From bruce@ashbysolutions.com Sun Apr 02 11:53:03 2006
Subject:Re: OT: M-Audio ProKeys 88

Hi All,

Here's a take from someone who owned a KS 88 Pro for about a year, using it to rehearse and gig ...

Size -- 7 out of 10 -- for an 88-key weighted board, it's pretty small and light. One person can pick it up, although it's a little unwieldy to move around. It's also not TOO small: getting to each of the controls is pretty easy, even on a poorly lit stage.

Features -- 10 out of 10 -- This is, by far, the most programmable keyboard that I've ever owned. Up to 4 zones, 2 sustain pedals, tons of buttons, knobs, and sliders. 10 programmable memories. The "core" controls -- Mod and Pitch wheels, pedals -- can have a different purpose (including off) for each zone. Nice big display. Keypad for entry, rather than a wheel or inc/dec buttons.

Durability -- 8 out of 10 -- It LOOKS sort of fragile, but it really isn't. I had more than a few instances of mic stands and such banging into the sides, without any noticeable dings. The slider and knobs have a nice, solid feel to them. The only reason that i's a "9" is that it has an AC adapter, which is always a concern when playing live.

Playability -- 6 out of 10 -- This is probably the weakest area. The basic feel is pretty good, although not exactly the feel of a Steinway Grand. The key-to-key action varies a good bit, though, making some keys more "lively" than others. This actually benefits some kinds of sounds -- ex: Rhodes or Clavinet -- where the original instrument tended to have a random factor; it makes solo acoustic piano an experience, though.

I sold mine primarily because I couldn't find room for an '88 in my current setup, and there isn't a KS 76 Pro available. There are definitely times that I miss it: I had all of the buttons programmed to call up favorite patches, so I didn't have to memorize patch numbers.

Regards,

-BW

--
Bruce Wahler
Design Consultant
Ashby Solutions™ http://consult.ashbysolutions.com
978.386.7389 voice/fax
bruce@ashbysolutions.com

At 03:41 PM 4/2/2006 +0000, you wrote:
>JoeK (et al),
>
>Chuck is using the M-Audio on the B-stage now; he lists it on his
>home page. There's also some pictures of it in the Stones' photo
>section of his site. The Yamaha P-200 is still on the main stage.
>
>I've read wide-ranging opinions on keyboard action and sounds at
>Harmony-Central, in the Musicians Friend product reviews, and at
>several other sites on the Web as a result of a google search.
>Interestingly, Keyboard magazine was positive on it.
>
>Mark
>
>--- In CloneWheel@yahoogroups.com, "joek1000" wrote:
>>
>> I thought Chuck Leavell was still using his Yamaha P200 on the
>2005-06 tour. I saw a
>> couple of shots of it on the video monitor at Fenway Park and it
>looked like the same
>> keyboard he used on the last tour. He also still had his CX-3 on
>the small stage. What did
>> you read about the M-audio keyboard?
>>
>> --- In CloneWheel@yahoogroups.com, "jake92028" wrote:
>> >
>> > --- In CloneWheel@yahoogroups.com, "markp0321"
>wrote:
>> > >
>> > > Has anybody purchased or played the M-Audio ProKeys 88 digital
>> > > piano/MIDI controller? If so, what are your thoughts about it?
>> > >
>> > > I've seen mixed reviews, but some impressive users (e.g.,
>Chuck
>> > > Leavell with the Stones). Referrals to other boards more
>appropriate
>> > > for the topic would also be appreciated. Thanks.
>> >
>> > I'd hold off on this board. Some members have tried it and
>returned it.
>> > I would imaginge Chuck Leavell got the best possible, tuned up
>by the
>> > home office head engineers, unit they could deliver. I saw and
>tried to
>> > play one at my local Guitar Center, and it was truly a piece of
>junk,
>> > even allowing for lookie-lou's walking by and smacking the keys
>a few
>> > times. The mixed reviews are the point = some are in pretty good
>shaped
>> > when shipped out, others are not, always a sign of random and
>poor
>> > quality controls. YMMV ~ Walter j
>> >
>>
>
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