Want to buy a 49 key MIDI keyboard

[Bob52]

Hi, was looking at the Acorn MasterKey as it had some very nice reviews, but I cannot find one except for used. This is a U.K. company so maybe because of the shipping issues, the product is hard to find. One of the features it had was a soft touch key which allowed for (apparently) a softer output. Again it had good reviews and the cost was around $80-90 which was within my budget.

I am very open to suggestions if any one can help.

Thanks
Bob

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by Bob52

Hi, was looking at the Acorn MasterKey as it had some very nice reviews, but I cannot find one except for used. This is a U.K. company so maybe because of the shipping issues, the product is hard to find. One of the features it had was a soft touch key which allowed for (apparently) a softer output. Again it had good reviews and the cost was around $80-90 which was within my budget.

I am very open to suggestions if any one can help.

Thanks
Bob

Most midi keyboards now come with velocity sensitive keyboards and then there is also semi weighted either of which are sometimes called soft touch

That is tough price range there are a few sub $100 49 keyboards like Nectar and one Samson that has semi weighted But I have never used them

here is Sweetwater's selection

https://www.sweetwater.com/c513--49-...ll&sb=low2high

[Bob52]

Thanks KevWind (-:
Have a peaceful day!

Bob

[jim1960]

Originally Posted by Bob52

Hi, was looking at the Acorn MasterKey as it had some very nice reviews, but I cannot find one except for used. This is a U.K. company so maybe because of the shipping issues, the product is hard to find. One of the features it had was a soft touch key which allowed for (apparently) a softer output. Again it had good reviews and the cost was around $80-90 which was within my budget.

I am very open to suggestions if any one can help.

Thanks
Bob

First, I'd stay away from a used midi keyboard. The cheap ones will fail after some years of use. I've had it happen and I've seen it happen to friends. I'm not sure why they fail but they will get a bit wonky at some point. Luckily, they're cheap enough that replacing them doesn't hurt too badly.

I used an M-Audio Keystation 49 for a long time. It's as good as any in the $100 price range. The only thing I don't like about the sub-88 key controllers is the need to shift octaves when using virtual instruments. The cheaper controllers usually do not have a dedicated button to do this. Usually it involves a function button and some note on the board. It was a pita and some years ago I got tired of fighting the 49 and bought an M-Audio Hammer 88, which I love.

[kurth]

I'd recommend the Nektar gxp49, great keyboard with aftertouch and one of the best daw integration systems. State of the art, for under 200US.