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Which cheap keyboard should I buy?

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  • Which cheap keyboard should I buy?

    I'd like to get an inexpensive keyboard ($200-300) to help my 6 yr. old learn to play piano. I'd like it to have touch sensitive keys (dynamic, not on/off). If feasible, I'd also like to use it to learn some keyboard myself, and also for backing tracks to jam to (preferably drums & bass, otherwise just drums). I almost bought a Yamaha PSR295 ($200 new), which looks perfect, with LCD screen showing the musical staff, lessons built in, touch-sensitive keys, on-board speakers, headphone jack, etc.

    However, then I thought about getting an old used pro level keyboard instead of a new consumer level (i.e., more toy-like) model. I know very little about keyboards. I remember the old days when the Yamaha DX7 roamed the earth as king. I think the subsequent DX7-II was like 2 DX7s in one, and I see DX7-IIs selling on eBay for around $200-300. I recall the Roland Juno making some waves back in the day, too.

    Anyway, any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

  • #2
    Re: Which cheap keyboard should I buy?

    I don't know a lot about keys, but I know the DX-7's and Roland Juno's were popular among the bands in the 80's. You might also look into the Korg M-1. Best thing to do is look at reviews on www.harmony-central.com and go to a local music store and have the keyboard specialist guide you.

    I have an Ensoniq Mirage DSK (DSK meaning Disk Sampling Keyboard....it takes standard 3.5 floppy disks with 3 different sounds on each) The keys aren't weighted, but I'm pretty sure you can adjust the sensitivity. http://www.synthmuseum.com/ensoniq/ensmirage01.html You can get these for around $200. I would recommend it for price, and being user friendly. http://www.prepal.com/data/Ensoniq.htm Prepal is good for getting an idea of what some equipment goes for these days. Hope this helps, and you find something soon. Oh, and check this link too. http://www.musicgoround.com/gear/inv....asp?id=280046
    It says Ensoniq Mirage Disk and manual.It doesn't say DSK, but you might want to e mail or call them to see if it is what I'm talking about. The store it's at is in Louisville, and they can probably ship directly to you, or a store close to you. It says there are 4 in Wisconsin. Let me know if things work out for you.
    www.reverbnation.com/rokhollywood

    www.facebook.com/Rok Hollywood

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    • #3
      Re: Which cheap keyboard should I buy?

      Thanks, man. I happened upon a Yahama PSR-275 on clearance at our local Wal-Mart, and grabbed it. It's not pro quality, but the kids have been having fun with it, and I'm even picking a little bit up. I still want to try out some pro level keyboards though. Music Go Round was a good suggestion. They have some good prices on used keys. Wish we had an MGR in my town!

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      • #4
        Re: Which cheap keyboard should I buy?

        Glad you found something. It's a nice diversion from the guitar.
        www.reverbnation.com/rokhollywood

        www.facebook.com/Rok Hollywood

        www.facebook.com/rokhollywood2

        www.facebook.com/RokHollywoodFans

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        • #5
          Re: Which cheap keyboard should I buy?

          Most of even the cheap keyboards nowadays can be used as MIDI controllers; you might buy sme rack synth modules rather than a pro keyboard next. My thought is that a pro keyboard that's old and used enough to be in the $300 price range might have its action beat to sh1t
          or otherwise present some problems that a module wouldn't have. Just a thought; if you do get one used, check the action and test every single key; one dead key might cost as much to fix as you spent buying it, if you can even get it fixed.
          Ron is the MAN!!!!

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          • #6
            Re: Which cheap keyboard should I buy?

            i would like a suggestion too

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