Novice-beginner, need help finding a VERSATILE kb as my 1st...

[PianOwO]

For $250 budget my advice is get a paper route and save up a few hundred bucks before you buy.

This ain't 1965...

You're too spicey for my taste.

 

[anotherscott]

• Standalone keyboard (strings and traditional piano sounds without need for computer connection)

If you are willing to connect to your computer for all your other needs, but just want to be able to occasionally simply "turn it on and play" with piano and string sounds, a Korg Liano could be a possibility. 88 nice feeling semi-weighted keys, built-in USB interface (so you can hear your computer sounds coming out of the piano's speakers, if you want), and a handful of sounds that you can play right from the board with no computer attached (including piano and strings).

I have no experience with the M-audio Prokeys Sono 88, it might be fine for you. I would guess that the Liano has better piano sound and feel, but you might prefer the M-Audio's bigger feature set.

 

[PianOwO]

If you are willing to connect to your computer for all your other needs, but just want to be able to occasionally simply "turn it on and play" with piano and string sounds, a Korg Liano could be a possibility. 88 nice feeling semi-weighted keys, built-in USB interface (so you can hear your computer sounds coming out of the piano's speakers, if you want), and a handful of sounds that you can play right from the board with no computer attached (including piano and strings).

I have no experience with the M-audio Prokeys Sono 88, it might be fine for you. I would guess that the Liano has better piano sound and feel, but you might prefer the M-Audio's bigger feature set.

Cool! So this could act as a MIDI controller also just as well?

 

[anotherscott]

Cool! So this could act as a MIDI controller also just as well?

Yes. Any keyboard with either USB or 5-pin MIDI jacks can be used as a controller. But that doesn't mean they all have the same functionality. For example, the Liano does not have a pitch bend wheel, which doesn't affect its usability as a piano, but may make it less desirable as a controller for synth sounds, if you want to be able to bend the pitch. But especially in your price range, there will always be compromises somewhere, and it's up to you to decide what your priorities are.

 

[PianOwO]

Ok, yah I might be able to do without pitchbend, I'll think about it some more. Thanks for the suggestion.