If used is'nt an issue, then I'd go for a Roland A-70 (76 key) or A-90 (88 key) master controller. They offer a lot of features, ie: patching, zoning & etc. Fatar is another well known manufacturer of keyboard controllers. And the list goes on.

I have an old Roland A-33 which has six octaves on it. It's synth touch so if you're looking for weighted ....

I think I picked it up for a couple of hundred bucks US on EBay.

I was hoping for something with weighted keys but those A 33's are going for a pretty good price on ebay. Has it worked out well for you so far? any complaints etc?
thanks

Well longgone1,
if your question was about a keys for sampler or sound module you might use these Roland A keyboards.But in the case for VSTi's you will need something with knobs or rotary-ies.Diferent range of keys are produced by Evolution: http://www.evolution.co.uk
But the best one for Vsti's now is Novation Remote 25 Audio.Here they even included K-station option!http://

Best regards!

Donny

Hey, I cannot tell you much about the product line but I was doing some reading on DOEPFER controllers and they might be worth a look
mIchAEl

I have owned a Doepfer LMK3 Masterkeyboard for more than 15 years now. It works great after all those years on the road and in the studio and it is simply a great controller. It has a weighted 88-key keyboard with aftertouch and most everything that you can ask for. I got the DIY kit at the time which involved some serious assembly (including a few hours with the soldering iron - the whole master circuit board !). Wouldn't do that again but I was a student at the time and saving a buck was important ... :D . With cheap production in China or places I guess these times are over !

I believe that they use Fatar mechanics (the same as StudioLogic controllers by the way - another option :roll: ) and also offer hammer mechanics by now which gives it a nice piano feeling. Just one word of caution: If you are used to plastic synth keyboards you are in for a cold shower. A real hammer piano action requires some strength in the fingers that can only be built over time. It is also not the perfect keyboard to playing ripping Hammond solos (and I had the blisters to prove it).

Anyway, I can't vouch for their quality today but if you are looking for a master keyboard if would give them a serious look, despite their lack of a real "brand name".

Just my opinion,

MisterBlue.

Here is a link :

http://www.doepfer.de/home_e.htm

The Dollar vs. Euro exchange rate unfortunately doesn't make this a steal any longer ... :(

The LMK4+ still looks like an outstanding master keyboard - it's got the hammer mechanics I mentioned. Sells for 1299 Euro (which includes 16% VAT that would not have to be paid if ordered from the US). Brings it down to around 1120 Euro plus shipping.

MisterBlue.

i've just ordered a evolution MK 449c for myself. i was looking at the radium and edirol keyboards and others in this price range and i thought that this offered a variety of options for a good price.

it doesn't have weighted keys like the A90 and the likes of that and it's four octaves, but i saw it serving my purpose best for the money i was willing to shell out. also got nine sliders, 8 knobs, 10 assignable buttons.. total of 30 assignable controllers. i thought this was good.