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Hi Everyone,
I’m hoping you’re able to offer suggestions or recommendations. I MAY need to buy a new keyboard (don’t ask why – that’s another story for another day) and I’m in a bit of a pickle.
I want a keyboard with 70+ keys, and a pitchbender – that’s all. As I exclusively use BIAB & a Ketron SD2, I don’t need any auto accompaniment, or drums, or mixers, recording etc, and the Ketron takes care of the patch sounds. But it seems that there’s nothing available, and I don’t really want to pay lot of extra $$$ for things that I’ll never use.
So I’m thinking an electric piano with MIDI capabilities may be an option. Most of the lead that I play is piano; however I have lots of arrangements using sax, trumpet, clarinet, and organ as my lead instrument.
So for someone that is using one, how do electric pianos with weighted keys handle slides & glides?
All comments, suggestions & advice appreciated.
Cheers,
Keith
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Keith, A friend of mine had an earlier version of the Fatar/Studiologic SL990 Pro. It is an 88-key, weighted-action MIDI controller only, with no sounds at all. It has a pitch and mod wheel as well as rudimentary controls for bank and patch changes. It has a great feel and is quite rugged. Add a sustain pedal and you've got a complete basic key setup. The only disadvantage, which was pointed out by a player here, is that the control wheels are above the keyboard rather than to the left. As a studio player only that doesn't bother me, but it might make a difference to someone playing live. It retails at the link below for $529 US but can be had used for less than $300. I'm pretty sure it's available worldwide, so check for local distributors and used instrument outlets. Musician's Friend linkHTH, Richard
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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Hi Richard, Wow, thanks, I hadn't though about a MIDI controller; it seems to be just the thing I'm looking for. I'll do some more digging. Thanks so much for your response. 
Cheers,
Keith
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I love my MAudio Keystation 88ES Controller.Around $200
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Quote:
I love my MAudio Keystation 88ES Controller.Around $200
Yes, indeedy. Matter of fact, ANY of the M-Audio keynoard controller options represent good value IMO. A fellow loaned me one of his 49 key little M-Audio controllers to go along with my huge Keystation Pro 88, and the little thing is really quite nice for the task, I cna use it as an extra keyboard to fire software or hardware MIDI synthas, as well as standalone with the laptop and BiaB when travelling. Nice.
--Mac
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Journeyman
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Quote:
......... how do electric pianos with weighted keys handle slides & glides?.......
NOT well!!  But it can be done, and since piano is your main sound, you'll probably want to stick with weighted keys. As you probably already know, most of the synth action keys are too mushy and travel is too short.
Good simi weighted synth action can be had but not on any thing budget that I know of. It seem like all the manufacturers reserve their best synth action keyboards for their top of the line synths.
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Thanks guys fo all your advice & comments. I'll let you know how I go.
Cheers,
Keith
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On the other hand, 88 key units that feature "semi" weighted keys, such as my Kurzweil, can offer the best of both worlds here. When playing the tonewheel organ patches on that semi-weighted Kurz, the glisses are a breeze. Not too bad on the M-Audio Keystation Pro 88 either.
--Mac
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Quote:
On the other hand, 88 key units that feature "semi" weighted keys, such as my Kurzweil, can offer the best of both worlds here. When playing the tonewheel organ patches on that semi-weighted Kurz, the glisses are a breeze. Not too bad on the M-Audio Keystation Pro 88 either.
--Mac
Agree on the keystation
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