The Shopping Thread!

[PDWAB]

Recommend keyboard/synths to prospective pianists looking to buy. Just remember everyone: Nothing is a replacement for a piano!

My recommendation:

If you want a keyboard to fiddle around with, I would recommend the Yamaha PSR 273, it has several voices, lots of styles, and a good education program installed on it. For $200 it's a good deal. Also the MIDI drums sound somewhat relatively decent, which is always a plus.

[Moniker]

If you're talking that price range, you can't go wrong with a Casio WK-3500. It has everything the Yamaha has, and the ability to program your own synth tones. (I've gotten exact dream theater tones from it :eek: ) and it has the best organ tones.

[P120Dude]

For all you Pianists out there:

If you are looking for a Stage Piano that sounds and feels exactly like an acoustic piano, is portable, has great features, and many other superb instruments, then the Yamaha P120 is the way to go. I have it in my studio and when I play solo pieces or in a band, it always sounds superb, smooth and beatiful.

For all you Synthesists out there:

The Yamaha Motif ES, hands down. Awesome synths, pads, and leads, and it has great acousitic pianos. It also has a great synth action, and the 88 key version has a balanced hammer action for the Piano Players.

P120Dude

[freakmeeko]

And for a performance controller, don't get the Yamaha shs-10s or 200s (theyre too small) or the Roland AX-7 (it's too big and complicated). The best choices would be a casio az-1 or Korg RK-100.

[<3<3<3]

I think I'm going to get the Alesis QS6.2 snyth.


Good idea? Bad idea?

[arc03]

How much does that P120 go for?

[fine + 2 pts]

Ok, i just purchsed a keytar.. Roland AX1B and i want to know what set up i need to get to run it through. I also have a Roland XP60 synth but still don't know what kind of set up i will need to play a live performance. The keytar is the biggest of my concern, though. I am starting an 80's type synth band and want to know what any of you keytar players have as a setup. thanks!

[freakmeeko]

I just use my Korg RK, MIDI it up with an innocent XV 2020, and plug that into an amp. You're going to need LOTS of wire adapters, though.

[fine + 2 pts]

alright.. so what kind of amp. i have my Mesa guitar cab. would that work? and like is there a designated "keyboard mixer" on the market?

[freakmeeko]

Any Roland keyboard amp is fine...but I don't think it'll be much different if a guitar/ bass amp was used. As for mixers, I'm kinda ignorant on that subject.

[<3<3<3]

I don't think you should use a guitar amp. I heard it wasn't good. But a bass amp is probably fine to use.

[ArmlessBanjoPlayer]

I was looking at the PSR293 for my wife and I to learn and play around with...Any feedback on it?

[Mr. Squiggles]

how much do technics KN-1000 cost to buy because i just bought one brand new from a thrift store for 50 bucks

[Cecillianne]

^ Wow, that's quite a deal :amaze:

For digital pianos, I highly recommend something like Technics or Clavinova. Technics has vast features; it's easy to use, most comes with disk drives, and the tones are satisfying (preset though). Same with the Clavinova. They're both a pleasure to play.

[ToRidTheDisease]

I got a Yamaha DGX505 for Christmas, it's awesome.

[~Rock~Guitarist]

My recommendation:

If you want a keyboard to fiddle around with, I would recommend the Yamaha PSR 273, it has several voices, lots of styles, and a good education program installed on it. For $200 it's a good deal. Also the MIDI drums sound somewhat relatively decent, which is always a plus.

I'd like to back this recommendation up. I just got one for xmas and i love it, i agree with everything you said.

[burntgorilla]

Is the PSR 275 approximately the same as the 273?

[~Rock~Guitarist]

Is the PSR 275 approximately the same as the 273?

its the same, just with more keys

[fade11]

Hello,

I just signed up so I can't make my own topic so I think this will be the best place to post it.

I'm mainly looking to buy a piano that could somewhat resemble the real piano, since this is for my mother. And she used to play a real piano. So it should atleast have as much keys (I believe 88?) and keys shouldn't be too much lighter or whatever. A recommendation from someone who has played both a real piano and electronic piano would be great. Also, it should have a good training program, like you know when the keys light up and shows you how to play. So I'm guessing I should have 88 keys no less, so it feels same as real piano?

I'm posting because I don't know the first thing about pianos, I play a guitar..

I'm looking to spend somewhere in the $400 range, but if neccesary I'll put in some more cash.

Thank you,
Fade.

CURRENTLY CONSIDERING THE YAMAHA DGX-505

http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/ContentDetail/ModelSeriesDetail/0,6373,CNTID%253D28150%2526CTID%253D205200,00.html #

[freakmeeko]

can the guitarists STAY in the guitar forum please?

[The Four Key]

Ok, i just purchsed a keytar.. Roland AX1B and i want to know what set up i need to get to run it through. I also have a Roland XP60 synth but still don't know what kind of set up i will need to play a live performance. The keytar is the biggest of my concern, though. I am starting an 80's type synth band and want to know what any of you keytar players have as a setup. thanks!


Dude, plug in into any ol' keyboard with a midi plug and plug that keyboard into an amp. If the keyboard you plug the AX-1 into has it's own speakers, you can forget the amp... unless of course you play gig.

[freakmeeko]

did i NOT say that already?

[MetalCricketMode]

Im a guitarist, but am looking for a synth for recording and jamming purposes. Nothing over $1000. I have been looking at the Alesis Micron and Ion. The Microns got a vocoder, but not very many keys and less voices, although 8 polyphony should be enough for me. I like that obth of them have 3 oscillators.

Also would running a synth through my guitar amp damage the amp somehow?

Anyways what do you guys recommend?

[Redirection kid]

Howdy. I've got some questions concerning what keyboard I should purchase. I'm looking for something relatively cheap, that will be used solely for performance purposes. I'm most likely going to stick with piano and organ sounds, and possibly some orchestral strings/brass sections. They don't have to be too convincingly real, as I'd like to capture the cheesy, overprocessed 80's pop sound in my music. And I definitely don't need a ginormous workstation with all the bells and whistles; just something to produce some noise. I'd also like to have the option of playing it live, behind a band, in a concert/show setting, granted I -am- a keyboard virgin.

Also, I'm quite unclear as to what amplifiers (if any) I should purchase. I know Roland makes some amplifiers specialized for keyboards, but there must be more to choose from than just that.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[kalebsden]

I'm a clarinetist, bassist-turned guitar player so I do know theory pretty well, I'm looking into buying a decent begginer-type used keyboard, are there any brands (not very costly brands)that come recommended, and what kind of prices would I be looking at?

[bard2dbone]

For both kalebsden and fade11 I would recommend the Kurzweil SP88x. It's a decent feeling stage piano. There are cheaper fully weighted 88-key keyboards out there, but not better cheaper ones. You can find them for around $750.

If you are willing to go up to $1000, your options expand a lot. I really enjoyed the Yamaha SO8. It feels mostly like a piano, but sounds like a synth.

[vecter1212]

yea its cheap and theres better ones but the yamaha psr/psr293 is great for the money.

[freakmeeko]

OK, I'd like a portable without built-in speakers and reputable sounds for <$500. Any help?

[PowerRiff45]

Yamaha

[freakmeeko]

More specific, please?

[vecter1212]

just picked up a Yamaha PSR-293 solely for mostly playing piano stuff in my apartment. Cheap, but great instrument.


The Yamaha DGX-305/model above would maybe be good for you, tried one out at georges music and it felt great for it's range.

[Masakik]

I'm looking for a keyboard that ranges from 500-1000 bucks. For live shows. Just looking for best sound quailty. No need for built in speaker. Anyone know a good keyboard i should buy for this?

[Distant Echoes]

Im a guitarist/drummer looking for a cheap cheap keyboard to pick up, preferably around $100 price range. Im not buying this keyboard to get into serious 'keyboarding' with, or perform live, but just to possibly record with with the other crap instruments i have and mainly to gain a better understanding of the musical scale, but then again, i dont want to cheap out with some toy that doesnt do nothin right.

I think itd be really conveniant if i could record what i play and have it playback, but that not my main deal if that cost too much. Ive been looking at the Yamaha PSR-172, and looks like it has alot of stuff, including internet compatibility. Thoughts?

[Purple Floyd]

Get the cheapest Korg you can find, they are all solidly built.

You could probably find a very good synth for around $300-400 minimum.

[CuShMaN]

Hands down.

The most cost effective & reliable 88 key keyboard controller on the market.

The TMK-88 (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=key/search/detail/base_pid/708339/) . On average ~$250.00

I personally love the feel of mine. However, this comes with a Warning..

This is a studio keyboard. It has no built in sounds. As a matter of fact.. it has no audio output at all.

One output. Midi out.

This keyboard is meant to be used in conjunction with a midi usb input module to your computer. This is for the serious computer studio user.. not for your Mom or Grandmother for a present. You will have to gain knowledge of using midi with your computer..

However.. the payoff is huge.

Great keyboard, great price, wont go out of style, weighs close to nothing, and is durable as heck.


Ghost Notes (http://ghostnotes.blogspot.com/)

[shreddy]

To add to Cashman's comments.

If your planning on going the route of generating the sounds from your PC via so form of soft synth you will also want to upgrade the sound card in your PC (creative labs are not good for advanced soft synths). If your going the rack route you can get anything.

Ed

[acrypticburial]

well, i have the Korg, microkorg analog synth. its 400 dollars i think. it is very fun to mess around with. its fairly easy to use. its got a lot of good tones. well in my opinion. which all i use it for is messing around and making techno, or random music. its very fun,.

I also have a yamaha S90. very expensive. but very very nice. i make many different songs with this. its got pretty much everything you need on a keyboard/synth. its very fun to make any music. i often make random almost hip hop style beats, but with a lot of different parts to it. This provides a lot of different sounds, i highly recommend this.

[Chimaera One]

Can anyone recommend a budget sound module? I'm now looking into the problem of gigging, and my computer just won't do for generating sounds.

By the way, Cushman, THANKS, that is an absolutely AMAZING DEAL!! I'm considering buying either that or the Casio WK-3500.

Anyway, thanks all.

[Zappa]

I'm looking for a digital piano with full size 88-key scale with weighted keys. Basically, I care that the keyboard I buy feels similar to a real piano, and has true-to-life piano, electric piano, and organ sounds.

Any suggestions?

[freakmeeko]

I'm looking for a digital piano with full size 88-key scale with weighted keys. Basically, I care that the keyboard I buy feels similar to a real piano, and has true-to-life piano, electric piano, and organ sounds.

Any suggestions?

There are lots of keyboards like that. What is your price range?

[Joseph_icarus]

Hey, I'm looking to buy the Korg Legacy (software and controler keyboard) and I'm wondering if the controler keyboard can be used with other programs (ie. reason or other soft synths)?

email; Joseph_icarus@yahoo.com

thanks

[Zappa]

There are lots of keyboards like that. What is your price range?


I would like to keep it below two grand, if I can keep from sacrificing the quality of the features mentioned before. I really don't care about recording capabilities or having a million different voices or any of those other features. I'm focused.

[make_noise]

i'm looking for a keyboard that can make good emulations of electric pianos and organs as well as other classic synth sounds. i can't find a nord in my area to test drive so if any one could fill me up on that, itd be great. i'm also looking into a triton Le 76-key workstation.. any thoughts, suggestions, advice, would be GREATLY appreciated. :)

oh yeah and price range: around 1000, more or less

[shreddy]

Too bad you cant find a Nord Electro (or II) those would be ideal for you. Triton's usually are lacking in the piano tones, not sure how their EPs sound, the leads would be nice on it with the MOSS board and Organs should be ok.

[shreddy]

Zappa,

All the top makers offer 88key fully weighted keys in various style of boards. Seeing your not interested in the sampling and sequencing optiosn stay away from workstations to keep the price down.

A couple boards you should look into.

Yamaha S80 or S90
Kurzwiel SP88X, PC1X or PC2
Roland XV-88 w/ Ultimate keys expansion card

[Zappa]

Thank you sir.

[atabner]

Hey guys, looking for a keyboard for gigging purposes - needs to be as decent as possible whilst on a budget of maybe £150 - second hand or ebay is fine. Any suggestions?

[pianoplyr77]

A great synth is the roland juno d. It has great sounds and effects, midi output, and its good for about 500 bucks.

[TheEvilErk2008]

i have an old cheap casio, and i am looking into doing more with it. It has midi in the back, but im not sure how to use it. Any suggestions on what i need, where i can find it and its price range?

[atabner]

Any chance of a response guys?

[Used666]

For those in this price range check out my thread http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=340727

[xxMSIxx]

I am thinking about buying a keyboard. I wnat one that has the basic sounds and I'm going to be big on playing the piano tone, and the orchestra type tones. I am a beginner and am teaching myself so I am thinking about getting this one http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Casio-Keyboard-CTK-496-/sem/rpsm/oid/96623/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do Good idea or no?

[BWD]

I have a band that is strongly influenced by bands like Radiohead/The Mars Volta/The Secret Machines..and I want to buy something like the Nord Lead 3 Virtual Analog (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/fg=101/g=key/search/detail/base_pid/702613/)

It has really cool sounds for bass, and drums aswell (I believe). But it is pretty expensive..$2729 CAD, so can anyone recommend me something to use for really cool bass/drum sounds? or just something that can sound like techno stuff? thanks a lot. :)

[BWD]

aaaanyone?

[fckthflag578]

im looking for the synth that motion city soundtrack plays if anyone could help

[Slash Satriani]

hey, wondering if anyone can help me out with these, 2 choices,

http://www.music123.com/Casio-WK3500-76-Key-Portable-Keyboard-i112661.music

http://www.music123.com/Yamaha-DGX505-i127023.music

is it worth the extra money for the Yamaha? both seem to be what im looking for but is the extra features of the yamaha, worth it. ill be using it mostly jus to jam with, and most likely recordings, i like the way the yamaha has the USB for hookin it up to the comp.... how is the casio for hookin it up??

thx, al

[freakmeeko]

Yamahas are great for jamming, maybe not recording...anyways, all you need to hook up a casio is a usb interface.

[Slash Satriani]

so, jus a simple cable and ill be off? so I would be better off with the Casio right?

Thx :)

[Used666]

so, jus a simple cable and ill be off? so I would be better off with the Casio right?

Thx :)

Dude im selling one of the exact models your looking at (casio) if you interested check out my thread in the classifieds, im charging the same price as you see up there and it too is brand new with included stand and powersupply :thumb:

[Slash Satriani]

if its good why are ya selling it :p + i live in ireland :confused:

[markp]

I'm sure I'll be using the wrong terminology, so please bear with me. I'm sure my questions are stuff a lot of people take for granted, but I'm new to the keyboard/synth/etc. scene.
I want a keyboard that I can store tracks I play in, and lay (and record) other tracks on top of.
Having a good number of "*instruments" and a good sound is also important to me. *(Since I'm retired, I have time to fiddle with the various sounds, so having the ability to modify the sounds is another essential.)
Lastly, the keyboard would have to have a piano feel to it. I'm willing to pay for these things, but I don't want to pay for a lot of other things I really don't need.
Up to $1K would be great. I can probably get a little over $2K, but would much prefer to stay at $1k or under.
As I said, I'm sure my termonology is off, and I have quite a laundry list there so I'll thank anyone patient enough to respond in advance.

[Speedy Fingers]

I'm sure I'll be using the wrong terminology, so please bear with me. I'm sure my questions are stuff a lot of people take for granted, but I'm new to the keyboard/synth/etc. scene.
I want a keyboard that I can store tracks I play in, and lay (and record) other tracks on top of.
Having a good number of "*instruments" and a good sound is also important to me. *(Since I'm retired, I have time to fiddle with the various sounds, so having the ability to modify the sounds is another essential.)
Lastly, the keyboard would have to have a piano feel to it. I'm willing to pay for these things, but I don't want to pay for a lot of other things I really don't need.
Up to $1K would be great. I can probably get a little over $2K, but would much prefer to stay at $1k or under.
As I said, I'm sure my termonology is off, and I have quite a laundry list there so I'll thank anyone patient enough to respond in advance.
To be honest, I don't think you'll manage to get all of those features for that price. I would look at the Roland Fantom X8. It has everything you are looking for plus more. It has fantastic sounds, a fantastic feel and a very well built piece of machinery.

[markp]

I've been looking at the roland fantom x6 on the various review sites. They seem to have a lot of the features I want and cost about $1,600. Are there features I desire missing from this piece of equipment? (I'm not sure what I read in the list of features means what I think it means.)
Sorry for being dense, but I want to be sure before I put out the cash-this will be my big toy buy for the next few years.

[pianoplyr77]

What features do you desire?

[markp]

(taken from the first post to answer the more recent question.):
I want a keyboard that I can store tracks I play in, and lay (and record) other tracks on top of.
Having a good number of "*instruments" and a good sound is also important to me. *(Since I'm retired, I have time to fiddle with the various sounds, so having the ability to modify the sounds is another essential.)
Lastly, the keyboard would have to have a piano feel to it.

It doesn't have to be a world-class sound-just be better than most of the $150 keyboard's awful renderings of horns, etc.
My latest question has to do with whether the roland fantom x6 has the basic features I want. I'd hate to scrape together 3K only to find I could have gotten the basic stuff I need for a little over half of that.
Again, thanks for the help.

[BWD]

I have a band that is strongly influenced by bands like Radiohead/The Mars Volta/The Secret Machines..and I want to buy something like the Nord Lead 3 Virtual Analog (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/fg=101/g=key/search/detail/base_pid/702613/)

It has really cool sounds for bass, and drums aswell (I believe). But it is pretty expensive..$2729 CAD, so can anyone recommend me something to use for really cool bass/drum sounds? or just something that can sound like techno stuff? thanks a lot. :)

213

[maxthedrummer]

Im a guitarist, but am looking for a synth for recording and jamming purposes. Nothing over $1000. I have been looking at the Alesis Micron and Ion. The Microns got a vocoder, but not very many keys and less voices, although 8 polyphony should be enough for me. I like that obth of them have 3 oscillators.

Also would running a synth through my guitar amp damage the amp somehow?

Anyways what do you guys recommend?
The ION also has a vocoder, and the settings can be completely customized. I have the ION, and I love it, except for the fact that my modulation wheels don't work :upset:

[Davethepianoplayer]

DGX-500

Currently the best mid range priced keyboard i have ever played..or owned
Lots of options, floppy disk drive(i think new ones have some memory chip or some crap..to complicated). 650 sounds and all very good quality.

[Derakon]

I'm also in the market for a piano. I'm interested primarily in just playing in my apartment (no performances), with a distant secondary of being able to easily compose music - presumably by hooking the piano up to my Macintosh, which has GarageBand installed. That secondary is optional; I have a MIDI controller keyboard that I can use for composition if I have to. Anyway, the features I want are:

1) Good piano sound. If the sound is bad, why get it?
2) Good hammer action. I'm sick of feeling like I'm playing a harpsichord.
3) Sustain and sostenuto pedals. I've run into a number of pieces that basically require the sostenuto, while in contrast I've never run into a piece that required the soft pedal (so that's optional).
4) 88 keys, just so it's clear. :)
5) A music stand, though of course some kind of accessory add-on would suffice. This is pretty basic.
6) No more than $1500.

Really, these should be pretty basic. I was looking at the Yamaha P120 (http://www.kraftmusic.com/catalog/keyboards/88keykeyboards/2742), and it's ideal except that it only has two pedal ports, which leads me to believe that it doesn't support the sostenuto pedal. If that's false (that is, I could get two pedals and have sustain and sostenuto available), please feel free to correct me. The Yamaha P250 and PF500 both have support for three pedals, but they're also $2000 and $2200, respectively. Does anyone know of a keyboard that fits my needs?

Thanks for any assistance you can provide!

[derek_alcoholic]

Hello there i'm thinking of buying a low-budget synth and i found out that Korg X5D are on somewhat summer sale in here and it costs around $490...

and i have never heard of anyone talking about such a babe here so i just wonder if there's anything wrong with it...

[kendraad]

Greetings everyone.

I'm heading off to college and I am in need of a good keyboard. I have a concert sized Boston grand at home so you can imagine how much I'm going miss playing this. So I'm looking for suggestions to what to buy. As for price, I'm not concerned right now.

Here's the specs that I'm looking for.

-I would prefer 88 key, but a 76 key would do as well.

-I'm not interesting in composing music, extra sounds like Jazz, voice, organ, strings, ect. and everything else. My only focus is on the piano itself and how the piano sounds.

-The keys have to be touch sensative and weigthed to exact/near exact feel/weight of a real grand piano.

-Keep in mind I don't want something huge. My dorm room isn't that large and I'll be sharing it with another person. I know some of those 88 sized keyboards are just absoutly huge, and what I'm looking for is something to be able to fit in my room, not too heavy, and easy to carry up stairs/to other rooms. Because it'll definetly be moved around.

-And most important, it needs to sound like an actually grand piano. I know there are tons of you other piano happy people out there like I me, were you can just play an electric keyboard and know if it's good or not. But you hvae more experience in what's a good piano keyboard than I do so I'm looking for your advice.

Thanks!

[fckthflag578]

yea im new to this whole synth/moog or w/e thing but im looking for a cheap but not like crappy just one in my $ range all i want is something i can play thats not an electric piano but like a moog that has a built in speaker so all i have to do is like play it i proably sound like a total jackass but i have no idea what this stuff is and i could use some advice from someone that does i would like it to be one of thoses small things but all of them are midi controlers witch i dont no what that is so yea...... but like the 25 -30 key things or something yea idk

[Kingofdudes]

Im looking for a synth that would be good for space rock(like Ozric tentacles). Price isnt a problem.

[bdm79]

hey, i've been looking into getting a keytar (probably ax-7 unless you have a better idea) and am trying to figure out what a good module would be for it. Price is my biggest factor right now. I have been borrowing a triton keyboard from a friend, but that's about to end and I'd also really like the freedom to move around which the keytar would give me. So I'm really new to playing with midi. I'm looking for something basic, that has a good amount of sounds, but I'll be able to understand and afford.

[kiFFaKa]

Here's what I need:

- Extremely realistic piano sounds (good bass, nice bright trebble etc)
- Realistic hammer action
- Realistic touch and feel of the keys (I hate when they feel like plastic). I would like it to feel like I'm sinking my fingers into a real grand piano
- No more than $2000
- 88 keys
- good for blues/jazz as well as classical and solo
- I play in a band (just to throw it out there in case it influences anything)
I play a lot of Ray Charles, Billy Joel, Beatles, Jounrey, YES, The Doors, Elton John, and a crap load of classic rock. I love to play songs like Sweet Home Alabama or Georgia on my Mind. I also love to play the blues and solo a lot.

thx

[Bob Cat]

I like the Yamaha PSR295. Bought one recently and am very impressed with the sound, functions and the teaching method. Had a Casio a long time ago but i think Yamaha make better keyboards. I have also seen a Yamaha PSR293 here: http://www.soundsmusical.com/product_details.asp?in=&p=Yamaha%20PSR293%20Electronic%20Keyboard%20&cl=Silver i am not sure if there is any difference between this and the PSR295 but the price is a lot cheaper and it looks like it has exactly the same functions. Hope this is of some help.

[oblivion95]

I'm heading off to college and I am in need of a good keyboard. I have a concert sized Boston grand at home so you can imagine how much I'm going miss playing this....

-I would prefer 88 key.

-I'm not interested in composing music, extra sounds etc. My only focus is on the piano itself and how the piano sounds.

-The keys have to be touch sensitive and weigthed to exact/near exact feel/weight of a real grand piano.

-Keep in mind I don't want something huge.... what I'm looking for is something to be able to fit in my room, not too heavy, and easy to carry up stairs/to other rooms.

-And most important, it needs to sound like an actually grand piano.

Thanks!
So you want a portable, realistic piano for quiet practice?

For $500, try a Casio Privia, models 100, 300, 110, or 310. (The differences are subtle.) They get rave reviews (see http://www.musiciansfriend.com, Amazon.com, etc).

No bells and whistles. Just what you're looking for.

[oblivion95]

Hello,

I'm mainly looking to buy a piano that could somewhat resemble the real piano, since this is for my mother. And she used to play a real piano. So it should at least have [88] keys and keys shouldn't be too much lighter.... Also, it should have a good training program, like you know when the keys light up and shows you how to play....

I'm looking to spend somewhere in the $400 range, but if neccesary I'll put in some more cash.

Thank you,
Fade.

CURRENTLY CONSIDERING THE YAMAHA DGX-505
Lighted keys, simulated action, and realistic sound? That's not possible for $400.

For $700, you can get the Casio Privia PX-500L (sometimes just PX-500). I was amazed when I tried it.

I would recommend it to any beginner, except that I think a beginner needs help with fingering (ie which finger should press the lighted key) as much as with finding the correct notes. The only thing I know of which does that too is a high-end Casio (AL-400 or something like that) for $3,000 or so.

There are much cheaper lighted-key pianos, with fingering guides, but with questionable sound quality and awful tactile feel. For a good compromise, I like the Yamaha EZ250, which is the only thing I know of which provides lighted keys, fingering guides, and staff notation for downloaded songs, rather than just for the built-in songs. (Learning on your favorite music is very motivating. :thumb: ) It's the best thing for an adult beginner who hasn't yet been spoiled by a real piano.

It sounds as if your mother is already familiar with the real thing, so get her a Privia. It lacks the fancy features of an expensive "gig" rig, which is good because it also lacks all the arcane buttons. I think you can download the manual somewhere at Casio.com.

[luvligirl2005]

I have a PSR-275 at the moment. An ex-demo model was £116 including delivery. The sounds have come along way. I mean the piano...and the electric pianos easily rival the expensive softsynths out there. I would love better keys though...they are a little plasticy. I'm staring to get better at my keyboard playing so I would love a semi-weighted or even hammer action MIDI controller since I use softsynths alot and my keybord is connected to the computer. They're about £120: 61 keys will do as my space is limited. I've owned a few ranging from Yamaha PSS models, and Yamaha definately excel in sound and quality. They keys literally kept dropping off my Casio WK-1200 which is a problem not experienced with Yamaha models.

[luvligirl2005]

Lighted keys, simulated action, and realistic sound? That's not possible for $400.

For $700, you can get the Casio Privia PX-500L (sometimes just PX-500). I was amazed when I tried it.

I would recommend it to any beginner, except that I think a beginner needs help with fingering (ie which finger should press the lighted key) as much as with finding the correct notes. The only thing I know of which does that too is a high-end Casio (AL-400 or something like that) for $3,000 or so.

There are much cheaper lighted-key pianos, with fingering guides, but with questionable sound quality and awful tactile feel. For a good compromise, I like the Yamaha EZ250, which is the only thing I know of which provides lighted keys, fingering guides, and staff notation for downloaded songs, rather than just for the built-in songs. (Learning on your favorite music is very motivating. :thumb: ) It's the best thing for an adult beginner who hasn't yet been spoiled by a real piano.

It sounds as if your mother is already familiar with the real thing, so get her a Privia. It lacks the fancy features of an expensive "gig" rig, which is good because it also lacks all the arcane buttons. I think you can download the manual somewhere at Casio.com.


I think the Yamaha DGX 505 will be a good choice and it is in the price range the person wants, AND it has weighted action keys, 88 of them and a very realistic paino sound (rivaling digital pianos) plus 479 more and styles. And it connects to the PC via USB and has a smart media slot. I demoed one and was very impressed.

[Ty1020]

I'm looking into getting a good synthesizer and was hoping some of the musicians around here could help me get the best bang for my buck. Keeping in mind that I'm not looking to spend much more than $500, what's a good keyboard I can get with the following features:
-sounds good (duh); by this I mean there is a wide variety of voices, preferably proggy-sounding ones. I just want something that sounds strong and is also versatile. The ability to create my own patches/voices would also be a great feature to have, but if that's not possible within my price range, I guess I could do without it. It also has to be something I can use to play shows.
-the ability to pitch bend, either with a wheel/joystick or a ribbon or both. My current keyboard doesn't have one of these, so I'd really like to have one.
-the number of keys isn't really important

That's all I can think of off the top of my head... if there are any other features I should be looking for, please don't hesitate to let me know. Thanks in advance to anybody who can help.

[Rezzy333]

Hi everyone I need some help. Im trying to decide which to buy between the Alesis Micron and the microKorg.

I was wonderign if someone could, give me 3 reasons why the Micron is better.
And 3 reasons why the Korg is better.
and if you have anything to add (other synths comparable in price and style)
Anyways thanks for the help thats all for now.

[ajfett]

Well I used to play keyboard and I got tired of the whole thing so i got rid of my keyboard. I liked the way keyboard is played, but it was simply too boring. Lately i have been looking at keytars and such because it looks like a more fun alternative, and also allows me to do small time gigs. Now, if i were to get a keytar(and keep in mind im somewhat of a keyboard begginer,) what would be a recommended keytar, and also what else would i need for minimal performing, editing, etc. preferably relatively cheap. Ive been lookin at the roland ax-1's, is that a good choice for what i would want to do?

[ajfett]

In fact let me refine my question, if im new to the whole thing, if i ended up gettin the ax-1, is there a relatively cheap synth module i could pick up to hook it up to. by cheap i mean ideally in the $300 range. hopefully even cheaper than that, but if there is any easier/cheaper way to do it could someone please let me know. Id like to thank anyone in advance who takes the time to help me out.

[bassline89]

Okay, I looked into some synths and here is my question: Alesis Ion, Alesis Micron, or the Microkorg? I can't make out what the major differences are so please give me some words of wisdom. Thanks.

[pohl_56]

If you're talking that price range, you can't go wrong with a Casio WK-3500. It has everything the Yamaha has, and the ability to program your own synth tones. (I've gotten exact dream theater tones from it :eek: ) and it has the best organ tones.

You are the one that posted the really cool song in the pit right? Explain what all you used and how you did it. I am thinking about purchasing some stuff (keyboard with all the stuff on it and some recording) and would like some input.

[NemoGrinder]

ok, I am thinking of getting a keyboard, but I'm really just a guitar player looking to have some fun with post production as well as play live performances.

reading the first few posts I see the PSR's seem to have good reviews, and I have been actually looking at a few (although higher models than the ones mentioned)

heres what I want to do/have


USB conenctivity as opposed to MIDI (i dont have midi input on my PC)
I have copies of cool edit pro/adobe audio, cubase SE 3 and Acid pro and I would like to be able to have the keyboard work well with those programs, Im not sure if yamaha's are great with computers (if they are but with a different program please let me know that as well)
I play pop-punk/emo as well as some heavier punk and possibley hardcore, so I'd like a well rounded piano but a definitely strong grand piano sound. (I'll be specifically playing covers of death cab and matt good if that helps)
lots of effects, possibley like phase and delay. I can always post produce with software but when playing live having it built in would be nice.


any other suggestions would be helpful...basically I'm looking at any of these

Yamaha Computer Friendly Protables (http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/List/ModelSeriesListLE/0,,CTID%253D205100%2526CNTYP%253DPRODUCT,00.html)

I really would like one of the higher end keyboards...possibley around 500 canadian...BUT I work at best buy and I know we have a PSR293 in stock that I can get on discount....is it worth it? I can probably get it for about 250 candian.

any help would be nice, thanks!

nEmoGrinder

[pohl_56]

Why is it that this thread is so dead of late? I mean, I understand that piano players are ahrd to come by but still...

[miku]

I'm a very serious pianist, but can't have a real piano at home currently because I live in a trailer. What I mainly need in a keyboard is: 88 fully weighted hammer action keys, a very good piano sound, plenty of polyphony, and preferrably some good organ sounds as well. I was originally planning on trying to save up to someday buy a Roland RD-700SX, but Christmas is arriving and my dad is willing to pay somewhere in the $500 range for a present, so that got me considering buying a cheaper keyboard right now. I can't stand waiting any longer (I've already been struggling just to pay the rent for 9 months, let alone save up for a keyboard).

I think I may have found the one.

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/ProKeys88-main.html

Does anyone have any experience with this? It sounds great from what the description and audio samples say, but it's doubtful I'll be able to find it on display in a store anywhere near me (to try it out), so I need to know if the feel of the keyboard is good enough.

[BWD]

I have a band that is strongly influenced by bands like Radiohead/The Mars Volta/The Secret Machines..and I for christmas I want to get something like the Nord Lead 3 Virtual Analog (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/fg=101/g=key/search/detail/base_pid/702613/)

It has really cool sounds for bass, and drums aswell (I believe). But it is pretty expensive..$2729 CAD, so can anyone recommend me something to use for really cool bass/drum sounds? or just something that can sound like techno stuff? thanks a lot.

[BWD]

anyone? I have 5 hours to get this in time for Christmas. :(

[pohl_56]

Arighty-this has probably been in here before but I am gonna bring it back.

I got 500 bucks for Xmas and am GOING TO BUY a new keyboard within this next week.

I need:

+++76-88 weighted keys.
+++If possible, a synth sounding voice with the regular real piano sounds.
+++Recording and recording over that to layer it would be nice.
+++MIDI and USB so I can put new sounds on it.
+++Split it so 2 voices could be used at once.
+++Built in speakers would also be a benefit.
+++Pitch bend wheel and sustain pedals

I think that is it-I have about 500 willing to spend and need it this week. It will be a long term thing so it will have to work for a while. Any help at all owuld be greatly appreciated.

I was thinking about the Casio WK-3700 or something like that but need a little help... Thanks again.

[Firecracker]

I want a Grand Piano.
How much do good ones normally go for?

[pohl_56]

I went out today and got my Casio WK 3700 and I love it-very good deal too.

[Thereisfungusonmytoe]

Congrats. I should be getting my Yamaha YPT300AD today -- I hope I can find one...

[christy1685]

I want a Grand Piano.
How much do good ones normally go for?

i have been researching this and you can buy second hand/restored "baby" grands for $1,500 and up and a grand for $3,500 and up, although i have seen restored grand piano's go for $4,000 and up and $8000-$15,000 an up for a concert grand

Although if you dont have the space you can always buy upright (vertical) pianos for $600 and up

[Little Android Man]

klsahasjklfbhdsa

[Little Android Man]

grand pianos are damn expensive... my sister just got one for 4000 bucks....

[Firecracker]

Woah, my piano teacher has a grand, it's quite old, but it's nice.
My music teacher has a grand at school, in the hall, and it's absolutely beautiful.
I think she got it for £10,000 or something ($17,552)

[wlrube]

This is my first post on this site, and I hope somebody here is a trumpeter who can give me advice. I'm thinking of getting a pocket trumpet, since I travel a lot and usually travel light. From looking around the Giardinelli website, I think I'd get an Amati ATR 314 (http://www.giardinelli.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/463163/).

However, I have no idea how a pocket trumpet plays compared to a normal trumpet, what standards of construction they are built to (as in, garage-sale standard or Bach-Stradivarius standard), or whether very many musicians play them. If there aren't any serious reasons not to get one, I'd probably do it, if only to keep in shape on long trips, but I don't have the slightest clue if such reasons exist.

[Little Android Man]

wth is a pocket trumpet.....

[pohl_56]

This is my first post on this site, and I hope somebody here is a trumpeter who can give me advice. I'm thinking of getting a pocket trumpet, since I travel a lot and usually travel light. From looking around the Giardinelli website, I think I'd get an Amati ATR 314 (http://www.giardinelli.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/463163/).

However, I have no idea how a pocket trumpet plays compared to a normal trumpet, what standards of construction they are built to (as in, garage-sale standard or Bach-Stradivarius standard), or whether very many musicians play them. If there aren't any serious reasons not to get one, I'd probably do it, if only to keep in shape on long trips, but I don't have the slightest clue if such reasons exist.

Welsome to the forum! :thumb:

I play a standard trumpet and know nothing about a "pocket trumpet" and I dont think a lot of people on here know about em so yea. I dont think many musicians play them if that is any help at all?

[mckartney]

dudes there's this cool site for different instruments http://www.zzounds.com (http://www.zzounds.com/a--885008) they have cool stuff from guitar to amplifier, etc.

[MuzikJay]

how many keys would you all say i should start out with for my first keyboard? I just want to learn to play piano so I can play R&B mostly. and I don't want to spend too much.

[MuffRaider]

ok, im new to this, so try and bear with me for a moment.. i have about $400 to spend on a synth... im kind of torn between the microKORG and Alesis Micron.. ive heard good things about both of them, and some dude at guitar center said the micron was one of the sweetest sounding synths.. yet, im still torn..so can i get some recommendations and or other good synths in my price range? remember, i need one that is in my price range and that is good for the price.

[Peg Dizzler]

Okay, I'm poor.

I'm not looking to gig or anything. Just mess around, record, and work up some keyboard skills.
How does this look? Or should I avoid things like this? Chances are I'll never be able to save up over $100 in the near future for a keyboard...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7385238109&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT

[RudeBoyStompin]

I've been meaning to get an organ and learn to play it (I'm really into reggae and love organs in it). What am I looking for in an organ? Are there good places to get them used for cheap?

[himynameistweek]

i'm starting to get into keyboard. i have a yamaha psr-185 that my parents bought me about 10 years ago, and i've been learning on it, but i absolutely hate the fact that it's not touch sensitive and has basically no expression to it. So i'm looking to upgrade a little. I need something touch sensitive, preferably weighted. The main thing is a good grand piano sound, and i'd also like to have a good strings sound to use for pads and whatnot on acoustic songs. i have about $250 to play with. any suggestions?
i played a yamaha s03 a few days ago and thought it was awesome, but just a little out of my range. i've been looking on ebay for decent used ones.

[Lord of Sword]

I've been thinking of getting a keyboard for a while, mainly just to play piano stuff on or to compose songs with, so I'd rather have an extra octave or pressure-sensitive keys than 500 sounds I'm never going to use. I've been looking at some Yamahas, and the PSR series looks good (PSRE203 (http://www.singingchicken.co.uk/item4922.htm) and 303 especially), and about the price I'd pay (up to around £120, incase I just decide to give up). I just want something I can use as a piano, with at least 5 octaves.
And as I know virtually nothing about keyboards, can you control VST plugins in a program like Cubase with a keyboard?

[spinal_remains]

yo i would like to buy a stand up bass but there like 800 to 1000 or above that...

[CAPTAINBEEFHEART]

i want to buy a keyboard to teach myself piano on. this shouldnt be too hard because i taught myself every other instrument i play but i dont know where to start about buying a keyboard. i just want a cheap one, $400 maximum but hopefully less than $300 and maybe even less than $200. i dont know prices so these might be way off for a decent keyboard.

i want one that has a built in lesson system, and lots of voices and different instrument sounds. other than that im not bothered. lighting keys would be nice but if that changes the price then i wouldnt really want it just for the lighting keys. can anyone recommend a good keyboard thats meets these requirements?

i noticed a few people recommending the Casio WK-3500 and the Yamaha PSR273. are these worth the price? if not what would anyone recommend instead

[robo2448]

Would this keyboard be good for a beginner?
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Keyboards/Midi/Portable/Arrangers?sku=706072

I'm basically looking for a keyboard that is high quality and will be great to fool around on. I want something that will be able to replicate that '60s organ sound well, and I know that nothing can sound exactly like an old Hammond organ, but does this mimic the sound well?

[MAthiAS]

So I'm looking for a low to mid range keyboard/synth with weighted keys, mainly for recording but also usable in a band/live setting. I'd spend around $600 at the most right now. I've been playing piano for a while now, and would like to expand my possibilities in terms of recording and finding a band.

[The Media]

Hey all, can someone recommend a keyboard that's 200$? This will be my first keyboard but I also want something that's not that crappy. I also don't know what midi is, all I know is that I wish to connect it to the computer and fruity loops, BUT I also want to play without the computer, is that possible? Do they even exist? Hah.

Or do you recommend just a normal keyboard that doesn't connect to the computer?

Even though I do want modern sounds and stuff, I wish to play classical as well.

Thanks hah, sorry for being so noobish and making my questions be harder to answer.

[bright_lit_city]

Hey people, Im planning on buying a synth, what do you guys think about the Alesis Micron Synth?

[Aaron]

Hello. I'm looking to get an electric-piano for under $1800AU [$1000US]. Any suggestions? I want something simple with great tone and a head-phone jack function.

[FakePlasticTrees]

Hey all, I'm interested in learning how to play piano. Now I can't afford an acoustic one, so I figured I might as well go for a great digital one (up right). I plan on learning and playing for many years to come so I need something as close to a real one as possible. Any recommendations for something that'll cost under $1500?

[bestillmyheart]

Looking to buy something that feels like an actual piano.

88 keys. Hammer weighted. Feels nice to play.

Other than that, not fussed in the least. Don't want 1000 different voices, don't want the all singing all dancing crap, don't want a bajillion jazz funk drum beats to play along to.

Wouldn't mind a small choice of high quality piano sounds and maybe 1 or 2 other keyboard operated instruments.

http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/page/shop/flypage/product_id/32830/a/r/e/google

Is this any good? Not too sure about having one with a permanent stand, but I could easily make space for it. It's not for sale there, but there are ways.

Any suggestions? Aiming to spend £200ish but I'm happy to pay more.

[Akira]

Hey all, I'm interested in learning how to play piano. Now I can't afford an acoustic one, so I figured I might as well go for a great digital one (up right). I plan on learning and playing for many years to come so I need something as close to a real one as possible. Any recommendations for something that'll cost under $1500?

Check garage sales for a real one. My family has one that we got over a decade ago for $200, and it is still playable.

[TheSceneNinja]

Awright guys, I'm really just a guitarist, but I'm looking to do some live sampling and stuff.

I've heard this keyboard

http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfriend.com/product/Alesis-Micron-Analog-Modeling-Synth?sku=705522

come very highly recommended, and it's within my price range. Would I be able to hook this up to my computer for use with Reason or Ableton Live 7? And what would I need to do that?

If not, could you guys recommend me a keyboard to do this kind of thing?

edit: I'm going to need to do this live, too

[TheBandPressKit]

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