Upgrade suggestions from my MX-49 to ?

[krauyama]

A couple years ago I bought a new MX-49 as a second keyboard. I have a Casio CGP-700 that I really like. I wanted a second keyboard to take a jam to play with others. The MX-49 seemed perfect because it had great sounds, was extremely light weight. I was a little surprised by how different the unweighted keyboard was and reminded me of the very cheap stuff that friends buy their children. But I got used to that feeling and really don't mind it at all.

I'm thinking that I might want to get the MX-61, just to play a wider range of notes, without always going to the octave buttons, because it will be only a couple pounds heavier and have the same sounds and I am used to the feeling of the keyboard. But I am also open to suggestions.

BTW, prior to the getting the MX-49, and before I wanted a light weight keyboard for jamming, and because I was living a bi-coastal lifestyle, I did try out a P-121, but I didn't like the action compared to the Casio CGP-700. I'm sure others will argue that the P-121 is better but I have become used to the Casio. I imagine had I started on the P-121 I would think otherwise about the Casio. anyway that is to say that i am not looking for a weighted keyboard. I still want something very light for jamming if I ever have the need. Just wondering if there is step up from the MX-61 that I should be checking out. But not too many steps up, as I don't want to spend a lot more than an MX-61. Hoping I can sell the MX-49 and with that step up for about $300-$500.

 

[Biggles]

Check out the Casio CDP and PX-S ranges.

 

[anotherscott]

A couple years ago I bought a new MX-49 as a second keyboard. I have a Casio CGP-700 that I really like. I wanted a second keyboard to take a jam to play with others. The MX-49 seemed perfect because it had great sounds, was extremely light weight. I was a little surprised by how different the unweighted keyboard was and reminded me of the very cheap stuff that friends buy their children. But I got used to that feeling and really don't mind it at all.

I'm thinking that I might want to get the MX-61, just to play a wider range of notes, without always going to the octave buttons, because it will be only a couple pounds heavier and have the same sounds and I am used to the feeling of the keyboard. But I am also open to suggestions.
...
i am not looking for a weighted keyboard. I still want something very light for jamming if I ever have the need. Just wondering if there is step up from the MX-61 that I should be checking out. But not too many steps up, as I don't want to spend a lot more than an MX-61.

Okay, you want a moderately priced 61-key board that would be an upgrade from the MX49, while keeping the weight way down (certainly compared to your CGP-700's 26 lbs). The MX61 would certainly fit the bill as you say, but for some other options...

Korg Kross would be lighter than the MX61 (8.38 lbs, saving you over 2 lb... basically the same weight as your MX49), and it's a more capable board overall, certainly in terms of what you can do right from the board itself (without an external editor). Some examples: split/layer up to 16 internal and/or external sounds, full on-board sound editing, vocoder, trigger pads, battery operation, a 16-track MIDI sequencer plus pattern sequencer and audio recorder. (MX61 still has advantages, though. It's cheaper, its keys are more even feeling from front to back, you can define sets of 16 sounds that allow you to switch from one to the next without held/sustaining notes of your previous sound being cut off, and of course, you're already familiar with it.)

Roland Juno D6 is a somewhat heavier option at 12.78 lbs. Like the Kross, there's a lot more functionality than the MX, though the particulars differ. For example, it supports 8-way splits/layers rather than 16 and it has less sequencer functionality, but it probably has a nicer operational interface, and supports user samples, and allows you to switch sounds without cutoffs.

Going in the other direction from the Kross or Juno D, Yamaha also offers the CK61... it has fewer features and sounds than those models, and has only minimal sound editing, but it excels at real-time interaction, making it easier/faster/more fun to assemble patches and to tweak your sounds during performance if desired. I think it probably has the best feeling action of the bunch, and it has the best organ functionality (with 9 sliders for drawbar control). It also has some pretty decent built-in speakers. Weighs 12.38 lbs.

BTW, prior to the getting the MX-49, and before I wanted a light weight keyboard for jamming, and because I was living a bi-coastal lifestyle, I did try out a P-121, but I didn't like the action compared to the Casio CGP-700. I'm sure others will argue that the P-121 is better but I have become used to the Casio.

I think that particular action is better than that particular Yamaha action as well. They still offer that action in the PX-5S.

 

[TommyB88]

A couple years ago I bought a new MX-49 as a second keyboard. I have a Casio CGP-700 that I really like. I wanted a second keyboard to take a jam to play with others. The MX-49 seemed perfect because it had great sounds, was extremely light weight. I was a little surprised by how different the unweighted keyboard was and reminded me of the very cheap stuff that friends buy their children. But I got used to that feeling and really don't mind it at all.

I'm thinking that I might want to get the MX-61, just to play a wider range of notes, without always going to the octave buttons, because it will be only a couple pounds heavier and have the same sounds and I am used to the feeling of the keyboard. But I am also open to suggestions.

BTW, prior to the getting the MX-49, and before I wanted a light weight keyboard for jamming, and because I was living a bi-coastal lifestyle, I did try out a P-121, but I didn't like the action compared to the Casio CGP-700. I'm sure others will argue that the P-121 is better but I have become used to the Casio. I imagine had I started on the P-121 I would think otherwise about the Casio. anyway that is to say that i am not looking for a weighted keyboard. I still want something very light for jamming if I ever have the need. Just wondering if there is step up from the MX-61 that I should be checking out. But not too many steps up, as I don't want to spend a lot more than an MX-61. Hoping I can sell the MX-49 and with that step up for about $300-$500.

I currently have an MX 88 and MX 61. Since I am no longer gigging, I would like to sell the MX61. It is in like new condition and I have a soft case for it. "I believe" I still have the original box in the attic...I'm wierd about keeping the original boxes. At this point, I would part with it for $450. Don't know where you are located, I'm in Leesburg, FL (Central Florida near Orlando). Email me, let's talk:
Tommy B
(e-mail address removed)

 

[ca.88fingers]

How about making the most out the MX? It's capable of a lot more than is apparent, but you need to program the performances from a computer. John Melas software.
I used an MX for a few years as my sound source, and used various MIDI controllers with it. I ended up with all the sounds in the MX (pluses and minuses for sure), and whatever cheap controller I liked as a 2nd manual. Weighted on one gig, no problem. Semi weighted on another gig, no problem. Light and small for fast setup/teardown, no problem.

 

[anotherscott]

How about making the most out the MX?

His main motivation for upgrading is that he wants more keys. So simply "making the most" out of his current MX49 can't fix that. ;-) But yes, MX61 is indeed one of the options he is considering (though he also wanted input on other options).

 

[ca.88fingers]

His main motivation for upgrading is that he wants more keys. So simply "making the most" out of his current MX49 can't fix that. ;-) But yes, MX61 is indeed one of the options he is considering (though he also wanted input on other options).

Thanks I must have missed that.