Hi guys, I was first interested in getting myself a synthesizer and in the end decided upon getting a Korg microKorg XL. But then thinking back to my previous experience with my bass guitar I think it would be best for me to learn the theory behind the instrument. With the bass I ended up getting really good at playing tabbed music, but when it came to reading bass line music, I could read the notes but had to work a heck of a lot to figure out where they go on the fretboard. SO I figure it would be best for me to get a MIDI keyboard which I can use to learn the piano properly and then transfer the skills gained across to playing synth parts, Getting a reasonably 'long' keyboard would also allow me to extend the range on the miniature microKorg plus have fullsize keys. I've been looking at the M-Audio Keystation 88es. I know some people say yeah its good value for money but can anyone tell me if it would be any good to learn with? I'd say £200 is the most id want to pay to kick off with but I'd be willing to go a little higher if it had good features like hammer action. I do like the idea of having the whole range of an 88 key board, but if I could get a 61 key cheaper with better features then I'd certainly consider it! TL;DR, Enjoy music as a hobby, I want a midi keyboard costing about £200 for me to learn piano on but be able to transfer for use with a synth. Any help is greatly appreciated Cheers Lewis P.S. Ive got a super speedy laptop that I'd have no trouble installing DAW software etc. on
Sorry Lewis, You want a Mercedes for the price of a second hand Volkswagen. (Like we all do in fact) For 200 Pounds or a little more you can't get much more than a basic keyboard if we are talking about NEW.. Hammer action and a full keypad 76 or 88 keys? think about minimal 3 times as much money. Have a look on EBay, some people picked up a real good one for little money. DickR
I thought as much, the 88es did seem cheap in comparison to all the others the cheapest hammer keyboard I could find was the m-audio pro keys 88, and a few reviewers didnt have a good word to say about it. I'm just going to get the 88es, I suppose its a reasonable first keyboard and if I do end up playing more seriously, then I could easily sell it and put it towards getting something better, people still seem to eat them up on ebay Thanks for replying though Lewis
Good luck Lewis, Before you do, have a good look at the latest Casio keyboards. For the money they are great and they have a LOT that other brands only have in the far more expensive range! Don't see them as toys because they are not.
