Potential beginner keyboard player

[fatpotatohead]

Hey! let me describe my situation. I have been playing bass for the past year and I have been taking it seriously. Im working on my technique at the moment, soon I'll be taking a class at the musicdojo.com to improve on that. After that, I would like to delve more into music theory. Lately, I have been studying the modes and different scales, just to build upon understanding the fundamentals of music. Long way to go of course!

So I have read on the net that taking up piano is an excellent way of learning music theory because apparently it is easier to grasp certain aspects of it (true?). Also of course, I love piano, I probably wouldnt even mind taking that up more seriously along side bass (Geddy does it! :lol:). Now Im wondering what kind of entry leave keyboards would be suitable for my situation?

More specifically, Im mainly looking for something in the 200$ range (Canadian as well), any suggestions would be awesome. Plus has anyone had any experience with the Yamaha EZ-30?, it seems like something more in my alley, id like to hear experiences if any.

Thanks guys, I hope its clear enough :)

fatpotatohead

[Enigma™]

Dude, you mention Canadian.. Where?

200$... isn't much, but basically you'll get a 61 key keyboard, basic rhythm programs, etc. That'll get you cheapo sounds but it will be something you can play on too.

[Bastardo Demono]

Yeah, it is very true that piano is the main instrument used to teach music theory, especially in like college classes and such, and there is a reason for that, you can visually see what is being described to you, you can play 10 notes at onces so it helps in understanding chords, bass, etc. I know that anyone who wants to be a music major in college pretty much has to have some understanding of the piano. Now at 200 dollars, yes, anything you will be getting wont be much to get excited about but will be sufficent enough of a learning device. Yamaha is a good brand so while I am not familiar with that particular keyboard I think it should be fine for you. good luck :)

[Angelic Layer]

And old Yamaha SY series or DX 7.

[Tigerfolly]

Hey! let me describe my situation. I have been playing bass for the past year and I have been taking it seriously. Im working on my technique at the moment, soon I'll be taking a class at the musicdojo.com to improve on that. After that, I would like to delve more into music theory. Lately, I have been studying the modes and different scales, just to build upon understanding the fundamentals of music. Long way to go of course!

So I have read on the net that taking up piano is an excellent way of learning music theory because apparently it is easier to grasp certain aspects of it (true?). Also of course, I love piano, I probably wouldnt even mind taking that up more seriously along side bass (Geddy does it! :lol:). Now Im wondering what kind of entry leave keyboards would be suitable for my situation?

More specifically, Im mainly looking for something in the 200$ range (Canadian as well), any suggestions would be awesome. Plus has anyone had any experience with the Yamaha EZ-30?, it seems like something more in my alley, id like to hear experiences if any.

Thanks guys, I hope its clear enough :)

fatpotatohead

As a bass player who has picked up piano in the last year I can say I've learned more about music from playing the piano than I ever did in 16 years of playing bass, guitar, drums, and singing. I'm still way behind my own learning curve, because I just haven't had time to sit and play as much as I would like, and because I'm not doing it with any structured or disciplined approach.. but I'm already seeing serious jumps in my ability in my other instruments.

I started out with just a simple $100 USB MIDI controller and a couple programs (Propellerheads' Reason and Native Instruments B4 and Pro-53), and figured out parts to play on the guitar and transposed them to keyboards for some songs I was recording. Of course it took me many takes at first, but the repetition was good practice. Four or five months later, I was asked to join a Faith No More tribute band. I've been in that since March or April now and having to learn and play all of these simple parts, but still play them properly and consistantly live has been what's really brought my keyboard playing along so fast. Now I'm in the studio producing an album for some friends and I'm playing a few things on it as well.. so I'm actually having to compose with the keyboard in mind, and not write it on another instrument and transpose it over, and it's been great so far!

My advice would be to jump right in and pick up either a MIDI controller or a low end/older keyboard (for $200-300, you can get a Korg N364 or something similar.. we got our E-mu PK-6 for $400). Find some songs with some simple parts and play along with 'em. Look for local piano teachers in the area to help you with the ruts, and enjoy it. :)