dcr Posted November 3, 2002 Posted November 3, 2002 Hi! Please be patient--I'm a regular at the bass forum, but I could use some help buying a keyboard for my wife. She'd like to get a strap-on type keyboard (e.g. like Donald Fagen); specifically we're looking at the Roland AX-1B. However, these seem to be "midi controllers," and my question is whether they output only midi instructions, or whether they also output a signal that can be amplified. If not, what else would I need in addition to the controller, in order to end up with a signal (keeping things simple)? Also, are there any "regular" keyboards that are strap-on? Thanks!
RABid Posted November 3, 2002 Posted November 3, 2002 It is MIDI only. What you would need is one of the many nice synth modules. Depending on what type of music you play and the price range we can make some suggestions. Examples would be Roland XV-5050, Emu P2500, Korg Trition Rack, Novation A Station, Nord Lead 2 rack. I cannot think of any strap on keyboards with sound that are still in production. Robert This post edited for speling. My Sweetwater Gear Exchange Page
dcr Posted November 3, 2002 Author Posted November 3, 2002 Thanks, that's a huge help! I'll check out those modules. I've got a Boss DR5 (rhythm machine), which can be used as a sound module, but my guess is that its capacities would be fairly limited. (Yes?) Dumb question alert: is it possible to use a self-contained midi keyboard as a module, i.e. run a controller into the midi port on a (properly equipped) electric piano, and from the piano to a board/amp? Thanks again, Dan
RABid Posted November 4, 2002 Posted November 4, 2002 Originally posted by dcr: ...is it possible to use a self-contained midi keyboard as a module, i.e. run a controller into the midi port on a (properly equipped) electric piano, and from the piano to a board/amp? Thanks again, DanYes, and it is quite commonly this is done in one of two way. 1. The remote unit is connected by MIDI to the main keyboard. Then, when the keyboardist wants to move around on stage she grabe the portable unit, straps it on and plays her main keyboard remotely. 2. The main keyboard is set up as a multi channel sound source. The person at the main keyboard plays one sound while the person on the remote play another sound. This can be done with a multi-tembral keyboard as the main. Note that in most cases the combined sound from the two keyboardists comes out of one set of outputs from the main keyboard. This might be a problem when trying to keep a balance between the two. Some keyboards can be set up so that the remote keyboardist plays patches that are set up to come out of a secondary set of outputs. Another problem you may run into with this setup is sharing of the built in effects unit. Robert This post edited for speling. My Sweetwater Gear Exchange Page
dcr Posted November 4, 2002 Author Posted November 4, 2002 Robert, thanks so much for the info, & for your patience--I know basses, but not keys (which is a pretty big world!). You've been a big help!
RABid Posted November 4, 2002 Posted November 4, 2002 Originally posted by Rabid: ...Yes, and it is quite commonly this is done in one of two way....YEOW! Where was my mind when I let that string of babble slip by? Robert This post edited for speling. My Sweetwater Gear Exchange Page
dcr Posted February 11, 2006 Author Posted February 11, 2006 BUMP Me again! We finally got the Roland AX-1B, & it worked...OK. The power supply was a bit wonky, & the manual--being Roland--was absolutely INCOMPREHENSIBLE, so we only ever got so much out of it. We'd like to get another, but of better quality. Recommendations? Specifically, does anyone know what brand/model is the cool blue keyboard that Donald Fagen plays? (I've googled it & come up with nothing.) Thanks again.
Tusker Posted February 11, 2006 Posted February 11, 2006 The Roland is the only one in current production AFAIK. When you say better quality, what improvements are you looking for? Try clicking on this link, navigating to Roland, then clicking on AX1B. You'll see most of the remot controllers that have been available. Some may be found on Ebay. http://www.vintagesynth.com/ The Lync (Donald Fagen) is on that list. The rolls-Royce of remote keyboards is probably Le Key. Solid wood. Lovely craftmanship. Hard to find. http://www.stoffelshome.de/alt_controller/lag_le_key.html Jerry
jay da cop Posted February 11, 2006 Posted February 11, 2006 Check EBay for the Casio AZ1. Aside from the Lync, this is probably one of the most versatile "keytars" ever made. There are so many assignable sliders and wheels, and it will transmit on 2 channels. No ribbon controller, though. That would have been cool. They are usually about $250-$299 US. And it can run on batteries. I recommend strap locks, though. I either nearly dropped or did completely throw mine several times before I installed mine. For what it's worth, Thomas Dolby used this one. How's that for a sales pitch? Jay
AUSSIEKEYS Posted February 13, 2006 Posted February 13, 2006 hiyes i agree about the casioive had mine since new...in australia we never had many choices in this line....no lyncs etc but when the casio came out it was the only one at the time with aftertouch...a lot heavier than the roland AX 1 which I also have [but not really used much] The casio wins in features department but the roland looks like a copy of the lync in the looks department.....how did they get away with that. i dont understand why you are thinking the roland is no good...it does everything you need without aftertouch...it is really lightweight...and that matters if your not used to wearing a slin-on keyboard.Did you buy it second hand and it has troubles....i dought that they are still available new as the AX 7 has superseded it. Or do you need the look of the "blue" one.I think id try to sort out the roland as it is still a very good controller
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