Nektar GXP88 - thoughts?

[FJ5]

I'm looking at replacing my Arturia KeyLab 61 Mk2 - its's a great controller but I want more keys (& not hammer action).

My keyboard sits on a sliding trolley underneath desk - depth of the KeyLab means I have to pull it out quite far & sit quite far back to access encoders/faders etc. which makes using mouse on desk difficult. Only sliding it out enough to expose the keys works for mouse use but then makes having the encoders etc. pointless!

Thinking of pairing a GXP88 with a desktop fader/knob controller.

Anybody own one? Curious how you find the actual use of it (keybed - noisy, velocity sensitivity/consistency etc.?

Thanks!

[AlesisVi61]

I've owned the GXP88 for a while & I love it! It's fairly compact for an 88-key, the key-action has a very nice semi-weighted feel(good recoil without any stiffness.)
It's truly unbeatable for the price and the icing on the cake, is that if you have any issues...Nektar's customer support is superb!

[simmo75]

I have one arriving tomorrow funnily enough.

I’ll report back later in the week

[FJ5]

I've owned the GXP88 for a while & I love it! It's fairly compact for an 88-key, the key-action has a very nice semi-weighted feel(good recoil without any stiffness.)
It's truly unbeatable for the price and the icing on the cake, is that if you have any issues...Nektar's customer support is superb!

Thanks for this guys. I've read about inconsistent velocity &/or key resistances. Is the key travel smooth? An old M-Audio (Oxygen Pro) I used to own had 'sticky' or 'jerky' key movement on initial travel, especially if not used for a few minutes.

[skijumptoes]

Anybody own one? Curious how you find the actual use of it (keybed - noisy, velocity sensitivity/consistency etc.?

It's a budget lightweight 88 key, so yes there will be issues reported. Keys are a little wobbly, although noise not too bad for me. Velocity not noticed anything bad from a general perspective.

As written on here, they're excellent products and Nektar support is brilliant. It's entirely functional for a wide range of tasks when paired with a DAW - keys aren't heavy so can play synth, finger drum, organ, keys etc fine.

Not my go to for a piano though, as I prefer the feel and expressiveness of a more weightier/premium key. I think the size, weight and price are really major reasons to consider this, rather than it's action.

From a Arturia Mk2 you would most likely feel this is a downgrade to play, but the Mk2 is a more premium product that costs double. It's so very subjective, I got one to replace a large Yamaha Motif - but the keys paled in comparison so sold it on. If I didn't have the Motif I may still have it now - who knows?!

[simmo75]

I got mine and it’s awful!
So badly made, some of the keys didn’t respond properly, one didn’t work. The pitch and mod wheels felt like they were going to break.

Don’t buy this keyboard!

I returned it.

[cryophonik]

I've owned the GXP88 for a while & I love it! It's fairly compact for an 88-key, the key-action has a very nice semi-weighted feel(good recoil without any stiffness.)
It's truly unbeatable for the price and the icing on the cake, is that if you have any issues...Nektar's customer support is superb!

Just a tip - if you want your posts to be read by people using the light theme, please stop changing the font color to light blue. I can't/don't read them because it's barely visible against the white background. Sorry for the OT, carry on.

[InLight-Tone]

I have had one for over a year or two. Great keyboard for the price, slim and trim. I look at keyboards like bikes, you can get used to riding ANYTHING once you know it's quirks and feel. Those who complain the most do the LEAST riding...

[FJ5]

Thanks all. As per other threads (including over on VI Control), lots of varied feedback. I can live with 'different' (& even perhaps a less than optimal key feel) but poor build quality/quality control I can't.

Think I'll probably give it a miss then - I probably would miss my KeyLab Mk2 if I swapped it for something inferior.

I have a Nektar LX Mini for use with my laptop when travelling (or can't be bothered firing up my permanent rig) & it does the job well! I see though that Nektar's other keyboards (e.g. LX88+ & T6) also get variable feedback (kind of a love-hate thing) which is a shame as I agree they probably have the best support in the business.

[mgw38]

Thanks all. As per other threads (including over on VI Control), lots of varied feedback. I can live with 'different' (& even perhaps a less than optimal key feel) but poor build quality/quality control I can't.

It quite frankly depends on what you expect. I have the GXP49. I got it because I needed a simple keyboard with Midi out and an expression pedal plug. These keyboards punch way above their price point.

[AlesisVi61]

I got mine and it’s awful!
So badly made, some of the keys didn’t respond properly, one didn’t work. The pitch and mod wheels felt like they were going to break.

Don’t buy this keyboard!

I returned it.

So due to your bad luck, every single model coming off of the assembly line is defective and NO ONE should buy one?
My GXP88 is just fine....so why don't you exchange one for a different one or just move on and buy a different brand and STFU.

[Biome_Digital]

I use a fairly new GXP61 because I needed more keys and aftertouch. Seems to work fine and happy with it for the price.

[pierb]

I recently bought the Nektar GXP49 to replace a dying Impact GX49.

For the price it's an ok device. The sensitivity is better than the Impact and the keybed feels moderately better but the keys are extremely noisy. Some keys make a weird metallic sound which is very annoying. I've had it for a couple of weeks and I'm debating whether to return it or not.

I love that it has an expression pedal input which is rare for controllers in this price range.

If you're looking for a cheap 88 keys controller I guess this will work, but expect to get what you're paying for.