- This topic has 2 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 2 weeks, 2 days ago by
.
-
Posts
-
Greetings, matt and all:
Let’s say I’m relatively new to playing keyboard and am looking to play with a dub band eventually.
Right now, I have a electric piano with weighted keys, but virtually zero built-in sounds or effects. I would like to purchase a keyboard that would be more suitable to eventually playing live and have more effects and sounds to play with.
What should I get? I can drop good $$$ on it as long as it will suit my needs for a long time.
And, as for playing live, do I need an amp? Or do keyboardists in the dub/reggae style usually just go straight line out to the — what is it called — board? PA? Do all bands play through a board/PA(?), or do some just run their own amps for everything, including mic’d vocals?
appreciation,
ariHi ari.
If you have a computer, I would recommend getting a midi keyboard and use a DAW to bring instruments. Apparently a lot of people do that even in live music.
Hi Ari,
Sorry for the late reply. I’d say get a Nord Stage 4 – either the weighted touch or semi-weighted. You’d have to play them to figure out what feel would be better for you. I use one of those and they’re amazing. Some people put the Nords down because they are used everywhere and well….they ony emulate the real instruments (Hammond organ [and other organs], grand piano, upright piano, electric piano and all kinds of synths) so the purists out there will complain about the sound not being the ‘real thing’ but once you get to know the instrument you can tweak it to sound damn good. If you’re more of a beginner, which it seems you are, you’ll have a learning curve with the Nord no doubt. If you’re into learning and have the patience, you’ll love it.
As for amps: I use two QSC 8.2 powered speakers almost no matter where I go, even if on a big stage where everything is being put into the house system. (When I was touring with Groundation I did NOT use them as the sound reinforcement was world-class and we used in-ear monitors.) DO NOT GET ONE OF THOSE ROLAND KEYBOARD AMPS! They weight a ton and sound shitty. The two QSC amps sound so great because you get stereo sound, but one powered monitor will do you fine as well.Any more questions?
Matt
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.