I'd like to buy a fully weighted 88 note keyboard to control my xp-60. I want to go with something affordable but I heard that the Fatars tend to be unreliable. Anyone have any input?

Hi Jenny!

Why unreliable? In what way? I have a Fatar SL880 which I use in a studio situation only (i.e. not live), but it's never failed me yet.

I can only recommend it, if a keyboard and modwheel is what you're after.

All the best,

Magnus

I read that some of the keys are more velocity sensitive than others-kind of unbalanced. Also keys have stopped working after rather short periods of time. I must admit that the low price arouses suspicion too. I'm a big believer in "you get what you pay for."

Jenny!

I have never noticed any varying velocity sensitivity of keys, nor have they (even vaguely) stopped working. And as far as prices go: I live in Sweden, and, although Fatar SL880s can often be had at special discount prices, they still are comparatively pricey. However, I don't know how things are in your country.

Where they don't score very highly is in the midi control knob department - but that's another matter...

Anyhow, why don't you try one out at a shop?

All the best,

Magnus

Hi again, Jenny!

Just thought you might be interested in the last post of the following link, for the sake of the opinion on the SL880 expressed there.
http://www.steinberg.de/cubasenetforum/Forum10/HTML/000902.html

All the best,

Magnus

I connect my Xp with Roland A-90 , its a great device .

Hi Jenny [everybody's greeting you..so...so am I]

I own a SL880 as well, for 4 years now, I use it at home and on stage and it really rocks! I think this is actually a very reliable instrument, because there are no springs whatsoever [hammer-action!]. Also, Fatar is no2 keyboard-manufacturer in the world, they make keyboards for different companies [like Alesis and Technics]. So, put it on 'shape 2' for the right feel, and enjoy. Italians make nice stuff