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I am looking for a "new" keyboard under $450 that has 61 or 88 and a good feel to it. It doesn't have to be truly hammer weighted, to keep the cost down, but I'd like something with more of a piano feel than my spring like Keystation has. I don't need built in sounds, drum machine etc. For controllers, a mod and pitchwheel are fine, and of course a midi out. I was looking at the M Audio ProKeys or Axiom, and I found a few items at guitar center. Ideally I'd like a Yamaha P70, used of course, but that is only because I've used one in the past and liked the feel. This is for me to record with - I rarely play out. If anybody has suggestions I'd appreciate some tips on a good keyboard / midi controller. Also, if there are any features I should be looking for other than the midi out / the "feel" / etc than please let me know. Other than velocity, and the 2 main control wheels, I actually don't know what features are really mandatory .

Hey I too am on the look out for an upgrade, I have found the Casio's really nice and obviously like you say the Yamaha also. The one I really really did like though but it was pricey, was the Korg elec piano and that really did have the proper piano feel, sorry cant remember the spec as I was actually buying a 400 Watt Wharfdale power amp at the time for my keyboard - on stage use, I was side tracked by the Korg, the only snag was it was over £800 UK money and after having spent £300 on the power amp I had to walk away lol.I would recommend Casio or Yamaha though and I found googling for them was good if you have been in a muso shop and had a feel first, you can get some good deals. Have a good look first though.Good luck - if I come accross any bargains Ill send you the link.Daff xx

Thanks - I'm going to the music store today to try out different keyboards again and this time I'm taking notes on the models I like. Then I'll hit the online stores and ebay / google them. We also have a Music-go-round here, and several pawn shops that specialize in good instruments (bought my pristine Fender Mustang at one of them for $250) that I'll call around to. Thanks for the tips on the sliders and the casio. I have time to shop around so any other suggestions are welcome!

Hi Anne.Take a look at the M-Audio ES88 (I use it). You can 'test drive' them at guitar center; most'll have them out in the trial room. The action is nice; reminds me of a Hammond XK2 or XK3 keyboard feel. There are drawbacks to it though. It's light on controllers (slides & knobs). It's got a pitch bend, mod wheel, one data slide that defaults to volume, and input for sustain. It can connect both via MIDI and USB.Something a little more intuitive but at a cost of a couple octaves (61 key verus 88) is the M-Audio Oxygen 61. I haven't played with that machine to know the action, but it appears to be the same board build as the ES88.bluezcruizer

It's important to note that Casio seems to have some sort of aversion to providing Mac drivers.So, just in case you record on a Mac, make sure you check that out before you buy!

I just got a CME UF80, it's the newer version of the UF series. The older version (UF8) is being blow out right now at a few places. THe keyboard feels very nice, it has 9 sliders, 8 knobs, sequencer controls, USB and MIDI, wireless MIDI and some other features for controlling. It also has Breath Controller input which is one of the reasons I bought it. Another reason was that it has the same keyboard as the Yamah Motif which is very highly regarded. So far I think it's a nice controller. It's heavy but I have no intention of gigging with it so that's not a factor.As far as other features, Aftertouch is a good way to control things like filters or vibrato but many keyboards don't have very fine control over aftertouch, it often feels like it's either on or off with not much control in between. so if Aftertouch is important, make sure it has enough range of control or adjustability for your style.I'm not sure how much they are going for but it might be at the upper end of your price range. I think there's a 61 key version as well but I don't know if it has the weighted action.I tried the M-audio one that bluezcruizer mentioned and did not like the action at all. It felt spongy and too bouncy for me but it's pretty popular so others obvoiusly like it.Good luck Anne,Mazz

I just looked up the CME UF80 and there is a UF 60 available for under $400. I am going to see if there is anywhere local that carries them (must support the local scene, you know) and go try one out as well as the MAudio keys, as I've been really pleased with all of my MAudio items for durability. So, the previous models are markedly cheaper then the new ones - are they good? I mean, if I can forgo the wireless midi, since I'm out of USB slots for the key anyway! Although less wires running across the floor does sound appealing...

I love the Alesis QS8. 88 weighted keys, built like a tank, and you can pick them up on Ebay for around $450

Anne,I think the newer models are basically a facelift and the wireless MIDI. I ordered the older model because of the blowout price and the local GC sold me the newer model for the same blowout price, basically losing money on the deal (although they've made a lot of money from me from other deals! ). I ordered it on the fact that it had the Yamaha Motif action. I'm not sure if the UF6 or 60 has the same weighted action. The CME stuff seems to not be very available in stores but is available online. It has gotten overall good reviews in the press.You may really like the M-audio action, I did not. The price is good on their keyboards and if you're not going to be roading them, they'll probably last for years.Good luck,Mazz

I'll second the M-Audio Keystation recommendation. It's very inexpensive considering the quality - I used to have a Pro 88 (same keys, more knobs) and it was wonderful... only reason I ditched it was because I didn't have the space for an 88 key in my new apartment.