88- Key Keyboard Advice

[GetUpfortheDown]

Hi all-

I've owned a Fantom X8 for the past 5 or so years, but recently it's been malfunctioning. I've troubleshooted everything I possibly could, and I've even had a 3rd party repair service here in LA take a look. Unfortunately, the problem isn't with the hard drives (which would be a relatively cheap and easy fix), so I've started looking at a replacement keyboard. I don't need advice on how to repair my old X8, I've already decided on getting something new. A change of pace & workflow has also influenced my decision to try something new.

Obviously I've looked at the XS8, the G8, the M3, even the 88-key nord stage, and I want to see what you guys think before I make a purchase. I plan on visiting the GC out here to demo anything before I commit that much $$$ on a new board, but any advice would be much appreciated.

I used the X8 for three things basically:

1. As a hammer action controller (I'm a piano player, the hammer action is a must. I have an axiom and a nord electro in the way of semi- weighted)

2. For the synth engine. Whatever replaces my X8 will be used for its synthesis. I mainly do hiphop/ pop/ electro-funk

3. For the "natural instrument" samples. Though many of the samples on the X8 weren't usable, I still used the grand piano and EP sounds, as well as many other misc. samples. I'm aware that Roland has recycled most of the sounds from the X8 onto the G8... is this correct?

Thanks in advance

[GetUpfortheDown]

I've also looked at the 88-key M3 paired with a radias. Anyone try that?

[100th Monkey]

One of the best feeling hammer action keyboards is the Doepfer LMK4+, but it's only a controller and doesn't have a synth engine:

a n a l o g u e h a v e n

[Jazzystu]

Being a modern pianist, I'm there with what you expect.

I've had all the kit that a Nord Stage emulates.

It does it very very very well.

I have an EX88 and the more I play it, the more amazing I realise it is They aren't expensive, they are a good price for what they do.

I was a bit sick blowing such a lot of money on a keyboard, but the old kit I've humped around hammond/rhodes/clav/wurly/moog/etc seemed overpriced for what it was. This is a truly sensible buy, for the studio or the stage.

[phillysoulman]

Roland A 90

[Delacroix340]

I like the Yamaha Motif line.

[miscend]

Originally Posted by 100th Monkey

One of the best feeling hammer action keyboards is the Doepfer LMK4+, but it's only a controller and doesn't have a synth engine:

a n a l o g u e h a v e n

I'm hope its not same stock Fatar keyboard that everyone uses