Tips on buying a MIDI keyboard

[Dustin]

Hi all,

  I want to purchace a MIDI keyboard and start composing my own songs, by using my MT-32 sound module. I am looking at a Roland A-33. Is this a good board? I am also looking for a Roland PR-100 or a comparible sequencer. What I want to do is compose music just like they did back in the 80's sierra games.

Any adivice would be most helpful and appreciated,

Thanks in advance,

Dustin

[Tom]

I don't know where you'd find a Roland PR-100 these days, but you can do much better.  The PR-100 is very limited in memory, and I bet those 'Quik-discs' it uses aren't easy to come by.  If all you'll need is to record some piano tracks, it would be okay.  But as soon as you start using multiple channels, you'll run out of memory quickly.  Software-based sequencers are the best way to go these days, since they give you a lot more (and easier) control over what you're recording, and especially with editing.

I'm not familiar with the A-33.   The nicest keyboard would be an 88-key fullsize board, since it's most like a real piano.  But a 64-key works well, too.  The only way to really know if a keyboard is good is by playing it.  Velocity sensitivity various widely with keyboards, and you'll want to feel the weight of the keys to see how closely they resemble playing a real piano.  Some are real 'springy' and non-realistic to the touch.  More often than not, the more you pay, the better the 'feel' is going to be.

[Dustin]

Hi Tom,


  Maybe a PR-100 isn't for me. What software sequencer do you reccomend?

As for the keyboard, it's on ebay, so I don't know the feel of the action, or weight of the keys. (Although the seller did say that it felt like a real piano) It is a MIDI controller, and he said he had it hooked up to an MT-32 and was using a computer as a sequencer. It is a full 88 key. Sounds like a good board. I'm on a budget so I am looking for used boards. What do you reccomend for a good keyboard on a realitivly tight budget?

thanks,

Dustin

[shad0wfax]

The A-33 is a great board and an excellent controller. If the price is OK, it's a very good deal. But keep in mind that the feeling is NOT like a real piano, and if you're a pianist (or played the piano before), you'll notice the difference. As far as I know, the A-33 uses a "semi-weighed" keyboard, that is mainly an improved light (plastic) synth keyboard. That is, it's not a hammer piano-like mechanism, although it's better than a typical synth keyboard.

If you want real piano feeling you'll have to look at 88-key master keyboards such as Fatar SL-880.

[Dustin]

Well,


   I am on a budget here, so I can't touch any of the higher end boards. But the A-33 seems like a good choice.

[Dustin]

Hi gang,

 I once again am considering the purchace of a keyboard. My two years of piano lessons are starting to come back to me, and I'd really like to get a keyboard.

Right now there is a Roland D-50 availible to me locally. It has had numerous upgrades, and is in great operating condition.


 What do you guys think about the D-50? Would it be a worth-while investment?

All opinions/comments would be most appreciated,

Thanks.

[shad0wfax]

The D-50 is one of the greatest synths of its time and still worth having it. As a master keyboard is very good, because you've got velocity sensitivity, aftertouch, pitch bend and mod wheel. One "drawback" is that it's monotimbral, but that's not a problem if you want it as a keyboard. On the other hand, it's Roland's best LA synth (although monotimbal, it sounds crisper and richer than MT-32/D-5/D-10/D-20/D-110).

[Dustin]

The D-50 is one of the greatest synths of its time and still worth having it. As a master keyboard is very good, because you've got velocity sensitivity, aftertouch, pitch bend and mod wheel. One "drawback" is that it's monotimbral, but that's not a problem if you want it as a keyboard. On the other hand, it's Roland's best LA synth (although monotimbal, it sounds crisper and richer than MT-32/D-5/D-10/D-20/D-110).

 I think I'm sold on this D-50. I plan on using it for sequencing. The only thing I worry about is the fact that it is monotimbral. Will I still be able to sequnence using different instruments on different tracks (as I would with my MT-32)?

[shad0wfax]

I'm afraid there's a bit of confusion there regarding the terms 'monotimbral' and 'monophonic'.

A synth is monophonic if it's only capable of playing one note at a time (that is, no chords). The D-50 is polyphonic, can play several notes at a time (at now I don't remember if 16 or 32).

A synth is monotimbral if it's only capable of playing one intrument/patch at a time (that is, it cannot play for example a piano and a bass at the same time). The D-50 is monotimbral and polyphonic. The MT-32 is both polyphonic and multitimbral (different intruments at a time). So the D-50 is a good choice for performance and as a master keyboard, but it's not a good option for sequencing.

[Dustin]

Ahh yes I was getting the two confused, Thanks for clearing that up for me


This perticular D-50 has been upgraded with multitimbral capabilities.

Another synth that I may consider getting is a Yamaha SY-22 (being sold ny the same guy who is selliing the D-50).

It has 8-part multitimbral.  


I am still leaning towards the D-50, but am open to suggestions. What would you suggest?

[Cloudschatze]

I suggest you take the D-50...

And then trade it to me for a Roland CM-500 and PC-200 MIDI controller.

As to what you should really do, I think it largely depends on the price. If you're looking at $300+, better options are available for your planned use.

[Dustin]

I suggest you take the D-50...

And then trade it to me for a Roland CM-500 and PC-200 MIDI controller.

As to what you should really do, I think it largely depends on the price. If you're looking at $300+, better options are available for your planned use.

the PC-200 is a 49 key. I'd have to have at least 61. I think I'm going to take the D-50. It has the sounds that I'm after.  But I also am considering a Yamaha DX-7.

Regards,

[Dustin]

Well, I just bought a Roland D-20 off of ebay. Can't wait to try it out. It's multitimbral and has a built in sequencer (but nothing can replace SpG )
plus it has a disk drive.

[Cloudschatze]

Not bad.

I might be able to help if you ever have any questions about it. (I am using a D-10 as my master-controller)

[Dustin]

Not bad.

I might be able to help if you ever have any questions about it. (I am using a D-10 as my master-controller)

Thank you Cloudschatze

I'm sure I will have some questions about it.

The Roland D series is really awesome. I still plan an getting a D-50 but that will come later.

Thank you for your advice in choosing the right board.

Best regards,