 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: mark weinstein
Date: 2000-08-23 16:47
In my process of studying hardware & software as they relate to MIDI & Notation (playback & editing are most important to me), I have found some solutions easier than others. EX: I found a SoundBlaster Live Value (256 sounds) for $37 + shipping (full new product w/manuals-drivers-programs on cd ... if you want to know where let me know)
My intent here is not so much "commercial" ... so much as a discussion of perhaps devices & options ... and, importantly, what has worked for others. Some of you may recall discussions we have had on tape devices. Mentioned were what I would call "middle of the road, yet reasonably high quality manufacturers" that a user wouldn't go wrong with buying (ex: Sony).
Mark & others have been kind enough to bear with me in my "search". I don't want to reinvent the wheel, nor do I want to waste $$$.
The nomenclature is tough at first. The words get bigger & longer as you look at more $$$ products. I have looked at several midi keyboard (w/controller) and midi synthesizers (keyboard & controller too). Some are 61 key cheapies all the way too 88 key (weighted).
I have found Yamaha's, Casio & (most intriguing) was more professional keyboards by a company called StudioLogic which start (discounted) @ $499; for $699 you get 88 key full-weighted with 2 midi outs in the back. Most eveything I have found have only 1 midi out. Is the 2nd midi-out that important.
My though was that, if I buy a keyboard, since I have a child who plays Piano (& clarinet) the extra $$$ going from a $200 Yamaha or Casio to the StudioLogic might make sense?
... on the otherhand, it might all be a pipedream & end up much like software that many of us buy & never use. (the bookcase @ my office where that unused shelfware is kept is called my "Wall of Shame"!)
SO ... am I going to far? Did I take a wrong turn? Should I just buy an inexpensive keyboard now & put it aside later if I ever need something better? If I do what would be my choices could someone name some models?
Thanks. Please correct anything I have said.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2000-08-23 17:05
Dual MIDI outs are a waste for what you're doing; they;re used on keyboard splits to control multiple synths. I daresay you'll be years into it before you start buying more outboard synths and sequencers.
The Soundblaster Live! series now can contain a total of 1024 instruments simultaneously; this means you can create patches with more instruments playing simultaneously and, with a lot of sequencing, make it appear if more instruments can play simultaneously using the dual synth capabilities in the soundcard ... but I don't think you're ready for that just yet :^)
If you plan on using the keyboard for teaching someone piano, then you'll need 88 keys & weighted. Not as good as an upright, and uprights aren't as good as a grand - but serviceable. They weights don't help with aftertouch or escapement, and most don't have half pedaling, no ringing of the tones on sustain, etc. ... - but they suffice for a few years.
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Author: mark weinstein
Date: 2000-08-23 17:21
Mark C. said:
"If you plan on using the keyboard for teaching someone piano, then you'll need 88 keys & weighted."
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Yes, the thought HAD passed through my mind.
"Not as good as an upright, and uprights aren't as good as a grand - but serviceable. They weights don't help with aftertouch or escapement, and most don't have half pedaling, no ringing of the tones on sustain, etc. ... - but they suffice for a few years."
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The Fatar StudioLogic 161 has a 61 keys w/aftertouch unit. Its priced around $250-300. Would there be any you could recommend? I've never heard of Fatar & thus my reaction is to look to at Yamaha, Casio, etc. BUT, some people have never heard of Kurzweil or Roland, either ... so not recognizing FATAR could just be stupidity.
Thanks for your help.
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Author: mark weinstein
Date: 2000-08-23 17:21
Mark C. said:
"If you plan on using the keyboard for teaching someone piano, then you'll need 88 keys & weighted."
===============
Yes, the thought HAD passed through my mind.
"Not as good as an upright, and uprights aren't as good as a grand - but serviceable. They weights don't help with aftertouch or escapement, and most don't have half pedaling, no ringing of the tones on sustain, etc. ... - but they suffice for a few years."
==============================
The Fatar StudioLogic 161 has a 61 keys w/aftertouch unit. Its priced around $250-300. Would there be any you could recommend? I've never heard of Fatar & thus my reaction is to look to at Yamaha, Casio, etc. BUT, some people have never heard of Kurzweil or Roland, either ... so not recognizing FATAR could just be stupidity.
Thanks for your help.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2000-08-23 23:10
Fatar make fine keyboards. The aftertouch on MIDI is different than aftertouch on a real keyboard, which has a lot to do with a personal setup of the entire action.
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Author: Allen Cole
Date: 2000-08-24 09:26
If you just want the keyboard for note entry, you can get a perfectly good 61-key MIDI keyboard for $100-200 at a Costco or Circuit City. (Usually a Yamaha or a Casio) You might save the rest of the money for something much better if your child takes piano lessons.
I have enjoyed a very small keyboard, the Yamaha CK-1XG. I use it in conjuction with a laptop computer and relish the portability.
Allen
allencole@richmond.com
http://allencole.tripod.com
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Author: mark weinstein
Date: 2000-08-25 14:25
Costco, Sam'ss are great for (any) electronics these days.
I am stuck right now between Yamaha PSR540, StudioLogic 161 & 880. 161 can be purchased for $259 incl. shipping. Sounds like it will be tough to beat. StudioLogic 880 is $659.95 incl. shipping. For an 88key keyboard, looks hard to beat.
We have a piano @ home. Kawai 5'1" BG. I went to the music store & looked at the fullsize Yamaha & Kawai "Studio-type" electric pianos. W-O-W. There are times when you should leave a store quickly ...
A concern in purchasing a keyboard through mailorder, will have to deal w/returning keyboard because of sticking keys, etc. (isn't that true everything bought through mailorder?) MARS Music just opened in OK & marking down all electronics in "grand opening sale". Not impressed by their offerings of clarinets, need better representation of the "Big 4".
Now to try & sort through all this ....
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The Clarinet Pages
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