new to keyboards - - - HELP!!

[nate_dennis]

Hey everyone . . .

I'm starting up a small analog project studio in my home. I would like to use an acoustic piano but it's not feasible for my situation . . . what would a good board be for a very realistic acoustic sound and maybe a rhodes or B3 sound? We'll worry about prices and such later. Thanks in advance.

[bsr2002]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGS_O0LRnCA

[warble2]

Ahh, the Yamaha Motif XS. Nice machine. Bert is always excited to demonstrate that stuff too!

I'm still loving my Motif Classic!

[bsr2002]

I have ES, but have played on the XS

[nate_dennis]

I messed around with a motif once and I'm wondering if anyone uses it for recording or just performing. I figured that was probably going to be someones advice. Now, truth is that the motif is increadibly expensive. Is it possible to get good quality without spending that much? Thanks, again, for all of your help.

[bsr2002]

Originally Posted by nate_dennis

We'll worry about prices and such later. Thanks in advance.

We'll need to know how much your willing to spend in order to help you better.

By looking at your quote it would seem that price is no object, hence the advice to go with the Motif XS.

[nate_dennis]

yeah, that's a good point. I like to know what's out there. If I could get into a GOOD board for $500 it would be preferable. I'm a ways away from buying so this is more for research and fun. Thanks again.

[The Green Hornet]

[B][/B] Yo Nate:


The MOTIF, newer model, or the one ES I have is a FINE machine to record; I do that about every day now that the golf season HERE is done.

There are SO MANY different patches on the MOTIF....and you can program or adjust the patches, like if you want to soften the REVERB or other nuances.

There are MANY patches that most folks won't every record or listen to much; BUT so many piano patches, bells, dinks & Clanks, etc. Certain patches have preset drum types and us them for many choices or patches.

But, if cost is cost, there are some lesser keyboards to try. Try a vendor and visit?

I have my DX7 on board but when I play the Motif, the DX7 pales in the moonlight. But, I've used both boards to record.

Seems to be that the Economy hasn't realized that Yamaha hasn't realized that the price is too high for the Motif line; however, it's a great box if you can get your girlfriend to buy one.

Green Hornet

[nate_dennis]

hey thanks, Hornet. I appreciate it. What is the general concensous on the M-Audio mid-range stuff? The $500-700 stuff? Thanks y'all.

[anppilot]

Originally Posted by nate_dennis

yeah, that's a good point. I like to know what's out there. If I could get into a GOOD board for $500 it would be preferable. I'm a ways away from buying so this is more for research and fun. Thanks again.

Ok sorry but I'm a little confused (it dont take much lol) but, at first it seems as if money doesnt mean a whole lot as you say "well discus that later". If you think you can get a GOOD board for $500, man oh man... thats not alot of money in the keyboard world

Lets look at this in two ways.

A. New
B. Used

I have nothing bad to say about used since most of my studio was used (keyoards/synths/modules)

$500 depends on how many keys (octaves) 60's, 70's, 80's. Since most workstations/keyboards are in all three ranges, I suggest 60-key board if you dont need weighted keys. If you look hard enough you can find a Roland XP-60 for that $500. Is it up to todays standards? No, however - it can still fit into a mix.

If you can afford it, chk out a full yamaha XS board as forementioned. for about $800-$1400 you can fing a Motif ES 61 key if you look hard enough.

But just to let you know, if you think $500 is a good budget to get something new, oh no way.. no no no no. you need to set $1000 minimum to start getting into something good and used, not new/ trust me, I've been buying studio/keys for 20+ years now.

Just my $.02

Cheers