Korg MicroPiano?

Ok - I sold my cheap keyboard a couple months ago with intent to buy a regular piano. I've yet to find one for a reasonable price that doesn't need a ton of work, so I'm keyboard shopping again.

I want something with decent action (it doesn't have to be full on hammer weighted, but it can't feel like sponge), GREAT piano sounds, and solid Rhodes/Electric Piano sounds.

Price range is $300 maximum.

I was searching on Musician's Friend, and the Korg MicroPiano caught my eye. The size is cool, I love the fact that it comes in red, and from the demos I've heard it sounds fantastic.

Are these things worth it? Are the keys normal size, or a tad smaller like the MicroKorg? I can't say I really mind either way, but I'd like to know.

Are the keys weighted at all, or are they essentially synth action with touch sensitivity?

I'd really appreciate any opinions on these - I know they probably aren't the go-to choice for a lot of you guys with studios, but keep in mind I just play for fun, occasionally record a little, and I don't want something gigantic taking up room unless it's a real piano.

Might want to read this:

http://synthupgrade.com/korg-micropiano-review/

I actually read that first. However that reviewer's needs are different than mine.

I'm looking for something that sounds good, plays well, and isn't gigantic. Will the MicroPiano fit that, or should I keep looking?

They are mini-keys, with a design similar to the MicroKorg XL (not the original MicroKorg). They are not weighted, but they surprisingly don't feel bad, if you're okay with the size. Along the same lines, though, I'd probably suggest a Yamaha NP30 to get full size keys (and 76 of them). They are also unweighted, but still not as bad for piano as most unweighted actions are. I think the piano sound if probably better than Korg's, but I'm sure there's also a matter of personal taste there.

The Micropiano is a cute concept. The keys play well and are dynamic but are very, very small. Do you have small fingers? Also the board only has 61 keys. It looks like a cool toy or conversational piece but with great sounds. I imagine that the piano sounds are as a good as the Korg Microstation if not better.

The Microstation is a watered down M3 piano in the first place. I love my Microstation by the way for writing and hashing out parts on my lap and even used it live for a while.

You could by a controller later with full size keys down the road if you want to gig with it.

The Micropiano is expensive, however.

I think spaces in Japan continue to get tighter so these pieces are good for that kinda of thing.

It is a definite unique and quirky keyboard but gimmicky.

not mini keys, but rather micro keys, even smaller than casio's keyboards for kids

They're about the same as 80's Casio microkeys but better. I dont have any Korg "micro" products anymore but I do like microkeys (the ones on my Casio). The OG Microkorg keyboard was pretty poor but the new ones are much better, esp the Microstation for some reason. Personally I'd get a Microstation - they're $500 new though.

Thanks for the input, everyone.

I'm still pretty intrigued by the MicroPiano. I love the idea of a small piano that I can just play around on. I'm far from a serious player - I play for my own enjoyment, and occasionally record a little bit. Again, for my own enjoyment and maybe for friends to listen to.

On the keys, are they normal width and just shorter, or are the overall tiny? I formerly had a Casio keyboard with 76 keys. The action was terrible, and the sounds were mediocre at best. The MicroPiano, by all accounts that I've seen, sounds good, and has nice action. My fingers aren't massive, so I'm not too worried about the size, unless they're really just super tiny.

What other options are out there? I want something with the general idea of the MicroPiano - something that I can turn on and play without any setup. Speakers are a must, good piano and electric piano sounds are a must, and comfortable action is a must. Are there other options for $300 or less out there that would fit the bill?

The Yamaha NP30 I mentioned would be a possibility, along with the newer NP31 and NP11 which I haven't seen or heard yet, but are supposed to be similar.