88 Unweighted Keys?

Are there any MIDI keyboard controllers out there with 88 Unweighted keys? I'm not a piano player, and I don't like weighted keys.  I've got some sample libraries that would be a lot simpler to use with a full 88 key controller. Keyswitching and all that.

I've come across the M-Audio Keystation 88es but it's described as semi-weighted. How semi is that? It also lacks knobs and sliders which would be useful.

So is there anything? Or how about 72 keys? Am I stuck with 61 keys?

tarsier


Are there any MIDI keyboard controllers out there with 88 Unweighted keys? I'm not a piano player, and I don't like weighted keys.  I've got some sample libraries that would be a lot simpler to use with a full 88 key controller. Keyswitching and all that.

I've come across the M-Audio Keystation 88es but it's described as semi-weighted. How semi is that? It also lacks knobs and sliders which would be useful.

So is there anything? Or how about 72 keys? Am I stuck with 61 keys?

I don't know of any, I know it is hard to do some parts (like Hammond Rock Organ) on weighted keys. Even doing drums it can throw your timing off.

that may be a little harder to find than a 76key synth feel keyboard. 

if you're only using it as a controller, tho, and don't care if it has any sounds or not, then there are some low end keyboards you could try like CASIO's.
http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=500592V
http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=500591V

I'm pretty sure those are both synth action keys.

I'd say that 88 keys are meant for piano fans, so they won't make them light, and more keys cost more money, so they don't have much market as for soft synths players.

However, many of the lesser keyed ones do have the octave shift button, so they add even more than one octave. For composition that's probably OK, but maybe not too well for players, but I suppose anything can be managed.


So, it also seems to me that it'd be hard to find what you are after, tarsier.

Try looking around for an old 76 key synth. It'll probably be a workstation, like a Triton or early Fantom or K2500 or something, but you might be able to find something a for a few hundred dollars because it's no longer the latest and greatest. It would probably have an aftertouch keyboard and several controllers/wheels, pedal inputs, etc. Check your local craigslist and pawn shops or ask at your local music store if they know of any leads for used gear.

I also seek what you want. The perfect solution would be if Cakewalk/Roland make an 88 key version of their new controllers-

As of now, what you want is what I want, and it doesnt exist.

You wanna sell that KX88?

Sorry, no. My Immortal Beloved is a piano player and likes it too much.

So I did another google search for 88 unweighted keys and this thread came up third. But notice the last post date. What's up with that?

This one might be worth a try- This factory restock price is really nice as well- http://keyboards-midi.mus...om/product?sku=702724V

 
Have you ever used a CME controller?  
I had a VX7 for a day...
Looked nice from a distance... otherwise it was a disaster.
 
Keybed felt cheap, pitch/mod wheels felt cheap, ribbon controller felt cheap, aftertouch always transmitted on MIDI channel 2 (no matter what MIDI channel was selected - Bejing support said that was normal behavior), the unit smelled like burning electronics, and the aftertouch was ultra (ridiculously) sensitive even after adjustment.
Playing an acoustic guitar patch (where aftertouch imparts minor pitch bends) would sound like "Bo-ing, Bo-ing, Bo-ing" because you couldn't avoid triggering the aftertouch... no matter how lite the touch.
 
The market needs a top-quality 76/88-key MIDI controller. 
Roland, Yamaha, and even Kawai have made them in the past.  How about a reissue of the A90?
With the proliferation of soft-synths, you'd think some company would jump on this. 
 

With the proliferation of soft-synths, you'd think some company would jump on this.

 
Man, you said it!
 
I wish somebody would. I have the M-Audio Keystation Pro 88, but it has weighted keys.

lol

Bump.
 
See this other thread too
http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.aspx?m=2111191
 

I just bought a Keystation 88ES and I love it. It sounds great working with Ivory II and East West's Symphonic Orchestra programs. I wanted the 88 key and I am not sorry I bought this keyboard. It plays really easy and really brings the most out of my programs. For it's $199 sale price I couldn't beat it. I got it at Guitar Center, and would recommend you play one to try it out.

Note: It works pefectly with my Sonar Home Studio 7XL program... and it does indeed have a volume control slider that is very useful.