Light Keyboard

taichi · Post by **taichi** » Thu Jun 10, 2021 4:38 pm

I have been here before, same subject so sorry to bore you. I need a small light keyboard, at the moment to sit and play outdoors. I have Pa4x and Pa1000, can`t move them daily. So EK50 or i3. Or maybe a Yamaha of same spec and price range ??

The i3 does not come with speakers I understand. I just need something “half decent” to carry about. Don`t expect 4x and 1000 quality obviously.

The need to play and move around the house and gardens is more important now than ever due to Covid. So a light keyboard with a decent sound,
Ek50, i3 or Yamaha ???

Thanks

DonM · Post by **DonM** » Thu Jun 10, 2021 5:49 pm

Check out Roland EA7. Great sound, tons of good styles. Very light in weight.

taichi · Post by **taichi** » Fri Jun 11, 2021 4:44 pm

Thanks Biggles, Scott and Don. Its nice to just get a reply sometimes on this forum. Googled what you said which led me on to other options. Do I need styles and something like Songbook, yes I do. So thanks for pointing that out.

Do I need something lighter than Pa1000. Yes.

Promise to get back to you all with my choice in the next few days or so.

Thanks

karmathanever · Post by **karmathanever** » Sat Jun 12, 2021 3:57 pm

You might have trouble getting one, but if you can, try out the Casio MZX500 - amazing sounds, styles, sampler, chord sequencer, recorder (WAV & MIDI), and more.... - VERY LIGHT and excellent built-in speakers too......

https://www.casio-intl.com/my/en/emi/products/mzx500/

taichi · Post by **taichi** » Sat Jun 12, 2021 7:09 pm

Biggles, Scott and Don

Thanks for your input. I have ordered a new keyboard. Googled the specs of the ones you mentioned plus others and noted the weights and sizes. I posted in 4x and 700/1000 sections because sometimes in 4x section I don’t get a reply. Sorry for any confusion.

My choice may surprise you because it weighs 9.9 Kgs not far behind Pa1000 at 10.75 Kgs. But it will go at the rear of the house near to double patio doors into the yard and gardens. I can manage that. My 4x and 1000 are in my upstairs “studio”, don’t want to move them.

So I have gone with the Pa700. Heavier than first intended yes but I feel that quality and a korg system that I know swung it. But only after your replies. Without this OP I would have done nothing.

There is one sad note. The wife overheard me ordering the Pa700 on the phone and hasn’t spoken to me since. She thinks that 4 keyboards and an upright piano is too much.

Will post this in 4x and 700/1000 section. Thanks.

taichi · Post by **taichi** » Sun Jun 13, 2021 2:05 pm

Hi Pete

I looked at the Casio MZX 500 and it looks like they are not available in the UK. All sold out ?? Some excellent reviews. Finally made the leap and ordered Pa700, not much lighter but ok with that now.

I am getting very fond of Korg now since I started messing around with Master effects, release, cut off, delay, panning and more. Has made a huge difference.

Thanks

Korghelper · Post by **Korghelper** » Sun Jun 13, 2021 7:30 pm

For only a saving of less than 1kg, I wouldn’t have gone with the PA700, but gotten another PA1000, then you would have a) a backup if the studio’s 1000 went down, and b) data compatibility with the studio’s 1000. Just mirror the studio’s data set and you don’t have to worry about Songbook compatibility, sounds being different, style’s not sounding right, effects being different etc..

I never have understood why people get a different arranger as a backup or different location keyboard. You halve your work if any work done at one keyboard is immediately compatible with the other…

taichi · Post by **taichi** » Tue Jun 15, 2021 5:11 pm

Korghelper

Sorted now and have 3 Korgs from 61 keys to 76 keys to suit every need that I will ever have. Maximum and minimal requirements as Scott says. All in their correct location with no danger of falling down the stairs. Take and respect all that you say.

Apologies for not replying to this earlier but we discussed playing naturally and you mentioned Mrs Mills who I am familiar with and have always admired. I watched the video and much more. Brought back memories so thanks.

Korghelper · Post by **Korghelper** » Thu Jun 17, 2021 3:43 pm

No problem taichi. Glad you have the problem sorted. As a working pro, I always tend to look for solutions that save me time, and the amount of time that is needed to adapt to a different arranger in different locations or situations with respect to setting up keyboard sets, Songbooks, and all the rest of it was time that I wasn’t spending learning new tunes, or just simply sitting down and enjoying PLAYING for myself. So an identical arranger always made that simple. Everything I did at one, I could do at the other…

I have perhaps missed out on other things, perhaps a non-identical secondary arranger would, by virtue of its differences, force me to try different styles or sounds for a particular song. Everyone has different approaches. Glad yours works for you (and I bet the wife’s glad they didn’t all cost as much, LOL)