Beginner recorder - Looking for keyboard to match musical taste

[The_Barse]

I've never recorded before, though I've been playing instruments off and on for years now. I'm looking to not only learn how to play piano, but also to incorporate it into my recording.

The style of music I write is heavily influenced by artists such as Unkle, Dear Solace, and Bright Eyes. My first completed song is much like the song "The Barse" by Dear Solace (Youtube it, it's hard to download).

However I don't just want the Piano sound on the keyboard. I would like drum effects (as I dont own a drum kit) and some synth, strings and even techno like beats if possible.

Is there a recommended keyboard that meets all these (or atleast most) of these criteria? If you could also mention the general price range of any product you might mention that would help a lot.

Thanks a lot!

 

[Oancient1]

The answer to this question would depend a lot on how much you want to spend, and how you intend to record it. I took the cheap route ($300) and use a Yamaha home keyboard, which has all the features you mention and a little better feel than the equivalent priced Casios. If you really want to play piano -- e.g. with both hands -- I would recommend at least 76 keys as opposed to the 61 that mine has, and perhaps one with weighted keys. The current Yamaha YPG and DGX series' are close to mine in features and price. Actual keyboard players can advise you on more expensive options.

 

[The_Barse]

Thanks for the reply. I was looking at a 61 key keyboard the other day actually and wondered if that would prevent me from playing certain songs. My price range is a few hundred, I dont think I'll need a super advanced keyboard for quite some time so just a starter is okay for now I think.