Conference napalm::commusic_v1

    You don't need a sequencer. You don't have anything (save the FX boxes)
    that you could output to...
    
    I'd suggest you buy a multi-timbral workstation type keyboard. There's
    plenty out there with built-in sequencers.
    
    Edd

	You need a controller such as a guitar controller about which I
	know nothing; you need a sequencing software package for AT.
	Read some brochures that you get from circiling bingo cards in
	Keyboard.   Yes there are lots of MIDI-to-notation programs that
	may attach to the sequencing program.  A sequencing program would 
	allow  you to enter notes directly into the computer at the
	computer keyboard or from a MIDI controller.
	Also a MIDI interface for your computer is needed.
	You have to check compatibility of the MIDI interface and the
	sequencing software but not too hard.
	You need 2 or 3 midi cables at least.  Plan out how you will
	arrange equipment in the room.
	You need a synthesizer, say a multi-timbral box like a TX81Z.
	If you buy the synth and controller used from the WantAdvertiser
	or something you should get buy cheaply.  Never buy hardware
	from suburban music shops, go downtown or mail order or used.
	Tom

    consider an Ensoniq EPS with the 4X memory upgrade.  Relatively
    inexpensive, touch-sensitive keyboard, decent internal sequencer,
    plenty of polyphony (I seem to recall 20 note poly) and lots of factory
    and 3rd party samples for it.
    
    karl

    My personal recommendation is the Ensoniq VFX-SD.
    
    There's lots of other good products but I think it's the best 
    workstation type device, plus it probably has the best documentation.
    That'll be important to someone new to MIDI.  If it weren't for
    Ensoniq's fine documentation for the ESQ-1 I probably wouldn't
    be here.
    
    Karls choice of the Ensoniq EPS is also a good one.  The VFX-SD's
    sequencer is a bit better, but not a compelling factor.
    
    I would say that if the choice came down to those two, I would pick
    based on whether or not a synthesizer or a sampler would best suit
    your needs.
    
    Pragmatically speaking, your likely to be able to collect a larger and
    more varied collection of sounds with a synthesizer.  Both "synthetic
    sounds" and "synthesized" sounds of real instruments.
    
    A sampler will provide with more somewhat more accurate replications of 
    natural instruments but you may find it harder and much more expensive
    to amass a large collection of sounds for it.
    
    I come down moderately heavily in favor of the synthesizer over the
    sampler.  My VFX provides some pretty dead-pan replications of the
    instruments I need.  It probably has a much better piano sound than
    I've ever heard from an EPS sample.

There's also the hassle of a sampler with constantly swapping diskettes
and such.  Not to mention caveats of using a the built-in sequencer of a
sampler to drive only the sampler.  Most modern synths have hundreds of 
sounds (patches) available instantly.  I'm not putting down samplers, in
fact my most recent purchase was the new EPS-16 PLUS module!  But for a
beginner and first piece of gear I'd vote for the synth over the sampler,
and the VFX is definitely a good choice.

-TR

Y'know, I was going to offer my .02, but any sensible opinion depends on what
*you* call megabucks, and what your relative priorities are. If you really want
the notation aspect, you're buying into the idea of a sequencer/notator, either
a combo program or two separate (compatible) products, *as well as* a MIDI
keyboard. If that's a secondary goal, the recommendation to get the VFX/SD is a
good one in terms of all-in-one, bang-for-the-buck, quality gear. *If* you can
spend the bucks.

So, whatcha gonna cough up?

Bob