weighted vs. semi-weighted (WNQ=warning - newbie question)

[notCardio]

What's the difference? What I mean is, if weighted gives the feel of a piano keyboard, then what does semi-weighted emulate?

 

[brzilian]

Weighted - feels like a piano.

Semi-weighted - you still have some resistance when pressing down on the keys (usually feels springy/bouncy).

Non-weighted - cheap action found on Casio keyboards where no effort is required to press down on a key.

 

[Atterion]

Semi-Weighted doesn't emulate anything. It is simply what the majority of all synthesizers use. Designed to be light to assist in rapid-fire synth playing techniques.

 

[Alexbt]

I play a Kurzweil SP88, which has the semiweighted action. It's great compared to unweighted keyboards, which for most I 'trip' over because they're so light any plasticy. However, they a bit light. I'm always bashing away on the keys trying to get more volume out of them like a real piano.

No real complaints though--it feels enough like a piano and enough like a synth. Very easy to play, and easy on your wrists too!

 

[shiatzu]

i, personally, prefer semi-weighted.. my main board is a nord electro 2 and i use it for both piano/rhodes/etc. sounds and b3 organ so semi-weighted is a nice compromise.

 

[tuggy]

semi-weighted is a good choice for ex-piano players, not as heavy as weighted action, but still good. i think original b3s have semi weighted action (not played one, just what i heard)

 

[notCardio]

Then is unweighted ever preferable to semi-weighted for any particular circumtance (faster playing, less fatigue, etc.), or is it just a matter of personal preference, or is it just more cheaply made?

And would most organs, (B3,Vox,Farfisa,etc.) be considered semi-weighted, or does it depend on the organ? Same question for synths, also.

 

[sile2001]

And would most organs, (B3,Vox,Farfisa,etc.) be considered semi-weighted, or does it depend on the organ? Same question for synths, also.

Yes, most organs of that type would be semi-weighted. Those organs are not velocity-sensitive (meaning that hitting the key harder does not result in a louder note), so the velocity nuances that a fully weighted action provides are not really necessary and can actually be a hinderance to faster playing, slides, etc. which are part of organ playing.

Generally, most TRUE synths are also semi-weighted. Keyboards used as master keyboards will probably be split down the middle, some being fully-weighted and some being semi, depending entirely upon user preference. Stage pianos should almost always be fully-weighted action.

 

[notCardio]

Hopefully this is the last question

Are there any keyboards whose weighted-nes (don't you love it when people make up words) is adjustable, meaning you could have it more weighted for this application, then change it for another application? Or change the touch to your personal preference?

 

[bsr2002]

semi-weighted is a good choice for ex-piano players, not as heavy as weighted action, but still good. i think original b3s have semi weighted action (not played one, just what i heard)

Agreed

My whole setup including my 88 is semi-weighted.

 

[tuggy]

Are there any keyboards whose weighted-nes (don't you love it when people make up words) is adjustable, meaning you could have it more weighted for this application, then change it for another application? Or change the touch to your personal preference?

yeah. most 88 note piano action boards allow you to change the weight of the keys.

in fact, there's some more in this weighted thing. "balanced hammer action" (as yamaha says) boards' keys are getting heavier in lower octaves-just like a piano.. (my left hand's aching right now )

 

[fova]

Another issue with a weighted ones is that a person who is not a classic piano player will have a serious problems with them. It is not so easy to play on this keyboard, you must apply a lot of effort and later you feel like after a physical exercise. If you are not fimiliar with that you can not play so fast like on semi-weighted ones.
Therefore choose carrefuly what is the best for you and the best is a personal experience with keyboards you want to buy. Spend in the shop at least half of an hour playing on them and then make a decision.