I'm starting over after selling my last portable keyboard (PSR3000). I've decided to wait for the next PSR3100? but just want an inexpensive board to hold me over until next year or whenever Yamaha introduces it. I only want to spend $200-500. Which keyboard will give me the most fun for the funds and bang for the buck?

Tim

http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/List/ModelSeriesListLE/0,,CTID%253D205100%2526CNTYP%253DPRODUCT,00.html
http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/List/ModelSeriesListLE/0,,CTID%253D205000%2526CNTYP%253DPRODUCT,00.html
http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/List/ModelSeriesListLE/0,,CTID%253D205200%2526CNTYP%253DPRODUCT,00.html

I think this is the answer to your problem



yamaha E-403

Tim, on the serious side..Why not look for a used Roland E-600[it has a touch screen, a mic input and harmonizer..]. You should be able to find one under $500[and can get your money back out of it again].
Another , maybe a PSR2100[ spend under $500 though].It may be harder to resale..

A Farfisa G7 in the $300-$400 range[also a harmonizer and mic input.].
New.. maybe a Roland GW-7[you really have to deal to get one near $500..probably $575..

How about soft synth and OMB world with a $250 controller..You will have to get your feet wet, sooner or later..

I should have mentioned I still have my intelligent digital piano - a Roland KR7 (which is NOT portable) - so I don't think I'd want a used Roland keyboard, especially if it would sound less advanced than my KR7. It would seem like a step backward.
I've had that piano for several years now and I still enjoy it a lot. I think I'd like something totally different from the Roland just for the sake of variety.

Tim

Hi Tim,
if your computers up to it, try the the
OMB/softsynth ( soundfonts ) route.
It's kept me amused since selling my kn7 over 2 years ago. Even though I received a SD1 for xmas, most of my time is spent on soundfonts, OMB & BIAB.

Again, if you have the opportunity of having your keyboard midied to computer, maybe consider OMB & one of the cheaper Yammies. Something like a DGX or PSR550.
The functions that the dgx & psr may lack, can be can be substituted in OMB ie style editing, sequencing etc etc
You could use the Yammie as,
a controller & soundsource for OMB
a controller & soft synths ( as soundsource for omb)
or just use omb as a style editor for a cheap Yammie.

best wishes
Rikki

[QUOTE]Originally posted by CoasterTim:
[B]

Hard to beat Casio WK3800 for the bucks.
DonM

Hi Tim

Recently I went to 5 local music stores to find a decent keyboard for some beginning adult piano/keyboard students.

The biggest bang for the buck that I found was the PSR293 for $199 at Guitar Center. It really sounds pretty good. It's good enough that I've considered getting one for myself just to knock around with in addition to my Tyros 2. It is good enough to me that I could play out with it.

I see by zzsounds the the E-403 is the direct replacement for the PSR293. Either one of these ought to work fine for you.

It appears they both sell for $199. I am including a link from zzsounds which is asking a little more money for it, but it shows the new features on the 403 as compared to the 293.
http://www.zzounds.com/item--YAMPSRE403

Best
Scott
http://ScottLMusic.com

The PSR1000's sell for more than that on ebay. The PSR2000's consistantly sell for $700+ on ebay, which I believe was a better board than the PSR2100, which sell for still more on ebay. I believe the PSR2000 was better because in my comparison of the 2 the 2000 had more volume availabe through the onboard speakers.

If anyone has or see's a PSR2000 for under $500, please let me know, I will buy it. That was one great little kb, IMHO, and I wish I had never sold it to fund my purchase of the Technics KN2600 which IMHO was truly a dog, putting it politely.

Best
Scott

I bought a PSR293 it was nice – for a short period, then it sat in the corner.
The Casio for new, and a PSR2000 or 2100 I feel is the best way to go.
Casio for the dollar is great. My choice would be a used top end keyboard, it will give you many of the good features. Since I have had Technics and Yamaha I would be looking for variety, something different, maybe Roland G1000 like Fran has for under $400. Wow, I can’t believe I wrote that. haha

John C.

Tim,

You may want to take a look at the DGX-500. Lots of features, good sounds, more keys, and user friendly.

Good Luck,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

Save your bucks & wait, use what you have....till you can get one of the new mid level Kbs you mention due out soon.....meanwhile use what you have.