You guys probably remember my thread last month asking how to start making music. In the thread, I decided I would start with a Motif ES, knowing the difficulties of starting with one. Well now, after some deep thinking, and having the money in hand, I'm not sure what to do. Perhaps I should start with an entry level keyboard instead. I was looking at the S90 ES- http://yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/ContentDetail/ModelSeriesDetail/0,,CNTID%253D48793%2526CTID%253D206500,00.html Which looks a little less complicating, but still a bit steep for a beginner like me. I guess it's just the coolness factor that is persuading me... When it comes down to it, im just a newbie, so I will leave it to you guys, the ones who have the experience. What has worked for you? Which keyboard do you guys think I should start with?

Hey WindYoshi. Well I have been arranging music since I was about 14 years. I worked with alot of different keyboards. First off, if you have absolutely no experience playing keyboards it make absolutely NO sence spending all that money on the motif series! I would highly recommend the Casio WK-35( I own it )", its around $399.00. It has 76 keys( not hammer ),It features excellent instrument sounds. Get farmiliar with playing firsts then when you grow and out live the features of that keyboard then move on to something that fits your needs. While the motif is great in every way, it is for advanced musicians. I don't even want it and i'm pretty advanced! I'm currently looking at the "Roland X8". It has everything I need for high quality sound producing and editing all in one, and it's cheaper than the motif at around $2500.00 in sam ash(I think). I hope I helped in some way.

Well, I think the S90 has the sounds of the Motif, which is a plus, but it doesn't have as many fiddly features. So, it's prolly easier to learn, and cheaper, but less powerful overall. You might be better off with the S90.

Keep in mind that I don't own either keyboard, so take my advice with a grain of salt.

The Casio WK-35 looks pretty good for a begginer, but the S90 is just way more appealing to me, especially appealing considering I have the money to dish out for it right now.

The S90 ES goes for around $2,100 while the normal S90 goes for around $1600, so I wouldn't mind buying the older version. Thanks for the opinions so far guys, i'll just wait and see if anyone else has anything to say.

After reading the comment "I am willing to pay alot of money in order to buy the best materials to learn and create great music." in the other thread, I'm going to recomend something completly different:

- Buy a real piano. A good quality upright is ideal.*
- Get instruction in your desired field (ie: composition).

These two things will give you the most positive learning experience available. They're probably more expensive than the keyboards you're looking at, but you'll be getting far more value out of them. You absolutly don't want or need a keyboard with lots of of whiz-bang features and sounds to learn on.

*: A good MIDI piano (such as one of these) is an acceptable alternative - not as good, but is much less expensive.



For actually doing computer-based composing - all you really need is a two octave, velocity sensitive, MIDI keyboard, and the appropriate sequencing software (cakewalk, cubase, whatever). You'll find this is a fraction of the price of the units you are looking at, but just as usable for composing.

More samples/features does not a skilled composer make. This is same reason why I recomended a real piano before. Less-is-more is most certianly in effect here.


Finally, when you have learned how to compose and you then want to add some "coolness" to your pieces, then get a software package such as Reason. This should still come under the cost of many of these expensive keyboards, and it's more versitile.

True Andrew, having more supplies will not make me a great composer, practice and ambition will.

I do want a real piano, but at the moment, I do not have the room, and where I am staying right now is temporary. That is another reason the Yamaha S90 interested me, it looks and seems to feel like a classical piano, yet it is very portable. I do plan on buying a real Piano for myself someday soon, but for now I guess what I want is the closest to the real thing in a keyboard. I do plan on composing using computer software as my knowledge of music theory grows, but the reason I want a good keyboard is to broaden my skills and be able to practice playing some of my favorite composer's music, all the while learning more and creating my own. Saying that, what do you think is best for me?

Should I stick with the S90? or is there a better alternative, closer to a classical piano?

Thanks Again.

If I were you I wouldn't go for a synth workstation. I would just go for a midi controller. I personally like the M-AUDIO line of controllers, and I believe that you'd do best with something that has weighted/semi-weighted keys.

M-AUDIO Keystation 88es has 88 semi-wighted keys, and can be found around the net for ~$200US. If you are more into the controller aspect of a keyboard (all the cool knobs and sliders) check out this page. Remember that the prices go way down when you look for these items on online stores.

</end m-audio promo>

You know, if I had no existing equipment and no real budget limit but wanted good value-for-money, I would select a product with similar features to this, along with Reason and a good, low-latency soundcard.

Of course, I'd want a real piano to suplement it, but the hardware I list should do the same job as the S90 (or better; it'd certianly be more flexible), and still comes under the $1600 cost for the S90.

Now stop making me drool over new hardware, Hops - I can't afford it [wink].

I've really been torn, trying to decide between the Keystation 88 and the S90, but after checking around alot, I think I have to go with the S90.

Keystation-
http://www.zzounds.com/productreview--MDOKEYSTAT88

S90-
http://www.zzounds.com/productreview--YAMS90

Based on the reviews, it seems that the Keystation feels rather cheap, while the S90 feels great, almost identical to a real piano, and afterall, that's what I am looking for. I can see how the Keystation would be great for me to start with considering the quality for the price, but I am looking for something that I will be willing to settle with for years, and despite the higher price, the S90 seems to be the ideal keyboard to learn with.

Thanks again guys, now that I have looked into my options, I can buy with confidence.

Quote: Original post by WindYoshi
Based on the reviews, it seems that the Keystation feels rather cheap, while the S90 feels great, almost identical to a real piano, and afterall, that's what I am looking for.

After reading those reviews - I'm very much in agreeance - I'd stay away from the Keystation. The S90 still seems a bit overkill.

Of course, if I were buying something like this - I'd head over to a supplier and try out the various products. I wouldn't buy any piano or keyboard without demoing it.


Interesting review site you found there, btw. I spent some time drooling over some control surfaces.