Ok, this might be a little long but I hope it stimulates some interesting conversation:

After being a bit disappointed with the NAMM offerings I've been thinking about what I will need for a keyboard workstation now and in the future, considering the availability of synthsynths, possible soft-arrangers, etc. Also I was thinking about the Open Labs NeKo keyboard as well as the LionsTraks Linux-based workstation - both of which seem to have their disadvantages; like weight, size and especially PRICE. So I hit on a concept that I almost thought about trying to take to market but I have decided that I don't have the time and resources to do that and it might be more fun just to discuss it here as a DIY project with you guys - so here it is: "The GigStation".

The GigStation is essentially a custom keyboard stand that looks like a table or elongated desk. The tabletop is a rectangle and would resemble something like an old school desk - the top could be raised and there would be shallow room under it for storage. The tabletop would be large enough to support an 88-note MIDI controller (or any preference of common MIDI controller up to 88-notes) with room for a flat panel monitor , possibly with flat panel speakers on either side. Under the desktop is a slide-out tray to hold a computer keyboard under the MIDI controller. The legs are height-adjustable and collapsable/removeable.

Now it starts getting cool: first, the heart of the GigStation is the computer keyboard, which is actually an entire computer courtesy of Cybernet (http://www.cybernetman.com). Here's a pic:



For about $1200 you can order a "zero-footprint" Elite-4 model with 2.8 Pentium 4, 200GB HD, 1GB RAM, dual monitor output, and a PCI expansion slot for a real audio/MIDI interface. That's a nice little workhorse.

Next, an $800 dual monitor from Doublesight (http://www.doublesight.com):



These were used at NAMM by Roland. You could substitute one or two touch panels if you like but the dual monitor is just so cool! Now you just need the PCI audio/MIDI interface of your choice (many will work), your choice of MIDI controllers (the new StudioLogic TMK-88 looks promising), and your optional choice of flat panel speakers. The entire system (monitor, computer, flat speakers) would be transportable WITHIN the padded hollow tabletop, except the MIDI controller which would be carried separately. Inside the tabletop is also a surge protector/power strip for all of the components, straps for holding power adapters in place, and small openings in the top and bottom of the tabletop to allow cords to get to everything. Also a small patch panel on the backside of the tabletop would allow easy plug-in for audio and MIDI.

As a do-it-yourself project I think this could be done for about $2500 not including software. Besides keyboard players this would also work for DJ's who use computer-based sampling, loops, Ableton Live etc. I think this is a better ergonomic solution to a laptop and controller also, because it puts everything where you need it. Ideally I would like to see the GigStation molded out of high-quality plastic with recesses inside especially to hold everything securely. It may also be possible to adapt an existing keyboard stand such as those from QuikLok to do something similar.

So what d'ya think?

[This message has been edited by The Pro (edited 01-26-2004).]

Brilliant Jim! Well worth discussing further. Let's see who is the first to try it !

Jim......I getting Warm & Fuzzy inside keep talking!!!!Great Idea so far...

I like it Jim.

AJ

I'm a home player only (for now), but I like that table top idea. This solves numerous problems:
1. A light over my music
2. Two additional speakers. (YST-MS50)
3. Monitor, mouse, computer keyboard
4. Make written notes, changes.
5. A temporary place to put music sheets.
Starkeeper

Whaat about putting it into a case like an SKB that folds up and is easily transportable. Would that work? Or are you thinking of something more like the old portable organs (Farfisa comes to mind) that had a closable top and legs that folded up and hid underneath.

Hmmm - I had a Farfisa exactly as you describe in my younger days... but no, that's not what I was thinking (I'm open to any idea though). The only thing I can visualize is a table built like an elongated old school desk with a lid that either raises up and down or just lifts out that covers the storage/wiring area. The GigStation overall would be a bit shallower than an SKB case (just deep enough to store the monitor was what I had in mind), but you're thinking in the right direction. Here's my guess-timated initial dimensions of the GigStation, not counting the legs: 53"x16"x4"

Actually as I was originally dreaming of a marketable product, I thought it would be cool if the lid of the tabletop opened and the dual-monitor with flat panel speakers was mounted on some sort of gimble so that it just rotated out of the recess of the tabletop and locked into upright position (adjustable angle of course), then the lid closed back into place to set the MIDI controller on and all the wires would be under the lid. That'd be slick, and it still be done with some effort; but for simplicity the shallow space under the tabletop could just be a padded storage area for the monitor, computer and legs with room left for some simple wiring harnesses, power strip, and maybe a small amplifier for the optional speakers if necessary. I really like the mounted monitor/speaker idea though, especially for live performance use.

I thought about adding something to act as a music stand but haven't hit on anything yet. However it would be nice to have a light strip at the base of the monitor to illuminate the MIDI controller, or we could add LittleLite plugs on the backside of the unit.

Yeah I was psyched over this concept over the weekend. It works well for the home studio too; and literally it's one-size-fits-all because practically all the major components are left to the user's choice. Really, we're just talking about a glorified work surface with legs and a handy storage area. Glad you guys think it's cool too - we should form our own little company to make them. Wish I knew something about vacuum-forming plastic because the design is simple and assembly would be a breeze. Kick the tires - I need more input...

[This message has been edited by The Pro (edited 01-26-2004).]

"Need more input" Number 5, from the movie "Short Circuit"

You guys are leaving me in the dust. Too technical for me and it all looks intimidating and complicating.

Boo....dont worry your not alone...I think a big part of the "NEW" wave of musical technology is foreign to many people. I also think that manufacturers have to start to think about this and make it easier for the layman to understand or the will suffer in sales big time....what good is improvements if no one understands what the hell is going on to use it?