Thank you all for the input.

Yesterday I picked up an Alesis Photon X25. I wanted a dedicated controller/keyswitcher, so I was looking for a small, 25-key job. I went for this because of the "Dome" controller, which gives a d-beam-like, spatial, 3D (xyz) control.
It's a bit slow to get used to, but if you use it for subtle changes -- I'm playing round with just two axes, short/long and senza vib/vib, it can be very musical. It has an almost conductor-like feel to it. You wind up shaping the performance with your hand.

Very promising, anyway, and worth a look if you're up for a bit of a learning curve.

J.

Thanks, J., but I want a standard 88-key weighted controller with a good onboard piano sound. I won't need more sound than that, as I plan to use it for practice and as Input Controller for Sample Libraries. All the extra bells and whistles - and loaded voices I would probably never use - that come with so many keyboards, would just be unnecessary expense.

I have the perfect solution for you. Yamaha S90ES.

I have it with a breath, two foot pedal, and two mod wheel controllers. Has an excellent wieghted kyeboard and VERY nice Piano sound.

Rob

I have the Yahama S90 and its the only thing that has been able to replace my KX88. I have a Yahama baby grand here too, and they feel very much the same, one just sounds better.

Hello
About M-audio , the best is to try..When I tried theyr first attractve 88 Keys with a lot of knob, I was surprised by this:
- No aftertouch
- The dimension of the black keys are not standard in height too small
- The feeling was good for the price but not more

I also read in another forum that there is only velocity curve!

As classical pianist I like the feeling of masterkeyboard from Roland A-80, A-90.. but what I can say that I didn't found a real (same velocity response) that a real piano when I play written music.
There is allways a things that is strange in all keyboard I tried : the black keys are allways too loud (give much velocity) than the white keys?! For testing I play and record on a sequencer,a trill with right hand and with finger 2-3 at fist on C3 and C#3. Second test Play a trill with same fingers (2-3) on keys C#3 and D3.. If you open the sequence you will see that the C#3 (black key) is allways too loud!! That's why I have patch in Kontakt with the Bosendorfer 290 and Old lady from pmi where I can choose the volume separetly for white and black keys.

So for me the best masterKeyboard for doing good music with a computer and with a lot expression is "The mouse"
Best regards
Dup

You might want to have a look at this thread, too.

Thanks, Rob. the Yamaha S90 ES looks very good! It has the quality basic piano sound I would like, plus quite a few more sounds that would probably be used as (if) I progress. I have a worn out Yamaha Sy77 right now. The disk drive is broken, but maybe through midi-out I could use it to trigger sample libraries in Cubase or some other sequencer. The problem I have with Yamaha though, is that they seemed to have no interest in assisting a customer using an older product. In fact, they never answered a single enquiry regarding problems I encountered. Having said that, I might give them another chance, based on your recommendation. The S90 ES costs much more than I had planned to spend, but now you have given me the dreaded Gear-Lust! In your own experience, how suitable is the S90ES's weighted keyboard for triggering orchestral samples, or will they require even more tweaking in the sequencer? Respond at your convenience, and thanks for the input.

@JCL2 said:

Thanks, Rob. the Yamaha S90 ES looks very good! It has the quality basic piano sound I would like, plus quite a few more sounds that would probably be used as (if) I progress. I have a worn out Yamaha Sy77 right now. The disk drive is broken, but maybe through midi-out I could use it to trigger sample libraries in Cubase or some other sequencer. The problem I have with Yamaha though, is that they seemed to have no interest in assisting a customer using an older product. In fact, they never answered a single enquiry regarding problems I encountered. Having said that, I might give them another chance, based on your recommendation. The S90 ES costs much more than I had planned to spend, but now you have given me the dreaded Gear-Lust! In your own experience, how suitable is the S90ES's weighted keyboard for triggering orchestral samples, or will they require even more tweaking in the sequencer? Respond at your convenience, and thanks for the input.

Sorry for the gear lust (know where you are coming from). The action is PERFECT - at least for me - whether it is playing a piano or brass part. I love it.

Did a live gig with it the other day and also loved that.


Rob

If your looking for quality piano then also check out the GEM range of keys - I have played them next to the Yamaha and they sound better. Better write ups in Keyboard mag etc. On a budget though, dont discount the UF8 - at £300 uk its unbeatable and superior in every way to the M Audio

Zero

Question to any users (such as Rob Elliott) who have used the Yamaha S90 ES with a breath controller: Can the breath controller be set up to control literally any midi parameter (including aftertouch) or is it a restricted set. I downloaded the S90 ES manual from the Yamaha website and it said the optional BC3 breath controller could control 'various' parameters - I didn't know if 'various' means 'not all of them' and if so, which parameters does it control?

Many thx to all for your posts, they are very helpful...