If you had $1,500 for one keyboard today, what are you buying?

[Shaggy]

Simple game. You've got $1,500 and can buy one keyboard, new or used. What's the pick and why?

 

[Rayblewit]

I would buy a new Yamaha PSR SX620

Why?
Because it fits the budget and it is an upgrade to what I already have.

 

[Biggles]

I would buy a new Yamaha PSR SX620

Why?
Because it fits the budget and it is an upgrade to what I already have.

Suggest you up the budget Ray, the 620 would not be much of an upgrade for you.

 

[Biggles]

ASM hydrasynth
Or
Roland Jupiter
Or
Nord Lead A1

 

[aprilla]

With my imaginary $1,500 I'll buy the imaginary new DGX model, the one with the OS from the SX range.

 

[Mocks Fate]

If a keyboard was the only option, I'd consider a DGX670. $1500 would give me just about enough to buy the stand as well.
Then dip into my wallet for the pedal set.
But I already have a fairly good instrument and a fairly small music room. Given the option, I think I'd be more apt to buy a new computer and get some powered monitors instead.

 

[pentaprism]

I think the appropriate answer is, "It depends...."

"Keyboard" is very wide. Some want an organ with physical drawbars, some an arranger, some a synthesizer, some a piano, ...

But I have been thinking of what keyboard I'd buy if my ancient Roland BK-9 went bye-bye. With $1500, I'd get a used Korg PA 900. I want an arranger with (physical or virtual) drawbars. There are not many choices at that price range. I may just buy another BK-9 if I can find one in good condition.

 

[hubalken]

I have my $1500 already invested in a Yamaha DGX 670, stand and 3 pedal unit. With the left over funds, I purchased a Yamaha PSR E 383 for use away from home as the DGX 670 weighs 50 lbs and there's no way I'm going to try and transport that to and from gigs at my age!!
I chose the Yamaha DGX 670 because of its fantastic key action and superb piano samples as well as it's other sounds and arranger workstation functions. I'm very happy and content with my choice and haven't looked back since!! It will serve me well for years to come and perhaps, it will be my last piano purchase now that I'm older. Time will tell on that one.

 

[Eli_Kyiv]

Yamaha MODX M7

 

[amwilburn]

I would also love a MODXM7, but that's $2699 CAD, $2149 USD
Even the discontinued Modx6+ would be just over that, at $1599 USD.

Not much of an upgrade from myPSRs970 (in fact a downgrade in a couple of areas, but it does have a handful of new drum kits from Genos2), but if I didn't have an s970 I too, would get a PSRsx620 ($1599 CAD/ $1249 USD)

But since I have one, I'd get the Korg Krome EX ($1529 CAD, $1099 USD) meaning if $1500 is USD, I could even get a Krome 73EX.. alas the 88 is just over at $1599 USD)

Mark

 

[nakeyer]

I would give these money to my wife! And I am sure that being in delight she would allow me to buy any synth I want

 

[Peter J Martin]

I'd buy a Technics KN7000 and put the remaining £1000 in the bank.

 

[amwilburn]

I would give these money to my wife! And I am sure that being in delight she would allow me to buy any synth I want

I think we have a winner

 

[nakeyer]

I think we have a winner

Thank you, my friend! I always was the realist in life..

 

[nakeyer]

I would give these money to my wife! And I am sure that being in delight she would allow me to buy any synth I want

You can not imagine, my friends, but my wife also like such my position and absolutelly agree with it!

 

[ghostler]

I got my Korg Pa600 when costs were around $1,000 US six years ago. Today they are $1,800. The Korg Pa1000 was going for around $2,000 US then, now $3,000. Seems $1,500 really doesn't buy you much these days. Musical band instruments like saxes and clarinets, yes, I'll buy used, but electronics, am a bit more reluctant (although I have done that.)

 

[Mocks Fate]

I got my Korg Pa600 when costs were around $1,000 US six years ago. Today they are $1,800. The Korg Pa1000 was going for around $2,000 US then, now $3,000. Seems $1,500 really doesn't buy you much these days. Musical band instruments like saxes and clarinets, yes, I'll buy used, but electronics, am a bit more reluctant (although I have done that.)

I paid about $1800 CDN for a MOXF8 in 2014. Not made any more, but the nearest one from Yamaha is MX-88 for $1699 CDN right now.
Not sure if it has all the same features though. Next step up would be a MODX 88 I guess? But that's $3199.
So I guess I'm looking good right now with what I have.

 

[Timboguitar]

Arturia Astrolab 61 key.

 

[anotherscott]

In terms of new boards up to $1500 that can cover a wide breadth of sounds and functionalities, I'd say that there are 3 really strong choices, depending on what your priorities are:

Yamaha CK, for the Nord-like immediacy of its front panel interface, and inclusion of a 9-drawbar organ engine

Roland Juno D for its closer-to-workstation level capabilities (like extensive split/layer functions and deep sound editing) and inclusion of a virtual analog synthesis engine

Yamaha PSR-SX620 for its arranger/accompaniment functions

and I'll add what may be a bit of a ringer... the Korg Grandstage X which is generally much pricier, but is currently on sale for $1500 at Sweetwater. If you want a piano-style action, I'd say it's the best feeling of the bunch, and in many cases the best sounding as well. But unlike the others, it's not very portable (large and 55 lbs), so it may be less desirable from that perspective.

 

[joner4567]

Maybe a big old Roland or Orla organ . Just to play a instrument with presence and a piece of furniture not just a plastic panel.