Good (But Affordable) KEYBOARD Recommendations?

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KyRo
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2011/12/28 18:07:33 (permalink)

Good (But Affordable) KEYBOARD Recommendations?

Hi, all.
 
I'm looking into get a keyboard, but have limited knowledge of my selection. Nothing crazy, but nothing wimpy.
 
I'd like something with a respectable amount of tones, from orchestral to ambient, steel drums to stellar flares, violins to choir voices... you get the idea. My primary genre is metal, for which I'll want something for creating background orchestral and ambient elements. But I will also need something for when I score other multimedia projects with the orchestral elements in the limelight.
 
As for size/number of keys, I don't need a behemoth, nor do I want a total midget, so I'll just say enough. A built-in finger control pad thingy (not sure exactly what they're called) could be nice, but isn't a MUST.
 
And I need it to have a USB output, so that I'll be able to control midi soft-synths within SONAR with the instrument.
 
My Sweetwater rep recommended the following selection to me: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/compare.php?items=(CTK7000|NPV60|WK6500|NPV80)
 
I'd LIKE to keep my costs below/around $300. So if you guys could shoot a few recommendations my way for what I need, I'd greatly appreciate it!! 
 
Thanks!
post edited by dimelives1 - 2012/01/03 20:19:33
#1

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    KyRo
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    Re:Good But Affordable Keyboard/Arranger/Controller Recommendations? 2012/01/02 13:57:37 (permalink)
    *Bump* :)
    #2
    tlw
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    Re:Good But Affordable Keyboard/Arranger/Controller Recommendations? 2012/01/02 21:03:23 (permalink)
    Dimension Pro and the other synths that come with Sonar can cover most if not all of the things you mention, and do it well.

    Is there a particular reason you need a keyboard with those built-in sounds? If not, then a MIDI keyboard controller would seem the obvious thing to look for. 

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    #3
    bvideo
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    Re:Good But Affordable Keyboard/Arranger/Controller Recommendations? 2012/01/03 00:42:29 (permalink)
    USB is not required for controlling softsynths. A MIDI connection will serve. Also, the term "arranger" often means an on-board sequencer and harmony generator. If you use Sonar for composing, maybe you wouldn't really need that. I mention these things only in case it would help you find gear within your budget.
    #4
    ampfixer
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    Re:Good But Affordable Keyboard/Arranger/Controller Recommendations? 2012/01/03 01:08:24 (permalink)
    What you would spend on a synth at $300 or less may well be better spent on a controller keyboard if playing live isn't your prime consideration.

    I have a number of vintage synths but find the soft synths in Sonar can do all the sounds. I picked up a Roland A-500 PRO keyboard and it's covering several duties. I can use it as a controller for rack synth modules and soft synths in the computer and I have a pretty good control surface for Sonar.

    If you're a guitar player that wants to add another layer of sounds then I'd go for a controller.

    Regards, John 
     I want to make it clear that I am an Eedjit. I have no direct, or indirect, knowledge of business, the music industry, forum threads or the meaning of life. I know about amps.
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    #5
    KyRo
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    Re:Good But Affordable Keyboard/Arranger/Controller Recommendations? 2012/01/03 20:16:46 (permalink)
    Well I was aiming at something that has built-in sounds (as well as can control soft synths) just because I like to have something a bit more readily and easily available to me, without having to dive full on into a synth just for a simple tone like piano or whatever (I don't have extensive experience with syths yet). And I do need USB as my current interface doesn't have a MIDI input.
    #6
    KyRo
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    Re:Good But Affordable Keyboard/Arranger/Controller Recommendations? 2012/01/05 19:44:19 (permalink)
    Are arrangers the only keyboards with a good range of sounds? Since I compile and edit everything within SONAR, I don't know that I really need any of the... well, arranging features of an arranger.
    #7
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