High end Keyboard recommendation

[Spall]

I am about to upgrade my small production facility and am putting together a shopping list. On the list is a keyboard/workstation/controller.

There will be focus on scoring/ad music so I wish to buy a 88-key weighted keyboard to fulfil the piano work. On board features or stage functionality isn't really a consideration - I will be using it to control a piano sound library (Ivory etc) so what I am after is something that has a keyboard system which feels very convincing and whatever else it may have which renders it a leading lady. Velocity layers, aftertouch etc.

I am willing to pay for quality and reliability. Don't care for mod wheels: I've got another keyboard I use for orchestral libraries. I just want an incredibly good workhorse that I can use in the studio for all piano (etc) work.

Cheers

[shanabit]

Look at the Yamaha S90ES

[ryancork]

most yamaha products have pretty believable piano sounds. If you have a large budget you could go for a nord stage 88!

[AB3]

I like the Roland G series like the 700gx keyboard. The "ivory" type key feel and action is really good for someone who likes playing a grand piano.

[Spall]

Originally Posted by ryancork

most yamaha products have pretty believable piano sounds. If you have a large budget you could go for a nord stage 88!

I'm not after a keyboard with good sounds, as mentioned will be using Ivory and similar software libraries controlled via midi for this purpose. cheers

[Spall]

Originally Posted by AB3

I like the Roland G series like the 700gx keyboard. The "ivory" type key feel and action is really good for someone who likes playing a grand piano.

Thanks, was looking at these on the net last night. Looks good, though I can't find info relating to Velocity Layers and aftertouch...hmm

[Physicks]

Im not sure how or what you use to do your sequencing..
But i would suggest an Open Labs product.

If you have any experience with any of the DAWs available for PC, this would be the best option.
From what i understand you are already using VSts ie: Ivory.

The systems they offer can handle any Vst out and there are some magnificent sounding symphonic and orchestral Vsts out.
Opting for an extra option (which OL does offer) would provide enough space for the massive libraries plugins like EastWest and Illio have.

Personally i have a MIKO LXD gen 5. I have a Pro 88 midi controller so i didnt need the extra keys. If its a very versitile "work horse" your lookin for.
This should be at the top of your list.

[Lemontree]

I'm still getting a lot of mileage from my old FATAR studio 90 which I picked up for buttons

[Spall]

Originally Posted by Physicks

Im not sure how or what you use to do your sequencing..
But i would suggest an Open Labs product.

If you have any experience with any of the DAWs available for PC, this would be the best option.
From what i understand you are already using VSts ie: Ivory.

The systems they offer can handle any Vst out and there are some magnificent sounding symphonic and orchestral Vsts out.
Opting for an extra option (which OL does offer) would provide enough space for the massive libraries plugins like EastWest and Illio have.

Personally i have a MIKO LXD gen 5. I have a Pro 88 midi controller so i didnt need the extra keys. If its a very versitile "work horse" your lookin for.
This should be at the top of your list.

MIKO LXD looks sexy no doubt, but I don't know if it's really what I'm after. I'm using pro tools through mac, and piano sounds from Steinway Grand in the Garritan GPO pack which I am now upgrading to Ivory. So basically, I'm afer a full-sized controller. I say controller, but it doesn't have to just be keys and a box hence the 'workstation' tag I threw out also! Primarily this will be for writing scores and mainly piano. I prefer realism over space-age wonder (however cool it may be) and if that comes in a box with fancy buttons, well I guess it is what it is! I've been using a Yamaha P120 believe it or as a controller...it has done okay, but was (a) on lend, and (b) felt too plastic-like to touch. I never felt like I got a the best performance I could muster, rather compensating for its touch and playing in a relative fashion.

Other thing is unlike monitors; outboard; mics, it's a little hard to 'try' much of the keyboard range when you ultimately use sound libraries. Stores normally don't have 'em loaded which means as good as the touch may seem when you're just tinkering, there's no way to judge how it articulates with the library sounds.

phew...I'm not that excited about it despite the essay. I just want something highly usable/workable/convincing/get out what I put in

[Jazzooo]

I'm a piano player, and I've tried, bought and sold many keyboard controllers, searching for the perfect combination of responsiveness and touch.

I think a used Yamaha S80 is the overall winner--nothing feels as much like an acoustic to me as this. I do think the S90ES is very good too.

And while I've spent hundreds more, my Casio Privia PX575 has excellent touch.

I do have to suggest that if you intend to bring in amazing piano players, you might consider getting a demo of the new VPiano from Roland. I know you're not looking for sounds but if it sounds as great as when I heard it at NAMM, I'm not sure your IVory will trump it at all. From what I hear from those who have played it, and I'm including one world class jazz artist, it feels amazing.

[Tommy-boy]

Yammy S90ES. Could also try some of the Kawai MP8 II, it has a heavier feel like a Steinway.

[synthetic]

Kawai has the nicest piano feel I've tried. No aftertouch in case that's important. But it would be my top choice for a keyboard controller.

[Spall]

Originally Posted by Tommy-boy

Yammy S90ES. Could also try some of the Kawai MP8 II, it has a heavier feel like a Steinway.

S90ES was one I have been reading up on...has anyone seen/noticed the CP300? The hammer system looks very interesting. (Graded Hammer Effect) Anyone?

http://www.guitar.com.au/keyboards/yamaha/CP300.htm

[dambro2]

I use a Studiologic VMK-188Plus with Ivory. I love it and my clients seem to love it as well.

[shanabit]

Originally Posted by Spall

S90ES was one I have been reading up on...has anyone seen/noticed the CP300? The hammer system looks very interesting. (Graded Hammer Effect) Anyone?

http://www.guitar.com.au/keyboards/yamaha/CP300.htm

Good feel but the S90ES feels more like a piano to me, more return on the keys, feels like theres a spring under your fingers like a piano. The Roland Steinway feel thing didnt feel like a Steinway to me at all, rather different feeling

[Spindrift]

Originally Posted by synthetic

Kawai has the nicest piano feel I've tried. No aftertouch in case that's important. But it would be my top choice for a keyboard controller.

A vote for the Kawai MP8 II here too. I have one and it's very nice to play on.

[triez]

Kurzweil K2600. Powerhouse.

[ArcCirDude]

I have the Yamaha S90ES, the P250 (predecessor to the CP300) and the Roland RD700. All have "graded hammer action". The S90ES can split/layer up to four zones. The RD700 can split/layer 2 in performance mode but can possibly do 16. (I know it has 16 multitimbral voices that you can access via a sequencer. It's at my studio otherwise I'd give you a definite answer.) The CP300 has a great feel but I don't think you'll need the built in speakers.

Feel wise I prefer the RD700 for rock and the P250 for jazz/classical.

Have you tried the CME line? I haven't but it seems to have the features you are looking for at a good price point.

[andyspiller]

If you can find one, a (secondhand) Peavey DPM C8 is by far the best controller I have ever played - I owned one for years - it eventually got trashed from too many gigs. I currently have a CME UF8 and while it's a great price, it unfortunately is not even close.
I found the original KX88 to be a bit shallow, but nicely weighed.

The S90ES is nice.

Best regards

Andy

[soundsundergroun]

+1 on the high end yamaha's. the pianos sounds are mostly believable.

[OliverV]

Originally Posted by Spall

S90ES was one I have been reading up on...has anyone seen/noticed the CP300? The hammer system looks very interesting. (Graded Hammer Effect) Anyone?

http://www.guitar.com.au/keyboards/yamaha/CP300.htm

Well it works for me - CP300 / East West Quantum Leap Pianos is a winning combination. Don't have Ivory but I also use it with the Sampletekk stuff, Braunschweig, Truepianos etc. The inbuilt sounds aren't bad either. Trying one out in store won't be the same as using it with your virtual piano of choice but I wouldn't buy one without having a play first.

I also find it useful sometimes to be able to just turn it on and play without having to boot up & wait for the DAW / samples / reverb etc. to load.

It's a big beast though. You'll probably need the LP3 stand - a normal double braced metal stand is too wobbly.

[dubrichie]

if you don't need onboard sounds, only MIDI control, get a Studiologic (Fatar).

they have excellent keybeds which means excellent feel and action and are great value.

[code 10]

Kawai MP 8 MKII, nothing else comes near it!

[GYang]

Originally Posted by Tony-->

Kawai MP 8 MKII, nothing else comes near it!

High-end piano feel = Kawai MP8 MKII
Yammy&Rolly pianos looks cheapo in comparison.
Ivory is great sounding libray.

[space2012]

Originally Posted by Spall

I will be using it to control a piano sound library (Ivory etc) so what I am after is something that has a keyboard system which feels very convincing and whatever else it may have which renders it a leading lady. Velocity layers, aftertouch etc.

I am willing to pay for quality and reliability. Don't care for mod wheels: I've got another keyboard I use for orchestral libraries. I just want an incredibly good workhorse that I can use in the studio for all piano (etc) work.

if you are controlling VST/VSTi/AU/RTAS
Novation ReMOTE SL Automap 3.

the 61 SL is great, but the keys are not my favorite, i like more Yamaha W7 keys feel.
People say EMU X-Board has nice keys,
but...
Get novation to control all software.
at least the ZERO that has no keys.

[JustinAiken]

The studio I work at has a Yamaha C7... I've spent alot of time on and absolutely love that feel...

Are there any keyboards (not interested in knobs, sounds, anything... just needs 88 keys and a sustain jack) that have a close feel to that, for $500-$1000?

I have a m-audio keystation 88 pro now, and it has kind of a gross sticky feel to it...

[Blake P]

My wife is a piano player and DETESTED playing a keyboard. She learned and only ever played on upright and Grand. Feel/action alone is what she hated the most about boards; and the fact they aren't reel. So against the odds, I researched a ton and picked a Yamaha S-80 up for her. Had to look hard but found one and paid shy of $400 for it.

Long story short...she digs it; for a keyboard that is.

[backindauk]

Originally Posted by space2012

if you are controlling VST/VSTi/AU/RTAS
Novation ReMOTE SL Automap 3.

the 61 SL is great, but the keys are not my favorite, i like more Yamaha W7 keys feel.
People say EMU X-Board has nice keys,
but...
Get novation to control all software.
at least the ZERO that has no keys.

Novation is hardly a good quality key action. If you read the OP the guy is asking for a proper weighted keyboard with 88 keys. Not plastic toy VST controllers.


Get a Kurzweil. Their weighted action is really nice. It has the same feeling as my piano and is always preferred.

[tzujan]

Something to consider would be a used Yamaha Disklavier Upright Piano. I have seem them around for just a little more than the more expensive keyboards recommended. You could still use it as a midi controller in silent mode.

[DeBasement]

For composing work, I find a "real" piano action controller is a pain in the butt when it comes to doing things like drum programming, clav and B3 parts, etc. Heavy piano weight action just always seems too slow to me for that kind of thing...

Granted, I'm not a trained piano player really.

But depending on the kind of composing you're doing, you might either want more of a hybrid synth/piano controller (like the Kurzweil 2600, my fave). Or you could consider getting a second lighter 'synth' controller for the non-piano parts.

Just a thought.

In the "piano centric" world, I'm also a fan of the Yamaha S80's and 90's.