synth/workstation suggestions

[soundpiano]

I'm looking to buy a synth or workstation. I have $600-800 to spend. What do you recommend. I have been looking at the korg x50 and korg m50 and they seem pretty good. Wondering if you would suggest these or others i have not thought about. I am willing to get something used to fit in my price range. Thanks.

 

[Burn4Him]

um those are both pretty good options however if you are willing to go way old school you can probably find a classic motif.

and i would defiantly go with the m50 over the x50

 

[goz211]

I'm looking to buy a synth or workstation.

Give us a few more details - what sort of music do you see yourself playing on it? What's your level of ability - do you like to put down a line at a time or are you a two handed piano type of player?
Any sounds it should definitely do well?
How portable does it need to be?

 

[soundpiano]

Ok more details. I have played the piano for 13 years and have mostly played classical. I like to use both hands. I have wanted to get a keyboard to start expanding my horizons and start playing more modern stuff.

Sounds- i dont care much for woodwinds or brass instruments on keys. I definitely want it to have some good synth leads, as well as some good pads. Organs would be good too. I would also like it to have a good general set of sounds. Good piano sounds are a plus but not a requirement.

Style- i guess i see myself playing anything from techno to metal mostly.I might try and learn some jazzy stuff with an organ sound. Classical music i will still play but i prefer to play that on my real piano.

It doesnt have to be super portable, but i am not looking for a stage piano keyboard. I would probably need to take it somewhere about once a week.

I would prefer weighted keys but since i'm on a budget i will settle for non-weighted. I dont want any less than 61 keys, and i have a growing bias against yamaha's. (just not been impressed with the ones i've played.)

 

[goz211]

Does the $600 - $800 need to cover everything, combo amp, stand, audio cable, sustain + expression pedal, carrying case?

Also have you seen an M50 somewhere in this price range?

 

[soundpiano]

No the money does not have to cover an amp and audio equipment just yet. I do not have an amp or most of the accessories yet, but i figured i'll get the keyboard and play with headphones i if i have to for a while and then i will save up for the other stuff. I did see a cool package for the x50 that got you a stand,amp,cables, and pedal all for $700. Really wasnt too bad of a deal.

I just want to get a keyboard that i am happy with and worry about the rest later. But if i can get the keyboard cheaper and have some left over awesome, if not thats ok.

Oh and i found the 61 key M50 used on amazon for $750.

 

[soundpiano]

To give you an idea of sounds i would like check out Ronald Jenkees. He is a legend. Here is his youtube page:http://www.youtube.com/user/ronaldjenkees

 

[Burn4Him]

Yeah the m50 is probably your best bet. i wouldnt suggest the x50. I think you will out grow it fast and regret the decision.

 

[soundpiano]

Yeah thats what i've been finding. I've searched this topic other places and have found that most people end up referring the m50. I went to a guitar center and played both a little bit. I have to say the m50 was nice.

From what i have gathered from my research is that the x50 has good sounds, is lightweight, and cheaper. But people say the m50 isnt much heavier, has a few more sounds plus it puts out a better quality of sound. The x50's screen is lacking in size while the m50 has a larger touch screen.

Right now i am leaning towards the m50, like you suggested above, because i feel i would be happier with it and i dont want to spend my money on something i will grow out of right away. The x50 is still in the running though because of its price.