Is there a keyboard out there that has:
88 or 76 weighted or semi weighted keys,
Good bread and butter sounds (piano, e piano, organs strings),
The ability to split and layer the keyboard and save user presets,
Is either an arranger or has the ability to play drum and bass grooves,
Has midi in and out and USB to connect to a computer to do basic midi arrangements,
Is generally very easy to use,
And is less than $700.

I know it will be entry level but it does not have to have a lot of features just those basics.
It is for one of my friends.


[This message has been edited by to the genesys (edited 10-22-2009).]

The arranger part is not a problem, but the basic sounds for older keyboard are no comparsion to the sound you can get today. Given the price range you should check at Audioworks or other vendors. They may be able to help you.
Claudio

[This message has been edited by ccantanapoli (edited 10-22-2009).]

You might take a look at the Casio Privia's in that price range. There aren't any good full arrangers at that price point with a 76, but plenty of 61 choice at around $700.

Do any of the digital pianos from Korg, Roland or Yamaha have any drum grooves on them?

Have you read the recent post about Casio PX330 ? This is their newest model that is generating a lot of buzz even among the pros for only a few hundreds bucks. And it has the fully weighted piano action IIRC.
http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum37/HTML/020094.html

Casio is normally mediocre but looking at the new model, this is a different animal that rivals the best digital piano out there that are much more expensive. And it has drums, rythms, etc. Looks like it fits your needs to a tee

Should be easy to find probably in Guitar Center where they have generous return policy.

http://www.keyboardmag.com/article/casio-privia-px-330/October-2009/101537

Pretty much fits your bill, I'd say...

I notice there is a PX 130 and a PX 330. Does anyone know what is the difference other than price?

I don't mean to sound critical, but isn't that kind of information one click away, especially for an already knowledgeable and web-wise musician such as yourself. Is it just a case of wanting someone else to do all of your research for you? Just curious.

chas

No! The question is more about the musical differences between the two not just about the specs. Its like asking the question "which one should I get; Yamaha s900 or the S910".

Then shouldn't the question be "what are the musical differences" (also available online, BTW). Asking "which one should I get?" is abdicating responsibility for the final decision. Isn't the idea to gather all the facts and then YOU make the decision?

chas

Actually the Casio WK3800 is a very good value. The styles aren't the greatest but the most of the sounds are very good.

Tom

I am selling both the PX-130 and the PX-330 at my store. The PX330 has over 200 sounds vs the 130 which has only 14. Also, the PX330 has 180 accomp. styles or just drum beats with two variations and the 130 has none! The 330 has I think everything you asked for in your first question. It has Midi, it has USB it has an SD card slot, it even has a 16 track recordable and playback sequencer. There are stereo inputs and stereo outputs and it sells for $699! Oh, and did I forget ........88 hammer weighted keys with great feel and weighs only 25 lbs........

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George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California
818-881-5566
www.kayesmusicscene.com

I think it is a no brainer that PX330 is the best arranger keyboard with a hammer action in the market right now by FAR and for under $700. It is amazing how even the closest rival can be compared to. The only thing closest would be the Yamaha YPG series digital piano which does not have the hammer action. It is a TOY compared to the PX330.

WK series has no hammer action and from my previous experience is much lesser in sound quality. Not even close to the PX series.

Just go to the nearest GC. They should have all those in display. Or call them to make sure

Actually the Yamaha YPG635 does have the hammer action keyboard. It's the YPG535 that does not. The YPG also has very good styles and sounds. The price is $899 and it is not nearly as portable as the PX330 and it has no midi connections. It also has 64 note polyphony and the Privia has 128. It also doesn't have a 16 track sequencer but rather a 6 track sequencer.

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George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California
818-881-5566
www.kayesmusicscene.com