Thread: keyboard players...help!

Hey there,

im a guitarist and I play in a band; and I was hoping to expand my 'tonal palette' (lol) by getting an electric keyboard.

I was originally looking at a synthesizer system for my guitar, but they are more money than I am willing to spend. Its just going to be something for me to play a few chords on, more as a textual/thing than as a lead (because I can't play anything else other than chords).

But, the world of keyboards is VERY confusing. Would someone be able to tell me WHAT I am looking for? i.e the type of product I should search around for?

I
-don't need a complete range of octaves
-need something that I can plug into a different speaker/PA (i.e not an onboard speaker ONLY)
-desire I good palette of sounds, particularly ambient style things and strings
- WOULD LIKE ability to customise some sounds (I realise this bit is probably a more expensive feature, requiring PC use and stuff?)
-would like to perform without using a computer.

Any tips on what sort of thing im looking for would be appreciated?
ie, do i need some midi system or a stand alone keyboard...

thank you all

Most decent keyboards allow you to edit the patches, and a PC/MIDI connection shouldn't be necessary. Editing is of course easier at a PC, so you at least want something with a good enough display panel and user interface so you can see what you're doing.

How much are you willing to spend? I can probably make a couple of recommendations based on your budget.

i would look into the nord lead keyboards from clavia, they sound good, have lots of knobs to twist, great with midi applications and should be pretty cheap on the 'bay.
look at the nord lead instead of the nl2, they are basically the same but the nl2 is newer and more expensive
or the sh-101
or the juno 60 or 106
or anything from sequential circuits if you can afford it.
i would avoid NEW roland boards, the old ones rock.
go for analog if you can afford it, you will thank yourself later.

In my own opinion, ANY 60 - 70 key keyboard is good, but it depends on the brand. (if your looking towards brand-names) You'll do great if you stay away from any Casio. In my experience, it was the worst sound ever produced by a keyboard. I myself have a 68 (???) key Yamaha. But that's just me.Then there's another brand that produces great sound, but I can't remember the name.

As for prices, I can't help you there. I got mine as a Christmas present in 2006.

i like casio's, after being circuitbent that is. a bent sk-1 will give you some VERY strange tones and sounds... a little hard to use in regular music type music though

wow, thanks for the quick replies everyone.

Budget wise...well, seeing as though

a) i am incapable of little more than chords (and dont really wish to be MUCH better)

b) a dedicated guitarist (i.e limits to practice time)

c) and this keyboard is not for leads...then the least the better!

if my conversions are right....then maybe something around the $200US mark? Im open to whatever the hell anyone wants to suggest though, maybe providing its within 2X my budget lol

I have the feeling something that
-sounds good
-is editable (even slightly)
-good sounds quality
may cost more than 200us.


Its really hard for someone who knows nothing about keyboards to do their own research. I mean, theres so many types of keyboard. I presume im looking at portables or something? They look like the entry levels.

But yeah, something around the portable keyboard budget, but maybe with a few parameter edits, such as attack speed.

Thanks again