Looking for advice on buying a keyboard

[vinnie2k]

Hello,

I want to buy a keyboard to play in our 7-piece band (2 singers, 1 singer-guitar player, 1 guitar player, 1 bass player, 1 drummer, 1 keyboard player).

The keyboard player currently practices on an old but functional 88-key electric piano; the piano sounds are OK but past that, it's crap. Furthmore, it's not really portable.

I am looking to buy a keyboard which plays standard acoustic piano sounds, adding electric piano, strings, synths, rhodes, wurli, organs, etc. 61 keys will be enough. I don't need fully weighted keys either. It needs to be portable as it will be the gig piano. It can be used. The budget is 500 USD.

In your opinion, which model(s) best correspond to the requirements above?

[gullfo]

maybe something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Casio-CT-X5000-A ... 07DJQL7QH/ plus a good quality stand.

myself - i have a Kurzweil 88 stage piano. used ones can be found for around $500 and are built like tanks, sound great, and fully maintainable (i periodically clean my contacts - it's a Fatar so easy enough to get any dirt and dust out.)
https://reverb.com/item/17339127-used-k ... 8-keyboard

[egbert101]

Look for Roland or Yamaha cheap portable pianos.

[vstdls]

Arturia Keylab MKii with its accompanying Piano V3 and Analog Lab.

Required a computer, I know, but checks all the boxes.

[_leras]

What's your role in the band?

Is the current keyboard player getting replaced?

[FranklyFlawless]

I have the Yamaha PSR-EW425, which is a 76-note "synth action" keyboard. It is the flapship model for Yamaha portable keyboards, at least until you start looking at arranger workstations. It should fit your criteria well.

[vinnie2k]

What's your role in the band?

Is the current keyboard player getting replaced?

Hehe good question. No, she's 18, a classical piano player, I'm 54 and have been doing the music thing for longer than she's been alive so I'm trying to give her options on what to buy.

[vinnie2k]

I have the Yamaha PSR-EW425, which is a 76-note "synth action" keyboard. It is the flapship model for Yamaha portable keyboards, at least until you start looking at arranger workstations. It should fit your criteria well.

That's one of the models I was looking at. Looks really good for the price.
I have a Native Instrument Kontrol S61 keyboard, how does the action compare with respect to the EW-425?

[vinnie2k]

Arturia Keylab MKii with its accompanying Piano V3 and Analog Lab.

Required a computer, I know, but checks all the boxes.

I've got a Kontrol S61 and a laptop, but we're looking for something "analog" to play.

[vinnie2k]

Look for Roland or Yamaha cheap portable pianos.

Any Roland models you think are particularly suitable?

[FranklyFlawless]

I have a Native Instrument Kontrol S61 keyboard, how does the action compare with respect to the EW-425?

I do not have experience with Native Instrument MIDI controllers, but typically the Yamaha PSR-EW425 has lighter action than anything else I ever compare to at Long & McQuade retail stores. Only the Genos2 and actual organs I have demoed in studios have marginally lighter action. Another point that may be important is that the keys themselves are flat instead of box-shaped, so there is even less force required to actuate them compared to other keyboards.

[vinnie2k]

maybe something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Casio-CT-X5000-A ... 07DJQL7QH/ plus a good quality stand.

It's got 15 keys less than the EW-425 for the same price. Any particular reason why I would switch to the Casio?

[vinnie2k]

I have a Native Instrument Kontrol S61 keyboard, how does the action compare with respect to the EW-425?

I do not have experience with Native Instrument MIDI controllers, but typically the Yamaha PSR-EW425 has lighter action than anything else I ever compare to at Long & McQuade's retail stores.

This is very useful, thank you!

[thecontrolcentre]

https://keyboardkraze.io/best-keyboard-workstation/

[gullfo]

maybe something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Casio-CT-X5000-A ... 07DJQL7QH/ plus a good quality stand.

It's got 15 keys less than the EW-425 for the same price. Any particular reason why I would switch to the Casio?

price? 61 keys (as in your OP), somewhat standlone for sounds and nice feel (based on reviews). but if your player is classically trained i'd recommend the full 88 size and piano weight keys.
as noted: my preference is my Kurweil SP88. heavy but great sounds, great feel, MIDI out/in if needed. most pro keyboard players like when i bring it to gigs and open mics since it's the real deal... YMMV