I know this is probably an area with lots of different and strong opinions, so I hope my question isn't too broad. Dollars are an issue, but I don't want to buy junk either. I'm not a great keyboard player, but do play a little (if that makes any difference). I'd like to find something with at least 76 keys. Thanks.

djayers1


I know this is probably an area with lots of different and strong opinions, so I hope my question isn't too broad. Dollars are an issue, but I don't want to buy junk either. I'm not a great keyboard player, but do play a little (if that makes any difference). I'd like to find something with at least 76 keys. Thanks.

First question is whether you prefer weighted (Hammer) like a piano, or semi-weighted or non-weighted action (like (most) hardware synths or an organ like the B3).  
 

Ideally weighted - unless that makes a quantum leap in price.

The M-Audio Oxygen and Keystation series probably offer the best bang for the buck. They aren't amazing but they set up quite easily and work. I'm pretty sure they are all semi weighted keys. M-Audio's nicer stuff is the Axiom series and not much more expensive for what you get so that's probably something to look into (more controls, better keys, stuff like that).

I picked up an Oxygen 25 just for basic input. I didn't even need to install drivers and the keys mapped instantly. The key action is a little... uh... different than what I was expecting so you might want to head down to the music shop to try one out. Some people report that the M-Audio drivers sometimes won't let go of Sonar when you go to close it but I haven't experienced that and you can just go into the Windows Task Manager to stop the there if it does happen.

Other than that AKAI is good but pricier then of course there is Roland stuff but that's way more expensive. Korg is good but Korg stuff is kind of a pain to mess around with as far as installation and figuring out how to work with them.

Oh and make sure whatever you get has velocity sensitive keys with after touch. Another way you can get better quality for less is by getting an older keyboard that has the old school MIDI connectors if your interface supports it. Cheers.

aaaaand there is always Alesis. I've never used there stuff but it's cheap and a few folks here said they are pretty good.

I'll shut up now. ;-)

I assume that the Oxigen 61 does (velocity sensitive keys with after touch)?

My 25 does so I'm assuming it will. Just google them on Amazon, Sweetwater, Musicians Friend, ZZounds, etc... Lots of info and reviews on those sites as well as good prices if you are in the US. I ended up buying mine from my usual brick and mortar retailer because I'm in Canada and these things tend to be more expensive online up here which is annoying and it's easier for me to return to these guys if something goes wrong.

Like I said though the keys are a little odd feeling if that's a concern. It is more than usable though. Cheers.

If you're looking for steals and deals, eBay usually has tons of controllers listed.

djayers1


I assume that the Oxigen 61 does (velocity sensitive keys with after touch)?

I have the Oxygen 61 and it does have velocity sensitive keys with after touch. Very nice controller, especially for the price, but not weighted.
You tend to pay quite a bit more for real weighted action, and you really do get what you pay for in this respect.
I have heard very good things about the Oxygen 88 which is weighted action and reasonably priced - 

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/keyboards-midi/m-audio-oxygen-88-midi-controller#review


I have an older Casio 88 key hammer action controller that is ok, but not really "piano" action either - If you really want piano action, I think it is important to try them out for yourself before you buy, as it really makes a big difference. Hopefully something you'll live with for a while. That said, I use it exclusively for piano samples in Kontakt or True Pianos. In my opinion you can't play non-electric piano with a synth action keyboard.

That said - I like the oxygen 61 for what it is. I wore one out (the older series 61) a year or so ago, and liked it so much I bought another one. The new series is lighter and less robust but has stood up well. It is my primary controller for all of my synths (I also have a 25 key Novation).
Hope this helps.