Yamaha NP11 as a midi controller?

[Yoozer]

Originally Posted by Mistur

I have heard that it is worth buying a normal keyboard with midi capabilities as the keys on them are far better

Yes, but that's generally for older sample-based synths/workstations. A Korg Triton or Yamaha Motif won't have gigabytes of samples, but back then it was a top of the line keyboard.

If the NP11 is anything like the NP30 (the previous version with 76 keys), avoid; I thought those keys felt awfully cheap.

[Mistur]

Originally Posted by Yoozer

Yes, but that's generally for older sample-based synths/workstations. A Korg Triton or Yamaha Motif won't have gigabytes of samples, but back then it was a top of the line keyboard.

If the NP11 is anything like the NP30 (the previous version with 76 keys), avoid; I thought those keys felt awfully cheap.

Thanks for the reply! and that sucks about the keys, it did seem like at $200 there had to be something wrong with it

Would it be possible to get a recommendation from anyone of a midi controller or keyboard with decent keys (preferably 49 to 61)?

Thanks again!

[Yoozer]

Keyboard feeling is awfully personal, so I'm afraid that you don't have other options than trying them out yourself. Arranger keyboards are

I thought the Novation Impulse looked rather nice, but I haven't been able to test that yet. I also have an E-mu Xboard 49. For the price it feels pretty good IMHO.

My main controller is an old Roland XP30 - those can be found secondhand for 300 with a bit of luck. A JV80 would probably have the same keyboard quality, and it's older so it might be even cheaper. Yamaha SY77 or something similar - think older digitals after 1990 - would be my target. The advantage is that those are made out of (mostly) steel so they feel solid and the keys don't vibrate that much.

[Mistur]

Originally Posted by Yoozer

Keyboard feeling is awfully personal, so I'm afraid that you don't have other options than trying them out yourself. Arranger keyboards are

I thought the Novation Impulse looked rather nice, but I haven't been able to test that yet. I also have an E-mu Xboard 49. For the price it feels pretty good IMHO.

My main controller is an old Roland XP30 - those can be found secondhand for 300 with a bit of luck. A JV80 would probably have the same keyboard quality, and it's older so it might be even cheaper. Yamaha SY77 or something similar - think older digitals after 1990 - would be my target. The advantage is that those are made out of (mostly) steel so they feel solid and the keys don't vibrate that much.

Thanks Yoozer! You really are a helpful person! So much respect!

[Yoozer]

Didn't finish the second sentence, which should've been: Arranger keyboards are not in the "cheap but good keyboard" range; you're really looking at older machines that back then cost at least $1500 or so. Buying a current PSR or something is not going to give you a keyboard that's superior to that of a cheap controller. Buying an older one also doesn't have the desired effect .

[langdonauger]

I have an NP11 and I love it to death. The keys are noisy, but I find the action is enjoyable. It was a $128 factory refurb from some ebay music store, came with a decent x-stand, power supply and free shipping.

I guess it could be a decent controller, but it would be a bit of a hassle ... no usb/bus power, need midi interface. But it could be workable. If I didn't have my Axiom 61, then I would enlist this thing with confidence. The action is very similar.

I bought it to learn how to play ragtime/blues/boogiewoogie/stride piano (like jools holland or whatever?), because I was just sick of not knowing how to do it, and damn if I'm not now doing it . This crappy keyboard has made me a vastly more confident player. The 6 AA battery power lasts about 6 hours. I take it everywhere ... car, deck, all around the house.

[Mistur]

ah cool! Good to see someones view on it who has it!
Thanks for the replies guys!