MIDI keyboard 1985-2007 - RIP

[Suz]

My Yamaha MIDI keyboard died the other day.
I have had it since 1985 and it has survived all sorts of things. The timing couldn't have been worse - just when I was about to get back into doing some new music (plus finish some tracks from over five years ago!)

Anyway I need to get a new one and have been researching but I'm getting a bit bogged down in it all. So thought I'd get some reloader advice:

I'm on a tight budget (max spend £200). The keyboard needs to have at least 49 keys, be touch/velocity sensitive and compatible with Mac & Reason. I don't mind it's new or second-hand.

Any suggestions? Even if it's advice on ones to avoid etc.

[Steve Sole]

I recommend you start here:
http://www.zzounds.com/cat--Compact-Key ... lers--2687
I'm not sure if zzounds do international shipping, but they have a pretty cool up to date knowledge on these kind of things, and they're really cheap! The cheapest you'll find - at least new anyways.
I also recommend looking through ebay etc, cause second hand stuff nowadays is soooo cheap. If you can get an item that's in good nik, then you'll probably get a good price too. It's completely worthwhile now looking for second hand stuff.
I own this little buggy:
http://www.zzounds.com/item--ALEPHOTONX25 it's awesome!
I like how it's only got two octaves, but that's more than enough for me.

There's so many now Suz, you'll find something in a jiff!

[chuckcogan]

R.I.P
sorry to hear suz....
yeah i have also been looking around (for over a year i think hehehe) and there is alot to choose from these days
to damn much id say.....where to start
i have been lookin towards the korgKONTROL 49 or Novation ReMOTE SL
but im not 100% about either....to much money i guess
so for now my little blue Yamaha CS1X will have to do...even though a few of the knobbs are starting to go bye bye

[Suz]

Thanks for the links you guys

[Lampmeister]

Hi,
It depends what kinda sounds your after really, unless you're just after a midi controller keyboard.
Personally, I've been checking out Ensoniq ESQ-1's and SQ-80's on ebay. Also Yamaha SY77's.
Do some research here: http://www.synthzone.com/
£200 is a good budget to get something decent used on ebay now the herd have stampeded their way to software.
You might also want to try the used gear ad's here: http://www.soundonsound.com

D.

[Suz]

Thanks Lampmeister. this is on hold for a while plus still investigating...weighing up whether to get a midi controller keyboard. This might be a stupid question but does a midi controller keyboard allow you to play more than one note at once?

[darlo]

Hi Suz,

Most controller keyboards have good polyphony these days
have a look here
There looks like there might be a bargain or two to be had.

[Suz]

Hi Darlo
sorry for the delayed response. Ta for the link – very useful. I'm probably going to get a controller keyboard...that is if Santa Claus can get hold of one...