Keyboard advice

[hcguitar]

Let me start by saying that I am not a keyboard player. I can speak with some resemblance of knowledge about guitar, bass, and drums but when it comes to keys I am clueless. So yesterday I got to church and discovered that a door had been left unlocked and someone got in and stole a couple of our instruments. They took a bass, a guitar amp, and our keyboard (a Kurzweil pc88).

Since the police said the chances of recovering our instruments are slim to none, I'm shopping for a new (or possibly used) keyboard. We have a very talented keyboard player but she has no knowledge as far as what brands and features would be best for our needs. We mainly use a piano sound but at times use organ settings, strings, and pads.

I want the best sound quality and feel possible. With a budget of $2000, what would you recommend?

Also if someone could explain what the difference is between a stage piano, controller, and workstation are, that would be helpful too. Thanks!

[louca]

My humble advice would be to go with a Yamaha S90ES. In the interests of full disclosure, that is the keyboard I use. I own one myself and the church bought one on my recommendation. True, I am biased, but it seems to be popular especially in Christian music circles. It is NOT light, so if moving it around all the time is important, some other keyboard, although a compromise in sound, might be better. It weighs about 50 lbs. Also, if recording storage is necessary, the S90ES does not have any (i.e. no sequencer). I do think, and professionals have agreed, the S90ES has the best piano sound, hands down. (You see, I can say that because most of the folks here play guitars! ) The strings and pads are very good; the organ patches, like all synthesizers, stink. (IM me or start another thread if you want my very slanted opinion on how to get the Hammond organ sound). The S90 is also a good alternative, and there should be quite a few used ones. Buy used with caution, and always try before you buy.

A controller is a keyboard that does nothing but control another piece of equipment. Typically, a controller is connected to either a sound module of some sort, or to another keyboard. It works using MIDI and basically just controls things. When a key is pressed it tells the module to sound a note. It sounds like you don't want a controller.

A workstation contains recording memory such that the playing of songs, including piano and other parts (even real voice), can be recorded on the keyboard in its memory for later playback. For example, you could record drum tracks and other instruments to "back you up" as you played live. If you don't do a lot of playing around with that kind of stuff, it might not be worth it.

Not sure what the definition of a stage piano is. I just think of a piano that's on a stage. Maybe others know.

Lou

[Carrelmc]

Sorry to hear about your instruments being stolen! I'm a keyboard player and I may be of some help to you.

I believe what you are looking for is a stage piano. It is probably very similar to the Kurzweil (patch wise) in that it probably has a acoustic piano, electric piano, organ, strings and maybe a pad of some sort. The Kurzweil definitely has nice acoustic sounds such as piano & strings.

A controller keyboard has no sounds of it's own. It is dependent on either a computer with virtual instruments or a MIDI device such as another keyboard or sound module. It does require some programming so if your keyboard player doesn't get into that, forget it.

A workstation is a keyboard that has a sequencer (for recording MIDI parts-possible audio), usually some built-in effects such as reverb, chorus, delay and a wide range of sounds. Depending on the manufacturer and the price paid, they are usually loaded with various options a.k.a. "bells & whistles".

I have been VERY pleased with Korg sounds over the years for worship. The only thing I don't like about Korg keyboards are that their acoustic piano sounds have been weak compared to Kurzweil and possibly Roland. Some of the virtual piano instruments make Kurzweil's pianos weak when you hear how detailed the samples are.

Anyway, if you want to keep it simple for your keyboard player and they mostly use the acoustic piano sounds, go with a stage piano. For $2000 you can get a nice Kurzweil keyboard, possibly something by Nord and Korg has just recently released a stage piano. Who knows, maybe that sounds killer now. Your other option is to buy a Macbook, controller keyboard, audio interface and dive into the world of virtual instruments.

I hope this helps!

[Carrelmc]

I just read the post before mine. I totally forgot about the Yamaha S90s!!! Definitely check those out as that person has suggested. I haven't owned one of those. I've owned keyboards by Roland, Korg & Kurzweil but now I'm completely into virtual instruments.

[merry]

I just got a Yamaha M08 for myself. At church, I play a Korg Triton LE, and my new keyboard is sooooo much cooler It's 75 lbs so not easy to move, but I think I'll have to take it to play for at least a few weeks. Much easier to make adjustments on the fly, a fantastic mod wheel and better acoustic piano sounds than the Triton. I checked out Korg and Roland stuff, and preferred the Yamaha layout and sounds.

If your keys player doesn't play organ and pad stuff, then this might not be what you're looking for.

I wanted decent piano sound plus good organ and pads. I paid $1800 for the keyboard with mid-level accessories- pedal, double-x stand, bench, and a guitar gig bag for my son.

I will be sure to mention this incident to people at our church: our building is often open due to being used by a lot of community groups, and the auditorium is widely accessible then. We have thousands of dollars of equipment that isn't that hard to take - pedal boards, amps, keyboard, etc., and several of us have expressed concern about safety. Making a way to lock the auditorium separately from the rest of the building would alleviate that concern.

[matthewfridg]

I use the Yamaha CP300. Excellent stage piano. I have been to several concerts and saw the same piano in use on stage. It has some great sounds included and has on board speakers. LOVE IT!

On sale:
Yamaha CP300 @ KraftMUSIC.com

[David Good]

I have to agree with Matthew. I also personally own a Yamaha CP300. I have played Korg Tritons and Kruzweil PCs, Roland Stage Pianos and other Yamaha Pro-level keyboard. I can honestly say that by far the CP300 has the absolute best accoustic grand sound I have ever heard and it feels like you are playing an actual Yamaha Concert Grand piano. I also has fantastic string and electric keyboard sounds and works great when connected to my laptop. It is heavy but I won't play anything else except a real grand anymore.

[efrisch]

Another advocate for the Yamaha boards... Any of the S series, CP series, and even the higher end P series boards are definitely worth your time. They've definitely got the best action and piano sounds, in my experience. I used to have an S08, and we've got a P140 at church... great boards!

[louca]

Did your keyboard player play mostly piano on the previous keyboard? And will this be possibly used by others like a "real" piano? If so, highly consider getting a keyboard with weighted, hammer-action keys. That feel is crucial to those who are coming from a normal acoustic piano world. Be careful because there are a LOT of synthesizers that have rather soft key action. Soft keys are nice for pads and are essential for organ, but are really very bad for decent piano playing.

Also consider getting a good stand for the keyboard: one that is stable, yet allows feet to go underneath comfortably. Mine is a Quiklok WS550 which you can see, along with the S90ES in my profile pictures. There are other good stands, too.

Lou

[phil77]

The Yamaha's are great, but if you could stretch the budget a little bit, you might try looking for a used Nord Stage EX; by far, *the best* unit available, not just my opinion. The samples are second to none, and the Hammond sounds can be better than the real thing. Very useable sounds, and very user-friendly. At least check them out.................