Vienna Symphonic Library Forum
Forum Statistics

194,737 users have contributed to 42,932 threads and 258,002 posts.

In the past 24 hours, we have 6 new thread(s), 17 new post(s) and 106 new user(s).

  1. Home
  2. General & Hardware
  3. To weight or not to weight?

  • To weight or not to weight?

    D
    D
    Hi all,

    I've looking into getting a new 88 key weighted controller. It will primarily be used for VSL (among other sample libraries). However, I recently read an article on Sonic Control by Ashely Witt that totally slams the use of weighted key controllers with sampled orchestral instruments. So should I go with a non-weighted key controller? Any opinions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks...
  • N
    N
    If I had to pick one, I'd definitely pick a weighted or semi-weighted controller - especially for the VSL. But unweighted controllers are good for some things too. I find it easier to play fast repeated notes and soft dynamics with them. Drum parts are easier to play on unweighted keyboards, for example (although I usually use KAT pads).

    You really have to try both and see what works best for you. It's highly subjective.
  • C
    C
    Not really being a keyboard player I always opted for semi or non weighted keyboards. I figured why work harder than you have to. This time I opted for a weighted keyboard (the Yamaha s-90) Barring CTS I don't ever see going back. I enjoy being able to feel the difference.
  • T
    T
    I've used an unweighted keyboard for years, but just recently bought a weighted 88 key, the Yamaha P80, for improving my piano technique. I've found that it's far easier to very softly on a weighted keyboard. On a completely unweighted one the keys are just way to easy to press down, and harder to get the extremely light touch.

    I remember one guy saying he liked using weighted keys for drums, probably for this reason. It's true that it is harder to play fast repeated notes unless you develop a good technique.

    Anthony Lombardi
    www.mp3.com/alombardi
  • N
    N
    ...which shows you how subjective all this is.

    I can play fast using fingers on alternate hands on an unweighted keyboard more easily because the keys spring up faster, and I find it easier to move the lighter keys down more slowly since they require less force (and therefore there's less momentum to resist). But keyboardy parts are easier with the control you get from weighted keyboards, and I find that they have much more feel.

    Tony's opinions seem to be 180 degrees opposite from mine, yet they're equally valid. It's really a matter of preference.
  • T
    T
    Subjective it is.....As a professional keyboard player I have to use various types everyday. Most synth's are unweighted, and serve fine for most synth style playing (pads etc.) Hammond B3 organs use a "waterfall" keyboard, which is also unweigthed, and once again serves the instrument well. Try sliding your plam or fingers on a weighted key board. I've bloodied my hands more than once.

    But I have to say that for feel and sensitive passages, and for me this includes not only piano but orchestral instruments as well, nothing beats a good weighted keyboard. And once you've mastered some techinque, it is also better for fast passages. I find it more difficult to obtain subtle nuance with an unweighted keyboard.

    Best thing to do is to try out both with your library of choice.
  • P
    P
    The answer is: 2!

    I have the 88-note weighted keyboard because after a long period of playing the plastic keys, carpal tunnel sets in. I also have an older Korg 01/W and SY77 with plastic keys to use for faster passages.