Have about $1500 for a church keyboard, any suggestions?

[stix_clgi]

Hey LGM!

I never post on the keyboard forum, but I need your opinion's/advice on buying a new keyboard for my church. The pastor has agreed to let us purchase one in the next week or so, and he instructed us not to go over $1500. So I need some help.

First of all, I'm the bass player, I play a little keyboard and I know what "I" like. But it will be my sister (MyVir2) and my best friend playing. They'd like a 76 or 88 key unit with great piano/elec. piano synth and brass sounds. We're replacing is a Yamaha PSR-1100. Has decent sounds but it's 61 keys which killed my sis lol. So let me know what you think. We're trying to stay with brand new models as I know I can probably find a decent Triton or older Motif for $1500.....thanks in advance and God Bless!!!

[dReam_fpd]

76 or 88 but  motif all the way if this is going to be your main keyboard

[stix_clgi]

76 or 88 but  motif all the way if this is going to be your main keyboard

Honestly I think 76 is sufficient, and I know Motif's are the best but we don't really have Motif money, plus honestly we probably won't even use 50% of what that thing can do. I'd like to have the best, but sometimes the best is just too much. Like owning a Ferrari in Washington D.C. lol, where would you ever drive it? Thanks for the response though...

[cwgolden99]

The MO8 is a good board too!  From what I know, it has the same sounds/engine as the Motif ES series, just doesn't have the sampler!  They are running about $1499.  The price may drop w/ the new MO8 coming out. 

[apex]

The MO8 is a good board too!  From what I know, it has the same sounds/engine as the Motif ES series, just doesn't have the sampler!  They are running about $1499.  The price may drop w/ the new MO8 coming out.

yeah, I'd say the MOX8 (will be out soon.)  Also there is the S90 series... (by Yamaha).  Does it have to be brand new?
You also have the Korg m50 in that price range and the Korg m3. 

Then there's always the module and controller option.  I'd be willing to personally help you all find something.  I do that for guys in my area (Little Rock, AR), and I seem to have a knack for finding VERY VERY good deals. 

Let me know.  You can send a PM if you need to.

[chevonee]

The MO8 is a good board too!  From what I know, it has the same sounds/engine as the Motif ES series, just doesn't have the sampler!  They are running about $1499.  The price may drop w/ the new MO8 coming out.

I second that!! I have the MO8 as you can see in my avatar...it's awesome.

[docjohn]

Look for the new MO X 8;I think it's 88 wtd,XS sounds + about $1500

[stix_clgi]

Thank all of you for your responses! I've actually been looking at the MO8 for some time now, I didn't know a new one was coming out! I'd prefer a new one, and it'll ease the pastor's mind as well if it's new. Here's another problem:

I and the organist know how to use workstations and arrangers, and aren't afraid to learn a new interface, but my sister is lol! She doesn't like knobs, sliders, d-beams, etc. So I'm trying to find something that's easy to use as well, and not easy in the since that we think. Easy like yamaha dgx-100 easy lol. I'm leaning toward that MO, and I'll just teach her how to use it. Anyone have experience with the Korg m3?

Thanks again everyone for all of your help!

[apex]

Thank all of you for your responses! I've actually been looking at the MO8 for some time now, I didn't know a new one was coming out! I'd prefer a new one, and it'll ease the pastor's mind as well if it's new. Here's another problem:

I and the organist know how to use workstations and arrangers, and aren't afraid to learn a new interface, but my sister is lol! She doesn't like knobs, sliders, d-beams, etc. So I'm trying to find something that's easy to use as well, and not easy in the since that we think. Easy like yamaha dgx-100 easy lol. I'm leaning toward that MO, and I'll just teach her how to use it. Anyone have experience with the Korg m3?

Thanks again everyone for all of your help!

I have very extensive use with the Korg m3.  (I own the 88 key version)

But just because the workstation concept is there, doesn't mean your sister has to use it.  She can just turn it on and fire up a piano, ep, etc....  and got to church!!!!  But if you or the organist want to try and program backing tracks or click tracks for her to play on top of during your church services then you've got all that you need right there.  My top suggestion would probably be one of the mo series (mox is the new one that is coming out)...  Korg m3 is in that price range too... (if you get it used)

[stix_clgi]

Yeah I've been leaning towards the MO8 anyways. I've played both the MO8 and the M3 now that I think about it, and I loved both of them, though I think I liked the MO8 better.

My sis will learn, I think once she hears how the keyboard sounds compared to the psr we have she'll want to experiment. I can show her what she needs to play. I'm scheduling a band trip to the music store next Saturday so we can try everything out and see what we like. Again I appreciate the input!

[thunderkat]

I would recommend Yamaha's Motif, Mo, or S90.

I went with a Motif ES6 years ago because of the quality of the acoustic and electric pianos. I've had it for about 6 years and I'm still extremely happy with the keyboard.

The S90 would probably be cheapest if you could find one used. It has the same motif sounds but doesn't have the sequencer.

Whatever you do just make sure the board you choose has great pianos. Historically Korg has lacked in that area although they do make a great secondary keyboards.

Hope this helps... God Bless.

[csedwards2]

you know, Im not sure if you mentioned this, but you know she wants synth-action keys and all the ones mentioned are heavy. In fact, a keyboard that is around $1500 with bomb sounds, synth action, and new desnt really exist unless you go used. Whats with this new thing? If you all call around and search different sites (musiciansfriend/guitarcenter, etc) you might be able to find an Motif ES7 which has everything you need for about that price, even the workstation you can program, and the ability to layer 4 sounds which you know she would want to use. Id even layer it for you if you want. Of course its cheaper on craigslist.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Yamaha-motif-es7-es-7-Excellent-Extras-Extras-/230603779112?pt=Keyboards_MIDI&hash=item35b10e6c28

[docjohn]

You're correct about the wtd keys CS;but wrong on the price.

If the new MO X stuff is correct;you have XS sounds for $1000 +$1500 for the 61/88;maybe not all the features of an ES ,XS,or XF.Really amazing how low the NEW stuff is!!

The computer interface on the MO X 6 plus sounds could justify it's purchase.I was looking @ Casio wk7500 +korg PS 60 for a friend's church;$600 range.For a few $$$$more-they could have XS sounds.

[stix_clgi]

you know, Im not sure if you mentioned this, but you know she wants synth-action keys and all the ones mentioned are heavy. In fact, a keyboard that is around $1500 with bomb sounds, synth action, and new desnt really exist unless you go used. Whats with this new thing? If you all call around and search different sites (musiciansfriend/guitarcenter, etc) you might be able to find an Motif ES7 which has everything you need for about that price, even the workstation you can program, and the ability to layer 4 sounds which you know she would want to use. Id even layer it for you if you want. Of course its cheaper on craigslist.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Yamaha-motif-es7-es-7-Excellent-Extras-Extras-/230603779112?pt=Keyboards_MIDI&hash=item35b10e6c28

Thanks I did forget to mention that. I really need to take her to look at modern keyboards. We've only ever played on cheaper boards, and she never wants to go to the music store with me, so it's hard to show her/explain to her what is available or the current standards in the market.

 
The only reason I want to go brand new is that it will ease the pastor's mind. I've felt like a dentist pulling teeth trying to negotiate (lol) the needed equipment for the band. I think it's the classic gripe many church musicians have with non-musician pastors: the pastor doesn't understand why you need the $1500 keyboard when he saw one at RadioShack for $300 lol....we didn't even get a new drumset until one of the tom-toms fell completely off of the arm during a big revival lol!! I'd been saying we needed a new drumset, there's only so much refreshing you can do before it falls apart lol..So if I can present a new keyboard w/warranty etc, we have a better chance of getting it. But that Motif looks real nice lol.....

[Mrandrew]

Just got my catalog from GC and they have the MO8 going on sale for 1200.00

[88til]

What about the Kurzweil SP4-7?

76- key semi weighted stage piano, has a pretty good acoustic piano & dope EP's.. Cost $1,100.

http://www.kurzweil.com/Product.php?id=207

[docjohn]

you know;I think K makes some great stuff-but I don't think a single store in little town of Atl carries them

[stix_clgi]

What about the Kurzweil SP4-7?

76- key semi weighted stage piano, has a pretty good acoustic piano & dope EP's.. Cost $1,100.

http://www.kurzweil.com/Product.php?id=207

Thanks for the suggestion! We're going shopping Saturday, and The Washington Music Center here in MD has EVERYTHING lol, so I'm sure we'll get to test out all of the mentioned keyboards. I don't know much about Kurzweil's products as I've never played them, but I hear they're pretty great.

Just got my catalog from GC and they have the MO8 going on sale for 1200.00

Man, what catolog did you get? I went to the GC website and they still have it listed for $1499.00

[Mrandrew]

I get one of those mailers sent to me and it has both the mo6 and 8 marked down. Check the store, they should have the catalog there with the advertised price.

[stix_clgi]

I get one of those mailers sent to me and it has both the mo6 and 8 marked down. Check the store, they should have the catalog there with the advertised price.

Cool, maybe I'll go Saturday when we plan on going to the other music store. Both places are pretty far from us, but it'll be worth the drive to spend Saturday testing and tweaking the new keyboard to our liking.