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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193 |
I'm looking for a portable 25 - 49 full sized key keyboard that is battery powered, has a MIDI or USB out for PC usage, headphone or line out for a mini amplified speaker, or built-in speakers, GM set or at least one piano (or other built in sound), costs as little as possible that I can use for playing, practicing, songwriting when away (and connected) to my PC. I have searched for hours on end only to find just MIDI controllers, out of date no longer produced units, or too expensive keyboards to justify my cause. I would even explore ideas that cover mini MIDI controllers with a pocket sized, battery powered GM sound set with an output for headphones or battery powered mini amplifier/speaker. I have a Yamaha SHS-10 that I bought way back in the day after I sold all of my MIDI keyboard/8 bit sampling units before personal computers were affordable just for MIDI input to my new Amiga computer which came afterwards. Unfortunately it has 32 mini keys and is bolted to the wall of my newly refurbished home studio as decoration :-) . As an example, I have a hand built a guitar with a built-in amplifier/speaker connected to a Korg PX4D battery powered amp modeller/effects: http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff260/Keebo_photos/YardTar/YarTar_4.jpg(photo taken without PX4D) unit that can be taken outside the studio for practicing, songwriting, jamming, etc. and would like to duplicate that with keys which I so desire to learn and have as much fun with as I do with my YardTar. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thank you in advance for any help you may provide.
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Joined: May 2000
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You might look to see if the CASIO keyboard lineup still has some battery powered stuff available. I used to have an 88-key CASIO that was very light in weight and could be powered by internal D cells or optional wallwart. Don't know if they have any 49-key units like that, though, but don't let the brand name throw you off, CASIO makes some nice stuff now and again.
Today I have a little M-Audio 49e controller that I use when traveling, it can take its power from the USB hookup and since I always also have a laptop with me, not a problem for both power and also using softsynths with it since it has no sounds. It is also dynamite when jacked into m Ketron SD4 for the sounds, but I don't have a way to provide battery power, although I could rig up an external battpack to provide 5 or 6 volts to the things if necessary.
--Mac
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Joined: Mar 2009
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193 |
Thanks, Mac.
My first keyboard back in the eighties was a battery powered MIDI Casio. At the time I thought the external power supply was a PITA since I didn't have a desire to be mobile. It's on board sounds would be perfect for my needs now.
I'll have to take a look on the bay for an older unit because my search for current units have come up null.
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The Yamaha PSR 400/500 have battery capability.
Don S.
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Joined: Nov 2008
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PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382 |
Hi Keebo,
E-MU's Shortboard has 49-keys, can both run on batteries, and the GM sounds are supposed to be pretty good. Cheap too. Haven't played one myself, but the reviews I've seen have been decent.
Kent
PG Music
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Joined: Jan 2002
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You know, the Casio CTK-6000 is only $200 at Musician's Friend, runs on six D cell batteries, has 61 keys, and if it's anything like some of the newer Casio keyboards I've seen, is going to have some phenomenal sounds. I was really surprised when I heard the top of the line 7500 or 7000, whichever one it was. Look for YouTube videos on the WK instead of the CTK line, and listen to some of the demos and videos on the WK 7000 series and 6000 series. You may be totally impressed. The WK are 76 key boards, versus the CTKs being 61 key, but considering what you get, it may be worth the extra $100 to get the WKs.
Just a suggestion.
Gary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
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Joined: Mar 2009
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Thanks for the suggestions. I'll look into those units.
I have a 61 key Yamaha PSR 225 and a 88 key M-Audio in the studio. I'm thinking a 25 key may be what I need for portability but I haven't seen how big a 49 key is lately. I'll check on some dimensions here shorty.
Thanks again.
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Joined: Aug 2000
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Expert
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Expert
Joined: Aug 2000
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What about the AKAI LPK25 or maybe the MPK MINI?
I have the MPK MINI.
Google it.
Last edited by Luiz Dias; 11/01/11 09:54 AM.
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Luiz, those are MIDI controllers only as far as I can tell. Thanks just the same though.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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HI Keebo,
I can echo what some of the others have said about Casio. I used only Yamaha & Roland keyboards during my playing days, so when I spotted a Casio I thought of the $99.00 kid's toys you found in department stores. How wrong I was. I've had my WK1800 for over ten years and am very happy with it. It has the battery option, and inbuilt speakers,and synth, but with 76 keys it's probably a bit bigger than you require.
But you should make a point of having a look at some of their other models.
Cheers,
Keith
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