keyboards with mini-keys

[bernhardtjeff]

i don't know anything about vintage synths.

but i stumbled on the yamaha dx100, which has mini-sized keys. for midi controllers , i know korg has one with small keys, but what other full synths (not just midi controllers)--past or present--are there with small-sized keys?

[GaryG]

Casio CZ101 (like the dx100 not velocity sensitive)

[BertKoor]

Casio SK-1, the whole Casio CZ-series indeed, the MicroKorg...
http://www.google.com/search?q=synth+mini-keys

NB: having mini-keys is not a bonus. Unless you have mini-hands

[pethu]

The Yamaha CS01 (Pre-MIDI!):

http://www.kvraudio.com/get/2478.html

(The keys on my version doesn't work, though. I had'em going for a while in monophonic mode, but it was not good for performance... )

[chimpuat]

the microkorg is neat to play with (especially the vocoder), and i enjoyed noodling around with an alesis micron (little brother to the ion, i think). played with them in the store, but couldn't see shelling out 1/2 a grand or so on something that will never shed its "toy" image due to the decision to use mini keys.

[Churchy]

at least the micron has full sized keys (only 2 octaves tho)

the keys on the microkorg.. yuck! would drive me nuts

[bloodyMary]

I really dont know why anyone would use mini keys when there are nice portable, compact full sized 25 keys units out there!Much, much better!
(these would be perfect for saving space in small studio, where no complicated keyboard parts are played live).

mini keys are collector's item, IMO.

[kritikon]

I like my DX100. Small keys are great. You don't have to stretch your fingers all over the place...which means a crap player like me at least has a chance of playing things like 7th chords without dislocating all my fingers.

It's also very neat for impromtu little sessions with a tiny keyboard on your lap, when you don't want to fire up the whole rig. I'll often sit and play VSTi with my DX late at night...those small keyboards really don't make much noise you know - you'd be surprised how loud banging on a proper keyboard on a stand can be a tnight. Even with headphones on, I've woken up the missus before now, because she's heard me tap tapping on the keyboards. It drives her bonkers apparently. The little DX is perfect.

[wrench45us]

I've taken my CZ 101 on vacation to North Woods cabins just 'cause it is small and portable and one summer I did manage a fairly major breakthrough (for me) working out slash chords with the little beast
I have relatively small hands, but even for me adapting to/from the mini keys is a pain. playing 7ths, 9th 11ths should never be a problem -- 1st of all there's two hands and 2nd of all there are inversions and 3rd of all there are timing tricks for those 10ths in the bass.

I can't see why pounding on a mini keyboard is any quieter than pounding on a full size keyboard controller

[GreyLion]

Here ya go, one mini-keyboard to pwn them all: Creative ProdiKeys.

[bloodyMary]

I am completely agree that full size action can be noisy at quiet enviroment, and since mini keys have less travel, less force in springs etc, they can produce less noise.

regarding wide intervals: I dont see how reaching 7th can be a problem even with smallest hands. of course, it might take some practice time (an hour?) to stretch your palm enough in case you have it all tied up. I am not a trained pianists, and I reach 9th easily (although I do spend a lot of time playing keyboards). I didnt before, but Moonlight Sonata helped it (an easy and beautiful piece, awesome for stretching palms)

BUT. I can see that mini keys can be enough if all you do is sequencing simple parts, and dont need fast runs/dynamics/two hands. It might save some space on the desktop (not much though, considering there are nice 25 key actions around)

[kritikon]

I can't see why pounding on a mini keyboard is any quieter than pounding on a full size keyboard controller

But that's why I like the minikeys. I don't pound on them because it's sat on my lap. Whereas with a fullsize, it's on a stand and you tend to play them properly, plus just the fact they're on a stand transmits noise/vibrations. There's something about having a diddy keyboard sat on your lap that lets you play gently. For me at least...