About to buy a new keyboard
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Posted on Jun 09, 2007 11:20 pm
Reveirg
Member Since: Sep 24, 2006
I need some help to choose a new keyboard. It's mostly to do studio work, but I might occasionaly do some live shows with it. I already got a Roland E-86 (quite old, I know >_>), which I mostly use as a MIDI controller, or through a Line 6 POD to make distorted piano sounds. I'm not looking for something like a workstation since I'm already set up with my computer to record (Cubase SX and a bunch of plug-ins). I'm looking mostly for good ambient sounds (nice strings and pads) and good electronic lead sounds. The kind of music I make is something between Indie Rock and Prog Rock. I'm looking around the 500-700$ price range.
I've been looking around, and I've found some interesting keyboards like the Roland SH-201 or the Korg X50, but I'm not sure they're the best for what I'd like to do.
Thanks :)
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Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jun 10, 2007 12:51 am Do you want a full on synth type keyboard, or are you looking for a controller type to use with software synths on the PC? It looks as though you want a full on synth.
Are you more interested in kind of an all bases covered type synth or something a little more directed at rock and prog rack?
Jun 10, 2007 01:37 am I'm already using my actual keyboard as a MIDI controller, so I'm really looking for a stand-alone synthetiser. And yes, I'm more looking towards something for prog rock, either an analogue synth or something that can sound like old vintage keyboards.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jun 10, 2007 02:31 pm Gotcha, I'll shoot a few recommendations up in a little while here. I have some errands to run and then I'll give you a few to choose from. I'll put up a couple of each type. Analog modeling and pure analog. Although the pure analog types are a bit more pricey I think there are a couple well within your price range.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jun 10, 2007 02:32 pm I got a Juno-D awhile ago, and am pretty happy with it. I got a few bum ones at first, but this one now is working well (one was replaced, then one fixed, keyboard issues).
It's got a ton of sounds, and editable synths and such on it, and has gotten a fair amount of good press when I was researching it.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jun 10, 2007 03:54 pm Yep, the Juno-D is a good choice as are several from Korg and Alesis. Here are a couple pages with some choices, some more expensive then others.
www.homerecordingconnecti...ct+Synthesizers
www.homerecordingconnecti...ey+Synthesizers
You might actually like the Novation X series as well. They are directed exactly at what you are looking for. There are a couple models in the compact as well as 61 key versions. But the 49 key is probably more in you price range.
Jun 11, 2007 12:58 am I don't know what used Moog synths go for on eBay, but they make some great sounding stuff
Jun 11, 2007 01:53 pm The Juno-D does look interesting. However, is it more of a general keyboard to imitate sounds like piano, guitar, etc.? I'm looking for something that will really open up my possibilities, something with a big variety of pads, synth leads, possibly mellotron sounds too.
I was looking at the Roland SH-201 and found it pretty interesting, what do you think?
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jun 11, 2007 01:58 pm Yeah, I concur. Juno-D is entry level, probably not all what you're looking for.
My help is exhausted =). Good luck.
Jun 11, 2007 04:41 pm SH-201 sounds fantastic. I have a Fantom X8 and I would pick one up... Awesome product.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jun 11, 2007 10:51 pm Oh no, the Juno D is much more then just your conventional sounds. It does indeed contain a good deal of past and present Roland sounds. Its not a general midi synth if that is what your thinking.
As for the Moog, good thought but they are not the cats meow when it comes to playing live and switching out patches readily. And the pads are not easily used in the type of music he is heading for. Very good for lead stuff though.
You may want to look toward a used Kurzweil then. Or a Korg Triton would fit the bill to a T. Even used they are going to push your budget though.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jun 12, 2007 08:53 pm The HS-201 is a good step up from the Juno D. In fact that one might be something more along the lines of what would work for you. I have only played one for a short time and didn't get to check out all the programming and such but it did have some great sounds. Be aware that Roland synths are sometimes pretty heavy to edit the sound with, but if your willing to learn or just use the stock patches it is a very good synth.
RunicenDuke of Stewed PrunesMember
Since: Jun 01, 2007
Jun 13, 2007 03:48 am www.musiciansfriend.com/p...izer?sku=700813
I've only played with one of these in my local Guitar Center (please forgive me), but they seem like pretty sweet toys. They're light as all get out AND they have a USB out that'll send straight audio data directly to any computer you'd care to have it interface with. Additionally, the sounds were pretty sweet and there's a built in arpeggiator if that's a feature that'd be of interest.
Good luck in your search, in any event!
Jun 13, 2007 12:32 pm i'm in love with the Korg Karma....we had one come through my parents store once (used) and it's one i've got my eye on now....espicially for synthy paddy stuff.....LUSH!
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jun 13, 2007 08:58 pm WYD, the Karma is indeed a good one. Definitely worth looking for a used one.
Jun 15, 2007 09:05 pm I finally made my choice and it's gonna be the SH-201 after all. I'm going by the store monday to get it. Thanks for all the tips and I'll get back with my impressions on the synth next week!
Jun 19, 2007 01:15 am Well, I've finally got my SH-201 and got a couple of hours to play with it. The sounds are fantastic, there is a very vast number of ways to alter the sound, I can really control everything. The lead sounds and the pads are incredible. Definitely a good buy if you're looking for an affordable keyboard with great analog-like sounds!
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jun 20, 2007 10:16 pm Glad your liking it then. They get rated pretty well in most reviews also.
