Can anyone suggest a cheap midi keyboard

[Blooz]

Hey Guys,

I have recently invested in some new equipment for my home studio. I am a mediocre keyboard player , but i need something to attach to my computer to help me compose backing tracks..... i guess i need a midi keyboard - can anyone suggets what essential elements i should be looking for ?

Thanks

[Roel]

what do you want?

Do you need velocity? Pitch bend and modulation wheel? Aftertouch? Weighted keys? Number of keys? Keyboard zones? Sort this out for yourself and see what keyboards are left over...

I was looking for a keyboard too: 61 keys (needed to be very portable), aftertouch and modulation and pitchbend both on wheels. I bought the fatar SL161, also because it has synth weighted keys. (a little more weighted than normal toy-keys...) I'm pretty happy with it...

[TexRoadkill]

The Korg Karma is a pretty good deal. The Karma arpeggiator is great if your not a good keyboard player. I dont care for the sounds all that much myself but try it out and see if you like it. I think they go for around $1500.00

[Craig Raymond]

What are you considering cheap? Been looking myself, but if you want your home studio to be totally workable, this is one area I would not scrimp on.

[Michael Jones]

Shop around here:
http://www.8thstreet.com/catalog_typ...Keyboards/MIDI

[struberg]

You may look 4 the Roland PC-180. It has a 4 octave velocity sense keyboard and fits between your computer keyboard and your monitor + it has a 'program mode' to control sequencer or sampler parameters. It's about 200 bucks.

[Krakit]

From what I am hearing the questioner is:

An admittedly "medicore" keyboardist

Looking for something cheap

How can you reccomend a Korg Karma to a person like this?

K.I.S.S.

This will do what you want and cost you around $100

You are welcome.

[Keno53]

I have an Alesis QS-6 that served me well when I first started playing with MIDI. I recently got a new board, and thus, will probably be looking to sell the QS-6 for around $300, if interested.
It's a decent enough board to learn on, and get the hang of MIDI recording.

[Nigie]

Dare I suggest an old second hand Korg? I had an M1 which is on the bulky heavy side but I liked the sounds and the feel of the keys. They are very cheap now being old (around $600 Australian ($300 US) in Australia so probably cheaper than that in US).

It depends on what sounds you like. I just happened to prefer korg sounds.

[Krakit]

I'm going to suggest the MK 4902 again. Mostly because I typoed in my last post and my dislexia kicked in.

It's 4902 not 4029. Sorry.

Look on ebay (there's always several of them) or buy one outright at Guitar Center, Sam Ash, Zzounds or Mars Music.

Everyone carries one (or something just like it) for around $100.

This will allow you to make music with your computer just fine.

Carl