Members seattleswiss Posted November 9, 2009 Members Share Posted November 9, 2009 I realize you can't have it all, but I'm trying to find the best keyboard for $700 to $1700 for songwriting and potentially performing. I am trying to record an "EP" with 2-3 songs and plan on using a Yamaha grand to do this; however I do want a nice-sounding piano for home use and, if I have any luck with the "EP", playing some low-key gigs. I really only need good acoustic piano sounds as I no longer play jazz and need elec. pianos; I also am not interested in doing any mixing or computer stuff at all; I prefer to keep my sound organic and am willing to pay $75 to have a friend-of-a-friend record using their Macbook and equipment, etc. However, in keeping with this "organic" focus it's really important to me to have a deep, rich piano sound (as opposed to an OK piano but with thousands of other voices). My question is: what's the best "stage" piano for my proposed uses? Here's what I've tried so far: I used to have the Yamaha P-140, which I loved to play at home, but apparently it doesn't have a 1/4" output, which would be necessary for gigs, etc. It did however come with its own speakers which would save me some cash, but also renders it a bit amateur, I'm assuming. I tried the Roland RD-300 GX but the action felt too light and flimsy. I tried the RD-700 (SX?) which had *amazing* action and piano sounds, but was a bit expensive (~$2200). On top of this remember I'd have to get an amp of some sort which will add another $300-400 on top of the piano price. I've tried the Yamaha S-90 which also sounds great, but do I really need all of its synth capabilities? I tried the M-Audio ProKeys 88, which has a great price (~$600) but the piano voice and action really suck. I'm tempted to go back to what I know (Yamaha P-140), but am really getting frustrated. Should I just deal with the Roland RD-300 GX's crappy action, but nice voicings? Or are there others I should be considering? Maybe the Yamaha P70 or P85? Thanks very much in advance; this is a crucial decision for me in my music career! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Chicken Monkey Posted November 10, 2009 Members Share Posted November 10, 2009 I play a Yamaha MM-6. It's build like a $59 toy, but the tech is great. In my limited shopping experience, unless you get a console-type "electric piano", you're going to get a billion different sounds--there's no way around it. I don't know what your performance intentions are, but the MM-6 has played local gigs with me, and I'd maybe even take it on short tours with some preferential seating and a decent case. I'd give it a try in person to see if you like the piano sound, but the organs and electric keyboards (really the only sounds I use) go over pretty well, and I've had a knowledgeable observer praise the string sounds. And it comes in at the very bottom of your price range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members blue2blue Posted November 10, 2009 Members Share Posted November 10, 2009 Try asking in the keyboard section: http://www.harmony-central.com/Synth/ We songwriters are not, by and large, very hardware-centric. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members seattleswiss Posted November 10, 2009 Author Members Share Posted November 10, 2009 did that, just thought i might get some ideas here too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rsadasiv Posted November 10, 2009 Members Share Posted November 10, 2009 JohnnyBoy had similar requirements and got something he was happy with. Search is your friend - it was about a year ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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