Grateful Dead Music Forum

Hi guys,

What should I look at for a keyboard to keep in my jam room. Something that I could hook up to the PA that a real keys player would not be embarrassed or sickened by. My budget is not huge.

Thanks!

Bob

Try to find a used Nord Electro 2 if you can afford it ... killer B3 simulation, great Rhodes, Wurly and clavinet, and a passable piano sound. Nice action on it, too. They make a 73-key and 61-key version, you might find a used 61 for a pretty reasonable price. A 73 will probably go for a grand or so but it's a totally pro keyboard that anyone would be happy to use.

If that's too pricey, I would try to find an older used Kurzweil, they have very good piano and Rhodes sounds. You might find an old K2000 for a couple hundred bucks.

But the Electro is the only keyboard that can do a terrific B3 and also the electric and acoustic pianos; the other good clones are strictly B3 simulators.

I'll second the Nord reccomendation. They're really awesome keyboards. Easy to sit down and tweak, too - if you want to add chorus or phaser to your Rhodes sound, you just hit the Chorus or Phaser buttons, then play with the speed and depth knobs, just like a pedal. For example. You don't have to get the manual out and scroll through screens and menus and whatnot.

I have a Casio Privia 72 keys unit in my jam room. I got it for $700 and it works for me.

http://www.rockpalace.com/en/product/Casio-Privia-PX120

I think the jam room is in the key of F then modulates to G/Em.

hogan wrote:I think the jam room is in the key of F then modulates to G/Em.

Nords are sweet, but possibly a more serious investment than you were after, at around $700 and up for used. Killer B3 simulator.

Also 2nd Kurzweil, love for the PC88, SP88, K2000 which can probably be found for about half that amount or less. Natural piano action, and decent sounds.

Thanks for all of the great suggestions, guys! Keir was right about the level of investment I am comfortable with, though. As much as I would like a pro level piece, it just isn't in the budget right now. However, I did manage to find something on sale $100 off and had a coupon that saved me another $30, so I ended up with a Casio PX 330 Privia Digital Piano. For my palsied beginner playing it is more than enough, and it might be decent enough that when someone stops by to jam, it might be ok.

http://www.latestaudioreviews.com/keybo ... tal-piano/