Using a MIDI controller as primary keyboard

[Farren]

Over the past 8 years, I've bought and returned 3 keyboards, $500-800. Everytime I think something is going to change and my wrists will get better. I can't lift heavy things and cutting up a steak is enough to screw up my wrists for a couple days. I haven't been diagnosed with CTS or early onset arthritis as I don't really fit the profile of either one completely.

Anyway, enough of the sob story... The keyboard is my favorite instrument, even after playing guitar the past 10 years, and I must have one again, if only to play novicely and sparsely :/ I don't want to blow that kind of money again though.

I'm considering buying something like this: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/709204/

A pretty cheap midi controller I can plug into my Audigy2 ZS (don't laugh, I'm a gamer :/). Is this a viable solution? I'd rather not buy some $300 Yamaha or Casio board.

I haven't searched around but that link looks like a pretty good deal to me. Opinions? I'm a broke college student and apparently a masochist.

[EdKeys]

hey farren, I had the same question that u had a while ago. I saw a very similiar keyboard, only that it was the 88 keys one. I even tested it and took my analog korg module and a karma to see how the whole midi setup works. That midi controller is actually not that bad at all, of course am talking about the 88 keys one. This controller has alot of real time knobs (assignable) and a some other good features.
Im still thinking about buying it but I can tell u that I dont think it is a bad option at all.

[Farren]

Cool. I won't be affording an 88-key anytime soon, but I think 61 will do for my needs. Now I'm considering this: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/701533/

$30 more, same company, but with sliders/knobs corresponding to MIDI parameters. Seems like a great deal for $200.

[EdKeys]

I agree its a good deal. Another option u should consider is ebay. not only for u to buy something but for u to learn alot about prices and how some products keep their high prices even after being used and some others dont.. etc.

anyways if u decide to go for the http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/701533/, I do agree its a good deal.

ed

[Farren]

I'm having a hard time deciding between the two I linked... The cheaper one has semi-weighted keys but significantly less features. I'd prefer the feel of the semi-weighted most likely but would miss those features :/

[ZuL]

You might one to give this a look!

http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=media.video&ID=30

It's Rick Wakeman!!

[Rosie]

I'd suggest the Roland A-80 when you do feel like stepping up, heard great things about it :D

I saw one here on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=38090&item=7312534512&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

Damn Heavy though :/ You'd think they'd throw a basic synth in there for that price and weight XD

[Farren]

I went with the first one I linked, the Keystation 61es. The semi-weighted action rocks. I've only good things to say for this controller, especially for $170.