First Keyboard, Uncertain on Type

[Zatsu]

I'm going to be getting my first keyboard soon, but even after reading Skipp's articles I'm still very uncertain on which type of keyboard is right for me.

I have minimal piano experience, but not enough to effect my choice. I'm interested in creating a large range of musical styles, (I'd like to emphasize this part, there's not many genres I wouldn't be interested in playing) however above everything else I'm most interested in synth orchestral fusions. I'd really like to be able to create my own sounds as well, but my main interest is in making full songs on my own. I have a maximum budget of around $800 CAD. So which type of keyboard is right for me? It seems like every type has some features I want, and lacks others. I've considered just going MIDI, but I would much prefer hardware to software.

 

[Skipp]

The start of your decision should be easy:

Do you want to create songs from scratch (workstations)- or play along with some preset
styles and record that (arrangers).

After that - it should be easy

 

[Zatsu]

A workstation it is then, thanks! I just wish the local store had more models for me to test before buying. Is there even any good options for workstations in a $800 budget?

 

[Burn4Him]

I just found a motif es6 for $800 on craigslist! picked it up monday!

 

[Skipp]

A workstation it is then, thanks! I just wish the local store had more models for me to test before buying. Is there even any good options for workstations in a $800 budget?

Hmm... New? Korg X50 (no sequencer), Korg TR61 (maybe), Yamaha MM6 (more of a hybrid then a workstation).

Used... well - a lot. Tritons, TRs, Motifs (Classic, and maybe even an ES), Fantom (classic... maybe even the X, but no so sure about that)

I just found a motif es6 for $800 on craigslist! picked it up monday!

Gratz! Great deal!

 

[demarren]

A great workstation is the yamaha Psr-S550
It is new and have 16 track recording.
Now I am not sure if it do step recording,but it can record one track at a time.
Untill you fill up 16 tracks.
It is around $700 brand new.
There is also an roland thad can do the same,but its cost $150 more.
It is also great in sound.