Keyboard advise...

[justharold]

I am looking for a keyboard. ("OK, justharold, as usual your question is broad and open-ended...")

Now, keep in mind, I don't really actually PLAY the keyboard. Though I do use one a lot. I'm wanting one to kind of enhance other people's preformances on occasion with various "fill-ins".

For instance, I may want to add some strings on a certain song. Maybe some drums or brass or...whatever.

I do own a keyboard now. However, quite frankly, it is rather cheesy. The sounds are kind of cheap and unrealistic. It's an older Yamaha PSR series. However, just yesterday I was in a Guitar Center and checked out a Yamaha PSR 293. It was amazing how much more realistic it sounded.

So...I'm wondering...what is a good keyboard? I would like one that has stereo outs. Also, what is the difference between getting a keyboard and a workstation? How do they differ? (As far a price limit is concerned...I'm probably willing to go as much as $1000, given my limited ability with this thing.)

Any suggestions? Would some of you keyboard owners be willing to record/post some samples of some of the sounds from your keyboards? Will Harold ever ask a question that is not dumb?

 

[bsr2002]

If you're looking for something with a sequencer/workstation check out ebay for maybe a Korg X2 or X3, or maybe Korg N-series. You maybe able to find them for under $1000. Someone at the Korg Karma-Labs Forum was selling his Karma for $900.

http://www.harmony-central.com/Synth/Data/Korg/N264-01.html

http://www.harmony-central.com/Synth/Data/Korg/X3-01.html
(My review on the Korg X3 is the second one)


I also own have the YAMAHA DGX-505 88 semi-weighted keys lot's of sounds for only $599.99 new. (Also comes in a 61 key version I think)

http://www.andysmusiconline.com/product_p/yamaha_dgx505.htm


You can go to my website and listen to my X3

http://hire_on_the_fly.tripod.com/

Cheers,
Ben

 

[tedluk]

justharold-

A workstation generally means that the keyboard has sequencing capabilities allowing you to compose and record a project completely within the unit.

I've never used any of the PSR units. That series has, in the past, been more of a home device and not considered "professional". The quality of these units has improved dramatically, so they might be worth considering. Especially given your admitted lack of keyboard expertise.

Still, the KARMA (I own one) is an amazing instrument! $900.00 is a good price if it's in excellent condition, but it might not be a good choice for you.

I don't know that it will do much good to post a few sounds online. Every keyboard has its plusses and minuses. Really, the best thing you could do would be to visit a local music merchant who has a lot of different keyboards and play as many as you can before deciding. Unless you think you're going to get serious about keyboards, I wouldn't invest a bundle on one.

Ted

 

[Atterion]

The Korg N's are good. I bought my N264 new in 1999 for $2000. Last spring I bought an N364 used in great condition for $450 (Only difference between them is number of keys N264=76/N364=61). KARMA is an excellent choice with lots of room for expansion.
You might also consider a Triton LE which you can get for brand new for $1000, which can be upgraded with sampling options etc.
Another decent keyboard would be a used Roland XP-80, which you should be able to find for well under $1000 used.
All of these are Workstations.

 

[ozraves]

Some places are blowing out their stock of the Roland Fantom S series as the Fantom X series is now fully online with the recent intro of the Roland Fantom Xa. I just bought a Roland Fantom S for $900 as a demo model. I'd hazard to guess that you could probably find a similar deal from one of the online dealers.

To me, it's just a tad bit under the level of the Roland Fantom X6 and the Korg Triton Studio for a 61-key workstation but they cost two to three times as much.