LearnGospelMusic.com Community
Gospel Instruments => Gospel Keyboard / Piano => Topic started by: stix_clgi on April 11, 2011, 09:30:57 PM
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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!!!
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76 or 88 but motif all the way if this is going to be your main keyboard
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Look for the new MO X 8;I think it's 88 wtd,XS sounds + about $1500
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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!
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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)
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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!
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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.
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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 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Yamaha-motif-es7-es-7-Excellent-Extras-Extras-/230603779112?pt=Keyboards_MIDI&hash=item35b10e6c28)
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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.
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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.
[url]http://cgi.ebay.com/Yamaha-motif-es7-es-7-Excellent-Extras-Extras-/230603779112?pt=Keyboards_MIDI&hash=item35b10e6c28[/url] ([url]http://cgi.ebay.com/Yamaha-motif-es7-es-7-Excellent-Extras-Extras-/230603779112?pt=Keyboards_MIDI&hash=item35b10e6c28[/url])
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.....
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Just got my catalog from GC and they have the MO8 going on sale for 1200.00
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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 (http://www.kurzweil.com/Product.php?id=207)
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you know;I think K makes some great stuff-but I don't think a single store in little town of Atl carries them
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What about the Kurzweil SP4-7?
76- key semi weighted stage piano, has a pretty good acoustic piano & dope EP's.. Cost $1,100.
[url]http://www.kurzweil.com/Product.php?id=207[/url] ([url]http://www.kurzweil.com/Product.php?id=207[/url])
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
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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.
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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.
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The Guitar Center in Twinbrook/Rockville is the closest to Chuck Levins.
I know pastors have there on way about stuff, but please inform them having a warranty on a keyboard is like a non issue, because they arent going to fix anything for free, and if they do, you have to ship it to them to do it. Not to mention the month long wait of not having the board at church if you choose to ship. Warranties might be good for other stuff, but for instruments, just about everything amounts to user error. Now another reason, they might be trying to get it from a store tax free because of nonprofit status, and thats cool in all; but if the price aint right through negotiating it down, the tax savings wont make it up. Ive seen my old church by stuff for retail, but thought they were getting a deal because of no taxes. An XS7 should be going for $1999, anything lower is awesome. Do your research now. All thats to say; if you see an ES7, Motif 7, or XS7 pretty cheap for sale in there used, get it and dont look back. Motif series has the best sounds hands down, and the 7s will give you the synth action you're looking for. Other choice is a cheap Fantom G7, or even cheaper Fantom X7 with exp. G-series has sounds you can use, but the X, you will want to expand for those keyboard, brass, and organ sounds. An X7you should e able to get for $1099, plus maybe $200 for a good expansion and you''re set
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76 key Triton Le for $450 in Oxon Hill, MD (http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/msg/2340535439.html)
then you can go add a Motif rack to it from GC online for about $350 and you're set. Total price $800
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Thanks for the link to the Triton CSE! We actually ended up NOT going today because they were doing work in the church and the pastor had to be there, so I have another week or so to look. I'm going to talk to him tomorrow about buying used equipment; it seems that with what you've been showing me and what I've seen myself, there are great deals to take advantage of if you don't mind going used. I'll keep you updated with what happens.
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76 key Triton Le for $450 in Oxon Hill, MD ([url]http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/msg/2340535439.html[/url])
then you can go add a Motif rack to it from GC online for about $350 and you're set. Total price $800
Where did you see the rack for 350. I looked and only found it for 1100.
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I have a Motif XS6 in immaculate condition with 512 MB of sample memory. It is basically in brand new condition. I'm selling it for $1650. It comes with a TON of extra samples (a bunch of Motif sample packs, S90 piano sample, over 5,500 quality drum samples).
PM me if you're interested.
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Where did you see the rack for 350. I looked and only found it for 1100.
I was talking about the original Motif
Type "Motif" in keyword search (http://used.guitarcenter.com/usedgear/index.cfm)
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People that arent familiar with instruments look at the word "used" and run. the thing is, most musicians take care of their equipment, and only put it on the selling block to upgrade to higher-end equipment or to downsize because they no longer have use of it, not because its broken and they wanna get rid of it.
When it comes to keyboards, as the new models often add bells and whistles that not everyone needs, but while the new models hit the stores, the older models that are just as viable are in fewer quantity and eventually no longer sold. The Motif ES hasnt been sold in stores for years now, but there are TONS of people using them on the regular.
Try some of the small local shops or craigslist. I got my ES6 from a small shop for $800 (well that was what was advertised, but he gave me a cash discount!!) Seen similar deals while looking, and u have more choices when you start looking AND have the money ready. Now those 76's are rare. Havent seen many on the sale block, and up here in NY, from what i've seen GC and Sam Ash dont even carry them in the stores. Only the 61 and the 88 keys, with the exception of the Fantoms (weird).
What i'd suggest, is go in the store, check out what you want, make a firm list of definite choices, then look on the used block for deals on THOSE keyboards only. only thing, when dealing with an individual, u need cash. The small shops will negotiate better with cash, but will take credit as well.
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true, cash is king. I sold my motif 6 for $550
And my Fantom X8 for $1000
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yo CS-how do you get the drum grooves to play on a X seris Roland? I might be playing one this month and have never figured that out
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yo CS-how do you get the drum grooves to play on a X seris Roland? I might be playing one this month and have never figured that out
Shift Rhythm I think or just rhythm. You'll know you did it right when half of the pads go off. Then the screen will say "Pop" for the style, you then hit any one of the "off drum pads" to select one of the 8 variations per style. Pads are pressure sensitive so the harder you hit the pad the louder the rhythm gets.
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Hey thanks everyone for the advice, we actually ended up getting the Yamaha MOX8 yesterday from Chuck Levin's. I tried a few local deals including some of the links Cse posted, but I waited too late and those keyboards were sold already. I was told the MoX's weren't coming out until June, but Chuck Levin's had just received a few right before we got there. So we are straight for a while lol.
That keyboard is a beast! I was disoriented by all the buttons at first but then realized it's just like a computer with a proprietary OS, so I should be able to show Nique what's up. The sounds are SOOO much better than that old PSR-1100 we were using (it has bass guitar sounds based on the type of STRINGS they're strung with....CRAZY :o)
Anyways, thanks again everyone!!!
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sounds good. You might have to do reviews, because it seems they are very limited online. Play it on it a couple weeks and tell us what you think
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thks Cs+ congrts on the new board
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sounds good. You might have to do reviews, because it seems they are very limited online. Play it on it a couple weeks and tell us what you think
Definitely will do, may need some pointers as what exactly to review as I am not a true keyboard player, but I'll get input from Nique and our organist to pass along. Out of the box I'm impressed with how easy the category search and Favorites functions are to use. Without looking at the manual I was able to assign voices to a favorites list. I believe that function will be used the most out of everything on the board lol.
thks Cs+ congrts on the new board
Thanks a lot! I think I'm going to get back to practicing keys like I used to; playing around with the voices last night gave me so many ideas! God bless yall!!
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true, cash is king. I sold my motif 6 for $550
And my Fantom X8 for $1000
DuDE, I wish you would've sold them to me....fa'real!! Next time you have a keyboard for sell, hit me up. SERIOUSLY! ;)
Also may I ask what board are you guys talking about? #iknowimbeingnoseybutijesswannaknow ;D
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DuDE, I wish you would've sold them to me....fa'real!! Next time you have a keyboard for sell, hit me up. SERIOUSLY! ;)
Also may I ask what board are you guys talking about? #iknowimbeingnoseybutijesswannaknow ;D
I believe CSE and DocJohn were talking about the Roland Fantom 8(?), and I'm talking about the Yamaha MoX 8 #hopethisexplainseverything