Need Advice on MIDI keyboards

[djbmc]

Right, basically i've decided i want to learn how to play the piano and i need a new MIDI controller. At the moment i've got a little Alesis Photon 25, complete with dodgy USB connection and it's seen better days!

I don't think i need (or could fit in my room) a full on 88 key monster but i wanna know how many keys i should go for, is 49 too little? In terms of features i HAVE to have semi-wighted keys, that's a must, other than that things like faders and drum pads would be an added bonus but not essential, my budget is about £300, any advice DSF? x

[mks]

I would check out an Akai MPK49 perhaps. It's a great keyboard and controller (except for the pads maybe).

[shaneynclan]

I would check out an Akai MPK49 perhaps. It's a great keyboard and controller (except for the pads maybe).

mpk is a solid controller.
you can mod the pads and make them more playable as well.

[OlzaMK]

I have the MPK 25. After a little over a year with it, I absolutely fucking hate it now.

Pads have shitty sensitivity even with the tape mod, and the keys are shitty and springloaded. They aren't very sensitive. Plus I would much rather have more knobs, buttons, and faders than those cheap pads.

[martello]

Check out Novation Nocturn 49:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dmd3ybHW8uM
http://www.novationmusic.com/products/m ... n_keyboard

[djbmc]

So you guys reckon 49 keys is enough? the MPK and Novation controllers are ones i've been looking at

[deadly_habit]

i wouldn't go below 61 keys if you want to learn piano

[djbmc]

61 yeh? i thought that would be about what i needed, i take it that novation controller doesn't have a 61 key variant.

[OlzaMK]

Buy a 100 dollar casio with 61 keys and basic MIDI support. That's what I did. And then invest in a Midi controller with shit tons of buttons, knobs, and faders. I feel that's a very efficient way to do it.