I'm going to upgrade my midi controller I can't get anything bigger than 61 keys (my custom built desk wont fit anything bigger) unless everyone strongly reccomends it then I'll rebuild the desk. I want velocity sensitivity, I'm not sure if I eally need knobs and faders what do you all think? Also I am not sure if I should get a non-weighted a semi weighted or a fully weighted. I am looking to spend between 150 to 250. What should I get?

I didn't know they even had weighted keys for the 61 keyboards. Everyone that I've seen has that crappy fake piano action- which is what my current 61 keyed board has. I'm looking for the weighted action- 88 key model. I know that it will take up more space, but as a piano player on the side of composing...I think it will be worth the extra cash and space.

I played on the M Audio controller, but really didn't like the action. They are a good price- but felt too fake for my personal taste.

It all depends on what you're going for. If you want realistic piano action- then you'll need to probably spend more than your price range. If you want something that will just work- then you might be able to find something nice.

Best of luck,

i am planning on getting this one: Edirol PCRM80. after going to different music shops and not liking any of the ones i tried (and being overpriced to boot), i'm actually going to give online a try. none of the stores had this one and seems like it's what we're both looking for.

it doesnt seem to have weighted keys Im curious if anyone who have used both would recommend paying more for the better feeling keys

EDIT:
So I've done some extensive research. People keep recommending m-audio's midi controllers so I've focused on them so it is possible I may have missed another brand with similar products. With that said it is between the m-audio axiom 61 ( http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Axiom61-main.html ) and the m-audio keystation 61es ( http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Keystation61es-main.html ) . I feel like I dont want to spend the extra $200 (for the axiom)to get knobs, faders, and pads. Instead I think I'll buy the m-audio trigger finger ( http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/TriggerFinger-main.html ) to accomplish the functionality of the knobs and faders and pads this way I'll save some money and get more pads. Anyone have experience with the trigger finger? The only thing I'm not sure on now is if aftertouch is super important. The keystation 61es doesnt have aftertouch but the axiom 61 does. I have played without even velocity sensitivy for almost two years so it seems like I could live without aftertouch but Im not sure. I will be paying probably about 50 extra bucks plus missing out on the extra pads of the trigger finger (which I may not even use) if I go with axiom for its aftertouch.

[Edited by - JimWelch on July 25, 2006 3:47:24 AM]

get the axiom. i have one and the keys are *a lot* better than on the keystation es (tried both at the shop). the other features were mainly a nice bonus for me.

Quote:

Original post by JimWelch ...I can't get anything bigger than 61 keys (my custom built desk wont fit anything bigger) unless everyone strongly reccomends it...

The 61- vs 88-key question really depends on how you plan to use your setup. Many advanced sample libraries use "keyswitching" to trigger different functions. Notes on the keyboard which are outside the normal range of the instrument are reprogrammed to trigger different functions. Libraries like this are most easily controlled from an 88-key keyboard.

However, you can get away with a smaller keyboard if you are willing to put in time programming your keyboard with different setups. You can often reassign keyswitch notes to other controllers and then switch between setups at the touch of a button.

If you don't use sample libraries of this type and don't care about having the full piano range for playing, then a smaller keyboard may be just fine for you. Personally, I hate having to constantly transpose on smaller keyboards. I find it's just one more non-musical thing to think about when I'm working. I already have too much technology to think about these days.

The best nowadays is Novation Remote SL 61.