<p>Does anyone know of any really cheap (decent quality) 88 key electric keyboards with MIDI compatibility, and comes with a pedal? Links would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>Anyone have any idea?</p>
<p>bump (10 char)</p>
<p>Anyone have experience with an M-Audio 88es?</p>
<p>What keyboard do you piano enthusiasts use when not using your primary piano?</p>
<p>You really don't need two separate threads for this</p>
<p>depends. what are you actually using it for? You said you want "MIDI capabilities" but does that mean you're using it as a MIDI controller or as a stand-alone unit....or both?</p>
<p>For a MIDI controller the M Audio Keystation series is pretty nice -- works well and is compact with fullsize keys (unweighted) in that the MIDI interface is actually built in but it does not include an internal sound module so you'd need to connect it to a computer or external module to hear anything (it's strictly a MIDI controller).</p>
<p>For a regular keyboard, I personally like my Roland EXR-5 (around $600 new)... if I had more money........</p>
<p>For the sub-$500 range (or, really, for any range).... just go to a music store and start playing the keyboards. See what feels right and DO NOT (whatever you do) let a sales rep sell you something. Just make them go away (most don't really know what they're talking about anyway! -- for proof, check out this thread: <a href="http://www.gearslutz.com/board/so-much-gear-so-little-time/112000-stupid-things-youve-been-told-guitar-center.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.gearslutz.com/board/so-much-gear-so-little-time/112000-stupid-things-youve-been-told-guitar-center.html</a> )
Anyway, look at how they keyboards feel (do you need weighted keys?) as well as how they sound (will this be used in live gigs) and other features (arrangers, recording, MIDI i/o, available instruments, etc.)</p>