Digital Pianos or midi keyboard £200

GothicGhost

GothicGhost

GothicGhost

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I am looking to buy one of the following keyboards to learn at beginner level.
But I am not sure what one would be best for my budget.

I have listed the pros and cons for each that I could find but I could be wrong about some of them.

Yamaha NP12 Digital Piano
https://www.rimmersmusic.co.uk/keyb...s-c6/yamaha-np12-keyboard-black-bundle-p25386

Cons
61 keys

Pros
Does not need a pc to use it.

M-Audio Keystation 88 Mk2
https://www.gak.co.uk/en/m-audio-keystation-88-2014/95210?gclid=CMvagJ2b588CFakW0wodh7kPMw

Cons
This one needs to be connect to my pc or laptop to use it.
Input lag maybe?
I don't how well it will work on windows 10.
Software setup and getting it working correctly.

Pros.
88 keys.
 
You will need to factor in software costs for the second one too. I would suggest the first one out of the two if you're just starting out, but perhaps stretch your budget if you can and get more keys as you're limiting yourself.
 
GothicGhost said:
This one needs to be connect to my pc or laptop to use it.
Input lag maybe?
Click to expand...

Lag is not an issue with MIDI keyboards.
The advantage of the NP12 would be that you could take it other places without the need for any further computer equipment. But if you don't need to do that I would go with the 88 Mk2, going from what I read.
All keyboards will have a somewhat different feel and if you could try both, that factor could swing you decision.

It seems the 88 Mk2 may have an issue going into a USB3 port using Windows 10, but this can be solved by using a USB2 port (perhaps having to buy a USB2 hub).
 
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Get something second hand on eBay or gumtree or whatever. Get something with weighted keys so it actually feels like a piano. It won't be spectacular at that price point, but it'll do.
 
Thanks.

I wont be moving it about it's just for home learning and fun :)
It will be next to my pc as that the only place I can put it right now.

I had a look on ebay but as beginner it's hard to see what good or not.
Going look about for a music shop and try test them if I can.

Have seen another but it's even cheaper, so I don't know if it's worth considering.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nektar-Imp...1476910630&sr=8-1&keywords=nektar+impact+gx61

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DPQiG3Mtnw
Looks ok for a cheaper option.
Cheers.
 
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Are you just wanting to play piano or are you wanting to play synths and maybe later record and make your own music?

For me the MIDI option is a no brainer it opens up a huge new world of possibility. But I love synths a lot more than pianos so I am biased.
 
I posted this on a keyboard forums and the first post said to double my budget to £400....

I know I am hitting the lowest end keyboards and I don't have another £200 for a long time yet.
And I am sure something cheaper better then nothing right?
 
You really want something with weighted keys. I think pretty much every digital piano can be used a MIDI keyboard these days.

Have a look second hand.
 
Yeah going to a music shop local to me and see what they have.
And checking eBay etc.

If I don't find anything I probably buy the nektar one just to get started while I save for a £400+ good one.

I got like £20 off so keyboard only cost about £60.

Thanks.
 
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