Question for keyboard players

Tony Palmer · From: St Augustine,FL

I have a Kurzweil MicroPiano module that I use with a cheap 49 key midi controller and I get a great, realistic sound.
But, I'd like to gig with it now and then and want to upgrade my rig, mainly for "looks".
Should I buy a better, bigger deluxe controller and keep the MicroPiano or buy a traditional keyboard (under $500) and forfeit the nice Kurzweil sound?

Earnest Bovine · From: Los Angeles CA USA

I think the MicroPiano camne out around 1992. Technology has come a long way since then.

Larry Jamieson · From: Walton, NY USA

Casio has out a 73 key keyboard for under $400 that has a wonderful piano sound, about 300 sounds altogether, over a hundred automatic rhythms, pitch bend, easy transpose, touch sensitive action, user presets, built in speakers for home use, or plug it into your amp and use it professionally. Go to any Guitar Center or bigger music store in your area and try one out. You'll be amazed at how good it sounds for not much money...
Larry Jamieson, Walton Music, Walton, NY

Mark Vinbury · From: N. Kingstown, Rhode Island, USA

Do you have to "forfeit the nice Kurzweil sound" if you buy a new piano? I thought most modern keyboards were Midi controllers too.

Tony Palmer · From: St Augustine,FL

Yeah, Mark, I'm sure I could still use the Kurzeil module with a new self contained unit as a controller, but it would defeat the purpose of upgrading the look of my rig.
(too contrived).
Good suggestion, Larry, I'll try that Casio out, though I find it hard to believe it's up to pro standards supplied with built in speakers.(?)

Mark Vinbury · From: N. Kingstown, Rhode Island, USA

Oh, I get it.You want it all. A sleek new look,88 keys and a great sound.
I spent an hour at Guitar Center a couple weeks ago and was amazed at what $500 would buy in terms of convincing piano sound and action.Take your module in and A-B it with the new stuff.
Or what about the Kurzweil SP 76 for about$499.Only 76 keys but should have the sound of your module.

[This message was edited by Mark Vinbury on 07 January 2006 at 08:23 PM.]

Skip Edwards · From: LA,CA

The question is... how much do you want to schlep?
I'd say you need more than 49 keys to get the job done - no less than a 5 octave keyboard.
There's lots of keyboards out there now that would do the job. Nowadays you can find even a Kurzweil K2000 on eBay for dirt cheap, and it's got a better piano sound than the Micropiano.
So I guess my answer would be...look for a good used keyboard that has good sounds already in it.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for modules & controllers. I've got a room full of 'em and 3 KX88's the last time I counted, but on a gig if I can do an easy in & easy out with less stuff to haul around & wire up, I'm a happy guy.
If you want 88 keys, try one of those new Casio digital pianos. They're cheap and they sound & play really nice.
JMO...hope that helps a little.

Webb Kline · From: Orangeville, PA

Tony, I f I were you, I'd keep the micro for a while and go buy a Fatar SL 880. That's an 88 key weighted action controller board. It's light, has the same action as a lot of the better boards out there, as Fatar makes a lot of the actions. The unit can be split into four zones, will handle 2 separate midi synths and has good pitch bend and mod wheels.

You can pick one up at Guitar Center or Sam Ash etc. for around $500. If you want to upgrade piano modules down the road, you can do that, but the micro piano really has a pretty nice piano in it.

I use a Kurzweil PC1X now, but I honestly don't like the action as well as I did on my SL880 and I've been kicking myself ever since for selling it.

I can outrun the action on the Kurzweil, but the Fatar would take anything I could throw at it with a breeze. The Fatar is about as light as anything out there too. If you get tired of the micro you can always pick up the newer version on ebay. Usually a 100-150 bucks.
Webb

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