88 key midi controllers (suggestions)

Posted by: squeak_D

88 key midi controllers (suggestions) - 01/07/04 09:15 AM

Any suggestions for a decent 88 key weighted controller? Lately I find that when I play my PSR-550 and use the piano voice I'll often octave shift down 1 so that I have the entire lower register. The 550's piano isn't that bad, and I think would respond well using an 88 key controller. I've looked on line, and I'm shocked at how much some of the controllers are... Hell some were more than my 550.. That's a huge price to pay just for a set of keys. Any suggestions?

Squeak
Posted by: cassp

Re: 88 key midi controllers (suggestions) - 01/07/04 09:37 AM

A quick click of the banner at the top of the page and voila, a Studiologic 88 for $399. Good, simple board.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=...ase_pid/708344/
Posted by: Scottyee

Re: 88 key midi controllers (suggestions) - 01/07/04 09:42 AM

Hi Squeak: If it's an economical, ultra lightweight (13.5 lbs)/small (50" x 9" x 3.1") as possible 88 note controller you're looking for, I recommend checking out the new Fatar StudioLogic TMK88 (street price $299):
http://www.musiciansbuy.com/studiologic_tmk88_controller.html

It received quite a favorable review in the Jan 2004 issue of Keyboard magazine. The only drawback is that it doesn't include a pitch bend wheel.- Scott
Posted by: squeak_D

Re: 88 key midi controllers (suggestions) - 01/07/04 09:59 AM

Scott,
I've actually been looking at that one It seems like a great deal too. I wouldn't really miss the pitchbend wheel. Here's another question. If I use a midi controller will it serve only as a playing keyboard? What I mean is would I be able to use that keyboard while doing other functions such as recording?

Squeak
Posted by: Starkeeper

Re: 88 key midi controllers (suggestions) - 01/07/04 10:58 AM

Squeak_D,
Have you tried the Casio WK3500 yet? It looks like it could be a serious challenger to the PSR550. It has 76 full size keys. Instead of buying a controller, you could just replace the PSR550. You might not be interested because it only has a 6 track recorder. I will try to demo one tomorrow.
Starkeeper

[This message has been edited by Starkeeper (edited 01-07-2004).]
Posted by: squeak_D

Re: 88 key midi controllers (suggestions) - 01/07/04 11:04 AM

Starkeeper, Nope haven't had the chance to try the new Casio's yet. It's nice that it has 76 keys, but I'm lookng for something that's weighted. Yes 6 tracks wouldn't be enough for me. I have to have 16 tracks. I feel so limited when recording songs on keyboards that only record 6 tracks and have no loop options in either the standard recorder or style recorder. Plus the WK doesn't have a style recorder like the 550. Let me know what you think of it too. I used to own the MZ-2000 so I pretty much have a good idea what the WK's sound like..

Squeak
Posted by: cassp

Re: 88 key midi controllers (suggestions) - 01/07/04 01:49 PM

Forgot about the TMK88, but that's a good possibility too - doesn't have hammer weighted keys, just a tight semi-weighted. I could use that -

As far as other uses, I'd say yes, as much as you are willing to commit to the learning curve of midi commands.
Posted by: squeak_D

Re: 88 key midi controllers (suggestions) - 01/07/04 01:58 PM

A stiff semi-weight would be nice. That way I could still use the controller to record drums. Personally I don't attempt to do drums on any keybed that's above semi-weighted.. My old Roland XP-60 had semi-weighted keys, and they were awsome. I don't see why they just don't make that an option on all keyboards.. It's not hard to do.. Hell Roland just glued small rectangular metal plates under the keys... If you looked under them you could see them quite well. The PSR's would greatly benefit from semi-weighted keys..


Squeak
Posted by: to the genesys

Re: 88 key midi controllers (suggestions) - 01/07/04 03:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by cassp:
Forgot about the TMK88, but that's a good possibility too - doesn't have hammer weighted keys, just a tight semi-weighted. I could use that -

As far as other uses, I'd say yes, as much as you are willing to commit to the learning curve of midi commands.


Does the TMK come in a 76 size? What about pitch bend. The world of midi controllers and using them with modules and softsynth seemes very economical to me. Are there any down sides to such a set up? Thanks
Posted by: cassp

Re: 88 key midi controllers (suggestions) - 01/07/04 08:22 PM

For a 76-key controller there are several from various manufacturers. You might want to take a look at Evolution or Roland
http://www.musiciansbuy.com/roland_a37_76_key_controller.html
Posted by: to the genesys

Re: 88 key midi controllers (suggestions) - 01/08/04 08:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by cassp:
For a 76-key controller there are several from various manufacturers. You might want to take a look at Evolution or Roland
http://www.musiciansbuy.com/roland_a37_76_key_controller.html


thanks I will do that.