[Search for users] [Overall Top Noters] [List of all Conferences] [Download this site]

Conference napalm::commusic_v1

Title:* * Computer Music, MIDI, and Related Topics * *
Notice:Conference has been write-locked. Use new version.
Moderator:DYPSS1::SCHAFER
Created:Thu Feb 20 1986
Last Modified:Mon Aug 29 1994
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2852
Total number of notes:33157

1667.0. "Looking for Small Synth for Church" by DRFIX::PICKETT (GoodJobs,GoodWages,LessTakehomePay) Fri Sep 09 1988 11:00

    Hello,
    
         An associate came to me looking for a recommendation for a
    keyboard for his church. The organization is small, and they're
    looking to keep the unit between $500 and $700. It will be used in
    a piano capacity more so than an organ capacity, so velocity
    sensitivity is important. Full size keys, of course, are a must.
    Weighted action is out of their reach money wise. Mail order is
    no problem.
    
         My first recommendation was the Casio CZ-1 ($595 Sam Ash).
    It seemed to fit the bill well, as it is all of the above. While
    the stock piano patch ain't so great, I think they could live with
    it. They're going to try it out locally.
    
         Can any of you 'keyboard_market_watchers' think of any other
    instruments to fit their needs? I remember the Kawai K3 as having
    all the right stuff, but can you still get it, and how much?
    
         All recommendations would be much appreciated.
    
    dp
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
1667.1COGVAX::LABAKThe person that die's with the most toys winsFri Sep 09 1988 12:0316
    Does Sam Ash still have CZ-1's in stock ?  I called them 2 weeks
    ago, they told me they have none in stock and weren't expecting
    anymore. Rouge Music in NY had a used one for $550.00. 
    
    I was at Union Music in Worcester Mass. saturday they had a used
    Yamaha PF10 for $495.00. That might fit the bill. I can't think
    of anything else in that price range that is touch sensitive.
    The PF10 has no organ sounds. 
     
    Oh,
    You might be able to pick up a Roland Juno 2 used for that price.
    That's touch sensitive with all kind of sounds.
    
    Good Luck
    Rick L.
                                              
1667.2How many Keys?NCVAX1::ALLENFri Sep 09 1988 12:562
    Do they need a full keyboard?  60 keys is kind of a pain sometimes.
    
1667.3exactly which keyboard may not be as important ...MIZZOU::SHERMANsocialism doesn't work ...Fri Sep 09 1988 12:5823
    Seems to me there are a couple of more things to consider.  For
    example, if the church has its own sound system, it won't be necessary
    for them to have a speaker on the unit.  Also, it sounds like they
    don't need MIDI.  As a result, it might be wise to look at the home
    unit market.  I have been involved with getting equipment for a
    church and know that there are two things that are important: cost
    and support.  You can buy equipment on the used market, but make
    sure there is somebody that can repair it or provide other support
    if there is a problem.  Normally, this means buy from the dealer
    even though this may be a higher price.  In the long run, this results
    in better support and good relations.  As to price, don't buy too
    much more than you need.  So, if I were looking for a full-size,
    velocity-sensitive keyboard that doesn't need to have MIDI, I'd
    probably head to a good music shop and check out what they have
    that is used and pre-MIDI.  The salesmen will probably be very helpful
    because many of them have stocks of trade-ins that nobody wants.
    At the same time, you can probably get some kind of guarantee for
    a period of time.  And, they will be more willing to provide service
    if the beast should break - including a replacement keyboard while
    your machine is in for repairs.
    
    
    Steve
1667.4More...DRFIX::PICKETTGoodJobs,GoodWages,LessTakehomePayFri Sep 09 1988 13:335
    Hmm,  forgot to mention....
    
    They have a sound system. MIDI isn't important.
    
    dp
1667.5 DRFIX::PICKETTGoodJobs,GoodWages,LessTakehomePayFri Sep 09 1988 13:356
    Oh yes, and.....
    
    re .1 You're right, the CZ-1 is history. pf10 sounds like a good
    idea.
    
    dp
1667.6My 2�DYO780::SCHAFERBrad ... DTN 433-2408Fri Sep 09 1988 14:319
    If they're willing to settle for less than an authentic piano sound,
    why not get a used Rhodes or Yahama suitcase (eg CP-30)? 

    I just sold my CP-30 (in excellent condition) for $300; I have a Rhodes
    that is mint and can't even get a call on it at $200.  8-(  That way
    the pianist still has the touch of a real piano and the amplification
    abilites of electric. 

-b
1667.7cheap and available s/hMARVIN::MACHINMon Sep 12 1988 05:275
    How about the low-end DX keyboards? They all have good organ sounds,
    and the patch-banks could be set up to simulate various stops.
    
    
    Richard.