more than any other piano VI. It's very flexible in terms of sonic tweaking and very, very light on your CPU.

Cheers,
George

[mazz]

Being a piano player, I went with a CME while they were still part of Yamaha because they used good actions (can't remember which, fatar I think) and a breath controller input. Expect to pay more for fully weighted actions.

For live gigging, I use a semi weighted Kurzweil S88 which I doubt they make anymore. I can put it under one arm and my back is happy. It has good sounding piano samples, I'm always surprised how it sounds about 10 feet out from the amp. It would be a good practice instrument and a good compromise for playing different types of instruments. I tend to play string parts on my little synth action controller, so a semi weighted might be more flexible as a controller.

I too was less than enamored by the squishy, loose, noisy action on the m-audio boards.

HTH

mazz

[Kolstad]

Im a guitar player too, but mostly use a fully wheighted Yamaha CLP digital piano for both audio and midi keys, but I have a small M-audio Axiom midi controller, and I'm quite happy with that. I think the feel of it is very sturdy and solid, and the pads on it feels great to play (same feel as the m-audio "Triggerfinger", which was excellent). Im going to upgrade soon from 25 to 61, and will definitely go for the axiom series again (maybe a 'pro' due to the auto-mapping functions). The m-audio axiom's are very different from the keystations I think, so I wouldn't rule m-audio out at all as a brand. They have stuff in many categories. You usually get what you pay for.

[mazz]

I forgot about the Axioms. Yes, the action on the Axiom is far better than the Keystation, IMO. You'll pay a bit more for it, but it's worth it. I almost got an Axiom when I was shopping for a 25 key controller but ended up with the Novation, which, for my needs at the time, felt better. I was looking for a synth action, not a weighted or semi weighted, and the Axiom was a little stiffer than what I wanted, but it was in the running.

[Rob Lorenzo]

George - MDA Piano sounds like a great start - good that it's CPU light too, that's always a benefit. Will happily check that one out.

Magne/Mazz - thanks for sharing your experiences regarding the Axiom.

I noticed an old advert for Axiom just this week and they look like what I could be after..

Quite neat with the pads which would be great for drum parts and samples.

I also figured out I don't need more than 5 octaves whilst bashing through some of my material last night.

Appreciate the advice everyone - it's going to a good place!

[Rob Lorenzo]

Looks like the Axioms sell in this country for just under $400 USD equiv. and not much over $200 for used.

At that price I would be happy to invest in one for those for what I require.

Thanks again for the advice, all.

[Kolstad]

Just make sure you try them out first. Piano players, understandably, tend to get really dissapointed with the action on midi controllers. There's no harm in trying something out in the store, and then go shopping at Craigslist or Ebay