Reddit mentions of Alesis V49 | 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 8 Backlit Pads, 4 Assignable Knobs and Buttons, Plus a Professional Software Suite with ProTools | First Included

This is correct. Note though, that there are quite a few very, very good free software instruments available on the internet, while the software that comes with these controllers usually are more of a demo version. Therefore, don't weight that argument too much.

Personally, I'm just a fan of full sized keys. And there definitely are some in your price range. Like this Alesis V49 or [this M-Audio one without pads, but at $99] (https://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Keystation-49-II-Controller/dp/B00IWWZAM6/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1479493057&sr=1-2&keywords=midi%2Bcontroller%2B49&th=1).

Anyways, I'm sure she'll be happy no matter what :)

I would like to bring up the Alesis V49 great for it's price and has 49 keys.

I used this one for a little while:
https://www.amazon.com/Alesis-V49-Keyboard-Controller-Buttons/dp/B00IWWEW20/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526142118&sr=8-1&keywords=alesis+49+key&dpID=41SI3fyI30L&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Doesn't have sliders and only 4 knobs. But its semi-weighted if that matters to you, and has 8 drum pads.

Hey man - you may want to look at is the Alesis V line of MIDI controllers. This one is $130. I've got a VI49, which is from the slightly more advanced line they make. I'm no piano player, but I personally really like it and think it provides really good value for what you get.

They have two problems though, one minor and one major. The minor problem is that they often have squeaky keys - but this is really not a big deal at all and doesn't affect playability. The major problem with them is that their velocity sensors are kinda wonky. You can play two notes with pretty much the same amount of applied pressure and the volume will swing around more than it should. It is possible to squash the velocity curve a bit though, which imo makes it passable. But just beware if you think you may have a problem with that down the line. They make a 25-key version too if you really really want the smaller size, at which point you could upgrade to the VI version and only be a bit over budget.

They have pitch and mod wheels, as well as a set of pretty decent pads that can be linked to drum samples. It also has a few extra buttons and knobs that can be linked to other samples and settings. So it should meet your basic criteria, plus a little extra.

If your looking for something with more octaves for not hella expensive, look into

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IWWEW20/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_NtvNDb35BAWTD

Alesis v49 is my go to, it’s got a nice drum pad and full size keys. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IWWEW20/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ZRxaCbGEV1Y3A

I've been loving the Alesis V49. The keys are very satisfying to play, I've spent hours at a time playing around on it. It's also got some knobs you can map to a plugin so you can adjust cutoff, res, etc while you play and a drum pad if you're interested in that. I would recommend checking eBay if you're interested; I was able to get mine new for $115 from this seller.

The Alesis V49 looks awesome but doesn't come out for another couple weeks. Very slim and doesn't have a ton of unnecessary stuff. Also has semi-weighted keys for a decent price.

http://www.amazon.com/Alesis-V49-49-Key-Keyboard-Controller/dp/B00IWWEW20/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

not sure if you know enough about his process, but you have pretty much one decision to make: do you wanna get a keyboard with fewer keys and more knobs/sliders/drum pads, or more keys and fewer knobs? If you want more knobs, the Akai MPK mini MKII is a great option. If you want more keys, M-Audio Keystation 49. For something in between, Alesis V49. Good luck!

Currently seriously considering an alesis v49 but am open to other suggestions. Trying to keep it less than $150

Here

actually many/most inexpensive controllers only have USB out, no MIDI, like here (which shouldn't be a limitation for most people:

http://www.m-audio.com/products/view/oxygen-49

and http://www.amazon.com/Alesis-V49-49-Key-Keyboard-Controller/dp/B00IWWEW20

those two, the Oxygen and Alesis, aren't bad, not really built to last but include Ableton Lite live (version 9, i believe, which is the current)

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also many reviews at: http://www.reddit.com/r/WeAreTheMusicMakers/search?q=midi+controller&restrict_sr=on

http://www.reddit.com/r/synthesizers/search?q=midi+controller&restrict_sr=on

In the other comment they also mentioned the cheap quality of the novation keyboard. I don’t think I’m gonna get it since most people have been saying that as well (in other subreddits).

I think I at least want a 49 key keyboard, do you have any suggestions for a beginner?

Would any of these be good:

https://www.amazon.ca/Alesis-V49-Keyboard-Controller-Buttons/dp/B00IWWEW20/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1543271425&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=akai+mpd218&dpPl=1&dpID=41SI3fyI30L&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.ca/M-Audio-Keystation-49-II-Controller/dp/B00IWWZAM6/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1543272011&sr=8-7&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=midi+keyboard&dpPl=1&dpID=41t4DtVzofL&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.ca/M-Audio-Oxygen-49-Keyboard-Controller/dp/B00IWU2CBA/ref=mp_s_a_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1543272061&sr=8-14&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=midi+keyboard


Or should I save up for something down the road such as the Akai MPK49?

Starting to get in to EDM production and want a keyboard, will the Alesis V49 be acceptable to get started with?

https://www.amazon.com/Alesis-V49-Keyboard-Controller-Buttons/dp/B00IWWEW20/