I want to surprise my husband with a new keyboard, but I don't which one to choose. He plays for various choirs in our community. He sometimes plays with groups and sometimes he plays solo. I want the best keyboard for my money and for the type of music that he plays.

What a great wife you are! Almost as good as mine.
I would thank an arranger keyboard would be good, since he does some solo work. It would be helpful if you describe the type of music that he does, whether he uses midi files, MP3s, or plays everything live, and whether he is a traditional piano player or is used to the lighter keyboard touch.
Fortunately, there are many great choices right now. It is almost universally agreed that the two arrangers giving most bang for the buck are Yamaha PSR3000 at around $1400. and Casio WK3500, at around $400.
DonM

He plays traditional and contemporary gospel. Mostly traditional.

MUSICIAN'S WIFE:

What a great present, But here's my suggestion to ponder. Picking a keyboard is sorta like picking a Wife many varities and many things to look for in one, I would suggest you give him a cashiers check, and a few brochure's from a keyboard store.(To show him what its for.) This will let him get exactly what he wants, and he can shop for the best prices around. This way its his choice and like the wife thing Its a relationship with him and the keyboard.

Merry Christmas.....Pose

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Cheers....Pose

There is absolutely no way you can go wrong with the Yamaha Motif ES. With that said, how many keys does he need? The key feel and action of the 88 key ES 88 is marvelous.

Even if he doesn't like it, the resale value on the Motif is so great because it is in such high demand.

Hope this helps.....

Merry Christmas and could you please call my wife and have a chat with her on how she can become such a wonderful wife such as yourself!!!! LOL

Hi Musicianswife,
I'd like to second what loungelyzard said. I'd be reading into your posts by thinking he needs 88 weighted keys. If that's the case; An Yamaha Motif ES8 is everything a person could need but it's not light. It's a beast to lug around. I have the ES7 (76 semi-weighted keys) and it's a beast I can only imagine the ES8.

If he's playing mainly piano and needs to tote it around, take a look into what is called "stage pianos". Yamaha, Korg, Roland, etc.. they all make them.

But again back to what loungelyzard said... There's so many different type of keyboards out there.

To name some types;
analog synths
B3 clones
performance synths
workstations
arranger keyboards
digital pianos
stage pianos

It's a really tough call and everyone is looking for something a little different. Best wishes to you and Merry "Christ"mas

Bob
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Does he have a keyboard now and if so what is the model number?
Starkeeper

He currently has a Roland and a Yamaha.
They are both older models, but he definately likes the sound quality of the Roland best.

Hmmm....probably gift certificate (at guitar center) is better? I don't know...keyboard is a bit subjective.

Really nice gesture though

I'd like to offer some help.

I own a music store in Baltimore,1-866-348- 8876 ask for Dan.


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Ketron, Yamaha, Casio,Roland arranger keyboards.
http://www.keyboardcity.net

1-866-348-8876

Can you get the model numbers? That would help us to help you. We might suggest an updated version of his current keyboard.
Starkeeper


[This message has been edited by Starkeeper (edited 12-15-2004).]

My wife gave me a keyboard 3 years ago, I think, although I told her which one I wanted (Roland EM20). I can't remember having a nicer christmas.
If your husband is a typical male, he would prefer to have a toy then clothes. I know clothes are practical, but....
Getting a new keyboard on chrismas day!! Wow. I know what I would be thinking. She must really love me.
Starkeeper

Call DanO. He's been with us a LONG time and is absolutely trustworthy, as is George Kaye.
DonM

Or....... just buy my G1000!

for the new price that UD want it's hard to say no.great 76 keys,direct disk play,style writing for 500$.anyone who wants a KB for that price I strongly recommand UD's G(you don't have a choice -all exr3,psr 550,450,dgx stuff are mostly made for home players

I went with my gut and chose the Roland Fantom. He loves it. Thanks for all of your help.

Good choice with the Fantom, that is my favorite. But whatever you would have chosen, how could he not be thrilled!? That was most generous of you!

Phil