I'm thinking about replacing my crappy keyboard with something of higher quality. There are two reasons for this. One, I'd like a 1/2 decent keyboard for my kids to learn to play keys. Secondly, I wouldn't mind an outboard synth. I like to make house/electronic music, and my current softsynths are:
angelina
sonicsynth
z3ta+
albino
reaktor sessions (sort of, don't ask)
psyn
polyiblit
I'm not sure what are some good options. Maybe things like an Ion, Micron, Remote25, ? ??
thanks
sluggo
suggest a keyboard/synth
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- KVRian
- 690 posts since 31 May, 2002 from chez moi
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- KVRAF
- 8749 posts since 24 May, 2002 from Tutukaka, New Zealand
Hmmmm...you're spoilt for choice really. A large number of h/w synths have or had versions with decent keys and key action. They generally are/were labelled "pro" or something similar. As opposed to the standard versions which tend not to have key action anything remotely resembling a piano.
If it's partially for your kids to learn keys on, a pro action is not a bad idea, as they can learn to play with expression etc rather than simply banging the right notes out. Many modern VAs and S&S synths seem to not have the option of a pro keyboard anymore. Picking up a 2nd hand older synth might be a good idea, as they'll be cheaper than a new one, but you weigh that up against wear and tear and longevity.
A mate of mine used to swear by his Yamaha SY99 keyboard (and it had a pretty good synthesis engine inside), but they're long in the tooth now. Kurzweil made some good "pro" keys, but the standard versions had pretty flimsy keys. And Kurzweils still hold their price, so you may not find one at the right price. I think Roland still make synths with pro keys?
Unfortunately there is a huge choice of new VA synths with a great range of sounds and flexible engines inside, but they all tend to have crappy keyboard action.
OK for the likes of me, but not necessarily a good teaching aid.
If it's partially for your kids to learn keys on, a pro action is not a bad idea, as they can learn to play with expression etc rather than simply banging the right notes out. Many modern VAs and S&S synths seem to not have the option of a pro keyboard anymore. Picking up a 2nd hand older synth might be a good idea, as they'll be cheaper than a new one, but you weigh that up against wear and tear and longevity.
A mate of mine used to swear by his Yamaha SY99 keyboard (and it had a pretty good synthesis engine inside), but they're long in the tooth now. Kurzweil made some good "pro" keys, but the standard versions had pretty flimsy keys. And Kurzweils still hold their price, so you may not find one at the right price. I think Roland still make synths with pro keys?
Unfortunately there is a huge choice of new VA synths with a great range of sounds and flexible engines inside, but they all tend to have crappy keyboard action.
OK for the likes of me, but not necessarily a good teaching aid.-
- KVRist
- 109 posts since 19 May, 2002 from Boston
Yeah, for your kid, you want weighted keys. I recommend Yamaha's keyboards...to me, they're the closest things to the real piano. 
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- KVRian
- 1278 posts since 24 May, 2004
Since it hasn't been yet mentioned, i'd recommend a keyboard with hammer-action mechanism. The Doepfer PK88 or the Fatar Studiologic series, for example.
But if you're on a budget, IMO a Casio CZ-1 is a good, cheap controller keyboard...
But if you're on a budget, IMO a Casio CZ-1 is a good, cheap controller keyboard...
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- KVRist
- 76 posts since 31 Jan, 2003 from Outer Bongolia
Sluggo, the Ion may be an insanely sweet-sounding synth, but its key action is rubbish. Cheapest feel there is. Some day I'm going to chop off the keys on mine or replace them with another set. 
80s/90s Yamahas are good, eg. DX7 are cheap and numerous are avaiable used, but the older ones have a 1-100 velocity span, which makes them unfit for controller purposes. Some older korg models (like the M1) have the same action, but sound horribly outdated.
I seem to remember that the Waldorf Microwave XTk synth has great action and the is great for your kind of music and unique sounding.
Hammer action, piano style keys are good for piano, but in my opinion too heavy for synth work. Depends on what you're used to, but to me it feels all wrong. Except maybe with FM7 and CS-80v.
Lots of Roland controllers (A-?? series) and synths have great action, and a lot of models still sound good.
You may want to look for something with aftertouch, it can add an extra dimension of control.
I currently use a Nord Electro for my controller, right in between everything, fast but with some resistance and waterfall front. Not the highest quality keys but nice to play. Good for piano, great for everything else.
80s/90s Yamahas are good, eg. DX7 are cheap and numerous are avaiable used, but the older ones have a 1-100 velocity span, which makes them unfit for controller purposes. Some older korg models (like the M1) have the same action, but sound horribly outdated.
I seem to remember that the Waldorf Microwave XTk synth has great action and the is great for your kind of music and unique sounding.
Hammer action, piano style keys are good for piano, but in my opinion too heavy for synth work. Depends on what you're used to, but to me it feels all wrong. Except maybe with FM7 and CS-80v.
Lots of Roland controllers (A-?? series) and synths have great action, and a lot of models still sound good.
You may want to look for something with aftertouch, it can add an extra dimension of control.
I currently use a Nord Electro for my controller, right in between everything, fast but with some resistance and waterfall front. Not the highest quality keys but nice to play. Good for piano, great for everything else.