Help me pick my next gigging keyboard!

[stinkfoot70]

I'd put my budget at $1500. At least initially until I research more and see what you get for what price.

Less weight would be nice, but if I'm giving up too much quality of touch (as many of you are suggesting), then looking for something lighter will be thrown out the window. Sounding badass is far more important than a more comfortable loading in. But I've lugged this keyboard into many pain in the ass places, so asking about lighter was worth a shot

 

[anotherscott]

At $1500, if you could put up with something just a little heavier than your Kawai, I'd also look at the Yamaha CK88 at just under 29 lbs. Same as the CK61 I mentioned earlier, but with 88 hammer action keys instead of 61 non-hammer keys. So it will feel closer to your Kawai, though probably not as good.

 

[amwilburn]

I'd second that, the CK88 is an easy to use, versatile, light, live stage board with weighted keys that won't break the bank or your back.

Although without knowing where you are, $1500 is a bit imprecise; it's $1999 in CAD, and about the same in AUD.

If you don't need many sounds, just nice keys and lightweight, I'd also look at the Casio PXS5000.
Conversely, if you can live with slightly spongier keys, the Roland RD88/RD88ex sounds amazing (esp the piano... but not so much the acoustic guitars or pipe organs), and at the same price point as well.

Mark

 

[stinkfoot70]

I'm in Colorado, US and the CK88 is in fact exactly $1500 here. Thank you everyone for helping me with this starter list!

 

[Biggles]

A different tack.

Forget hammer action and at least try a few workstations.

The main benefit is that a keyboard like the Roland Fantom 07 or 06 is that they are way lighter than the tree trunk you are currently lugging around. 13.25 lbs for the 06 and 14.4 lbs for the 07.

I know you have been recommended the Yamaha MODX and do try one, the do have great acoustic piano sounds, but the menu system sucks and the strings and brass sound strained and harsh (Think James Last Orchestra, yep that harsh).

Also checkout a Numa Compact X SE which has 88 semi weighted keys, is very light at 15.4 lbs. Has 148 inbuilt sounds and actual organ Drawbars to get precisely the tone you want. Even has onboard speakers and 2x10W amps, all for about $1000.

Good luck on your quest.

 

[amwilburn]

I do agree with Biggles on trying the Fantom07/08 or JunoD7/D8 (even the 88's are pretty compact) and the piano, e pianos, Hammond organs, polysynths and synth pads are quite good. But I strongly disagree with the Modx sounding strained; to each his own, of course, but I love the Modx/Montage/Genos2 strings and brass (and pipe organ, which the Rolands are also weak in), especially the new trumpet ensembles on the G2.

Although I *will concede* the new Filmharmonic voice on the G2 *is* too shrill without shaving some of the attack/harmonics off; I use it in my youtube videos, but shave off some of the attack. And yes, I've tried the Epic String packs (and they are great for slow strings) but generally don't find the need to use those voices.

But that's besides the point; despite me (and others) loving the sound library of the Modx, the Fantoms/Junos *are* more compact, and if you care mainly about piano, electric piano, rock organ, poly synths? They're a *great* choice for that. And the Numa Compact is a really nice, light choice, too!

I had to google James Last orchestra.... and yup, I like that sound! Although mainly I'm a fan of John Williams, John Powell, John Barry, Monty Norman, Hans Zimmer, Hans Harold Faltermeyer, Ludwig Göransson... parents, name your kids John, Hans, or Ludwig, and there's a chance they'll excel in orchestral scoring!

Here's my obligatory self plug "Top Gun Maverick Medley" on Genos 2 video to defend the Yamaha brass & string sounds:

Mark

 

[stinkfoot70]

I will consider! Nice demo. Orchestral not my style but it is nice to bust out an Autumn Leaves on a strings patch every once in a while!

 

[anotherscott]

The main benefit is that a keyboard like the Roland Fantom 07 or 06 is that they are way lighter than the tree trunk you are currently lugging around. 13.25 lbs for the 06 and 14.4 lbs for the 07.

I know you have been recommended the Yamaha MODX and do try one, the do have great acoustic piano sounds, but the menu system sucks and the strings and brass sound strained and harsh

I do agree with Biggles on trying the Fantom07/08 or JunoD7/D8 (even the 88's are pretty compact) and the piano, e pianos, Hammond organs, polysynths and synth pads are quite good. But I strongly disagree with the Modx sounding strained; to each his own, of course, but I love the Modx/Montage/Genos2 strings and brass
...
But that's besides the point; despite me (and others) loving the sound library of the Modx, the Fantoms/Junos *are* more compact, and if you care mainly about piano, electric piano, rock organ, poly synths? They're a *great* choice for that.

The reason I didn't mention Fantom-07 when I mentioned MODX+ is that I really don't like the Fantom-07 for pianos/EPs, which is the main need, so I disagree with you guys on that one (though of course there is always some subjectivity to these things). Part of it is the unweighted (not even semiweighted) keyboard. I'd say it feels closer to a Juno DS61 or Korg Kross 61 than it does to a MODX6/7. Not just no weight at all, but also uneven response from front to back, and more pushback than I'd like. And it's not just the action, I think the MODX piano sounds better than Fantom-0 as well. I'd gig with a a MODX7 for piano (in fact, I did last night, using their free downloadable Bosendorfer add-on), while would not choose to gig with a Fantom-07 for piano. (And I own both.) I do think Fantom-07 is a great board... just not for pianos. (I think its predecessor, the FA-07, was actually better for piano.)

The OP also cares about organ, where Fantom-0 does beat MODX... but he's been okay with the organ in his Kawai ES110, and MODX is already way better than that, so I don't think that would be a limitation.

Strings and brass are not big concerns for the OP, but FWIW, I'm with amwilburn here, I think MODX mostly beats Fantom-0 on these sounds as well. In fact, for my own usage, even with editing the sounds, for my main string and brass sounds, I can't get the Fantom-0 to give me sounds I like as much as I what I get on the MODX out of the box. Roland's are not bad, but I still like Yamaha's better.

Fantom-0 clearly wins on VA synth, MODX on FM synth... but again, neither of these are big concerns for the situation at hand.

Interface is a mixed bag. Deeper editing is indeed easier on the Roland. But other things can go either way. But deep editing has not been mentioned as a goal here regardless.

 

[B3nuts]

Hi! I’m hoping to get some suggestions of what my next gigging keyboard should be.

My present gigging keyboard is a Kawaii ES110. I love that keyboard because it feels more like a piano than my piano. Also has plenty of outputs so easy to connect to different systems. Only has 19 voices but I’ve been fine with just the primary piano, Rhodes, Wurli, and Hammond B-3 sounds. I always felt Clav would’ve been nice but hasn’t been a deal breaker.

The reason I’m looking to move on is:
1) The keyboard is starting to get a bit finicky and it randomly plays a note (on a few central keys) excessively loud despite average strike pressure
2) It’s heavy, awkward and it’s been a beast to lug around the last 3 1/2 years.

My gigs are primarily:
1) A weekly duet with a stand-up bass player - playing jazz standards, playing heads, soloing - in a bar/restaurant- I just plug direct into a large speaker the restaurant provides
2) Sometimes I’ll play with a 5 piece jazz band - either in bars, restaurants, or a local park clamshell stage (I always just plug right into the mixing board on bigger gigs)
3) A 5 piece funk band where I play more of the Rhodes, Wurli, hammond sounds - this is typically outdoor bars, or more lawn local park stages (once again, I 1/4” directly into sound board)

What do I want? I’m not sure. I know I’d like something lighter and I think I can get away with less than 88 keys since I never play the upper register and I typically play with territorial bass player so he doesn’t let me anywhere near the bottom 2 or so octaves. Some more voices would be nice, but I’ve done fine with bare bones.

Why I’m asking: I live in the sticks so when I take a day trip down to the city, my time is always limited so it would be nice to have a few models in mind to target before I head down

Thanks!
Core

 

[B3nuts]

Hi! I’m hoping to get some suggestions of what my next gigging keyboard should be.

My present gigging keyboard is a Kawaii ES110. I love that keyboard because it feels more like a piano than my piano. Also has plenty of outputs so easy to connect to different systems. Only has 19 voices but I’ve been fine with just the primary piano, Rhodes, Wurli, and Hammond B-3 sounds. I always felt Clav would’ve been nice but hasn’t been a deal breaker.

The reason I’m looking to move on is:
1) The keyboard is starting to get a bit finicky and it randomly plays a note (on a few central keys) excessively loud despite average strike pressure
2) It’s heavy, awkward and it’s been a beast to lug around the last 3 1/2 years.

My gigs are primarily:
1) A weekly duet with a stand-up bass player - playing jazz standards, playing heads, soloing - in a bar/restaurant- I just plug direct into a large speaker the restaurant provides
2) Sometimes I’ll play with a 5 piece jazz band - either in bars, restaurants, or a local park clamshell stage (I always just plug right into the mixing board on bigger gigs)
3) A 5 piece funk band where I play more of the Rhodes, Wurli, hammond sounds - this is typically outdoor bars, or more lawn local park stages (once again, I 1/4” directly into sound board)

What do I want? I’m not sure. I know I’d like something lighter and I think I can get away with less than 88 keys since I never play the upper register and I typically play with territorial bass player so he doesn’t let me anywhere near the bottom 2 or so octaves. Some more voices would be nice, but I’ve done fine with bare bones.

Why I’m asking: I live in the sticks so when I take a day trip down to the city, my time is always limited so it would be nice to have a few models in mind to target before I head down

Thanks!
Core

May I suggest a couple of great very affordable options for you…the Roland VR-09, does everything very well in a 12 lb package, then I just bought the Yamaha MX 88, full 88 however comes in 61 as well, killer sounds , over 1100 of them…even the 88 with Grade Hammer Wood action comes in around 30lbs and 1200.00
Good luck on your journey!!!

 

[BleugrassBoy]

Another vote for the CKs
I’ve had mostly Yamahas and Korgs.
In 2023, for $2500 total I chose a couple of Yamahas - a CK88 and a CK61 w the same Live Sets saved on both to keep things simple.
Some gigs I only use the long 28lb CK88 w/ GHS.
Some gigs I only use the short 13lb CK61 w/ FSB.
But for some gigs I use both together w/ the CK61 live sets primarily for Organ/Synth/Brass parts and the CK88 live sets for my piano/epiano/strings/pads
The CK’s Sounds are sampled - but above average - more than serviceable for our gigs anyway
You may find one or the other or both worth considering.

 

[BrianT]

I have heard and continue to hear of Kawai issues similar to what you describe. It is one of the primary reasons I've not gotten an ES920 for a secondary gigging board. I just don't trust Kawai keyboards to hold up to heavy use, and I know I use keyboards pretty heavily / roughly.

The last keyboard I got was a Roland RD-2000, which I absolutely LOVE! It's probably way past your price point and it does have a pretty heavy action compared to some others. I happen to like the feel of it but I'm not sure I'd wanna play synth or organ type sounds on it, I'm 100% piano with occasional other voices added to it, also a jazz standards type genre most of the time.

I have a Casio PX-560 that I've used as a "throw it in the car for a quick rehearsal" type keyboard and it works pretty well. Not great sounds but OK. It's quite usable as a backup for the RD-2000 and has a few features that I like. I has built in speakers which do work, not great, but they work. It has a built in music desk, not very large, but minimally functional. And most of all, it's HALF the weight of my RD-2000. But it's getting older and has had a LOT of use and I've been contemplating updating.

On my radar at the moment... potentially a Casio PX-S6000. I don't want to go shorter on the keyboard because I really do use all 88 keys, would use more if it had 'em. Perfect, no. I wish it had a bit better key geometry / longer keystick as I do sometimes play farther back in the keys that some ever do. Not a huge deal but can be a bit tiring for a long gig. The RD-2000 can be tiring, too, if the monitors aren't turned up enough and I start pounding on the keys to hear myself, something I have to be mindful of. Oh, and a feature I have never needed yet but have wondered about is that the PX-S6000 can run on internal batteries. Lots of voices and what seem like decent sounds, potential to run VST's via MIDI as well.

There are lots of possibilities out there. Kinda have to decide what's most important to you and what you can compromise on and still have a keyboard that you like and works well for you.

Good luck! Hope you find just the right one for you.

 

[amwilburn]

RD2000 being 47 lbs isn't light, no. But the solid plastic & wood keys feel much better than hollow plastic keys, yup! And it's 5 lbs lighter than the FP90x (which frankly, sounds really unbalanced without a ton of *tweaking).
I love the PXS5000/6000/7000; but if you're looking at the 6000 anyway, I'd seriously consider the 7000. 50 more song specific piano/e.piano sounds, choice of white, black, mustard finishes (6000 is stuck with black with walnut sides), and the price of the matching stand and metal triple pedal added to the PXS6000 make it *more* than the PXS7000 (assuming you care how it looks).

PX560 is significantly inferior; one of our teachers bought one against my recommendation because "online said it was great" gigged with it for like 5 months, came back and said "Ok I hear it now" and got an MX88 (which I warned him sounds good *except* the piano) then ended up trading *that*for a CK88 instead (which I *did* recommend) and is still using it today.

like why bother asking me for recommendations if you're just going to go with "what online says" anyway

Mark

 

[BrianT]

RD2000 being 47 lbs isn't light, no. But the solid plastic & wood keys feel much better than hollow plastic keys, yup! And it's 5 lbs lighter than the FP90x (which frankly, sounds really unbalanced without a ton of tweaing).
I love the PXS5000/6000/7000; but if you're looking at the 6000 anyway, I'd seriously consider the 7000. 50 more song specific piano/e.piano sounds, choice of white, black, mustard finishes (6000 is stuck with black with walnut sides), and the price of the matching stand and metal triple pedal added to the PXS6000 make it *more* than the PXS7000 (assuming you care how it looks).

PX560 is significantly inferior; one of our teachers bought one against my recommendation because "online said it was great" gigged with it for like 5 months, came back and said "Ok I hear it now" and got an MX88 (which I warned him sounds good *except* the piano) then ended up trading *that*for a CK88 instead (which I *did* recommend) and is still using it today.

like why bother asking me for recommendations if you're just going to go with "what online says" anyway

Mark

Might be a good match for some. Not sure it would be worth it to go from the 6000 to the 7000 for me personally.

Onboard piano tends to be either in the background for multi-piece bands or a backup in case of VST failure (never has happened yet) as I'd rather use a VST for solo gigs. In a band context, nobody seems to notice whether the piano is great or subpar. I'm primarily piano so thousands of other sounds don't mean much to me.

Appearances... I'm not fond of the 7000 styling. The music stand is not appealing to me. A triple pedal isn't needed for what I do.

So for me, I can't quite justify the additional $700 or so. It might be that for some people, those upgrades would make a big difference.

Actually the weight is pretty much the only negative I give to the RD-2000. I can still carry it around but it's getting harder as I get older. There will come a point when I just don't want to lift that much. I know some don't like the PHA-50 action, I wouldn't either if I were playing a lot of organ or synth, but I don't. I originally looked at the FP-90X and thought about it. But ultimately, I felt like the RD-2000 was a better fit for gigging. Seems like weight is always one of those "how much is too much" kinda things. The ones I love playing are the heaviest to carry around.

Anyway... not sure what the OP will ultimately like or decide on. Hope they come back and tell us just for the closure.

 

[stinkfoot70]

Thanks everyone! On first glance, there's a lot of interesting keyboards on this list. I'll google through this list and hopefully end up with a handful that I'll want to get my hands on when I head over to Denver next month.

 

[stinkfoot70]

Yea BrainT, that's about where I'm at. Love the Kawaii but suffering in durability (Tho I have dragged it all around the county these past 3 1/2 years. Man, if that thing had an odometer of notes/chords/songs played!)

Even just a backup makes sense. For a while I've been feeling that if it dies (being remote from any music shop as I am), I might have to play a gig with the cheap battery operated Yamaha that I take camping. Weighted keys? The keys are binary on/off switches...

 

[BrianT]

Even just a backup makes sense. For a while I've been feeling that if it dies (being remote from any music shop as I am), I might have to play a gig with the cheap battery operated Yamaha that I take camping. Weighted keys? The keys are binary on/off switches...

I have never had a major glitch of any kind on stage... yet. But I guess if I stick around long enough, it'll eventually happen. I try for some redundancy in a lot of what I have but there is a limit.

LOL... binary on/off switches. I suppose in an emergency, I could use something like that but dang, that would be a challenge.

I have to admit, there are some pretty amazing keyboards out there, stuff that 30 years ago most of us couldn't even hope to afford. Hope you find something that's a good fit for you.

 

[anotherscott]

the Roland VR-09, does everything very well in a 12 lb package

Nice and light, but it's another one where I'm not a fan of the action for playing piano. Comparing to the kind-of-similar Yamaha CK61, I think Roland has the better organ, but Yamaha is better for piano/EP. If someone happens to really like the Roland VR-09 piano sound, though, there's also the 73-key version (VR-730) which has a better feeling action for piano, and better EP, but weighs about 22 lbs and pushes the budget. But it's nice that they provide the option. Yamaha does not make a CK73. (Though they make an 88.)

then I just bought the Yamaha MX 88

got an MX88 (which I warned him sounds good *except* the piano) then ended up trading *that*for a CK88 instead (which I *did* recommend) and is still using it today.

Yeah, the MX88 has a lot to recommend it (including more more sounds in it than the CK), but for the OP's key sounds (piano, EP, organ), CK has the edge, and is a little lighter to boot. Though the MX is a bit cheaper.

 

[Stilli]

Roland V Stage, Dexibel and Nord Stage series would be on my list but they tend to be expensive and not necessarily lightweight. You may be able to pickup older or seconhand models at a more reasonable price.

 

[Keysmaster]

Hi! I’m hoping to get some suggestions of what my next gigging keyboard should be.

My present gigging keyboard is a Kawaii ES110. I love that keyboard because it feels more like a piano than my piano. Also has plenty of outputs so easy to connect to different systems. Only has 19 voices but I’ve been fine with just the primary piano, Rhodes, Wurli, and Hammond B-3 sounds. I always felt Clav would’ve been nice but hasn’t been a deal breaker.

The reason I’m looking to move on is:
1) The keyboard is starting to get a bit finicky and it randomly plays a note (on a few central keys) excessively loud despite average strike pressure
2) It’s heavy, awkward and it’s been a beast to lug around the last 3 1/2 years.

My gigs are primarily:
1) A weekly duet with a stand-up bass player - playing jazz standards, playing heads, soloing - in a bar/restaurant- I just plug direct into a large speaker the restaurant provides
2) Sometimes I’ll play with a 5 piece jazz band - either in bars, restaurants, or a local park clamshell stage (I always just plug right into the mixing board on bigger gigs)
3) A 5 piece funk band where I play more of the Rhodes, Wurli, hammond sounds - this is typically outdoor bars, or more lawn local park stages (once again, I 1/4” directly into sound board)

What do I want? I’m not sure. I know I’d like something lighter and I think I can get away with less than 88 keys since I never play the upper register and I typically play with territorial bass player so he doesn’t let me anywhere near the bottom 2 or so octaves. Some more voices would be nice, but I’ve done fine with bare bones.

Why I’m asking: I live in the sticks so when I take a day trip down to the city, my time is always limited so it would be nice to have a few models in mind to target before I head down

Thanks!
Core

Hi Stinkfoot

Hi! I’m hoping to get some suggestions of what my next gigging keyboard should be.

My present gigging keyboard is a Kawaii ES110. I love that keyboard because it feels more like a piano than my piano. Also has plenty of outputs so easy to connect to different systems. Only has 19 voices but I’ve been fine with just the primary piano, Rhodes, Wurli, and Hammond B-3 sounds. I always felt Clav would’ve been nice but hasn’t been a deal breaker.

The reason I’m looking to move on is:
1) The keyboard is starting to get a bit finicky and it randomly plays a note (on a few central keys) excessively loud despite average strike pressure
2) It’s heavy, awkward and it’s been a beast to lug around the last 3 1/2 years.

My gigs are primarily:
1) A weekly duet with a stand-up bass player - playing jazz standards, playing heads, soloing - in a bar/restaurant- I just plug direct into a large speaker the restaurant provides
2) Sometimes I’ll play with a 5 piece jazz band - either in bars, restaurants, or a local park clamshell stage (I always just plug right into the mixing board on bigger gigs)
3) A 5 piece funk band where I play more of the Rhodes, Wurli, hammond sounds - this is typically outdoor bars, or more lawn local park stages (once again, I 1/4” directly into sound board)

What do I want? I’m not sure. I know I’d like something lighter and I think I can get away with less than 88 keys since I never play the upper register and I typically play with territorial bass player so he doesn’t let me anywhere near the bottom 2 or so octaves. Some more voices would be nice, but I’ve done fine with bare bones.

Why I’m asking: I live in the sticks so when I take a day trip down to the city, my time is always limited so it would be nice to have a few models in mind to target before I head down

Thanks!
Core

Hi Stinkfoot 70,
try the Roland RD series, they have an action you’ll either love or hate…the RD88 also has the audio over USB interface so you can use virtual instruments from your laptop.
All the best with the search.