Hey guys,
 
I am looking for a top of the line midi keyboard controller. Preferably either a 61 key or 88 key with good action. I have tried most of the ones at the local music store and I am looking for something a lil more solid? Anybody have a good idea?

Soop

This has just been announced @ namm...  I don't know what your budget is.

http://www.gearslutz.com/...controller-teaser.html


Failing that...   Cause it is going to be expansive.   The best midi-controllers are:

http://www.rolandus.com/products/category/460

http://us.novationmusic.c..idi-controllers/sl-mkii

Sooperbohl

I am looking for a top of the line midi keyboard controller. Preferably either a 61 key or 88 key with good action.

I once spent an afternoon visiting several music stores and trying out various different weighted-key keyboards by Kurzweil, Yamaha, Roland and others.  I learned that they vary quite a lot from model to model.  I expected that there would be an identifiable characteristic feel associated with each manufacturer, but apparently that is not the case.  Each model has a different feel and these differences are quite distinct.  I recommend trying as many keyboards as possible and judging subjectively.

The only thing I would say is don't get an Akai MPK49 - I have one - I like the keyboard but the midi implementation is not good at all and sometimes (it is VERY temperamental) you spend more time trying to get the thing to not drop out than you do play - also a bit quirky with some soft synths.
Nigel

FWIW, If you want a top-notch MIDI controller, you're (currently) looking at a "workstation" keyboard from Roland, Yamaha, Kurzweil, or Korg.

Someone (hint hint) needs to make a top-flight MIDI controller that has key-bed/controllers on par with the best workstations.  Something like the old Roland A-90 would be perfect.

I lucked into a Kurzweil Midi board about 15 years ago. Best key feel in my book. They have full sized true wood keys. It has Poly aftertouch, Very old midi implementation - but I love the velocity scale slider always at the ready. It weighs about 100 lbs too.

I wouldn't recommend StudioLogic.  I have the VMK-149, just because it was the only model small enough (4 octaves) to fit in the limited space that I had at the time.  The controls for altering settings are ridiculous.  It takes too many obscure button presses to do something simple like change channel.  There are better options if you are looking for something full-size.

Thanks guys. 

Bajan... I liked the look of the Akai but heard a lot of what you mentioned.

Jim.. I have a Kurzweil PC3. I tbought about that and just might do it.  I also bought a M-Audio Axiom Pro but had a bit of a time getting it to work right with Sonar.

Appreciate it all

I've had a CME UF6 controller for some time that has worked well. However, I bought a Kurzweil PC3K8 that is the nicest keyboard I've ever owned.  I don't much use the CME any longer.

Thanks Stevee...How do you like that 6 core PC?  Five bucks says its rocket engine fast!