Controller Keyboards...

[zquarles]

I think I might start window-shopping for a new controller keyboard soon; I would like to have a solid 88-key controller...any thoughts?
I\'m currently using a Fatar Studio610 (61 keys)

[ellle]

Look out for a Kurzweil PC2x. You almost get the internal sounds for free.

[thesoundsmith]

Depends on your needs. The most controllers on any one box awardhas to go the Kurzweil 2500X, 2600X series, IMO. Two ribbons, breath controller, 8 sliders, 8 toggles, twofoot pedal toggles, two CC pedals. Heavy, heavy, and for me, the sounds are so-so, but great for 88 weighted full-on controller. Decent keyboard feel.

If all you care about is minimal CC, but want the best keyboard feel, you\'ll have to go to your local(?) large music store (GC, etc.) and play them for yourself. Keyboard feel is as individual as mistresses.

Dasher

[zquarles]

I would like to have the capability to add breath/wind controller (is there a difference between the two? If so, what? It\'s all so confusing for me.) and at least some expression abilities...I was looking at the Kurzweil SP88X...has anyone used that?

[lifeforce]

I love my mistress and I love my Yamaha P80 keyboard. And its really not even that crowded when all three of us are in bed together.

While tolerable as a controller, the P80 lacks ANY significant MIDI controls - except Midi in/out, channel select and a sustain pedal! But what a piano!

My two cents worth, LifeForce

[sporter]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size=\"1\" face=\"Verdana, Arial\">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by lifeforce:

While tolerable as a controller, the P80 lacks ANY significant MIDI controls - except Midi in/out, channel select and a sustain pedal! But what a piano!

My two cents worth, LifeForce<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I agree. I bought a little Roland PC something or other off Ebay fairly cheap, and it has all the MIDI controller stuff I need along with the light \"organ\" touch when I need it.

It and my P80 handles just about anything

[Mel Tron]

I went to all the major music dealers in Toronto Canada last week and played just about every 88 note controllers I could find in the search for the Holy Grail Keyboard action.

I had decided on the new Yamaha Motif 8 but the store had sold the unit already but I decided to try one more keyboard and much to my surprise it was the Kawai MP 9000 I took home. I love it. Feels like my Bechstein B action which I spent almost 4k regulating the touch.

Anyone interested in a used Roland A-90 EX?

[Robert Kral]

YAAAY! Someone else on this forum finally owns a kawai MP900 besides just me. This keyboard is absolutely wonderful for authentic piano action, and for not making your wrists tired after hours and hours of playing every day.

There is no other electronic / synth keyboard out there with a feel like the Kawai. it\'s a unique design and very authentic for simulating the piano action.

I spent about 6 months deciding, then the MP9000 appeared at the local store and it was unquestionably the best piano action I tried.

HOWEVER, no aftertouch, no ribbon control, & small sliders. So it depends what you are looking for in a controller.

[Analoguesque]

I gotta agree with the K2500. The feel is excellent, and you just can\'t go wrong with all those Kurzweil sounds thrown in.

Another option might be the Alesis QS8, which is pretty decent. Also has a good soundset, and you might be able to pick one up on the cheap right now. Doesn\'t have all the assignable controllers of the K2500, but it has the 4 sliders as well as the usual wheels .. etc.

Ian Wilson http://www.analoguesque.com (\"http://www.analoguesque.com\")

[Mel Tron]

Robert; very wise decision on your part. I really like the little knobs as Midi Controllers- great for quick Panning. You can quickly see where you are. As far as Aftertouch I think I stopped using that a few years ago. Very few Developers support it and Polyhonic was the way to go in the 1st place anyway. Especially for guitar simulation.

I\'m planning to add an M-Audio Surface One to my setup which looks like something that was developed at Area 51. That should do it.

[mal7]

I have a Roland XV88, and am extremely happy with it. Lovely touch and excellent, easy to use midi controller functions.
I tried the new Kawai MP9500 last week and was disappointed. Authentic piano action, but sounds very poor IMO, and nowhere near the controller my XV88 is. I previously had a Kurzweil PC88mx, which also did not compare with my Roland.
But we all have different tastes don\'t we. Makes life interesting :-)))

[Mel Tron]

You have to kook up the Kawai MP 9000 to Michiel\'s Grandioso to appreciate just how powerful this instrument really is. I don\'t use ANY of the internal sounds. Just GIGA. Period.

[Joel Olives]

I have a Kurzweil k2500x. That thing has the (IMO) best keyboard feel of anything out there and the most assignable controllers. You really can\'t go wrong. If you are not afraid of the eBay thing, I\'ve seen them go as little as $1300.

Another great thing about the K2500 is the internal sound editing and effects. You can really create just about any sound you could possibly dream up with this thing. It also reads all of your Akai samples beautifully. (If any of you would actually use a hardware sampler anymore).

Again, if you have the money to spend, you really can\'t miss with this one.

[Robert Kral]

Mel Tron:

Same here: I don\'t use the internal sounds. It\'s all about the keyboard action.

I have an old Ensoniq EPS I use for polyphonic aftertouch. My Peavey 1600 (16 sliders) sits on top of the Kawai no problem, then the Kawai has 4 sliders and 4 knobs, mod and pitch wheel. It\'s all more than enough for me. I\'ve used it for about 2 years now and wouldn\'t dream of using anything else.

But hey, I can see how the Kurzweils have a lot to offer (except for the action I like!!).

(The Fatar I bought lasted one week before I had pain in both wrists).

[This message has been edited by Robert Kral (edited 04-16-2002).]

[michael88s]

The weighted-action Kurzweils supposedly use a Fatar action. Having played both many times this seems pretty factual.

The Kurzweil PC88 and PC2X are good, solid controllers with internal sounds. If you don\'t want/like/need the sounds you might want to look into a top of the line Fatar.

My Fatar Studio 2001 which I love, has been replaced with the new \'top of the line\' Studiologic 2001 which is very similar. Worth a look.

michael88s

[Garius]

Hello everyone,

I have been using a variety of controllers to access the great variety of samples that at now available. I am a pianist, so naturally a good piano action is important when I use idiomatic samples. For that, I use the Gulbransen KS20 MIDI adapter on my Kawai baby grand. You can install this product on any acoustic piano. This will allow you to utilize a real action while accessing MIDI. I have found it to be an excellent product albeit limited for controller data, but great for piano. (The sound of my Kawai baby grand is not great, for many years, I have been of the opinion that if I ever wanted a good recorded piano sound I would have to purchase a 7’ or 9’ grand. My dad just did that to the price of $31,000. Currently, I don’t have that kind of money. Therefore, you can imagine how I felt when Giga came along. Now there are some beautiful pianos for under $300. (Chick Corea’s keyboard tech turned me onto the Gulbransen KS20 several years ago.)

I also have a great 88-note controller with weighted action, the ELKA MK88. It is perhaps one of the best controllers ever made, unfortunately, ELKA has gone out of business. You might pick one up cheep at Ebay, but good luck if it ever breaks. It does everything you can imagine a controller should, except it was released before bank change. It only does patch changes without a bank assignment. I think it has seven zones. The best thing about the ELKA is it’s easy to use programming interface. (Because of the service issue, I would suggest you stay clear unless you have a tech that is a great friend.

I also use an old Yamaha KX5 strap-on keyboard. It is great from non-piano style instruments. It has a nice ribbon controller, modulation wheel and can be used with a breath controller. This allows for maximum expression although you do need to practice with it to master use of the extra controller perimeters, much different from a piano.

Lastly, I highly recommend v-drums for all percussion controlling needs. Giga/v-drums are a good thing!

Happy Giga,
Garius Hill
Manhattan
Producer
Musecycle Media

[enb141]

I got a SP88X that\'s really cool and also has fast 32 presets (16 with double option) and the keys fills like grand piano so if you want the filling go for it