88 or 61 key (Keyboard)

[gulagurk]

I recently started getting serious about playing and using the piano for composing music and quickly I found my Keyrig 49 (keys) getting very limiting, I like to play around with doubling octaves up & down and such, can't really do that on 49 keys.

So I am thinking will a 61 key be sufficent or not... what are your thoughts on this?, the only thing I don't like about the 88 key is the size of the thing. I don't really have a desk that will fit it, So i'll have to go with anonther solution if i go for that.

I was looking at a used m-audio keystudio 61. Are these m-audio keyboards really any good? I know that I already own one. But I am not qualified to judge quality of keyboards, except that I know it's pretty sturdy.

[albee1952]

Just my 2 cents, but I would shop around for a used Korg SG-1(I think that's the model) which is a digital piano, with a nice weighted action, but its a short keybed(like 71 or 76 keys). Truthfully, ANY keyboard with a midi out will work(I even use an old Ensoniq Mirage as a 61 note controller), but most piano players really prefer weighted action(and it might make you a better player in the long run). This is one major reason why I went with a Motif es8 for my studio(which is also a bit on the small side). A good instrument with a good feel can inspire a better performance. Once again, this is just one person's opinion

[Julia B]

Just FWIW -- get an 88 key. Why? Because some VIs have KS capability, and usually put those on the lowest octave which means you'll have to shift your keyboard one octave or more. Make sure you get one with both pitch and mod wheels.

I really wish M-Audio would put out an Axiom Pro 88 at some point.

Check the used market. I traded a Schecter guitar for a 1996 Alesis QS8 and the thing works like a dream. It's built like a tank, too. Made in U.S.A. which you don't see very often anymore. It's own sounds are suck, but as a midi controller and for producing enough so that I can get timing right it works fine.

I also have an Oxygen 61. I use that for setting VI patches, but it's very limiting for actual recording.

And thus ends my drive-by on the Avid forums for the month.