LeesKeys

I usually use a Studio Logic 73 with Pianoteq IOS. I recently purchased a Nektar GXP88 (semi-weighted key bed). I've tweaked the velocity curve using the GXP options as well as the curve withing Pianoteq. The result is not bad, certainly not like a fully weighted keyboard, but it's OK. One thing that continues to happen is that even though I've tweaked the curve for a faster keyboard, I still get occasional velocity spikes on individual notes, even though I THINK I'm playing all notes at the same velocity (of course I'm not). This type of thing has happened on other brands of semi-weighted keyboard I've previously owned. Yesterday I downloaded Genuine Sounds sampled CFX piano. The quality of the sound is very good, but more to my point, when playing it on the GXP (and using the same velocity curve as with Pianoteq, I did not experience any random velocity spikes on individual notes. I wonder about this- is a sampled piano more "forgiving" than a physically modeled piano when played on a semi-weighted keyboard? Thoughts?

I agree Tom. I ended up buying the 88. I was unsure how I would like the key bed for acoustic piano, but honestly, after playing it a while and further tweaking the curve within Pianoteq, I think it works about as well as any semi-weighted keyboard can. The unit seems very well built yet lightweight. Haven't played out with it yet, but I have a jam session coming up with friends this weekend and I think I'll take it. My usual gigging setup includes an SL73 on the bottom and a Roland A49 on the top tier; I'm considering replacing the Roland with a GXP61 to give me more keys and allow more key range with splits. We'll see.

from Nektar support: The Impact GXP series and the Impact LX88+ use the same keybed, so there would be no difference in that regard. The main differences are the number of controls and the positioning of the pitch/mod wheels.

Looking for a midi keyboard with a semi-weighted touch which I can pack easily for local gigging. DAW controls would be nice but not essential. Does anyone know if there is any difference in the key beds for these two models (i.e., keyboard "feel")? Thanks

Decided to try the Samson Graphite. Purchased it from Amazon with no-shipping-charge returns

My rig: iPad Pro (2022); plug USB type c Adapter (with charging slot and type B slot) into iPad Type C charging port. Powered USB hub type B cable is plugged into Adapter type B slot. Gear plugged into powered USB hub: Roland A49, StudioLogic SL73, Audiobox Go audio interface. Left and right outs from the audiobox go into the PA system. I use Keystage 2.1 app to manage and organize all my iPad instrument apps for live playing. Virtual volume sliders for each instrument are easy to use within Keystage. With this setup I don't need an external mixer or keyboard dedicated amp.

Looking for a 49 key midi controller with aftertouch. There are lots out there but it seems that few have this feature. Using it as a top rack keyboard for live performance. Don't need a lot of dials, sliders and pads. Suggestions?

On the off chance that any members have played a Studiologic SL73, I would appreciate your comments about the keybed. I've read everything from "love how it plays" to "returned the keyboard because the action was so stiff". I'm thinking about downsizing my Casio Pxs1000 to a smaller keyboard (ok, I know the SL73 weighs a little more). I own a Roland A88 which has a stiffer action that my Casio. It has gradually become slightly easier over time. So frustrating as a keyboard player not to be able to find a large selection of keyboards in storefronts, even larger stores in my area.

Soooo... now that you have that expression pedal input, wanna sell your MidiExpression device? LOL, heck no. I use it for CC64 for all my keyboards, among other things.

Just set it up. Nice little board. Perfect synth action for synth and organ. Glad I returned the gx49.

Roland A49 ordered and arriving sometime today!

Interesting point. I know Ebay does that for sellers, but I don't know anyone who does it for "returners"

Yeah, I absolutely understand the seller's position...

Buying a keyboard online is great. Free Shipping. Great unless the item doesn't meet your expectations and you have to pay return shipping a restocking fee. Purchased Nektar gx49 from Sweetwater at $99.00. Free shipping! Great deal! Return shipping cost (UPS): $42.00 + restocking fee, $5.00, or about 1/2 of the cost of my original purchase! What's a guy to do when he lives in a rural area with no large music stores nearby? Not to mention that there are so many kinds of keyboards, even a well stocked music store would very possibly not have what you want to lay hands on! Oh well.

Pulled the trigger on the Roland A49. Boy I hope this one works out.

Did you buy the Roland case for it too?

If the touch is anything like the Nanokey, that's what I'm looking for. There are some Korg 49's out there but I don't need all those controls and as a rule I don't purchase used midi keyboards. Perfect would be an upscale Nanokey with 49 full sized keys. Oh well. Right now I'm leaning toward the Roland A-49.

Anyone familiar with the keybed? Looking for something with light action that's good for synth and organ leads

So now I have the gx49. Seems well built, fits nicely in my setup. I really like the minimalist layout of the controls. BUT, the spring action of the keys if pretty strong. I had hoped for a keybed that would be a light touch suitable for synth and organ leads. Even though it's not a weighted keyboard, it takes at least as much force to depress the keys as my Casio PX. I'm wondering if I should send it back to Sweetwater and get something else. Hate to pay return shipping and restocking fee, but I don't want to end up with something that I don't enjoy playing. There are other 49 key midi controllers out there.Almost bought the M-Audio Keystation....It's really a gamble buying something sight unseen, but living i a rural area far from a large music store, I don't have many options. To sum up, I'm looking for a 49 key midi controller for live gigging with a compact layout, minimal controls needed, and a light touch. I would like to stay under $150 if possible. Thoughts?

Ended up buying a Nektar Gx49

I've just ordered an M-Audio Keystation 49. Does anyone know of a soft case that will fit it?

The IK Multimedia looks good. Thanks!

Microkey volume is controlled through the NanoKontol2 and leslie fast/slow through a sustain pedal which is plugged into an Audiofront MidiExpression switchbox. A new keyboard will definitely not fit on top of the Casio so I will need to upgrade to a 2-tier stand.

I play live gigs at church as well as with my jazz combo. I use a Casio PX1000 for piano and a korg microkey 37 for synth and organ sounds (sound apps thru iPad). The microkey is ok for chords and simple runs but I need a full sized key bed for more complex riffs and improv. I think 37 keys is enough for me. I really don't need cc controls on the board as I'm using a Korg NanoKontrol2 for that. I would be very interested in thoughts about what keyboard might fit my needs- something simple with a light touch and full-sized keys. Not using this for recording- just live gigging. Here's a pic of my current rig:

It's surprising that someone hasn't invented the near perfect keyboard stand. For me it would be a K&S Spider Pro which weighs 20 lbs and costs $150. Ok, that's not gonna happen.