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How come there are so many different midi controller keyboards with such a wide range of key numbers... ranging from 25 to 88... what is the advantage or disadvantage of either option?

I am trying to choose an entry level keyboard for myself... help me out please... I was reccommended to get a 61 key model...

x matt x

Comments

pr0gr4m Tue, 05/02/2006 - 11:38

I agree with the previous 2 posts. 61 keys is the lowest I'd go.

But the REASONing behind the smaller keyboards is probably not only a space thing (in that they take up less of it) but because some people only need an octave or so of keys to input things like bass lines or arppegios(sp?). I tend to believe that they are taylored to the techno/dance musician who is generally writing one-handed keyboard parts.

If you look at standard synths, some of them taylored for those genres have even given up on the larger keyboards because the sounds they offer aren't really designed for a full 88 key range. Good examples of that are the Ion and MS2000.

TeddyG Wed, 05/03/2006 - 05:49

I bought a 61 key, as It just fit the space I had. If I could I'd go back for the 88(More if they had them!) and let everything smaller to people like me who just don't have the room... You won't regret having the "extra" keys, the cost is only a bit more(Especially over time)... You will often regret not having those extra notes......(AARRGGHH!!)

If you like weighted/piano action keyboards, make sure they actually DO feel just like you want them to feel - some weighted actions are poor. If I couldn't afford the "best" weighted actions, I'd skip this feature(As I couldn't and did - no regrets here - not nearly as big a deal as the # of keys.)

TG

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