Keyboard Recommendations?

Yakult

So the GF is getting me my first keyboard and I get to pick it out
Have €400 to spend but I dont have much knowledge on them so looking for advice on which one to get.
Most importantly I will need someway of using it for recording too, midi out Im guessing so it can be used with vst's? (wont be recording most of the time)

Im a total beginner but no point in getting some learner keyboard as I plan to be keeping it for a good while, just something solid and something that sounds good :P

Any advice or recommendations highly appreciated

Yakult

Between these 2 so far

Casio CTK-6000
http://www.thomann.de/ie/casio_ctk_6000.htm

&

Casio WK-500
http://www.thomann.de/ie/casio_wk500.htm

pinksoir

What are you gonna use it for? If you're learning piano get a digital piano. If it's for just messing around a keyboard will do. You have to remember that actual pianos have weighted keys, so it'd be completely different to a keyboard like the ones you linked. They are fine for messing about, but if you're serious about learning, 400 quid won't cut it. You need hammer action keys and a full size (88 key) keyboard.

I bought one of these and it's really good (I actually got an ex-display model for considerably cheaper):
http://www.thomann.de/ie/korg_sp250.htm

Here's one that's just over your budget but would be ideal:
http://www.thomann.de/ie/korg_sp170_bk.htm

I'd recommend putting another 100 quid towards it and getting that. Also, try before you buy. If you're in Dublin Music Maker had the sp-250 so I could try it before getting it from Thomann. I presume X-Music will have a good few in for Christmas too.

Yakult

pinksoir wrote: »

What are you gonna use it for? If you're learning piano get a digital piano. If it's for just messing around a keyboard will do. You have to remember that actual pianos have weighted keys, so it'd be completely different to a keyboard like the ones you linked. They are fine for messing about, but if you're serious about learning, 400 quid won't cut it. You need hammer action keys and a full size (88 key) keyboard.

Well their will be some messing about but more learning and recording.
Would it be difficult to move from Keyboard to Digital piano, as in weighted keys make a massive difference?
I get what your saying alright, would be much better to use weighted keys as I'll be taking it seriously. Will say it to her and see but I say it would be a keyboard. I can save myself then for a digital piano. Im in Kerry so no where to try them either which sucks.

Out of the two I've posted what one would be best? Have heard the WK-500 but nothing on the CTK-6000.

Cheers for the help btw!

pinksoir

If you want to learn how to play piano, neither will do. There's a massive difference between fully weighted, hammer action keys and the keys on the ones you linked to.

The ones you linked to probably have good enough onboard sounds. But the keys are going to be crap. When I began learning piano years ago I'd played keyboards and I knew a few chords and stuff. But as soon as i took lessons my teacher banned me from using the keyboard as they make you develop loads of bad habits. The weight in the keys is really important for loads of reasons. Essentially, non weighted keys are more difficult to play and playing becomes a chore rather than a joy. Believe me.

400 quid is a lot of money for your girlfriend to spend on something you'll want to upgrade soon after. Why not get the money off her and save some up yourself to buy a decent digital piano. It's the difference between spending about a grand for two sets of keys, or around 600 for one good digital piano. I'm sure she'd rather give you a gift at xmas (I presume it's an xmas present), but she might understand!

The second one I linked I also tried in Dublin. It's good without being great, but it would suit your needs I'd say. You'd be better off trying to find something second hand though.

PMI

Follow his lead above.... but maybe look used, you will get a much better machine

400 is nothing when talking keys and synths so spend wisely look at some of the older korgs, trinity, triton etc.. no weighted keys but great bread and butter sounds.

Yakult

Decided to go with the Korg SP-170!

Got good enough reviews and for the price its worth it, thanks for the help Pinksoir!

pinksoir

The pleasure is all mine. Enjoy it!

Backline Boy

Possibly not the most useful suggestion considering its going to be a present but you will get a lot more for your money second hand with 400 yoyo's to spend