Re: [Finale] Digital piano/master controller recommendations?
For the curious: I went with this bundle: http://www.kraftmusic.com/catalog/keyboards/88keykeyboards/index.asp?product=5220 The only difference is that the Tascam VLA4's are discontinued, so they offered me an upgrade to the M-Audio BX5a's for an additional $75. (This is a steal -- those monitors normally go for $240/pair, and they sound great.) In my experience, Yamaha digital pianos still have the best action of any digital piano. The CP33 doesn't have the wooden keys found on the latest CP series instruments, but I've tried the CP3's graded hammer action on other keyboards and it's not bad. It's got a bit of heft to it, which I much prefer to Roland's excessively light action. Yamaha's expertise making real pianos is obviously a huge benefit here. While it obviously falls short of the big software sample libraries, I'm actually reasonably impressed with the built-in piano sounds on the CP33. I'll probably make do with the built-in sounds for now, at least until I can afford Garritan's Steinway or Synthology's Ivory. And the convenience of being able to turn on the keyboard and play immediately, without having to futz around with computer software (and without having to worry about latency) is a great benefit. The instrument is still in transit so who knows what my impressions will be once I actually get hold of the thing, but this seemed like too good of a deal to pass up. Cheers, - DJA - WEB: http://www.secretsocietymusic.org On 3 Jun 2010, at 12:21 PM, Darcy James Argue wrote: Hey all, I think it is finally time to replace my Yamaha P300 digital piano, which is almost 16 years old now and is beginning to show its age -- several keys have become unresponsive, and the instrument has suddenly developed a noticeable warble on every patch. (A full factory reset did not solve the problem.) I'm thinking of going with a master keyboard controller plus software instrument -- most likely the Pro version of the Garritan Steinway, which sounds head and shoulders above everything else I've heard (based on the available online samples, at least). But I'm open to alternatives if anyone has suggestions. Where I'm most in need of advice is with regard to the keyboard controller -- I'm looking for a nice, authentically piano-like weighted action. Don't need any onboard sounds. Don't want to break the bank. I'm hoping to get a complete package (including a pair of studio monitors I can place on top of the keyboard) for under $1000 (and the Garritan software is $400). Cheers, - DJA - WEB: http://www.secretsocietymusic.org ___ Finale mailing list Finale@shsu.edu http://lists.shsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/finale ___ Finale mailing list Finale@shsu.edu http://lists.shsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/finale
Re: [Finale] Digital piano/master controller recommendations?
NICE-Good luck with your new setup:) PS I must be honest.I have NO discernible latency-- but yes turning it on is flipping.the controller, and a drive on plus the computer software--sequencer or standalone. On Jun 4, 2010, at 1:49 PM, Darcy James Argue wrote: And the convenience of being able to turn on the keyboard and play immediately, without having to futz around with computer software (and without having to worry about latency) is a great benefit. ___ Finale mailing list Finale@shsu.edu http://lists.shsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/finale
[Finale] Digital piano/master controller recommendations?
Hey all, I think it is finally time to replace my Yamaha P300 digital piano, which is almost 16 years old now and is beginning to show its age -- several keys have become unresponsive, and the instrument has suddenly developed a noticeable warble on every patch. (A full factory reset did not solve the problem.) I'm thinking of going with a master keyboard controller plus software instrument -- most likely the Pro version of the Garritan Steinway, which sounds head and shoulders above everything else I've heard (based on the available online samples, at least). But I'm open to alternatives if anyone has suggestions. Where I'm most in need of advice is with regard to the keyboard controller -- I'm looking for a nice, authentically piano-like weighted action. Don't need any onboard sounds. Don't want to break the bank. I'm hoping to get a complete package (including a pair of studio monitors I can place on top of the keyboard) for under $1000 (and the Garritan software is $400). Cheers, - DJA - WEB: http://www.secretsocietymusic.org ___ Finale mailing list Finale@shsu.edu http://lists.shsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/finale
Re: [Finale] Digital piano/master controller recommendations?
Hi Darcy-- For the Piano Id totally recommend Ivory- http://www.synthogy.com/products/ivorygrand.html For a midi controller, Im NO help as Im still using a Kurzweil Midiboard, which weighs in at a ZILLION pounds, but really is great:) Bob Morabito On Jun 3, 2010, at 12:21 PM, Darcy James Argue wrote: Hey all, I think it is finally time to replace my Yamaha P300 digital piano, which is almost 16 years old now and is beginning to show its age -- several keys have become unresponsive, and the instrument has suddenly developed a noticeable warble on every patch. (A full factory reset did not solve the problem.) I'm thinking of going with a master keyboard controller plus software instrument -- most likely the Pro version of the Garritan Steinway, which sounds head and shoulders above everything else I've heard (based on the available online samples, at least). But I'm open to alternatives if anyone has suggestions. Where I'm most in need of advice is with regard to the keyboard controller -- I'm looking for a nice, authentically piano-like weighted action. Don't need any onboard sounds. Don't want to break the bank. I'm hoping to get a complete package (including a pair of studio monitors I can place on top of the keyboard) for under $1000 (and the Garritan software is $400). Cheers, - DJA - WEB: http://www.secretsocietymusic.org ___ Finale mailing list Finale@shsu.edu http://lists.shsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/finale ___ Finale mailing list Finale@shsu.edu http://lists.shsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/finale
Re: [Finale] Digital piano/master controller recommendations?
On Jun 3, 2010, at 9:21 AM, Darcy James Argue wrote: Where I'm most in need of advice is with regard to the keyboard controller -- I'm looking for a nice, authentically piano-like weighted action. Don't need any onboard sounds. Don't want to break the bank. I'm hoping to get a complete package (including a pair of studio monitors I can place on top of the keyboard) for under $1000 (and the Garritan software is $400). Hi Darcy, Far be it from a clarinet player to give advice, about keyboards but... I've used a Fatar controller for years and love the feel. Now days they're being marketed under the Studiologic name. Go here: http://www.studiologic.net/sl-161pro.html and look around a bit. I'm not sure if all of their controllers use Fatar keyboards, so make sure you're looking for that. Dick H Olympia, Wa ___ Finale mailing list Finale@shsu.edu http://lists.shsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/finale
