• Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Topic: Keyboard help

My daughter is learning piano.  Her teacher uses a MIDI keyboard in her classroom, and it would be much easier for her to practice if she could access the MIDI files.  So I am thinking of getting a keyboard for our family room. 

My brother-in-law is a professional musician who primarily uses keyboards.  I talked to him and he recommended these features, but isn't savvy on the new and inexpensive products that are available. 

Features: MIDI (obviously), full size keys, natural resistance keys (not sure of the right term for this, but hopefully my meaning comes across), output to amp / mixer, built in drum rhythms or metronome with tempo adjustment, and a full 88 keys. He said not to worry about the number of "voices" as she'll end up only using three or four no matter how many it has. 

Anybody have any recommendations of brands they like, or sources for buying?  I'm checking the usual Music 123 and Musicians Friend and American Musical Supply.  Guitar Center's keyboards are all pretty high end that I don't care to afford.  My local music shop really is pretty much a guitar shop so doesn't have keyboard options. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • From: Hampshire, UK
  • Registered: 2008-11-23
  • Posts: 306

Re: Keyboard help

Hey Zurf

Marion, my wife plays the piano so we were goign through pretty much the same process recently. Both of us were really impressed with the Yamaha's, they do pretty much everything you could ever want, most have "true feel" keys and full size 88 key keybords. They are a bit on the pricey side but Marion really rated them.

Jerry

Live the life you love, love the life you live
  • From: The Land Of Song
  • Registered: 2007-12-10
  • Posts: 5,707

Re: Keyboard help

i agree with jerry, yamaha's are good, they're quite cheap over here (UK). if you were thinking of getting a used one, i had a lot of trouble with the "midi out" connector. i had it repaired once then it broke again, so keep an eye out for that.

i think the term your looking for is "weighted keys"

Ask not what Chordie can do for you, but what you can do for Chordie.

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  • From: Probably Somewhere
  • Registered: 2010-12-09
  • Posts: 2,446

Re: Keyboard help

I would go ahead and get something will full polyphony if you're going to buy a keyboard.

  • arkady
  • arkady
  • ambient moderator
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  • From: England
  • Registered: 2006-11-23
  • Posts: 2,147

Re: Keyboard help

Use a Yamaha myself to. Nice keyboard.
They have a big range to suit all musical requirments and pockets..
Sounds like an ad..... smile
ark