$1000 max - Need controller and module...

[jgohman]

I'm a recording engineer with a side project studio in my basement. I'm currently looking at getting into a controller/module combination at < $1000. I plan on expanding into nicer stuff later.

What I'm thinking so far: Fatar controller (88 key weighted) and the Roland JV-1010. I can get both new for about $930.

What's your advice? I want a nice piano sound, but I also want some more synthy sounds. Keep in mind, I CAN'T go over $1000- My wife has been understanding enough.

I appreciate your help.

 

[Fishkid]

jgohman,

I'm no midi guru and my primary instrument is not the keyboard but I have the JV-1010 and for the money you can't beat it, definetly the way to go; expandable, high quality samples.

I also have a Fatar keyboard, 88 keys, weighted. It's about 5 years old, the studio 90 model. I bought it for it's keyboard feel, very piano like. It's a basic model so it doesn't have lots of features, no program changes for example. That's a feature you'll probably want, although I don't really miss it because all my midi devices are linked to my PC and I usually work from there to make program changes. Much easier than dialing through sub-menu after sub-menu just to get to the editing features.

The Fatar has been extremely reliable and the action is as good as new. I also bought an old E-mu Proformance+ module, it's strictly piano samples, I use this when I want a clean, natural sounding acoustic piano.

There are more ultimate samples for the piano out there than what's on the JV-1010 or my E-mu but it's a great place to start.
With a computer interface they are easy to edit to suit your taste so you're more than likely to find a sound that works for you.

Good luck!

Fishkid

 

[virtual.ray]

I've had the JV 1010 since august '99 and I recommend it.There are a lot of good sounds in it and even if you don't like all of them,there's like 1000 to choose from,so it's still worth the price.The 1 thing that's a pain is the interface; unless youuse the software that comes with it,you're SOL.I called Roland once to try to figure out the deployment of the FX,and although the guy was as helpful as possible on the phone,basically his take was that I need to learn hexadecimal code to write MIDI messages to change fx etc.He even sent me a brochure /tutorial to learn it,but I haven't had time,so I just use the 1010 as an additional module for now.The pianos are above average for the price range,and the strings are real good as well.Organs not so great.All in all you could do a lot worse.

 

[jgohman]

Thanks, so far, to you who have responded. I appreciate it!