Need Keyboard to learn on

[Drummer]

Let me start by saying I am a complete beginner. I even need to teach myself to read music, because I haven't done that for 25 years. I can still read drum music, but as you know, it isn't the same, heh.
I have been fascinated with the organ for a couple of years now with no luck in finding anyone to teach me.

I am on a strict budget, but I would like to learn how to read music and start playing a keyboard of some kind. I figure that will at least give me a start. Since I'm interested in pipe organs, GrandOrgue with a MIDI keyboard would be my best bet wouldn't it?

Do you have any suggestions one what kind of low cost keyboard I could start with?

[wljmrbill]

I agree that a midi set-up would be good for organ.. any at least 49 keyboard would work as long as it is MIDI compadiable. I too am on budget... I have 2 keyboards one is expensive and I got while working (a casio Privia PX-100- 88 key touch sensitive.)... the other is a casio LK-100 which I got off ebay.com (new one a demo model) for $79.70 USD including shipping and it works great..is good for organ work even if only one manual as much organ work can be played on one manual.( sundaysseconds@aol.com ) I have a midi connection unit which I bought for $9.00 new off ebay also.( allows one keyboard to attached to computer and it works fine). Of course you can spend hundreds of dollars for better equip. But this set up works fine for me to practice at home.. for most of my organ works of Bach,Handal Bellier, etc etc.. Then you can obtain later another keyboard and midi unit that allows you to connect other units to the computer unit.. I know one to allow 2 manuals and pedal board to attach runs $89.00 on ebay most of the time.

There are many who have expensive, great vpo units on here to guide you with better set-ups..This is just a cheap way out and when you live on $789.oo USD after insurance is paid.. have too be cheap to survive these days. GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN !!!

I also downloaded the free theater organ from: http://www.miditzer.com (the 216.). This is very easy to work with and after download you can play without any set up work. This organ works very well for classical work also. Pistons/combinations are preset but you can add another group of your own too. Has prerecorded music as well as you can record your playing to listen too. The only thing that I changed was the reverb as I like abit of it.. hate a flat sounding organ ( not meaning pitch).

[Mat]

Hi Drummer,

Could you give us a more accurate amount of money you can spend on this project? For some people $1000 is a lot and for others $200...

Anyway, if you don't want to spend much you should consider buying used stuff, for example from ebay. Try M-AUDIO AXIOM 61, or M-AUDIO Keystation 61 es.

If you're interested in a full scale keyboard, maybe this thread will be of help.

Good luck!

[Ghekorg7]

Let me start by saying I am a complete beginner. I even need to teach myself to read music, because I haven't done that for 25 years. I can still read drum music, but as you know, it isn't the same, heh.
I have been fascinated with the organ for a couple of years now with no luck in finding anyone to teach me.

I am on a strict budget, but I would like to learn how to read music and start playing a keyboard of some kind. I figure that will at least give me a start. Since I'm interested in pipe organs, GrandOrgue with a MIDI keyboard would be my best bet wouldn't it?

Do you have any suggestions one what kind of low cost keyboard I could start with?

Hi drummer !

I love drums and drummers (many friends of mine are...), I play too some basic stuff and helped me record drum parts in my own music.

My advice to begin with something is to just buy a low cost one manual keyboard with USB connection (plug & play) 49 keys (4oct), with the option to expand later if you find that you can go for multi man/ ped configuration.

I got myself too a "little" one like this the CME v.2 uKey. About 139euros. - see the picture : is the set-up I have now in my holidays home -

So you end up : CME keyboard/USB cord(included)/Computer with USB slot/GrandOrgue v.2/Pair of self powered speackers and/or very good headphones. And Midiger 216 too, as Bill says. It's very good.

Then you try to play on one manual to see what you're capable off. If you do OK the add the pedalboard. This is expencive(from $1500).... but if you can play with the manual and the pedals then it's easy to add more keyboards ! It's like starting to practice drums. You start with snare/bass drum/hi-hat first

OR go and find some old two man/stick ped electrinic organ with good MIDI connection and use it as main console/ped with a Midi-USB converter(about 40 euros)
St.Petersborough Organs (see their site) have some good el.organs for sale 2nd hand. Prices from 600 ~3000 euros.
I use a Yamaha EL900 , I got it from Japan excellent condition for 1300 euros (ONLY). Was lucky...

Cheers
Panos

[Drummer]

Wow, some great responses guys, thank you!
As far as cheap, I'm looking around $100.00. I really don't want to go over $170.00 if possible.

I'm glad you guys mentioned 49 keys or 4 octaves, because I wasn't sure how many keys I need to begin. That helps!

I'll definitely be checking out the keyboards already mentioned!

[wljmrbill]

Drummer.. you can do it for $100.00 from ebay I bet.. Might try Craigslist too as there are some bargins there too:but, ebay more reliable I think. Good luck.