Music Keyboard/Synthesizer question

[avp]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good keyboard?

I know, I know...vague question.

So a little more info:

I don't need something high end or for heavy composing. I need something that has voices mostly for ambience/effects/background(beds). Voices must be convincing and realistic. Ie: piano sounds like a piano, strings sound like strings, etc.

For sure, I want to steer clear of anything cheesy :cheesyie: 80's Casio) sounding.

As for the interface, USB, MIDI? I've played guitar for 30 years but old school analog (tube amp)...so I have little experience with the digital music end of things.

I am an experienced editor (20 + years) so learning how to work with midi shouldn't be much of a problem.
I just want a good place to start that isn't too expensive (a couple bills) or is that unrealistic.?

Thanks everyone...DVXuser rocks!...and smells fresh, too.

Jeffro

 

[Denis Haineault]

For flexibility, you could look into getting a controller (keyboard) and go through something like Kontakt from Native Instruments @ http://www.native-instruments.com/

I've never used Kontakt, but the samples and description seem pretty good.

 

[unclebob6958]

I'll second that. Get a MIDI or USB controller and pick a good softsynth (or two or three or four...). There are dozens out there. As with most things, the more you spend the better quality you will get. The Garritan Steinway Model D set is $500 for just the one piano sound, but it sounds absolutely amazing. Steinberg makes The Grand 3, which is three pianos for $350, and they sound really good, but not as subtle and detailed as the Garritan Steinway. However, for applications where the deep subtleties aren't as needed (rock/pop/rap/hip-hop) a generic module (just like the old rack-mount modules) will do quite well. The same will apply to just about every instrument category.

Many manufacturers have downloadable demo versions, so you may want to "try before you buy".

BTW, there are lots of used synth modules out there. You can get a Roland JV-1080 for about $250, a JV-880 for about $100 or a Korg Triton for about $350. They all went for over $1k when they came out. Just remember that most modules are minimally or not expandable, require room in your rack, an AC outlet, MIDI connection and an audio connection. There's a lot to be said for doing it all "in the box."