Best products from r/keys
We found 21 comments on r/keys discussing the most recommended products. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 30 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. YAMAHA P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano With Sustain Pedal And Power Supply (Amazon-Exclusive)
- Amazon exclusive model includes power adapter and sustain pedal
- 88 fully weighted piano style keys simulate the feel of an acoustic piano and provide a quality playing experience
- Contains 10 different voices, including digitally sampled tones from real Yamaha acoustic grand pianos
- Dual mode lets you combine 2 voices together, like piano and strings, for an inspiring new playing experience
- Slim and stylish design with a depth of less than 12 inches, the P71 requires little space and weighs only 25 pounds
Features:
2. M-Audio Keystation 61ES 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Semi-Weighted Keys (OLD MODEL)
Programming Options include: Octave Shift, Transpose, Program Change, Bank LSB, Bank MSB, MIDI Channel MIDI out for USB61 note full-size velocity sensitive, semi-weighted keyboard.MIDI Out socket. USB to MIDI OUT interface. DC power input for stand-alone use (adaptor not included)Function button for...
3. Novation Launchkey 49, 49-key USB/iOS MIDI Keyboard Controller with Synth-weighted Keys
16 velocity-sensitive multi-color launch pads trigger loops and play drumsOver 50 hardware controls that instantly map to all major DAWs via InControl technologyProfessional synth-styled keyboardLaunchkey includes an entire suite of software for iPad, Mac, and PCThe controller keyboard for electroni...
4. M-Audio Oxygen Series 61 Ignite MIDI Controller
- bus-powered 61-key USB MIDI controller - east computer connectivity
- 8 assignable knobs, 9 assignable sliders - control DAW and virtual instrument parameters
- DirectLink mode - instant controller mapping to DAW functions
- dedicated transport and track slected buttons - streamlined session control
Features:
5. Alesis Q49 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
49-key USB MIDI keyboard controller provides the ideal surface for composing and performing music with computer-based digital audio workstations, sequencers, and more49 velocity-sensitive keys ensure a dynamic performancePitch and Modulation wheels add musical expression; perfect for emulating the n...
6. Griffin StudioConnect
Guaranteed Griffin Genuine MIDI in and out for your iPadAudio in and out for your iPadStereo headphone jack with volume controlFor iPad and other iOS devices: 30-pin Apple dock connector with integral cableCompatibility iPad iPad 2 iPad 3 / **Ship within 24 hours except holidays and weekends**
7. Roland A-800PRO-R 61-key MIDI Keyboard Controller, Black
Inspiring feel and response for serious playersVelocity-sensitive 61 keys with channel after touch45 assignable controls: knobs, sliders, buttons, transport and moreUSB Bus Powered - no AC adaptor required (AC adaptor is an optional)8 Dynamic Pads for finger drumming and MIDI triggeringWorks with an...
8. Behringer Ultratone KT108 Ultra-Compact 15-Watt Keyboard Amplifier,Black
Extremely versatile 2-channel keyboard amplifierPowerful 20-Watt, 8'' dual-cone BUGERA speaker for wide frequency response2 instrument inputs with separate volume control for each channelVTC Virtual Tube Circuitry for tube-like soundUltra-musical 3-band EQ for ultimate sound shaping
9. YAMAHA DGX660B 88-Key Weighted Digital Piano With Furniture Stand,Black
- The Pure CF Sound Engine faithfully reproduces the tone of a meticulously sampled and highly acclaimed Yamaha concert grand piano
- GHS weighted action is heavier in the low register and lighter in the high, just like an acoustic piano
- Score display puts music notation of MIDI songs on the screen, helping you play your favorites by following the bouncing ball
- The Piano room lets you choose from a variety of pianos and acoustic settings to create your own personal piano environment
- The 6 track recorder allows you to capture your performances and song ideas, then add additional layers to spice up your pieces
- Dimensions (without stand): 55" W x 5.75" H x 17.5" D || Weight 46 pounds
Features:
10. M-Audio Midisport Uno | Portable 1-in/1-out MIDI Interface via USB connection (16 x 16 MIDI channels),Black
MIDI Control Simplified - Compact 1-in/1-out MIDI interface for controlling DAWs, synthesisers, drum machines and any device with a midi inputUnite all your Equipment - 16 discrete MIDI input and output channels to send up to 16 different midi signals to peripheral MIDI compatible equipmentUniversal...
11. Hosa CMP-153 3.5 mm TRS to Dual 1/4" TS Stereo Breakout Cable, 3 Feet
1/4-inch Plugs Color coded - Red and WhiteScores of applications in live performance, recording and computer multimedia settings
12. Yamaha YPG-235 76-Key Portable Grand Piano Keyboard Bundle with Knox Double X Stand and Yamaha Survival Kit (Includes Power Supply and 2 Year Extended Warranty)
- 76 piano-style keys with graded soft touch
- More than double the speaker output (12 W vs. 5 W)
- Full keyboard fingering Mode follows piano playing styles of music
- Performance Assistant technology features chord/free Mode in addition to chord Mode
- Kit Includes piano with plug and music rest Knox double x stand and survival kit
Features:
13. Casio CS-67BK Keyboard Stand for Privia Digital Pianos, Black
- Optional stand in black designed for PX150, PX160, PX350, PX360, and PX560
- High quality dark woodgrain
- Excellent support
- Perfect for home
- Genuinely stylish appearance
Features:
14. Lexicon Multi-Channel Desktop Recording Studio, 2x2x2 (2-input, 2-bus, 2-output) (Alpha)
- Record up to 2 tracks at once
- 44.1kHz to 48kHz sample rates, 16-bit or 24-bit resolution
- One XLR mic, two TRS line, and one Hi-Z instrument inputs
- Two TRS and RCA line outputs
- Software suite includes Cubase LE4 and Lexicon Pantheon VST reverb plug-in
- Record up to 2 tracks at once
- 44.1kHz to 48kHz sample rates, 16-bit or 24-bit resolution
- One XLR mic, two TRS line, and one Hi-Z instrument inputs
- Two TRS and RCA line outputs
- Software suite includes Cubase LE5 and Lexicon Pantheon VST reverb plug-in
Features:
15. M-Audio, 61-Key, 61 Keys (Keystation 61)
61 full-size, synth-action velocity-sensitive keysPitch bend and modulation wheels provide dynamic performance capabilitiesTransport controls let you control your DAW without reaching for the mouse6.3mm (1/4-inch) sustain pedal input for expressive performanceNow Includes Pro Tools | First and Eleve...
16. Shure Microphone Mount (A2WS-BLK)
- Locking Microphone Windscreen
- Reduces unwanted breath and wind noise.
- For use with Shure SM57 and 545 Series microphones.
- Country of Origin: China
Features:
17. Yamaha PA130 120 Volt Keyboard AC Power Adaptor
Certified Yamaha power supplyInput: AC voltage 120V, 60 HzOutput: DC12V 1.0ACable length 8' 4" (2.54 Meters)Compatible with the following Yamaha Keyboards: PSR-E253, PSR-E263, PSR-E353, PSR-E363, PSR-EW300, NP12WARNING: Use of aftermarket power supplies with your Yamaha instrument voids your manufac...
18. Yamaha PSRE253 Portable Keyboard
- 💖 WIDE RANGE OF USE: Package of 196 various sizes chalkboard labels for jars, organizing, labeling, and weddings, wine glasses, coffee or tea tin boxes, canisters, baskets, folders, office supplies, organize your home, kitchen, decorate your pantry storage & office, parties, coffee shop, craft projects, bakeries, walls and kids bedrooms.
- 💖 MATERIAL: High quality waterproof chalkboard labels made from superior durable vinyl material, matte texture with a crisp clean, refrigerator safe and long lasting adhesive. Elevate wedding decorations, great arts and crafts activities for kids
- 💖 EASY USED: Write, peel and stick. You can switch contents for your jars whenever you need to just wipe clean with a damp cloth to change what you have written, Peel and Re-stick.
- 💖 REVERSIBLE TIP DESIGN CHALK MARKER: Artist-quality white liquid chalk marker pen with long lasting and quick drying features, just pull out the tip and change it with the other end; safety and non-toxic, no dust, fumes or harsh chemicals; safe around children and animals. Notes: A new pen point was dry because it is new which haven't be used , the ink inside the pen body. Please shake and then push down the pen point ( each around 10 times) then to writing.
- 💖 COMPLETE SET YOU CAN FIND: 64 Large chalkboard labels (3.54"×2") + 60 Medium (2.3"×1.5") + 72 Small (1.78"×0.98")for spice jars + 1 White chalk marker
Features:
19. M-Audio AXIOM 25-Key Semi-Weighted Keyboard USB MIDI Controller
- 25-key velocity-sensitive semi-weighted action keyboard with assignable aftertouch
- All controllers fully programmable to MIDI controller number and channel
- Snapshot function transmits all current controller settings
- Built-in USB MIDI interface including standard MIDI In and Out jacks
- Includes Ableton Live Lite 4 music production software so you can make music right away
Features:
20. Casio SA-76 44-Key Mini Personal Keyboard
- 44 mini-sized keys and 5 percussion pads , Amp Output - 0.8+0.8 Watts
- 100 sounds and 50 rhythm patterns. Dimension: 23.8 inch W x 8.3 inch D x 2.24 inch H
- Simple tone selection with PIANO, ORGAN tone button and melody on/off lesson function
- Easy-to-read LCD display
- Product doesn't include an adapter.Speakers:2 x 1.2 W
- NOTE: Refer user manual before use
Features:
Novation and M-Audio are usually best sellers, and are fairly common in home studios. I prefer the feel of the Novation Impulse line, and the M Audio Axiom Air series. I would probably choose an M-Audio midi controller if all you have is around 200. Behringer used to be ok, but major companies (Musicians Friend, Guitar Center) have dropped them from their product line, and support is nearly impossible from Behringer. I had to order a piece from Behringer for a customer, and it took 2 months just to get a hold of the right part number, then another month to get the part shipped from the factory.
Alesis is great as well, if you dont need all the drum pads, knobs, or sliders.
In the 200 dollar range you should do just fine, I would grab an Axiom Air 25, or a Novation launchkey 49. If you need the 61 keys, get a basic M-Audio keystation, or Oxygen. Those UXM610 feel like spongecake, and have connectivity and mapping issues.
Get this one for 61 keys.
Links for days!
here
here
and here
Let me know if i can help you out!
With such a low budget your options are a bit limited but you can still do some great stuff.
Option 1: You require an iPad and a MIDI cable (something like this one) for $20 and purchase apps like Roland Sound Canvas or Korg M1, Waldorf, Moog.
Option 2: Search your local Craigslist for the following items, Kurzweil K2000, Korg 03RW, Korg X5D, Korg X5DR, Roland Sound Canvas, Korg M1R, Korg 01W Rack, Emu Proteus. All of these synthesizers make a wide range of sounds and are very good quality machines.
You also may want to ask your facebook friends if they have an old synthesizer sitting around collecting dust that they'd like to part with.
For standalone digital pianos, personally I've had good experiences with Yamaha. I have a Clavinova, which is more expensive but it is an absolutely spectacular piano. They make this one which I haven't tried, but it's in your price range and has good reviews. I'd probably go with that in your position.
With a MIDI controller, you could plug a keyboard into your computer and play a software piano app, such as Pianoteq or Spectrasonics Keyscape. You would want to have good computer speakers. It would give you much more power and flexibility for music-making, but it would also be less immediate to use and the computer could potentially distract you from practicing. I would've recommended a Roland A-800 (61 keys but great feel) for that option, but based on what you've said I think a standalone digital piano is probably the way to go.
Guitar & Bass amps will be okaaay. But not great. They're not designed to reproduce the range of sounds that keys (or e-drums) make. However if you're going for a retro sound maybe a guitar amp will give you a cool sound! If you're going for a clean sound but don't need much power, computer speakers are a pretty decent workaround as well.
All that said, I love my Behringer Ultratone 450, and it's little brother is only $90: https://smile.amazon.com/Behringer-KT108-BEHRINGER-ULTRATONE/dp/B0010KGD4Q/
Okay...I hear ya. If you want a fully weighted, 88 key digital piano that can plug into a computer and control the keys, but does not have any assignable buttons, faders, knobs, with decent sounds, and is under a grand. This is your best bet: Yamaha DGX650
You can use your Yamaha as a controller. All you need is a midi to usb convertor like this. You can take the signal from your headphone jack and plug it straight into a mixer/pa or direct box with a cable like this.
If you want to invest a little more you can buy a midi interface. Two common ones are the maudio fast track and the focus rite scarlett. These are both pretty standard and can do what you need.
This: https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-Portable-Keyboard-Survival-Extended/dp/B00WFH55KQ/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_267_tr_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=JVK7Y3G38AQE8ZDE5XRS
I swear, it is perfect. The keys feel more like a piano than most cheap keyboards, it has built-in speakers (but you can also use headphones) so you don't need an amp, and with this setup you can get the accessories you need. I recommend it to all my new piano students before I suggest their parents go get them an expensive or real piano.
Thanks for the thorough reply!
I'll take your word about X-stands. Most people seem to agree with you. And I couldn't put up with all the wobbling.
I've decided to go with this stand:
http://www.amazon.com/Casio-CS-67-Keyboard-Stand-PX130/dp/B002KG9LX4 Mainly because I found one on Craigslist at a deep discount ($25 instead of the $90 Amazon is charging.) What do you think? Will it work for some quiet playing in my room?
I don't plan to do any gigging -- not for a long while anyway -- and I want to pay as little on the stand as possible. I am usually tight-fisted, and the $500 I just spent on the keyboard makes me cringe just a little.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Piano-Keyboard/Audio-Keystation-61-II-Controller-Sensitive-Including/B00IWX2SR0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486292626&sr=8-1&keywords=midi+controller+weighted you use this to control synths and stuff on your computer., its a nicer keybed so it will feel good to play.
Depends on the MIDI Controller of course. For Weighted Hammer Action I use a Casio PX-130 as a controller running into Ableton (for live) or Cubase (for recording) triggering XLN Audio's Addictive Keys. I use a Behringer FCB1010 MIDI Foot Controller to change instruments (Grand, Rhodes, Wurly, Strings, Synths) by assigning MIDI CC messages to each instrument's On and Off switch in Ableton. I also use the FCB1010 for Guitar Rig in Ableton and it works great.
You'll need an audio interface if you want to do any latency free recording, I use the highly affordable Lexicon Alpha
http://www.amazon.com/Lexicon-Alpha-Desktop-Recording-Studio/dp/B000HVXMNE
Amazon offers the Yamaha P71, which is identical the to the P45, on sale for $380. It includes a sustain "Pedal/Footswitch" which is enough to get started. My digital piano is on a table that puts it at about the same height as a typical acoustic piano. A weighted keyboard is important. Many places have the P45 on sale for $400.
[EDIT] If you click the "Holiday Home Bundle" at that link it shows a P45 with stand and bench for $400.
Kraft has a similar bundle with a nicer looking bench for $450.
Got it! There may be some merit to that. It might be worth trying an SM58 to see if it makes a difference. Otherwise it might be smart to get a windscreen for the SM57 at least (one of those foam things that cover the end of the mic). Shure makes this one https://www.amazon.com/Shure-A2WS-BLK-Black-Locking-Windscreen/dp/B0002NIP98
ah, a bit out of my price range atm, I don't suppose you'd have an idea if this is any good? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yamaha-PSRE253-Portable-Keyboard/dp/B00UNEECWK/ref=sr_1_27?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1485967930&sr=1-27
The main songs I want to play are the Halo theme and To zanarkand if that makes any difference...
Go for a 1st Gen Axiom 25. I'm reasonably certain it'll be in your range and it's more or less the exact same thing. You'd just be missing the one slider.
EDIT: Musician's Friend has 2nd gen listed at $200 so that's conveniently right at the edge of your range, but if you don't necessarily favor the newer slicker version over saving some cash, that means 1st gen should indeed be out there for well within your budget.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/keyboards-midi/m-audio-axiom-25-2nd-gen-25-key-usb-midi-keyboard-controller
EDIT 2: Axiom 25, first gen, Amazon $140 new.
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-25-Key-Semi-Weighted-Keyboard-Controller/dp/B000EM6TBI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322691397&sr=8-1
I have the Casio SA76. It's a pretty cool little travel practice board. 44 keys, a lot of different sounds, and it's $50. Battery or ac power.
https://www.amazon.com/Casio-SA76-mini-Sized-Tones/dp/B00416WHV4