MIDIdiot Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 me again... what are some of the light-weight keyboards around. I would like to replace my Roland FP1 digital 88 (weighted great action but too heavy). If I could sell it and get a keyboard controller, I would use it with MIDI cable to control my vintage pro synth whose piano sounds I think are better than the FP1's anyway... Is there such an animal as an 88 that is close enough to piano action yet weighs more like a synth or am I dreaming in technicolor? Also, I do not use software so I'm just looking to plug in the MIDI cable and play... Thanks in advance for any tips... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Benhamou Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 The Nord Stage is as light as it gets for hammer action boards. The control capabilities were not great at first, but apparently Nord has expanded its capabilities in the last OS update. I don't own one so I'm not sure how much better it is now. Many forum members have the Stage, so maybe they could shed some light. Ian Benhamou Keyboards/Guitar/Vocals [url:https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTheMusicalBox/]The Musical Box[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhodaway10 Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 I've been borrowing an FP1 from a friend of mine and it's one heavy keyboard. The action on it is ok but newer keyboards have a better feel. Some thoughts : Might be worth waiting for the Numa Nano : http://www.fatar.com/Studiologic/Pages/NUMANANO.html or Akai 88 - http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MPK88/ or the Studiologic http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfriend.com/product/Studiologic-SL990XP-88Note-Weighted-MIDI-Controller?sku=708348 www.brianho.net http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/brianho www.youtube.com/brianhojazz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Muscara Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 Casio Privia PX320 if I'm understanding you correctly. Not much on controller features, but light weight, and very good piano action. Also check out the other Casios such as the CDP-100. "I'm so crazy, I don't know this is impossible! Hoo hoo!" - Daffy Duck "The good news is that once you start piano you never have to worry about getting laid again. More time to practice!" - MOI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dana. Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 +1 on the Studiologic and Casio suggestions. Apparently the Akai MPK88 is not that light, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burningbusch Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 Well the Roland RD300GX is less than half the price of the Nord Stage 88, weighs less (36 lbs), is a better controller and, in my opinion, has a better action. And I'm sure you would find the piano sounds to be better than those in the vintage pro synth. There is also the Yamaha CP-33 to consider and of course the Casio line of stage pianos which are lighter and cheaper yet. Busch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIDIdiot Posted July 21, 2009 Author Share Posted July 21, 2009 thanks so far... keep em coming... I will check out casio tip... by the way, I want something "used" if possible so new models are out of question... thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drawback Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 ____________________________________ Rod Here for the gear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dana. Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 thanks so far... keep em coming... I will check out casio tip... by the way, I want something "used" if possible so new models are out of question... thanks. You can find used Casio Privias for $350 or less. A new PX-120 or CDP-100 will cost you around $400. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhodaway10 Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 +1 on the RD300gx. Try the FP4 as well. I played a Nord Stage 88 the other day and felt the action was very light for a weighted board. The privia site has a "coundown" to something special. I see a lot of "deals" on the PX320 so I wonder if they're going to release a newer and better version. www.brianho.net http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/brianho www.youtube.com/brianhojazz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gildabass Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 hi ! as i understood, you're looking for a simple midi controller, as people propose you some of the best synths. by the way if you're open to some more complete synth (with 88 weighted keys) look for the kurzweil PC3x, best controller, great fatar keyboard action, and the best sounds ever... otherwise, if you want a ligh midi keyboard (as for the fatar numa)there are the m-audio : like ProKeys Sono 88 or Keystation 88es (http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=products.family&ID=USBkeyboardcontrollers) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timwat Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 Weighted touch is subjective, but some nice actions include the Casio mentioned by Joe (very good value), Studiologic VMK boards (use the search function in this forum for previous discussions on specific models), the recently released Numa and the yet-to-be-released Numa Nano. CME has a decent action, and their QC issues seem to revolve mostly around their USB MIDI drivers, if I recall. Another group includes boards whose actions I loathe, which include the Yamaha KX8 and the M-Audio Keystation Pro 88 - but since actions are subjective, you may like them, and there are lots of used M-Audios to be had. .. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIDIdiot Posted July 24, 2009 Author Share Posted July 24, 2009 Casio Privia PX320 if I'm understanding you correctly. Not much on controller features, but light weight, and very good piano action. Also check out the other Casios such as the CDP-100. Will I like the casio sounds on the above models better than the piano sounds on the vintage pro? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Golly Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 Will I like... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonysounds Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 Will I like the casio sounds on the above models better than the piano sounds on the vintage pro? The 20 standard answers on a Magic 8-Ball are: As I see it, yes It is certain It is decidedly so Most likely Outlook good Signs point to yes Without a doubt Yes Yes - definitely You may rely on it Reply hazy, try again Ask again later Better not tell you now Cannot predict now Concentrate and ask again Don't count on it My reply is no My sources say no Outlook not so good Very doubtful Hitting "Play" does NOT constitute live performance. -Me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keys to the Hwy Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 I've got a CDP-100 that I bought for my son, who has since decided he wants to play bass or drums instead. Shoot me a PM if you are interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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