what midi keyboard do i get? 88 key or not?

[lospat123]

im trying to figure out what will be good to get. but having a hard time to decide. is it worth it to get 88 key or will a 61 key be fine (dont realy like that octave switch buttons) ? i realy like the look of that new m audio axiom pro but pitty they dont make em in 88 key version, any one have suggestions?

[gorillainthemix]

the bigger, the better....imo

[3rd Degree]

I like a 49 key as I don't need an 88 key so I have more room. I use mine mostly to trigger sample chops though, or play over a sample so I am not jumping around that much.

[Brian!]

You should just get the one the pros all use.

[lospat123]

Originally Posted by Brian!

You should just get the one the pros all use.

well im not too sure what they use in forms of midi keys. cause most of them run motifs , fantoms, tritons etc so i aint rolin in that kinda cash, unless u want to sponser a future hit maker?
oh yea and i knew this was coming, lol i know people way too well.

[Lrmusic]

61 vs. 88 will probably not make a huge difference for your workflow if you are recording mostly monophonic stuff, but if you are a decent pianist and use piano fairly extensively in your compositions, definitely go with 88. In terms of creativity I feel stifled on a 61-key, e.g. sometimes I want the root note in a Fmaj - Bbmaj prog to go down, but on a 61-key I have to go up a lot of the time and it doesn't have the desired effect; doesn't happen on an 88 key. So if a lot of your composition is based on inspiration from playing the piano, definitely get the 88-key.

[Mr.Amokk]

Originally Posted by lospat123

im trying to figure out what will be good to get. but having a hard time to decide. is it worth it to get 88 key or will a 61 key be fine (dont realy like that octave switch buttons) ? i realy like the look of that new m audio axiom pro but pitty they dont make em in 88 key version, any one have suggestions?

I like/need/must have 88 keys for these reasons:


- Quicker workflow, no octave switch.

- Record 2-handed melodies in any octaves.

- Using the keyboard for drum kits, it's easier to get an idea of the WHOLE kit as you can just tab through the keys from left to right until you found what you were looking for.

- Better atmosphere while coming up with melodies.

- Able to test same melody on various octaves without having to stop and reach for the switch button...AGAIN...


From my point of view: If you really worry about if 88 keys could be better, than just get a masterkeyboard with 88 keys. You can't go wrong here! Cause if you think that 61 keys are enough, you just won't use the rest of the 88s.

Taking less keys from the start up and you may feel uncomfortable...you will have to buy a whole new keyboard to get more keys.

I'm PRO 88 keys.

[MikeSV]

Originally Posted by Mr.Amokk

I like/need/must have 88 keys for these reasons:


- Quicker workflow, no octave switch.

- Record 2-handed melodies in any octaves.

- Using the keyboard for drum kits, it's easier to get an idea of the WHOLE kit as you can just tab through the keys from left to right until you found what you were looking for.

- Better atmosphere while coming up with melodies.

- Able to test same melody on various octaves without having to stop and reach for the switch button...AGAIN...


From my point of view: If you really worry about if 88 keys could be better, than just get a masterkeyboard with 88 keys. You can't go wrong here! Cause if you think that 61 keys are enough, you just won't use the rest of the 88s.

Taking less keys from the start up and you may feel uncomfortable...you will have to buy a whole new keyboard to get more keys.

I'm PRO 88 keys.

I totally agree with this. I made the mistake of buying a 61 key a few years ago before I could actually play. Now that I've gotten fairly decent on the keys, I feel pretty limited to what I can do without the lower octaves. Same with drumkits. Get the 88.

[psycho_monkey]

If you get an 88 key keyboard, get a properly weighted one, not some m-audio crap semi-weighted nonsense. Not that I've got anything against m-audio (love my oxygen8), only that piano players don't like a semi-weighted keyboard, and neither do synth heads.

I find a mini keyboard fine for programming, and to be honest a 61 keyboard not too much use for anything - my XP50 is against the wall at the moment waiting for a new home. I'd love a decent 88 note keyboard so i can practice piano again!

[Left Headphone]

88

[lospat123]

thanks guys for replies. yea i realy want to get my skills up on the keys fosure im sure it wont hurt if u can play abit as a hiphop producer. anyone can recomend something in the 88 key range?

[coyotekells]

I can't go back from the 88 key... And previous Yamaha had to go to it's old home, can't swing the purchase atm, so I'm currently renting a Roland model.. rental cost for 2 months buys me a shitty 61 key M-Audio.. but I'd rather have the 88 key any day (I have a 61 key m-audio just sitting collecting dust)

88 keys, and weighted. Not that I didn't make tons of instrumentals I love dearly on shitty keyboards.............but it's just not something I'm going back to.

[JaeOne3345]

Originally Posted by Brian!

You should just get the one the pros all use.

[TsunboRecords]

Originally Posted by lospat123

thanks guys for replies. yea i realy want to get my skills up on the keys fosure im sure it wont hurt if u can play abit as a hiphop producer. anyone can recomend something in the 88 key range?

I'm actually gonna recommend you something half way, just to be different lol...76 keys

Try this Casio WK-500 in a shop if you can WK-500 - High-Grade Keyboards - Electronic Musical Instruments - CASIO

It's a pretty good keyboard to start with. Not too small like a 49 keys, so perfect to learn how to play two-handed, but also not too big as to be a hassle if/when you need to do gigs etc...

It has a built-in piano teacher, Metronome and Harmonizer/Arpeggiator to get you started learning, drum kit, sampling features, and a vast array of sounds, that you can add to from the Casio website or other websites, or even make your own!

I'm a bit biased tho, as I work for the OZ distributor so I basically bathe in the Casio products, but have a look at it and see if it would suit you.

BTW, I got a Yamaha crappy 61 keys and a cheap Casio one too, but looking to go to 76-88 keys as I'm really starting to use both hands and 61 keys is too small for proper 2 handed playing!

[Rumpel]

This question is kind of like asking a builder what size screw driver he prefers.
The answer is that as you progress as a player you'll find that a variety of sizes is necessary, and they all have different strengths.


I have four keyboards right now. (I just sold a 61key), So I have an 88 key, (2) 49 keys, and a 61key.

The 61 key motif ES, easily gets the most use. It's a great multi purpose size for programming, practice etc.

My Korg 88 key weighted digital piano is mainly used as for practice, and composing, easily the most fun to play, but it's not in the studio, so is rarely used for programming.

My 49 key axiom pro sometimes feels like a slight compromise for play. Bonus is that it maps and controls all Logic, protools,reason plugs and controls.So it also gets a lot of everyday use.
Two handed playing is still very possible with this one. It is generally used for programming with the macbook pro, and comes into its own mainly for travel work, in hotel rooms etc
Nothing beats its size for that purpose.


I've never had a use for a 79 key.For me, its kind of in no mans land, between the 88 and 61 keys purpose wise. Neither do I "get" the 25 or 37 key sizes. They strike me as perhaps useful for non players.

If you are just starting out, I would definitely suggest a 61 key as a perfect middle ground. Not too big, yet perfectly playable.

Just buy from a decent manufacturer, make sure that the keys aren't too plasticky, and that you're happy with the spring action.

[TsunboRecords]

Originally Posted by Rumpel

I've never had a use for a 79 key.For me, its kind of in no mans land, between the 88 and 61 keys purpose wise. Neither do I "get" the 25 or 37 key sizes. They strike me as perhaps useful for non players.

If you are just starting out, I would definitely suggest a 61 key as a perfect middle ground. Not too big, yet perfectly playable.

Just buy from a decent manufacturer, make sure that the keys aren't too plasticky, and that you're happy with the spring action.

I think the Casio one I link would be perfect in his case due to the learning lessons built-in...and especially the price! Can find it landed here in OZ for around $650, which is a lot cheaper than a 88 keys of similar built/keys construction. Don't forget the Casio has 128 points of velocity, which definitely makes the difference in the tone played, taking the sound closer to real instruments.

To each it's own I guess...I'm happy with my 61 keys atm, but I'm looking for a proper 88 keys to upgrade to in the next 3 months... as soon as I get the studio space! My choice for a 88 keys (staying with Casio of course lol) so far would be this (due to price and features in my case) PX-730BK / 730CY - Privia Digital Pianos - CASIO in black of course...But then you're now looking at close to $1400!

Food for thoughts! Would be interesting to hear the OP opinion about key size tho!

[RTR]

Originally Posted by lospat123

thanks guys for replies. yea i realy want to get my skills up on the keys fosure im sure it wont hurt if u can play abit as a hiphop producer. anyone can recomend something in the 88 key range?

[QUOTE] im sure it wont hurt if u can play abit as a hiphop producer[/QUOTE] I wish all the HIP HOP button pushers would think like you...It's so funny that people make music these day's and cant play ANY instrument..thats why it all sucks !!

[TsunboRecords]

im sure it wont hurt if u can play abit as a hiphop producer[/QUOTE] I wish all the HIP HOP button pushers would think like you...It's so funny that people make music these day's and cant play ANY instrument..thats why it all sucks !!

lol this is sooo true. One of the main reason I started learning how to properly play, after seeing a lot of peeps not being able to even lay down basic chords one-handed!

To the OP, are you gonna teach yourself how to play or get a few lessons to get you started?

[lospat123]

Originally Posted by TsunboRecords

lol this is sooo true. One of the main reason I started learning how to properly play, after seeing a lot of peeps not being able to even lay down basic chords one-handed!

To the OP, are you gonna teach yourself how to play or get a few lessons to get you started?

i saw a vid of just blaze on the keys he was just bad, not that he needs it.. ill try and find the vid and post it here. i will never find it now i hate when that happens haha