Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - Piano/keyboard buying advice? Want to trade in my Strat!

opendoor · 12-14-2011, 05:49 PM

I don't think I'd buy a USB controller for a piano. Any keyboard is going to have MIDI ins and outs and you can just get a MIDI to USB cable and have the same functionality. Then you can use the built in sounds all you want as well as any samples if you want to do that as well.

In my experience, MIDI/USB controllers are great for a couple of specific reasons. They can be good for touring because they're cheap, light, and easy to replace if something goes wrong. They're also good if you're playing more synth type stuff because they'll have assignable knobs build in so you can make setting adjustments right on the keyboard. But for home use and piano playing you might as well get something with some good built in sounds. Like I said, you can still go the sample route later if you want.

I don't really have any specific recommendations for keyboards. Nord stuff is excellent but quite expensive. Their sample banks are second to none though. I've also heard good things about the Korg SV1. Probably the best thing is to go try some out.

Also, are you looking more for a stage piano (just the piano that you put on a separate keyboard stand) or do you want more of a console type thing with built in speakers and its own stand? I greatly prefer the former, but some people like all in one things.

12-14-2011, 05:49 PM	#5
opendoor Franchise Player Join Date: Apr 2007 Exp:	I don't think I'd buy a USB controller for a piano. Any keyboard is going to have MIDI ins and outs and you can just get a MIDI to USB cable and have the same functionality. Then you can use the built in sounds all you want as well as any samples if you want to do that as well. In my experience, MIDI/USB controllers are great for a couple of specific reasons. They can be good for touring because they're cheap, light, and easy to replace if something goes wrong. They're also good if you're playing more synth type stuff because they'll have assignable knobs build in so you can make setting adjustments right on the keyboard. But for home use and piano playing you might as well get something with some good built in sounds. Like I said, you can still go the sample route later if you want. I don't really have any specific recommendations for keyboards. Nord stuff is excellent but quite expensive. Their sample banks are second to none though. I've also heard good things about the Korg SV1. Probably the best thing is to go try some out. Also, are you looking more for a stage piano (just the piano that you put on a separate keyboard stand) or do you want more of a console type thing with built in speakers and its own stand? I greatly prefer the former, but some people like all in one things.