I need some good action!

[ambi]

I just want a full 88 key keyboard to learn to play piano/keys on (well you can't learn piano on a keyboard, but you know what i mean).

I don't need a bunch of sequencing stuff or effects, just really good action. I would use it for a midi controller as well, so i'd just buy a bunch of soft synths and synth programs.

It seems that the following are the "best" options for price/performance. I'm trying to keep the cost as low as possible but i understand you get what you pay for.

Yamaha p80

Roland (can't find model! f-90?)

Uhhg... yea. umm, what else? Kawaii?

[Jedman]

Ambi - some guys will probably say otherwise, but I love my Studiologic SL-880. It's just a controller, so you need external speakers and a synth (you said you would get one anyway)... so all you're paying for is one sweet hammer-weighted, 88 key, Piano style action. Here's a link: http://www.studiologic.net/sl-880.htm

You can get one here for $550 ( http://www.musiciansbuy.com/studiolo...ontrollers.htm ) or MF has them for $600.

If you have an external synth, (or computer) & speakers, I really don't think you'll find this kind of action for cheaper.

Jed

[ambi]

Yea i have external speakers and computer, i just need to keys and action to learn on!

Unfortunatly though i'm in Canada and the only place i know of that has access to these charges about 1100 Canadian. That's about 750 US. Pricey but i guess it's good?

In that price range is there something that would be better?

The Yamaha p80 just has the keys right? You'd need external speakers and synth stuff on a computer as well right?

[Gunther]

I wasn't very happy with the Studiologic weighted controller. you may feel differently when you play it, but I thought it felt mushy, not crisp and not piano like. It's really not bad for the money though.

I don't think the yamaha will dissapoint. I bet you wil prefer the feel over the Studiologic.

I was playing around with this d-piano a week or so ago at guitar center, think it was a roland but not sure. It had a great feel and nice sound, This might be it...

Roland RD150 ($995):
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/.../base_id/51364


If you have the $1000 this might be the right way to go, if its the one I was playing with.

[Gunther]

Originally posted by ambi
The Yamaha p80 just has the keys right? You'd need external speakers and synth stuff on a computer as well right?

No, it does actually have sounds.
It has some nice piano, organ and string sounds. I think 12 or so in total. Not a full fledged synth by any means but the piano and organs are likley to be better than a soft synth.


But I dont think it has its own speakers. Headphones out and out to your mixer / monitors is all I think it has.

[geekgurl]

Check into the new Yamaha P60. Newer sounds and different action than P80, both of which I personally like better than the P80. Has built-in speakers which can be disabled by plugging into an amp, but the speakers are pretty loud and sound good. Storesi n SF Bay Area are selling the P60 for around $750 US.

[subtractor]

If you don't play keys, how do you know you need "action"? Or even 88 keys?

[ambi]

I want to learn to play properly. So i'm guessing that if the instructor has a piano, i'd want something that feels similar to a real piano so that i can learn on it.

And a full keyboard i'm told is best to learn on.

[dafduc]

Alesis QS-8 (or 8.1, or maybe 8.2)

cheeeeeeep, and excellent action. Haven't played the 8.2 yet, but I love my 8.1. 8.0 is essentially the same. Some good sounds too, though lotsa lousy ones to wade through.

Buy used. Warranty's worthless (the authorized repair process is a nightmare, at least til they get their shit together). And it's got a rep for not being real roadworthy. But I love mine...

[Mealz]

I'm happy with my Technics sx-P50. Nice pianos (Steinway samples apparently) and organs and its fairly cheap. 88 weighted keys (heavier keys at low end, lighter at top end). Sympathetic resonance, LIGHT! small, streamlined. Great.

I choose it over the Yamaha P-80, Roland RD150, Kawai ES1/ESX.

The action is very heavy on the Yamaha - most uprights I have played are a lot lighter.
The roland has dodgy bright pianos (rock and pop) and is heavy. No organs, useless sequencer etc.
Kawai ES1/X very light touch, small built in speakers. Plus I already have a kawai synth so why not get a different piano sound.

[geekgurl]

Mealz, how much are these Technics pianos going for? Who's stocking them? Does it do MIDI for split/layer? I might be into checking this out ... looking for the perfect piano-feel, reasonably lightweight rig!

gg

[James Argo]

I never had any bad times with my Korg SP-100 (except when I loose the manual... ). Read your post, I think this one is one of the option. Yet, cheapest among others...


Jaymz

[Mealz]

Geekgurl, I got mine for 1750 $Aus. It does do layering but doesn't split - two board simultaneously if i want a split.

It is a very simple board. no gimicks. Just like a great piano.


I have heard that it isn't availabe at a lot of large retailers in the US. But you should be able to find it somewhere.

[coloradojay]

Looks like MF has a Studio logic Blem for $400. It's always tough to tell just how "blemished" it is going to be though.


http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/.../base_id/58859