Which MIDI controller?

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I’m looking for an inexpensive (£200 or less ideally) midi controller with 61 keys. 

Priority is for a good feeling action to the keys (guess this means semi weighted or fully weighted) and a massive plus would be the ability to use as a standalone device (ie no computer involved) when I just want to use it as a piano - but guessing that might not exist at this price point. 

Any thoughts? 
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Comments

  • BRISTOL86 said:
    I’m looking for an inexpensive (£200 or less ideally) midi controller with 61 keys. 

    Priority is for a good feeling action to the keys (guess this means semi weighted or fully weighted) and a massive plus would be the ability to use as a standalone device (ie no computer involved) when I just want to use it as a piano - but guessing that might not exist at this price point. 

    Any thoughts? 
    You won't find one at that price but for a pure midi controller then you can get the Kontrol A-series 61 key for under £200 quid
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  • octatonicoctatonic Frets: 33725
    edited January 2019
    Buy this:
    http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/138098/fs-roland-xp-50-synthesizer-workstation

    It is £50 ov er budget but you simply won't find a better buy for the money.
    It has an excellent piano sound, can be used as a master controller (via midi)
    You will need a USB to midi interface if you don't have one but you can pick them up for £20.

    If I was still in the UK I'd have had this ages ago.
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  • spark240spark240 Frets: 2073
    That’s definitely a good call....I have the XP80 ...but you can’t have it !

    i use the Roland UM1 I think as USB to midi, works fine .


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  • BodBod Frets: 1286
    edited January 2019
    You won't find one at that price but for a pure midi controller then you can get the Kontrol A-series 61 key for under £200 quid
    Good call.  I've been looking at the Komplete A25 version to supplement my 88-key weighted controller.  The free NI plugins that come with it are great, and the integration via the Komplete Kontrol software is brilliant.  The scales/chords/arp features are very good for inspiration too.
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  • FuengiFuengi Frets: 2849
    I've just bought a Roland Go Piano, slightly over your budget at £229 new. 

    Works on batteries, is a midi controller and a decent digital piano. They also do a Go Keys which has many other features. 

    Likin mine.
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  • prowlaprowla Frets: 4896
    Well, 2nd hand is a good way of making things fit budget...

    I have a Roland JV-35 which cost me £75 and a Yamaha YPR-9 which I got for nothing on freecycle.


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  • BRISTOL86BRISTOL86 Frets: 1920
    Thanks all. Been thinking about it and I actually want to get a proper upright digital piano for downstairs in the future so I think I’ll get a cheap and cheerful midi controller that can be just that for the time being. 

    For £160ish I like the look of the Arturia Keylab Essential - I like the built in transport control for DAW, a nice touch for lazy fuckers like me, plus pads and faders etc 

    https://www.bax-shop.co.uk/midi-keyboard/arturia-keylab-61-essential-black-edition-usb-midi-keyboard
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  • ClarkyClarky Frets: 3261
    take a look at Novation stuff.. looks good value
    play every note as if it were your first
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