Hi there,
I'm planning on purchasing a controller keyboard.
A few notes:
- 88 keys would be ideal
- Sustain pedal is important to me (can be an add-on rather than built-in)
- Extra buttons, mod-wheel etc. not important
- Weighted keys would be great, I'd like to be able to play with feeling
- To be used primarily with Pianoteq and LASS
Suggestions much appreciated!
Hi there,
I'm planning on purchasing a controller keyboard.
A few notes:
- 88 keys would be ideal
- Sustain pedal is important to me (can be an add-on rather than built-in)
- Extra buttons, mod-wheel etc. not important
- Weighted keys would be great, I'd like to be able to play with feeling
- To be used primarily with Pianoteq and LASS
Suggestions much appreciated!
NUMA Nero if your budget stretches? It has a beautiful piano action. No knobs and or faders. Will accept half pedal. Fully programmable. Love mine!
Hi there,
I'm planning on purchasing a controller keyboard.
A few notes:
- 88 keys would be ideal
- Sustain pedal is important to me (can be an add-on rather than built-in)
- Extra buttons, mod-wheel etc. not important
- Weighted keys would be great, I'd like to be able to play with feeling
- To be used primarily with Pianoteq and LASS
Suggestions much appreciated!
What is your budget? What kind of music will you be playing?
I just bought the Casio Privia PX-3 and I LOVE IT! Paid about $850 tax in for it, and I use it only for Pianoteq...the Ivory finish is excellent, the action feels very solid and is weighted just right in my opinion...I've owned an RD-700GX, and a P-155 for an extended period of time, and this one is simply my favorite! You can't beat the weight either; 25lbs if I'm not mistaken Just using it as a controller is worth the money right there, plus it has lots to offer on-board (except the grand piano sound, which is terribly awful!).
Everybody, thank you all so much for your responses.
I think the Privia PX-3 is a little too costly in Europe (around 950 euros). It looks quite wonderful though... I'm certainly tempted.
Two questions:
1) Has anybody got any experience with the Casio PX-130? This seems to be alright to me. http://www.thomann.de/gb/casio_px130_we_privia.htm
2) I'm leaning toward the Numa Nano and FATAR VFP3-15. Are there any known issues, niggles or problems with either of these devices?
Again, thank you all!
To the best of my knowledge, the PX-130 has the same action as the PX-3, except for the ivory feel. I have the PX-330 (identical action as the PX-130) and I'm very pleased with it, especially given that it's such a lighweight portable instrument as well. It's probably not the best choice if you want to build finger strength though. (the action is light compared to a typical real piano IMHO)
Greg.
That's good to know. In terms of playing style, I'm not really a virtuoso. I can play, of course, but building up finger strength is not a concern as I just not at that level. (I've noticed a few threads where people discuss finger strength here - I play guitar much better than piano and I can understand why that would be important).
For me, it's more about the feel of the keys and the breadth of octaves available. It needs to feel natural and allow me to focus on composing (using LASS and Pianoteq via Live).
Ah, well the Casio's should definitely be good enough then.
If it's at all possible, try to actually audition the Casios connected to Pianoteq, because the better sound may make the keyboard feel subjectively better, even though of course it cannot change the mechanical feel at all.
Note that there have been some reports of loose/wobbly keys or noisy keys with these new Casio pianos - Google over on the Pianoworld forum. http://www.pianoworld.com
I had one noisy key replaced (under warranty), however it's held up well since then - it's 8 months old now. (which is admittedly still very young)
Greg.
So do the Casios feel mechanical in a bad way? (sorry, it was unclear!)
The Casios have less "inertia" than a real piano. You know that feeling of setting a hammer in motion, as you play the key? The Casio has less of that, IMHO. (it still has some, though!).
Also, because the Casio piano sounds aren't all that fantastic, it might give you a false impression of the feel of the keys. The first time I connected Pianoteq up to my Casio, it sort of kind of made the action feel better.
Greg.
That's a great explanation, thank you.
I can appreciate how the perceived tactility of the keyboard would improve when paired with the quality of Pianoteq sounds.
since (yesterday) i have a VMK 188+ (he buy it the 6 of this month and sell it to me for 300€, so i jump on it and to play piano(teq) and it is really comfortable and close as a real one...
since (yesterday) i have a VMK 188+ (he buy it the 6 of this month and sell it to me for 300€, so i jump on it and to play piano(teq) and it is really comfortable and close as a real one...
Enjoy your new controller keys!
+1
I wholeheartedly agree that Pianoteq makes more use of a great keyboard controller than any other virtual piano out there. Enjoy your new acquisition.
Cheers,
Joe
sigasa & jcfelice88keys: thank you...
it is true that a good sensitive keyboard really change the perception of Pianoteq... even if it is harder for me to play, i absolutely not regret my new keyboard, now, i feel i own a real piano...
(hum! ...many real pianos is more true
(hum! ...many real pianos is more true
what's more, you can play technician too!