Need help with getting keys!

[Godspeed64]

Hey guys, first and foremost, I'm not a keyboardist by any means. I've been a guitarist for 6 years and wish to try out keys as part of my music.

I need a set of keyboards that do not require a laptop/software to run, meaning it already has patches inside.
I need it to have more than 25 keys, roughly 37 like a Microkorg XL would be nice, and standard key-size would be nice (as in not like the old Microkorg).

I intend to use it alongside my guitar going through my pedalboard chain into my looper for live looping purposes. If it has editable delay parameters would be nice for the poly-rhythmic stuff I like to do. If not it should fine cause my TC Electronic should be able to handle it. Also, it must be 1/4" mono-operable since it's going through my pedals.

A rough idea of a tone I want (he uses Logic for this) and I got it using Garageband's Ambient keys patch but I don't want it in a program, I want it on-board.

I don't mind 2nd hand. Budget should be ideally 400, max is 600 (but rather not). I only have the Microkorg XL in my sights now simply because I'm ill-informed in matters pertaining to keyboards. Do enlighten me!

 

[carboxymoron]

This might be a crazy suggestion and doesn't fit any of your requirements, but you could try using toy keyboards (anything from old Casios to no brand junk you can score at thrift stores) or handhelds like iPhone or Nintendo DS. There are a lot of great sounds to be found (just don't expect authentic grand piano), and it's a good gimmick at gigs. The iPhone stuff is also a lot less intimidating than an actual keyboard for a non-keyboard player.

But if your intention is to actually learn keys competitors in the Microkorg category include:
Alesis micron http://www.alesis.com/micron
Novation Xio http://www.novationmusic.com/products/hardware_synths/xio

I'm not really up to date with synths so I'm sure there's more. Features vary wildly from brand to brand though within this size/price range.

Another option is to look for vintage synths (eBay?). Screw USB and LED displays and whatever modern features; the Micromoog is so much cooler than a MicroKorg. http://www.vintagesynth.com/moog/micromoog.php

 

[Godspeed64]

I'd love a Moog with its analog goodness. Expensive though.

Also, I kinda want keys cause I've been coming up with stuff at my friend's place using his set.

 

[Godspeed64]

But if your intention is to actually learn keys competitors in the Microkorg category include:
Alesis micron http://www.alesis.com/micron
Novation Xio http://www.novationmusic.com/products/hardware_synths/xio

Anyone got an opinion on MicrokorgXL vs the Alesis Micron vs Novation XIO?
They all look so good! I think 25 keys should suffice. I think.

 

[Godspeed64]

Nobody wants to help?

 

[blindacolyte]

up for interesting question.

Is there somewhere i can read up on whatever patches and stuff? No idea.

Interested to get something to learn keyboard too.

Where can i see see the Microkorg XL? Can it be plugged into a DAW and used to play/record (USB)?

Thanks

 

[soft]

Hi Godspeed64

Just heard the youtube track above. There are a few keyboard sound going on together. There's the chord patch, the solo (efx:delay) and some pad/strings sound.

If you use 1 keyboard and play live, you may get only 1 sound at 1 time. Don't know if that's fine with you.

Anyway, since the sound you are looking for is not realistic acoustic instrument, you can easily use a Casio keyboard and try it out. But these Casio do not have much on-board effects. Just straight sound.