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  3. best of the best weighted keyboard controller?

  • best of the best weighted keyboard controller?

    M
    M
    I'm selling my K2600X [:'(] ... and going fully software synth [:D] but I still need a master keyboard... I like the k2600 but I'm looking for something with even better action, sensitivity. I also like playing ivory piano plug in a lot and I want something that will really let me play that expressively like it's a real piano. I don't care about on board sounds - a few or none preferably, controllers faders and knobs would be good but I can buy that separately - above all I want the best weighted keyboard action I can find - there must be one or two products out there that are considered technically and "musically" as they feel, above the rest where the design is really superior and well made and just a beautiful keyboard to play (with the right sounds). Anyway that's what I'm after. Recommendations anyone?

    Thanks,
    Miklos.
  • M
    M
    incidentally I'm after something fully weighted not semi weighted but at the same time not too heavy - I found the k2600 too heavy - as for pianos I always preferred the yamahas touch which is usually lighter to give an idea of my preference.

    Miklos.
  • K
    K
    I played with my friend's M-Audio keystation 88, and I gotta say, I was impressed. It had a great touch. But to this day, I still haven't found a weighted keyboard that feels as much like a piano as my old Korg T1, which I bought in 1989 and I still use as my controller. Always a classic. [:)]
  • A
    A
    I worked during 10 years with a Yamaha P80, without problem. I have to change for the VSL because I need a Modwheel.

    I bought a M AUDIO KPro 88. I changed it first once: it had a problem of...
    modwheel!

    Today, after 6 months of use I will change it again: approximately 10
    notes do not function correctly.

    no comment [8o|]

    /aristote the frenchie
  • I
    I
    If you're a piano player, avoid the M Audio thing, the black keys are not as high as they are on a piano or normal master keyboard/electric piano, and you'll be annoyed by this...

    If you're not a piano player, this may not bother you, and it certainly seems to be the cheapest deal around.

    I like the action on my Triton Studio 88, but it doesn't have a Modulation Wheel, the modulation is controlled by pushing the pitch bend, and this isn't ideal.
  • P
    P
    The KEY STATION PRO 88 works well for a non piano player... [[;)]]
  • M
    M
    Can anyone comment on their experiences betwen the Kurzweil PC1X and the other keyboards mentioned here? I tried one out today and it was very good action, great for piano, but equally although fully weighted, it seemed to be good for fast playing as well. Seemed well built, the guy at the shop showed me the inside of it, it's mostly metal in the action no plastic or weights, seems good - lots of good onboard sounds as well anyone care to comment?
  • I
    I
    The older Kurzweil action was good but didn't last well, not with repeated hammering anyway. I know as I've played on a few theatre tours (8 shows a week), and the old actions were always breaking. To be honest though, few keyboards are ever subjected to those extremes of performance anyway, but merely imparting my experiences... As far as I know, the new actions are longer-lasting, so the PC1X may suit you. My old PC88 regularly needed repair, but it was the older style of action.

    You really need to find something that suits you. I like the Kurzweil action, although my favourite was the Roland A90. The Korg Triton 88's use the Fatar action, as far as I know.
  • F
    F
    I'm in the market for a nice weighted 76 keyboard controller but it seems as though no one makes them anymore. Pity since I would like an extended keyboard for keyswitches and such but something that fits on my Yorkville workstation. An 88 note hangs over much too much (I tried a CME UF8 but found the action to be...well, pretty crappy). I know CME are coming out with the ZCS line which do come in 76 keys but I am leary about their quality. I know Kurzweil's are pretty decent and have worked on a PC1X before so I know it's good quality.

    Does anyone know anything about the PC1SE or has anyone worked with one?

    -David
  • M
    M
    I'll put in a vote for the Roland A90. Don't know if they even make this model anymore, but I love the action on it. It is a very heavy keyboard however.

    Mahlon
  • N
    N
    Most of the controllers mentioned here are not as good as the K2600X, which uses a Fatar action and really isn't all that bad. And to me there's no point in buying a 76-key controller when the extra octave is so useful for keyswitches - if a weighted 76-key controller even exists.

    You might take a look at the Doepfler keyboards, which felt very good to me when I fondled them at Musikmesse. They use Fatar actions too, but apparently it's a custom one that's better than the K2500/2600X. But first you might try tweaking the response of your 2600X in its software, because the hardware is perfectly good.

    My favorite-feeling keyboard controller is still the Kurzweil K250, but as irvind says, they require constant adjustment (and the units now require constant repair). I have two broken retired K250s in my garage.
  • J
    J
    last edited
    last edited

    @Nick Batzdorf said:

    You might take a look at the Doepfler keyboards, which felt very good to me when I fondled them at Musikmesse.


    Doepfer are the best [:D] I have a LMK4+ and it's built like the proverbial brick (expletive!).

    Expensive but like so much else, you gets what you pay for.
  • F
    F
    last edited
    last edited

    @Nick Batzdorf said:

    Most of the controllers mentioned here are not as good as the K2600X, which uses a Fatar action and really isn't all that bad. And to me there's no point in buying a 76-key controller when the extra octave is so useful for keyswitches - if a weighted 76-key controller even exists.
    .


    Hey Nick. Kurzweil just released the PC1SE not too long ago. It does have an octave shift but more importantly it won't hang over the edges of my keyboard workstation. It's fully weighted too. Built tough! This way I can retire my Korg K61P which is nice but needs a larger range.
  • W
    W
    If anyone is interested, I have a Yamaha GranTouch GT2 digital piano for sale that is considered by many to have the best action of any digital piano. It actually has a wooden action taken from one of Yamaha's 9 foot Grands.The piano is polished ebony and in mint condition, and in a Grand cabinet. I paid $8,000 for it in 1999, and I'm selling it for $4,000. This piano only has one sound-a very good piano sound.

    If you're interested, please email me at :wolfetho@mail.msu.edu. I can send you some pics.

    Thanks,

    Tom

    P.S.- if this is over your budget check out the Yamaha P140, CP300, or the Kawai
    MP8.All of these are very good.
  • N
    N
    Well David, that proves once again that one should never listen to me. [:)]

    But you know, the moral of the story is one I learned very slowly, only after getting kicked repeatedly: avoid studio furniture that's not generic; you will replace a piece of equipment that renders it useless way before its time.
  • F
    F
    last edited
    last edited

    @Nick Batzdorf said:

    Well David, that proves once again that one should never listen to me. [[:)]]

    But you know, the moral of the story is one I learned very slowly, only after getting kicked repeatedly: avoid studio furniture that's not generic; you will replace a piece of equipment that renders it useless way before its time.


    Actually I was hoping to get your input Nick because you do use Kurzweil products. [[:)]]

    For the next year or so, I have to consider the ergonomics of my production desk because I'm moving into my fiance's home and there isn't much space. however, once we move to a bigger place, I'll dedicate ample space (or a room) for my studio, then look at a set-up like Klaus Badelt or Michael Giacchino or James Newton Howard have- which is a desk that slides over the master controller for computer keyboard, mouse, manuscript.
  • C
    C
    I got the M-audio Pro88 and it works great if your pamper it. As a piano player I don't notice the lower black keys.

    What I do notice is the action is slowly becomming more uneven (looking at the velocity levels in Logics transport) so unfortunately I would say avoid this thing. Great for the price, though. I got this as a gift when it first came out.

    If I could choose anything now for any price it would be a P80 for the action (my fave--much better than the PC88 IMHO) with a small Oxygen or something for the sliders and Mod wheel.

    $.02

    Clark
  • T
    T
    is your K2600X still for sale? would you ship to Israel? do you have a case? or maybe a sustain pedal or a footswitch or headphones? what would the price be? thank you, Hillel Medini
  • G
    G
    And I am using a Fatar SL 880 pro which works perfectly for me (not near a pro, me) including the wheels (and a Novation 25 for the knobs, mounted in a steep inclination on top of it in a custom made stand). Gerard
  • N
    N

    I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the Studiologic VMK188 Plus.  I tried about 10 different keyboards (including the Rolands and Yamahas) but none of them come close to this keyboard.

    Studiologic is Fatar's midi controller company.  The VMK188 Plus is a graded hammer action (so its more like a real piano feeling heavier at the bottom and lighter at the top).  It has 9 assignable sliders and 8 assignable knobs.  While the action is a bit heavier than a Steinway D, it is still the best I can find.  Plays beautifully.  Its also a great deal selling at around $650 US.

    My only downside is that the modwheel/pitch bend is a fairly useless module.  But I just reassigned a slider for each of those controls.

    I couldn't be more happy with mine and would recommend it any day over any other keyboard.

    -ea