Question about synthesizers.

[Crazy Guggenheim]

I have considered getting back into playing keyboards. Does anyone know of a good starter kit for synthesizer/keyboard? I don't want to spend a lot; less than $400. Just something to get me back in the swing of things. Does anyone know of a good brand, deal?

Thanks.

[Akoto]

1. My suggestion ...

I'd really suggest that you have a look around zZounds.com. They've got just about everything in the realm of audio/music, and at good prices. They're really friendly too, and if you email them to let them know what you need to do, they'll get back to you with lots of advice.

I've purchased most of my studio setup from zZounds (I do voiceover for a living) and have never been disappointed.

[MN ChimpH8R]

2. Good suggestion

You might want to look for a used Korg or Roland if affordable.

[Crazy Guggenheim]

5. Thank you so much. I'll take a look at it.

[Akoto]

7. You're very welcome.

Sorry that I couldn't be of more direct help. My expertise lies more with microphones and sound editing! Like I said, though, just email them your budget and what you need to do within that cash, and they'll suggest some good stuff to you.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

3. Where do you live?

I have a Casio PSR 190 with bench and stand (nice ones) that you can have for 100 bucks.

[Crazy Guggenheim]

4. S.F. Bay Area.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

8. I'm in So Cal

but the other recommendations on this thread are for better equipment...so shop it all out and if you want it, we can figure something out...the Casio is not anywhere near a Yamaha or a Korg or Roland

[pnorman]

12. Off topic,

but is that photo of Nazi & Dixiecrat flags waving together authentic? If so (it certainly looks 'untouched'), can you provide the locale and date?

pnorman

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

13. It was from a Minuteman rally in Laguna Beach

Remember how they claimed they weren't racist? Just protecting our borders?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=4297156&mesg_id=4297156

[pnorman]

19. Thanks. That's all I needed to know.

The connection to the other pictures timed out, but I'll try again early morning. But I now have the locale and the other data.

pnorman

[XNASA]

6. If you don't plan on using it out live....

Then I'd recommend a Yamaha with some drum beat and accompanyment built in.

I say Yamaha, because they make their own keys and have a much better feel than other similar brands. Oh, and they're bulletproof.

[Beware the Beast Man]

9. If you plan on doing home recording...

You could try a reasonably priced MIDI keyboard controller (M-Audio is a good brand) and a copy of Reason 3. The Reason software will set you back about $450, but it includes 2 samplers, a drum machine an analog synth and a polyphonic synth, loads of effects and tons of patches.
http://www.propellerheads.se/

[Crazy Guggenheim]

10. Thank You!

[Beware the Beast Man]

11. PS- that's why I am getting a MIDI controller.

;)

[Squeech]

14. Question

Are/were you a piano player or an organist? Which is to say, how much of your approach to the keyboard is about how the keys respond to the nuances of your fingers?

I grew up in a household with a piano. Even though it's never been my primary instrument, I'm always happier with an instrument where it gets louder and more forceful when I play harder and more abruptly, as opposed to the organ type keyboard where the keys are little more than on/off switches for notes. (I did once play organ in a band, the cheesiest sub-Farfisa combo organ you could imagine, and I was laughable at it.)

Unfortunately, the engineering to make a keyboard velocity sensitive isn't cheap. If you're okay with the organ feel, you can woodshed on any $100 Casio type instrument, as long as the keys are full size. But if you want piano type response, you have to spend real money.

[Crazy Guggenheim]

15. I just took some music classes in college. I played in a band

when I was in High School - guitar.

[Locrian]

16. controller + soundcard + sequencer software

If you have a computer - Id go the midi controller (M-Audio make some pretty cheap ones but any midi out would work. Used Yamaha would be good.)

Then you need a midi interface / soundcard. M-Audio or EMU 0404 go for about $99.

Id take a hard look at Mackie's TRACKTION 2. Very simple and powerful. Plus you get a ton of software synths that are pretty decent for $149. I use this over Sonar with my ancient Yamaha SY77 - love it!

http://www.mackie.com/products/tracktion2/index.html

Tracktion user forum
http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=22

[Crazy Guggenheim]

17. Thank you!

[leftofthedial]

18. check out sweetwater.com

[WCGreen]

20. Hell COSTCO has some good keyboards.... Check them out

I'm getting ready to buy an ovation there...