Small sized keys keyboards... yuck!

YanKleber

YanKleber

Retired
I am a guitar player and after to record my first two albums programming all the synths using my PC keyboard I thought that it was time to get a MIDI controller. So I ordered a nice Arturia Minilab 3 thinking that it would be enough for my needs. Damn. The little thing is wild, very good quality and delivers what he promises but... I really wasn't thinking right when I bought it. The small keys are really a problem for my big hands and the 2-octave extension definitely makes my claustrophobia screams.

After several weeks using it (and suffering) I figured out that the store where I bought it reserved me the right of returning it without asking questions and with a full cashback within a 30 days period since I had everything intact including the box. I didn't think twice, packed everything and sent it back. With the money I got back I bought a cool 4-octave full-sized keys Nektar Impact GX49 controller.

On a side note I feel a bit sad of saying goodbye to the Minilab. I considered NOT return it and keep it as a sidekick to my PC keyboard for quick tests, etc, but I then realized that actually I would end never using it.

Anyone had a similar experience?
 
I bought the Nektar SE25 MIDI Keyboard Controller which is pretty much like the Arturia Minilab 3 as far as the keyboard goes. Mini keys and split octaves. Since I'm not a keyboardist this works fine for me just auditioning voices, samples, patterns and playing organ parts which don't require fine finger technique. I have thin fingers that don't mind the thin keys so much. I used to own a full size synth so I know what you're experiencing.
 
The little ones are only good for quick note input that you might normally use a mouse for IMHO.
 
As a keyboardist they are great for taking along on a long plane trip or traveling and you want something to work on to practice riffs or fiddle around with.
For regular daily use....nope
 
Plus I would not want to get used to playing those small keys and then jump to full size. Guitar is my primary so I don't play keys anywhere near as much. That said it's an adjustment for me switching between my workstation and MIDI controller only because the action is different between the two.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top