76 keys stage keyboard

[Quaro]

Hi everybody,
I'm looking for a 76 keyboard to use on stage. I would need mainly classical sounds like strings, piano and pad synths. The 2 main aspects I'm looking for are an easy way to group / switch sounds, and not too much weight. I have a max budget of $1000, but I can consider a second hand keyboard in case. Any advice? Thanks!

 

[happyrat1]

Roland Juno DS76....

Roland JUNO-DS76 Synthesizer

Buy Roland JUNO-DS76 Synthesizer featuring Lightweight, Runs on 8 AA Batteries, Play Backing Tracks from USB Memory, Microphone Input with Reverb Effects, Real-Time Sound Control Knobs, Large LCD Display, On-Board Rhythm Patterns. Review Roland JUNO-DS76

www.bhphotovideo.com

Meets all your needs and fits your budget.

It's been around a few years now so you might find a great deal on a used one.

Gary

 

[Quaro]

Roland Juno DS76....

Roland JUNO-DS76 Synthesizer

Buy Roland JUNO-DS76 Synthesizer featuring Lightweight, Runs on 8 AA Batteries, Play Backing Tracks from USB Memory, Microphone Input with Reverb Effects, Real-Time Sound Control Knobs, Large LCD Display, On-Board Rhythm Patterns. Review Roland JUNO-DS76

www.bhphotovideo.com

Meets all your needs and fits your budget.

It's been around a few years now so you might find a great deal on a used one.

Gary

Thank you Gary, I'll take a look at this!

 

[ClassicalMan]

Hi everybody,
I'm looking for a 76 keyboard to use on stage. I would need mainly classical sounds like strings, piano and pad synths. The 2 main aspects I'm looking for are an easy way to group / switch sounds, and not too much weight. I have a max budget of $1000, but I can consider a second hand keyboard in case. Any advice? Thanks!

Wow, so am I and expressly for classical. What are you going to use it for?

 

[Davegrahamlive]

Hi everybody,
I'm looking for a 76 keyboard to use on stage. I would need mainly classical sounds like strings, piano and pad synths. The 2 main aspects I'm looking for are an easy way to group / switch sounds, and not too much weight. I have a max budget of $1000, but I can consider a second hand keyboard in case. Any advice? Thanks!

I just upgraded my Triton le 76 keys and would recommend it for not just great sounds, but it’s pretty lightweight for 76 keys. Good luck
Dave

 

[jetgraphics]

If you're in the market for a one-man-band style keyboard, this model *$699* seems to be the "hot one." Compares favorably with $2000+ competitors.
. . . .
I've only watched videos about it, but they're mostly positive.
. . . .
Few American dealers carry it. Don't know why. Supplies could be short, due to COVID-19.
https://www.jimlaabsmusicstore.com/store/medeli-akx10-keyboard/

Jeremy See's video is super upbeat

Medeli's intro (short)

. . . .
. . . .
Of course, the budget mode for digital music production is to get a decent MIDI controller that will interface with your computer (desktop or laptop).
One of the better configurations is the Novation Impulse 61 (matching the number of keys on the Medeli) $399
https://www.amazon.com/Novation-AMS-IMPULSE-61-Impulse-Adjustable-Keyboard/dp/B07HD17WGS/
It has a lot of features for controlling a digital audio workstation (DAW), including transport controls.
Another option is to get an 88 key, hammer action MIDI controller to drive your DAW. That's one way to get "classical" feel & modern tones on a budget.
. . . . .
What the extra $300 for the Medeli delivers is the internal computer sound engine, stereo amp & speakers, and super customizable controls (and colored lamps). . . .and the touch screen system that makes it intuitive to control.
. . . . .
ALTERNATIVES
The cheapest are the Casio Workstation Series (WK6600, WK7600, and earlier)... $450 and down.
https://www.casio.com/products/electronic-musical-instruments/workstation-keyboards/wk-7600

It gives you a baseline to compare others.

The sad truth is that any computerized keyboard you buy goes obsolete within 6 months, as the technology advances. So many musicians are just buying MIDI controllers, and using their computers and software updates to keep current.

 

[ClassicalMan]

Hi everybody,
I'm looking for a 76 keyboard to use on stage. I would need mainly classical sounds like strings, piano and pad synths. The 2 main aspects I'm looking for are an easy way to group / switch sounds, and not too much weight. I have a max budget of $1000, but I can consider a second hand keyboard in case. Any advice? Thanks!

If you're planning to use it for MIDI, check whether a particular keyboard is "class compliant" -- a popular Yamaha was a big disappointment in this dept. Are internal speakers optional in your work?

 

[jetgraphics]

Now, for something “off the wall”....
You have a tight budget, but want monster tone (plenty of sample memory), 76-88 keys, great interface with a DAW / laptop, portability, and can be a one-man-band, in small venues.
. . . . . . .
[insert your existing laptop here] + [DAW software]
[Donner DMK-25 MIDI keyboard controller]
Suspended around your [insert main keyboard here]
. . . . . .
FAT TOAD DUAL LAPTOP STAND $41

Double DJ Laptop Stand by FAT TOAD - 2 Tier PC Table Holder - Portable Computer Clamp Equipment Rack with Duel Mounts for Studio Mixers, Controllers

Buy a Double Laptop Stand by Fat Toad which saves space and secures your DJ gear and adjusts your changing needs. Learn how now. | GeekStands.com

geekstands.com

(I have one and highly recommend it. It’s HEAVY iron, mon.)
[Buy direct saves on sales tax, thus cheaper than Amazoon]

DMK-25

Donner DMK-25 MIDI Keyboard Controller 25-Key Light and Portable White - Donner Musical instrument

$99.99

www.donnerdeal.com

[Donner runs sales and discounts. A few months back it was down to $95, free shipping]
Basically, you’re using this to augment the lack of DAW controls on your main keyboard.

12 best free DAWs

The 12 Best Free DAWs to Create Music in 2024

Get the best free DAW app to start creating music right away. From lite editions to full recording software here are the best options.

blog.landr.com

Free VST plug ins

The 250 Best Free VST Plugins Ever [2024 Update]

Get the 250 best free VST plugins ever made. From synth VSTs and drum VSTs to VST effects, this huge list has only the best of the best plugins.

blog.landr.com

Free DX7 emulator

Not free, but if you’re a budding composer in need of an orchestra
Garritan Personal Orchestra

 

[Biggles]

If you're in the market for a one-man-band style keyboard, this model *$699* seems to be the "hot one." Compares favorably with $2000+ competitors.
. . . .
I've only watched videos about it, but they're mostly positive.
. . . .
Few American dealers carry it. Don't know why. Supplies could be short, due to COVID-19.
https://www.jimlaabsmusicstore.com/store/medeli-akx10-keyboard/

Jeremy See's video is super upbeat

Medeli's intro (short)

. . . .
. . . .
Of course, the budget mode for digital music production is to get a decent MIDI controller that will interface with your computer (desktop or laptop).
One of the better configurations is the Novation Impulse 61 (matching the number of keys on the Medeli) $399
https://www.amazon.com/Novation-AMS-IMPULSE-61-Impulse-Adjustable-Keyboard/dp/B07HD17WGS/
It has a lot of features for controlling a digital audio workstation (DAW), including transport controls.
Another option is to get an 88 key, hammer action MIDI controller to drive your DAW. That's one way to get "classical" feel & modern tones on a budget.
. . . . .
What the extra $300 for the Medeli delivers is the internal computer sound engine, stereo amp & speakers, and super customizable controls (and colored lamps). . . .and the touch screen system that makes it intuitive to control.
. . . . .
ALTERNATIVES
The cheapest are the Casio Workstation Series (WK6600, WK7600, and earlier)... $450 and down.
https://www.casio.com/products/electronic-musical-instruments/workstation-keyboards/wk-7600

It gives you a baseline to compare others.

The sad truth is that any computerized keyboard you buy goes obsolete within 6 months, as the technology advances. So many musicians are just buying MIDI controllers, and using their computers and software updates to keep current.

Only 61 keys

The Op wants 76 so the Juno Gary suggests is by far the best choice for its intended use.

 

[jetgraphics]

Only 61 keys

The Op wants 76 so the Juno Gary suggests is by far the best choice for its intended use.

I suggested it, because of the impressive features for the price. Frankly, I complained to the company that they should offer a 76 key version (or even an 88 key version).
Check out the manual for more details:

MEDELI AKX10 OWNER'S MANUAL Pdf Download

View and Download Medeli AKX10 owner's manual online. Accompaniment Keyboard. AKX10 keyboard pdf manual download.

www.manualslib.com

 

[Eli_Kyiv]

If your budget is a little tight, Roland JUNO-STAGE is a cheaper alternative to Roland JUNO DS-76. Not that much cheaper though...
Korg Triton LE 76 or Korg TR 76 are not bad as well, and could be even cheaper sometimes, but they are older.

 

[anotherscott]

Hi everybody,
I'm looking for a 76 keyboard to use on stage. I would need mainly classical sounds like strings, piano and pad synths. The 2 main aspects I'm looking for are an easy way to group / switch sounds, and not too much weight. I have a max budget of $1000, but I can consider a second hand keyboard in case. Any advice? Thanks!

I agree with Gary... in a new board under $1k, Juno DS76 would be my board of choice here. If you want something cheaper, maybe a used Kurzweil SP4-7.