KVR Audio

SLiC · Post by **SLiC** » Fri Jan 20, 2012 9:58 am

OK- I was expecting new controller keyboards at Namm, but no new 88's - realy!
I have counted about a dozen new '49' note, a handful of '61' and NO new 88's.

I am the only person waiting for a decent 88 note controller keyboard?

Its noty that I want to play 'piano' style, I just like setting up splits: Akai have an 88 note, but I was kinda hoping for something better (with a couple of joystick- so many soft synths have 'joystick' control, why does no one build them on to boards!!!)

Loads of cool stuff at Namm, just nothing I need!

End of Rant.

K-Bee · Post by **K-Bee** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 3:25 pm

I have no idea but I wonder if users of 88 key controllers are usually capable piano players doing a fair bit of live work? If so it is most likely that they opt for the hardware synth/rompler thing. it's probably a more realiable option

Could this be an explanation?

I was on the market for a 88 controller a while ago but I came to the conclusion that they were all crap. Terrible spongy keys, loads of options I didn't need and lightweight and plastic feeling altogether.
....so I bought a Kurzweil PC3X...

tapper mike · Post by **tapper mike** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 4:00 pm

....so I bought a Kurzweil PC3X

Dude those rock.

It's a funny thing about supply and demand. If no one demands it then no one is going to supply it. I suspect it will be about... a day till someone comes in to this forum and puts up the usual "What's the cheapest Keybed" I need it now but I don't want to pay anything.

And then another two weeks before some one ressurrects the "Where are all the good controllers" thread.

hibidy · Post by **hibidy** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 10:26 pm

It seems musicians are getting the short end of the stick. I blame the star trek epi where the chick has a roll-up piano when kickin' the jams with picard.

Probably part of the reason is the cost. They are physically bigger, people want weighted keys with them, they cost more to box, they cost more to ship, if one gets broken that process becomes the reverse. I really don't know for sure, but those are my thoughts.

k3ith · Post by **k3ith** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 10:44 pm

A) Because they never make money on 88 Key Controllers.
B) Because they realise that the Oberheim MC3000 will still beat the living shit out of anything they make in 2012.

K-Bee · Post by **K-Bee** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 5:01 pm

tapper mike wrote:Dude those rock.

I know

- it also proves the fact that you get what you're willing to pay for. Quality NEVER comes cheap! I'm glad I did take the plunge though. Not only does it have out of this world sounds and endless editing possibilities. It also weighs a ton and will probably outlast any controller on the market today. Only my 27 year old DX7 will be around longer than this!

Enough of the Kurz for now.

By many hailed as the best 88 key controller of all time
The mighty KX88

They're closing in on thirty years though so I wonder how many of those are left these days. None on ebay for the time being.

Why no new 88 note controller keyboards at Namm?