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whyrichard

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Aug 15, 2002
1,695
4
Hey,

I'm just getting into recording and mixing loops in garage band, so i want to get a keyboard of some kind to do 'live' tracks with software instruments...

what keyboard do you guys recommend for a beginner? something expressive, but not hugely expensive or big...


thanks,

r.
 

whyrichard

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Aug 15, 2002
1,695
4
that seems like a good keyboard, but now that i think of it i may want a fuller sized keyboard becuase besides mixing loops, i've always wanted to pick up the piano again!

what would be a good one for both?

thanks,

r.
 

newuser2310

macrumors regular
Feb 16, 2010
195
2
that seems like a good keyboard, but now that i think of it i may want a fuller sized keyboard becuase besides mixing loops, i've always wanted to pick up the piano again!

what would be a good one for both?

thanks,

r.

The Maudio oxygen series comes in 3 different sizes 25 key, 49 and 61.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUEW6p0U97I

Its only a controller though and makes no sound by itself.

So you may want to look at keyboard synthesizers/controllers/workstations instead as they make actual sounds since your keen to play the piano. These can be rather expensive though.

Also make sure the keyboard has weighted keys if possible, so its more like a piano and not like a fisher price toy.

check these out

http://www.sweetwater.com/shop/keyboards/keyboard-controllers/buying-guide.php

http://www.tweakheadz.com/tips_on_buying_a_keyboard.html
 

ChrisA

macrumors G5
Jan 5, 2006
12,540
1,653
Redondo Beach, California
that seems like a good keyboard, but now that i think of it i may want a fuller sized keyboard becuase besides mixing loops, i've always wanted to pick up the piano again!
r.


Piano is a different thing. For that you really do need a weighted hammer action keyboard. OK a beginner will just be learning where the notes are but soon, in months, you will be wanting to control dynamics and need a key action with a good feel. Pianos are percusive, the hammers strke the strings.

You should ask this question on a piano forum. A good one is
http://www.pianoworld.com But when you ask, do provide details about your goal and level of playing ability

Good digital paino keyborda start at about 500. there is the Casio PX130 and the new Korg SP170.
 

Liquorpuki

macrumors 68020
Jun 18, 2009
2,286
8
City of Angels
Look up 88 key graded weighted keyboards and controllers. I use a KX8 controller when I want a piano feel

Weighted = keys have weight (mimicking hammer action)
Graded = keys have more weight in the bass end than the treble end (like a grand piano)
 

Arrandale

macrumors regular
Feb 24, 2010
166
1
m-audio makes excellent midi controllers

if you're looking for a synth that also has its own sound engine, go for the korg m50. it's excellent, light and cheap and has AMAZING pro quality sounds out of the box
 
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