Same old question, recommend a keyboard? Please

  • Thread starter Thread starter Vigilante
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Vigilante

Gear nut
Hi guys. Please don't pass off this thread, just shoot me a couple models you think I should research. Here's the deal:
Tax money coming in, I'll have about ~$800us to buy a keyboard with. Here is what I'm looking for, somewhat in order of importance, top being most important:

1- MIDI control. I want to create MIDIs. So PC connection a must.

2- Keys, I'd like a more realistic touch, cause I play piano. Cheap plastic bounce feeling is no good. I'd like either 72key or 88key if I can get away with it, but no less.

3- Sounds. I want all the sounds onboard, cause I will use the keyboard for synth, I don't have any racks or software samples. So I'd like the keyboard to hold all the sounds and expantion to add more sounds later.

4- Modern. I was browsing a bunch of threads similar to this one, followed some links, etc... I've decided I'd like a somewhat modern keyboard, not necessarily "classic". So like a built-in memory card, versus floppy etc... With a more modern and higher quality sound samples.

5- I think it is important to have at least a few realistic sounds, I don't want ALL synth. So it would be good to have a realistic Grand Piano, bass, drums, organ and a few others. Not a ton, but at least a few "real" samples along with the synth.

That is pretty much it, features that would be cool is onboard recording of tracks so I can dub over myself. Not needed though as I can do that on the PC of course.
But the main purpose of the machine is to connect to my computer for doing recordings and creating MIDIs and to use as a primary instrument for recording. That's why I want good feeling keys and high quality samples, along with tons of sounds to play with for the midis.

Just for thought, the Yamaha S90 or S90es would be the perfect ideal candidate. But is to much $$. I'd like to cram as much of the features I've mentioned, with the S90 in mind, into a $800 package or less. The Motif series is to much into the synth/workstation, and the S90 perhaps is to much into the stage performer category. But if I can find something that would sound decent in a recording and not like totally fake. And also have hundreds of sounds for midi creation and synth work, that would be ideal.

Any suggestions for models I should research for this purpose? I'm leaning towards a couple Yamaha models, Alesis, E-mu, or even m-audio. But I don't want to pass up any good deals for the likes of Roland or Korg or Kerzweil etc... I just don't know much about anything accept Yamaha's line.

Thanks for your time!
 
At least look at the Yamaha DGX505 Portable Grand if you haven't already.
It may not be "professional" quality and the key action may not have the heft to please you completely but I think that it comes quite close to what you are describing. Then on the other hand why not just save another $600 bucks and get what you obviously *really* want?

I have a DGX because I am a cheap old gummer who hates loud drunken crowds. What would your excuse be? :cool:
 
That's an awfully tall order for $800 (Especially considering the 88 key requirement). Your best bet might to be trying to find a used Triton LE 88 (which can be expanded with sampling options). The Alesis QS-8.2 is a good bet, with OK upgradability. Obviously, the newer Rolands, Alesis Fusions, Korgs, and Yamahas, are going to run you quite a bit more than what you're talking about spending. But in this price range there are some pretty good "Legacy" models, that still have plenty of good features, but you may have to trade off a couple features in order to get the best in the other categories. Some others to check out are: Korg N1, Roland XP-80 (Semi-Weighted), or Korg Trinity.
 
Ah yes, I know it's a tall order. Isn't it always?

I'm at work now so I'll do some research on those models tonight.

I've been "around" the S90s and have played on them, as far as my top 3 choices, it has a lot of sounds, check; good feel, check; midi, check. That's all I'm after.
I don't want a pure blood synth because I'd like some real world sampled sounds. And I don't want a pure blood midi controller, because I want a good feel and some more options.
I'm willing to get a 72key because all the 88s are so expensive. The only problem is that often when you get the same model in both key sets, the 72 key will drop the weighted keys and better feel, which stinks.
I don't mind getting this used or even off ebay and so forth. But even the S90 I still can't get for less then like $1500, which isn't much less then brand new.

My $800 could possibly grow to a grand if I sell a few things. But I've got other monetary responsibilities, can't put it all on the keyboard, wish I could. But remember, I'm not doing anything "pro". No live performances, no live anything, no public anything. No pro recordings. This is all for my own enjoyment. If it has a lot of sounds, feels good and has midi support, and some good samples, that is all I want.

I will look into the models you guys suggested. Keep em coming. Any mini-reviews of said models would be handy, as in, how does it feel? How do you like the recordings it makes?

thx
 
Thanks for the tips guys.

As for Paul, I wonder if that is the 505 he plays in the samples? Does anybody know? Cause that sounds just fine to me.

And I am not 100% opposed to getting a modular setup with just a midi controller and a sound module, but that stuff is intimidating for me. There is just to many options. The models just mentioned, for the Virus B, it is discontinued. And E-MU makes good stuff I know, but really I'd like a single unit just in case I want to take it with me someplace. And for a plain midi controller, that function is lost unless I bring a bunch of equipment for me.
Though, if I do get an all-in-one keyboard, can I still add sound modules later? Like if I had the DGX505 or S80 or Alesis QS8.2, could I still add the Proteus 2000 later?
Which, by the way, are the models I'm looking at. What are your thoughts on:

Yamaha DGX505 (I think I WILL email that guy)
Yamaha S80 (if I can find an awesome deal)
Alesis QS8.2

If you know any others I should add to this class, lemme know. I've been listening to some samples from the DGX and QS8.2. I think they are both fine, but I kind like the range on the QS better. But I like that the DGX has speakers built in, makes it easy just to tinker sometimes. I'd have to use headphones or go through my PC speakers until I could afford speakers for the other models.
 
Go on e-bay and look for a ZR-76 or a little older model MR-76 made by Ensoniq. I have the MR-76, (wish I would have waited for the ZR-76) but am very pleased with the MR-76. It has 76 weighted keys, a plethora of sounds, a 16 track sequencer and a rythmn machine. It has MIDI and a 3.5" Floppy for saving songs/MIDI performances. All this and within your budget; definitely worth checking out.
 
I've been researching the ZR-76 as you suggested. I'm hearing good things about it, kind of a niche keyboard that not many people know to much about. But it gets rave review except for a few things that make me cringe.
Due to Ensoniq falling to the way site with E-MU, and apparently E-MU not picking up the model and doing anything with it. It is pretty much abandoned. Good luck with repairs, warranty, parts etc...

Ebay didn't have any right now, nor did I find any shops with a quick search. So that doesn't look to good either.
Somebody in a review said the nobs really sucked, and another person said the keybed can have issues, and sound "clacky" etc...

But nevertheless, it sounds cool. If I saw it someplace for $600-$750 I'd seriously consider it. But for a $K+ I'd probably go for something else.
 
Vigilante said:
Though, if I do get an all-in-one keyboard, can I still add sound modules later? Like if I had the DGX505 or S80 or Alesis QS8.2, could I still add the Proteus 2000 later?
Which, by the way, are the models I'm looking at. What are your thoughts on:

Yamaha DGX505 (I think I WILL email that guy)
Yamaha S80 (if I can find an awesome deal)
Alesis QS8.2
Click to expand...
Yes you can.

DGX-505- OK action. definitely a good At-home keyboard (Jamous may testify otherwise :D ).

S-80- Definitely a nice machine. The S series have some of the best feels IMHO

QS-8.2- Soundwise, this is my pick of the litter. The only thing that ever made me cringe about the QS keyboards are the rubber buttons used to select programs. They feel to soft and spongey for my liking, and I find myself wondering whether or not the program I wanted to select was indeed the one that was selected. I just prefer buttons that go "Click" when you press them, giving a reassuring feeling that all is good in the world.
 
I'm slowly leaning towards the QS8.2.
Some people complained because they liked the black of the older models. And that the 8.2 actually REMOVES some features that the old ones had. But those features don't sound like I'd ever use anyway, being my first keyboard, I probably won't miss something I never used.

Here is the next question. Based on the actual keyboard/sound/quality itself, which would be a better bet?
Assuming I can save up another few hundred bucks. Should I:

1 - Buy the QS8.2 and an add on, or monitor, or some other feature.

2 - Buy an S-series Yamaha but have to use PC speakers or headphones and no add ons to begin with?
 
I personally would go for the S-90 which is so much more keyboard for the money. The QS8 is old hat and an Alesis no less. Having said that, if you can live with half the polyphony, an antiquated sound engine and not the greatest weighted key feel, then you could buy the QS8, a small mixer (MG 10/2) and some monitors. Decisions... decisions. :D
 
Lambo said:
I personally would go for the S-90 which is so much more keyboard for the money. The QS8 is old hat and an Alesis no less. Having said that, if you can live with half the polyphony, an antiquated sound engine and not the greatest weighted key feel, then you could buy the QS8, a small mixer (MG 10/2) and some monitors. Decisions... decisions. :D
Click to expand...

That's what I meant by the "another 600 bucks" to get what you *really* want remark.
http://www.samedaymusic.com/product--YAMS90

All of these keyboards today, though, are computers and you know what happens to *those* purchases a year later!

So, yeah, get clear on what YOU want to do with it this year and what you want to do next year. That's the tough part.
 
Vigilante said:
And that the 8.2 actually REMOVES some features that the old ones had. But those features don't sound like I'd ever use anyway, being my first keyboard, I probably won't miss something I never used.
Click to expand...
The QS8.2 is almost identical in function as the QS8.1, except you lose one expansion slot in the new QS8.2, and the it is now housed in a cheaper housing.
 
Dang it all, you guys aren't making this any easier. lol

Lambo said "...The QS8 is old hat and an Alesis no less..."

I take it Alesis has a less then repudable name or something? Plus the QS8 as you stated, IS old hat, it's an old model. Is the QS8.2 equally old hat?

The plain jane Yamaha SGX505 is sounding better only in the sense that I can get it right now from zzounds with a stand, pedel, and 2 year warranty extension. But I just don't picture that as pro equipment.

Jamous, dang! I've never seen the S90 for so low a price right now! Now you've really made me think.
Though I'm going to have to buy "some" stuff with it. I mean, any kinds of computer connected cables, pedals and so forth someone could recommend?

That's it fellas, after much deliberation, I'm just going to have to put my head between two meat grinders and just buy the dang Yamaha S90. I imagine the price is going down because of the S90ES. **hmm, wonders what s90es goes for...**

I'll let you know how it turns out, and post a few samples for all your hard work.
Thanks
 
It looks golden, I'm getting the S90.
It appears I am being pushed into playing in church, they use the S90. That makes it much more easy for practice.

So when I get it and use it for a while, I'll write a little review.

Thanks for all the advice, if anything, it kept me hesitating to buy anything but what I've always wanted anyway. Guess that's how it goes eh?
 
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