Keyboard for live shows

[Campoozmstnz]

Hello,

What type of keyboard is needed for a live rock show? Our band is thinking on adding some keyboards to our live performance but none of us know much about keyboards. We want to play stuff like Muse, The Killers, etc. What budget should we expect to get a decent unit?

Thanks in advance.

 

[goz211]

Welcome to the forum.

I like both of those bands - lots of keyboard stuff going on in both. Can any of the band play piano/keyboard?

You'll need to budget for keyboard, stand and a combo amp unless you'll just have it going through the PA.

Here's a Sound On Sound review of the Roland Juno D. Now discontinued and not at all collectable - but it'll do the job. Second hand - £100 to £200.

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/mar05/articles/rolandjunod.htm


Another £100 - £200 for a keyboard combo amp, X-stand and a couple of jack to jacks.

Now someone just has to play the thing.

Good luck.

 

[vintagecat]

If your doing rock type stuff, I'd recommend getting something with good organ, piano and synth sounds on. They are the most likely sounds you would use. Depending on your budget you could go for something electromechanical or a workstation synth.

Electromechanical keyboards are things like the Nord range, the most famous being the Electro range. It is now on the 3rd generation and contains a full tonewheel organ section and great pianos. Link below:
http://www.nordkeyboards.com/main.asp?tm=Products&clpm=Nord_Electro_3
There are 2 earlier models the Electro 1 and 2 which can be picked up on the used market.
Workstation synths are keyboards like the Yamaha Motif XF, Korg M3 or Roland Fantom. They feature thousands of sounds and the ability to layer presets.
http://uk.yamaha.com/en/products/music-production/synthesizers/motif_xf/
http://www.korg.co.uk/products/workstations/m3/ws_m3.asp
http://www.roland.co.uk/products/productdetails.aspx?p=920

Good look with your choice.