Keyboard (Electronic)

I have been thinking of getting into midi/sample music creation and I want to get a keyboard. I am not all that interested so I don't want to spend a whole ton of money . Anyway I am looking for a keyboard the plugs into my computer and doesn't have any bells or whistles like speakers and beats built in (preferable one with more then 61keys.) Anyone have any advice on what to get? Thanks.

Anyway I am looking for a keyboard the plugs into my computer and doesn't have any bells or whistles like speakers and beats built in (preferable one with more then 61keys.) Anyone have any advice on what to get? Thanks.

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Hahaha! You'll be hard pressed to find one without bells or whistles with all 88keys to do what you want. Not without sinking in a few thousand for the piano setup, and even then you'll get the metrinome/beat setup and multiple voices.

If you're looking at a cheaper keyboard for Midi composing, you may want to check out a lower-level Yamaha, since it sounds like you'll be planning on arranging with finale or a cheaper alternative.

Otherwise you'll end up spending quite the chunk of change or a nice synthesyzer. (Not worth it if you're just casually interested.) But any cheaper-end model is only going to have two and a half octaves. You won't be getting 88 keys, but it'll be workable.

You may want to look at a second-hand KORG. I'll look for more info after I get some sleep. Good luck.

--KagerouSama

Pick up a simple midi controller at any larger music store (Sam Ash, Guitar Center, etc) They can range from around $100 to $500 and can be as simple or complicated as you want. Give me an idea of what you want to spend and what programs you'll be using and I'll see if I can recommend a few... the controller market is huge though, I am sure you can find something that fits you,

-Nick

In case you want to browse a few, head over to:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/

And look under Keys/MIDI -> MIDI/Controllers

-Nick

Okay, now that I've had some sleep, I may be able to give a clearer answer.

If you're interested in writing Midi, you don't really need a keyboard at all. You can get a midi composer program for around 30-250, depending on how much you want to spend.

All you really need is a good mouse and some beginning composition knowledge. But , if you really want a keyboard, you can pick up a cheaper Yamaha to do what you really want. Anything more than casual interest and you'll want either finalae, sibellius, or cakewalk. But mind you those'll be pretty expensive.

Regardless, a beginner Yamaha keyboard (easily found at Sams, Wal-Mart, maybe Office Depot.) will be a nice start. Just be sure it has a place for midi out.

--KagerouSama

Not really sure what good a cheap Yamaha/Roland/Whatever is going to do if he just wants a computer interface. Most controllers do USB and MIDI, simple setup and will sync with popular programs. Not to say the cheaper Keyboards won't, but there is no need to use a keyboard with samples/speakers/etc as a controller if a better supported controller will do the same job for the same price.

Also, it sounds like he is heading into Reason territory, or at least acid. If I am guessing correctly, he isn't looking for a composition program like sibellius. That program is basicly for writing and printing sheet music anyway. CakeWalk is probably overkill for this type of thing as well.

Honestly, Reason kicks so much ass, but it will kick your ass as well, steep learning curve, but very rewarding. There are a lot of sample based applications that you can set a decent keyboard up to interface perfectly (all nobs, pads, sliders, etc work... not to mention after touch, etc).

There is nothing wrong with going the cheap keyboard route, but if it is going to be used primarily with a computer or synths... then I still say a controller is probably a better bet...

-Nick

nruva said:

In case you want to browse a few, head over to:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/

And look under Keys/MIDI -> MIDI/Controllers

-Nick

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man fuck that place, musician's friend is retarded, they took nearly a month to get my order to me the one time i bought from them, and every time i called them they would give me some run around until i finally got everything fixed. i'll never buy from them again.

That program is basicly for writing and printing sheet music anyway.

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I had professors who'd call that statement heresy.

He stated he wants a keyboard though, and a cheaper roland or Yamaha will do that pretty good.