Keyboard Advice Needed

[ned911]

First off I'm a guitar player which might influence your recommendation.

I need a keyboard/synth for the home studio and am not sure what to get. The basic purpose will be to play bass lines, keys, strings, brass, etc. I'm under a severe budget (< $250) and I've kicked around some ideas.

1) 49 key controller - can I get away with this or do I need 61?
2) Older synth - D-10, SY-22/35/55, etc
3) Your thoughts ...


My current setup consists of a Ensoniq SQR, Roland TR-707 and a SBLive. Using Cakewalk PA9 for sequencing and Audio, been using CW since version 3. In 1994 I sold my U-20 and SQ-1 so I've had keys in the past.

Ned
www.tokairegistry.com
www.cullenracing.com

[Chriss]

of those synth mentioned i'd have to go for the D-10... It's one of those synth i haven't heard myself, but i've heard alot of good stuff about it.. it should be a bitch to program though, but you sound like you're not a total newbie..
the SY series don't have filters, so i'd stay clear of those.. (well the workstations are another deal... (99/77))
I'd say go for a keyboard with 5 octaves, maybe you can make good due with 4, i don't know. I just know i'm very happy that i have 5 octaves.

[mikeh]

I think you will find times when you want/need the 61 keys. Certainly you could get by with 49, assuming you would record one track at a time (bass then strings, etc. etc.)

At some point you will want to have the "synth" tracks as "virtual MIDI tracks", rather than recording as analog sounds (trust me on this one) - as such, as important, if not more important is the polyphonic and multi timbtral abilities (number of sounds and notes you can play at one time).

There is nothing wrong with older synths, as long as all the keys, sliders and knobs work. However, the internal batteries may be ready to go (which can be replaced). That $250 limit is tough, but I'm sure you can find a few reasonable keyboards. It's been a while but if I recall, the D10 was a decent unit.

Other units in that price range could possibly be Juno 1, Juno106, maybe a DX21 or even a DX7

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Ned:

With your budget demands, you can only look for look for one of those small keyboards that play like a small Xylephone, tinka tinka tinka dinka.

250 pezzutos is about enough to consult with a keyboard salesperson for 33 minutes.


I understand the lack of cash but you really can't get what you want, unless used and a "steal" for your budget.

Green Hornet

[ned911]

Thats why I was considering used. I know I can get a decent synth action controller new for less than $200.