Modartt user forum » Pianoteq user forum » Which is the best weighted keys keyboards to start with ?
Hello,
I am looking for weighted keys keyboard under $500 and upon searching on lots of sites, I came upon conclusion to go with KORG B1SP by reading here https://www.doomsquadmusic.com/weighted-keys-keyboard/ but I am still not sure about it.
Can you guys suggest something under $500 which stay with me for at least 2-3 years.
Thank
The usual suspects:
Roland FP10, FP30
Kawai ES110
Yamaha P125
Casio PX160, PXS1000
As far as I know the Korg B1 does not have a MIDI or USB port, which makes it impossible to use it with e.g Pianoteq or any MIDI based application. So a big no on that option from me.
I second the selection in Groove On's list. If at all possible, find a local showroom where you can try at least some of them before making a decision. You may want to budget for a sturdy stand as well - the metal X-frame types tend to wobble as you play!
If you want an affordable graded hammer action with USB for MIDI then get the entry level Casio CDP. You could find a deal on the outgoing models.
Hello,
I am looking for weighted keys keyboard under $500 and upon searching on lots of sites, I came upon conclusion to go with KORG B1SP by reading here https://www.doomsquadmusic.com/weighted-keys-keyboard/ but I am still not sure about it.
Can you guys suggest something under $500 which stay with me for at least 2-3 years.
Thank
Studiologic SL88 Studio $499USD. Nice keyboard feel and lots of features. Very solidly built as well.
I'd go for a good second hand piano (like the Yamaha cp33, with superior GH action keys).
Much piano for less bucks.
Take care to buy a 'graded (weighted) hammer action' piano, since that mimics the feel of a real piano. You are then able to play on a acoustic one as well.
Dear Debbie,
I have spent literally years seeking the best keyboard feel and response with Pianoteq. I've also had many keyboards, most of which is have been disappointed with. I have at present a Yamaha YDP-143 which has been one of the best I have owned. I would humbly suggest trying a Yamaha P125 hooked up to Pianoteq. The P125 has the same keybed / action as my YDP-143.
Warmest regards,
Chris
Then again, that would be Yamaha’s GHS keybed, definitely not their best, to say the least.
I played on a Nord Stage 4 and it felt very good, doesn't have that basketball bouncing feel with very slow velocities so it's much easier to play quietly like on a real acoustic key-bed. I really want to test the MK23 from here http://www.flkeys.at/home.html !
I have really enjoyed my Kurzweil Artis as a controller for PianoTEQ. I also have an older Kurzweil PC-88MX that feels great with it. Kurzweil generally tends to have high-quality weighted keyboards (often Fatar-manufactured, I think). Try anything before you buy, though.
Under $500, I can't help you. My first digital piano was a Casio Privia PX560 and I wasn't satisfied with that after a month.
Hello,
I am looking for weighted keys keyboard under $500 and upon searching on lots of sites, I came upon conclusion to go with KORG B1SP by reading here https://www.doomsquadmusic.com/weighted-keys-keyboard/ but I am still not sure about it.
Can you guys suggest something under $500 which stay with me for at least 2-3 years.
Thank
I'm selling a brand new in the unopened box Studiologic SL88 Studio for $400.00
if interested, contact me: bruce@brucemillermusic.com (Calabasas, CA)
I have a Casio PX-150. It's light weight and has a gravity action. Some people complain about it. The on board piano voice is just so so. My Casio is teamed with the Pianoteq Pro. I don't know where your live, but look for a used keyboard on Craig's List. No point really in buying a new one.
The usual suspects:
Roland FP10, FP30
Kawai ES110
Yamaha P125
Casio PX160, PXS1000
This undoubtedly is the list to choose from. It should be easy to find a used one on Craig's List which tends to be a buyer's market.
Querida Debbie, He pasado literalmente años buscando la mejor sensación y respuesta del teclado con Pianoteq. También he tenido muchos teclados, la mayoría de los cuales han sido decepcionados. Actualmente tengo una Yamaha YDP-143 que ha sido una de las mejores que he tenido. Humildemente sugeriría probar una Yamaha P125 conectada a Pianoteq. El P125 tiene el mismo teclado / acción que mi YDP-143. Saludos cordiales, Chris
Can you to share best settings curve? I have p125
Then again, that would be Yamaha’s GHS keybed, definitely not their best, to say the least.
I rather think the latest YDP 14 whatever have an improved action. Seems nice to me. Better than the old GHS which wasn't bad.
Any of the hammer action boards and consoles would do the job admirably. Pianoteq is made for such.
Under $2500, I can't help you, keyboard-wise. You might be able to get a halfway decent pure midi controller for a little more than the $500 that you suggested. Good luck.
What about the new M-Audio Controller (hammer 88) ? They seem to be better than the former ones.
A second hand piano with GH action is a good choice too (unless it's been too played).
What about the new M-Audio Controller (hammer 88) ? They seem to be better than the former ones.
A second hand piano with GH action is a good choice too (unless it's been too played).
Be cautious with any Fatar action board. I've had three different Fatar boards and they have all had inconsistent velocity response.
Just some friendly advice.
Warmest regards,
Chris
Ok. Thanks for the information !
BR
Will
For $500, I can't help you. I paid $800 for Pianoteq.
Got a Roland RD-88 myself, which in fact has the same PHA-4 action as in their FP-10, FP-30 and FP-60. Tried and trusted.
The Roland RD88 seems overpriced if the only intended use it playing a VST piano. The FP10 and FP30 seem more than adequate (keeping in mind that only the FP30 supports continuous half-pedaling with an optional pedal, whereas FP10 supports half-pedaling, but not continuous, with an optional pedal).
Another interesting option is the Korg D1, which has Korg's top action as far as mechanics go (possibly with some small diferences). I have tried that action in other pianos and I think it's close enough to Roland's PHA-IV premium, and better than the Yamaha GH3, but that's my personal opinion, of course. The downsides are that it's slightly above the intended price, and the included pedal is only on-off. A half pedal can be purchased separately, but I don't think it's continuous. However, I don't know any piano that has a continuous damper pedal in that price range.
However, I don't know any piano that has a continuous damper pedal in that price range.
I only know of the Korg B2, that it has 4 steps with the optional Korg PU-2 pedal unit (MIDI values 0, 38, 74, 127). This could be called "third-pedaling" in analogy to half-pedaling.
Under $500 I don't think you'll get a really great new instrument. In that price range, I can recommend Studiologic's SL-88 Studio because Studiologic makes an accessory triple pedal (soft-sos-damper) which has graded response. The keyboard itself is a bit heavy for my taste, and mechanically rather noisy. But it does have excellent midi controller capabilities and programmable keyboard settings.
But my favorite instrument is my old Kawai ES-6 stage piano (vintage 2013-14). You can use it as a midi controller. And it has the loveliest, most sensitive touch you could ask for -- from very very quiet to very loud. It is a pleasure to play, a very expressive and engaging instrument. If you can find a used one in your price range, I don't think you will be disappointed.
I think I paid about $500. on sale for my Auturia 88 note graded action keyboard controller about a year ago. It had an older version of their bundled software instruments. It has had rave reviews.
My Arturia 88 note graded action keyboard controller has a continuous controller input. I think I paid about $500.
on sale, a year ago as a newer identical model came out with an updated software instrument bundle. It got rave reviews from all reviewers.
mcoll wrote:However, I don't know any piano that has a continuous damper pedal in that price range.
I only know of the Korg B2, that it has 4 steps with the optional Korg PU-2 pedal unit (MIDI values 0, 38, 74, 127). This could be called "third-pedaling" in analogy to half-pedaling.
On my previous post, I forgot that you might mean a keyboard with sounds. I don't have any opinions on that. Without sounds, my Arturia 88 note graded action keyboard controller cost about $500. a year ago on sale, when they came out with a new updated software instrument bundle for the updated model.