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Weighted MIDI Controller/Keyboard

  • 28-06-2011 9:59am
    #1
    partyatmygaff
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,992 ✭✭✭✭


    I've been meaning to upgrade my keyboard for quite some time now. Ever since I played on a real piano I just can't bring myself to play on my unweighted keyboard.

    Ideally, i'd love to get a real piano but I need MIDI support so that's out of the question. What i'd really like is a 76/88 key keyboard with very heavy weighted keys. The only ones that seem to fit the bill are high end workstations which I can't really afford at the moment.

    Does anyone know of a MIDI controller (Or keyboard with MIDI control) with heavy weighted keys?


Comments

  • #2
    nicknackgtb
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 493 ✭✭nicknackgtb


    partyatmygaff wrote: »
    I've been meaning to upgrade my keyboard for quite some time now. Ever since I played on a real piano I just can't bring myself to play on my unweighted keyboard.

    Ideally, i'd love to get a real piano but I need MIDI support so that's out of the question. What i'd really like is a 76/88 key keyboard with very heavy weighted keys. The only ones that seem to fit the bill are high end workstations which I can't really afford at the moment.

    Does anyone know of a MIDI controller (Or keyboard with MIDI control) with heavy weighted keys?

    there wouldnt be asaik. The reason being that a midi keyboard will not give out expression (Louds and softs) and you get that through a real piano. It only gives out midi values. Therefor there is no need really for weighted keys on one.

    On the other hand, I have a piano for sale now, which like others out there, has general midi, and this can be used as a midi controller, but remember it will not give you louds and softs once you play back your recording.


  • #3
    rcaz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,034 ✭✭✭rcaz


    nicknackgtb wrote: »
    there wouldnt be asaik. The reason being that a midi keyboard will not give out expression (Louds and softs) and you get that through a real piano. It only gives out midi values. Therefor there is no need really for weighted keys on one.

    On the other hand, I have a piano for sale now, which like others out there, has general midi, and this can be used as a midi controller, but remember it will not give you louds and softs once you play back your recording.

    Er, what? The keyboard will send note and velocity data to the sound generator. With a decent sampler you'll have an alright-sounding impression of a piano.

    I use an old Roland EP-7 to output MIDI to my synthesiser and computer. It's 76 keys and velocity sensitive, but not weighted. I don't know of any off the top of my head but there are definitely much much better keyboards available. Have a look through the catalogue of Thomann or something and see what's on offer?


  • #4
    partyatmygaff
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,992 ✭✭✭✭partyatmygaff


    Well i've a Fatar SL880 here beside me. I've never seen anything like it. The keys feel exactly like a real piano and the hammer action is just perfect. The only problem with it is that the electronics are pretty shoddy and it doesn't do much other than send random MIDI data anymore. I'd try and find one in better condition but they're pretty rare nowadays.

    The only working MIDI controller I have at the moment is a Keystation 49e. Pretty decent for what it is but what it is isn't exactly great. Only four octaves which isn't nearly large enough for most piano pieces. That and the action is pretty "springy" which really isn't suitable for piano.


  • #5
    rcaz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,034 ✭✭✭rcaz


    Could you not get the Fatar repaired somewhere?


  • #6
    partyatmygaff
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,992 ✭✭✭✭partyatmygaff


    El Pr0n wrote: »
    Could you not get the Fatar repaired somewhere?
    Probably not as Fatar don't supply parts for it anymore. The cost of getting it repaired would probably be similar to the price of another controller.


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  • #7
    pinksoir
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,737 ✭✭✭pinksoir


    I recommend this:

    http://www.thomann.de/ie/cme_uf80_classic.htm

    I have the 61 key version and it's fantastic. I have played the 88 key version before and it's lovely to play. Much better than any others. It's heavy though...


  • #8
    partyatmygaff
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,992 ✭✭✭✭partyatmygaff


    I've tried a CME before and they're not bad per se but the action just feels a bit off. The keys tend to "bounce" a bit instead of just returning back to their starting position. I know it sounds like a non-issue but it'd be a pretty big downgrade from the SL 880 in terms of action.


  • #9
    pinksoir
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,737 ✭✭✭pinksoir


    Buy another one then! Actually cheaper than the CME, but then the CME has knobs, encoders and faders for controlling vsts etc. I like the CMEs better, but it's all personal preference.

    http://www.thomann.de/ie/fatar_sl990_pro.htm

    http://www.thomann.de/ie/fatar_sl990_xp.htm

    IMO, if you know what you like, buy a new one when the old one breaks.


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