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USB keyboard for use with Mac/Garageband

NPPNPP Frets: 236
in Other Instruments
I would like to play a few chords and such on a keyboard for backing tracks and to get a different perspective on chord construction etc. I have a Mac with Garageband on it. Is there a cheap and easy, plug-and-play solution for this? 

I have no idea how such things work. Would I need an additional interface? Can you get touch-sensitive keys at a reasonable price? 

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Comments

  • SporkySporky Frets: 28346
    edited November 2016
    Loads of USB options. I have an M-Audio Keystation 49e for sale, fer instance. A mere £49. That's a pound per key, and everything else free.
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  • derndern Frets: 357
    I just got bought an M-Audio 88 for my birthday. Just plugs straight in and works with Garage Band and Pro Logic X. £150

    Also just bought a Yamaha P45 which is similar but has a piano like keyboard. Works with the software in the same way. £383

    M-Audio better for synth stuff, Yamaha for piano stuff.
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  • hasslehamhassleham Frets: 607
    I have one of these going spare as I upgraded a while ago. It has a small footprint and does what you described, as long as you don't plan on playing with both hands at once! Send me a message if you're interested.

    http://www.pmtonline.co.uk/akai-lpk25-mini-usb-keyboard?utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&gclid=CNq6zLDDvtACFbgW0wodO3cDTA
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  • NPPNPP Frets: 236
    thanks for comments and offers. I was hoping for something smaller and less complicated than the Keystation and a bit larger than the Akai ... I'll have a think and do some research. 

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  • SporkySporky Frets: 28346
    It's not mad-complicated. Plug in the USB and you're done.
    "[Sporky] brings a certain vibe and dignity to the forum."
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  • NPPNPP Frets: 236
    @Sporky ok - would it store away in the 75cm wide space under my bookshelf? In that case ...

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  • SporkySporky Frets: 28346
    I will go and measure it. :)
    "[Sporky] brings a certain vibe and dignity to the forum."
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  • SporkySporky Frets: 28346
    Sadly it appears to be about 81cm long.
    "[Sporky] brings a certain vibe and dignity to the forum."
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  • TeetonetalTeetonetal Frets: 7802
    Go for 49 keys. It makes a huge difference in the usability. I just out an arturia key lab 49 and whilst I wouldn't recommend that (flimsy build quality) I love having the extra keys over my previous maudio oxygen 8.

    What version of OSx are you running btw?
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  • NPPNPP Frets: 236
    ok maybe I'll have to give in to the usual mission creep ...

    running the latest Mac OS whatever it is called - I'm not really a Mac person but bought this one a few years ago when it was the cheapest (really!) laptop with a decent spec and battery life and it's been very good so far

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  • SporkySporky Frets: 28346
    I am willing to knock off £1 per superfluous centimetre. Thus £43 delivered (or perhaps even less, collected).
    "[Sporky] brings a certain vibe and dignity to the forum."
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  • NPPNPP Frets: 236
    ok how could I resist? I usually prefer delivery because getting around is such a pain in this country (well, in most countries really) but just out of interest - where are you? I'm in Sheffield. 

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  • SporkySporky Frets: 28346
    Chateau Sporky is in Guildford.
    "[Sporky] brings a certain vibe and dignity to the forum."
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  • NPPNPP Frets: 236
    Sporky said:
    Chateau Sporky is in Guildford.
    which is at least 3h from me so I guess we should let a courier do the work. Shall we exchange payment and address details via pm?

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  • SporkySporky Frets: 28346
    That sounds a productive exercise. :)
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