Musical Newb

[Quincy]

I am trying to figure out how i make this board sound as close to a real keyboard while i'm learning, not sure what setting or sound would accomplish this.

 

[happyrat1]

If you're looking for real acoustic sounds then the Drawbar Organs and Piano buttons are as close as you're gonna get.

If you're looking to add more realism and effects you could combine them into Hex Layers and do some serious tweaking.

Either way the place to start researching this stuff is Casiomusicforums.com

Gary

 

[Quincy]

Yup that will work, hadnt hit that button yet.

 

[Quincy]

I got tired of twinkle twinkle but i figured out Lean on Me, lol

So much fun.

 

[happyrat1]

Here's something to keep you occupied and amused

 

[Quincy]

Thats pretty cool, when he gets right in it, he lost me. ahahahahaha

I've been listening and watching this Youtube user, love watching how he moves his hands, his style of music I really like as well.

 

[Quincy]

His enthusiasm is great.

 

[Quincy]

The XW-P1 is now only $359 @ Axe.

 

[happyrat1]

Too bad i don't think they do price guarantees against their own price drops.

Actually there is some scuttlebutt that the XW-P1 might end up being discontinued after Casio brings out whatever they have planned for Winter NAMM 2014 next week.

Not to worry though. It's an amazingly powerful little synth with plenty of sounds, effects and functions to keep you busy for years to come

Gary

 

[Quincy]

Yeah it doesn't hurt to email them but hey I saved hundreds of dollars over lots of users so I'm not complaining, I almost thought about buying another just to sell it.

 

[Quincy]

Man this is harder than I thought with having smaller hands and carpel tunnel. Up until tonight I have been very stiff and discovered if I actually rest my fingers and push and slide it not is a bit easy but the notes sound better, they sound smoother and much softer, not banging but its still really hard. I definitely have to put aside at least 15 minutes a day to start strengthening my fingers waiting for the weekend to practice is not going to work. My hands are literally aching right now and forearms are pumped, I've skipped some basic lesson play to just play actual songs, there a ton on YouTube, Adele's Someone Like You is my favorite. One thing I am finding, being left handed, my right hand's fingers are totally uncoordinated, they can't follow any sequences twice, challenging and another thing is I probably will get an 88 keyboard quicker than I thought, the 61 keys is great but limited to get right pitch on songs because you run out of keys on the lower end. Now I'm thinking in a few months if not sooner because I'm really enjoying this.

 

[happyrat1]

Playing piano without a proper warmup is like doing a physical workout without a proper warmup.

Here's a warmup routine to use before your practice sessions.

Also take a look at some of the threads on technique and posture here on the forum.

https://www.keyboardforums.com/forums/technique-and-posture.59/

https://www.keyboardforums.com/threads/carpal-tunnel-syndrome.23301/

https://www.keyboardforums.com/threads/wrists-hurt.23847/

https://www.keyboardforums.com/threads/technique-and-posture.430/

Otherwise if your carpal tunnel's too bad you can always give up the keyboard and take up the slide trombone

As far as 88 keys goes, I'd recommend the new Casio Privia PX-5S.

Best Canadian price I've seen on it is these guys. I bought my XW-P1 from them.

http://www.fleetsound.com/catalog/c....html?osCsid=805acc3482b273513fde80655177a7b4

And you'll need a second tier for your Z stand.

http://onstagestands.com/products/view/117160/42000

Cosmo Music in Richmond Hill carries it for $50

http://cosmomusic.ca/stand-keyboard-onstage-ksa7550-second-tier-for-ks7350.html

Axe music used to list it but I guess you could phone them up and still special order one. I'm arranging a special order right now for a ribbon controller for my kurzweil.

 

[happyrat1]

PS. For Keyboard Finger Dexterity download and learn the Hanon Piano Exercises.

It comes in three parts and it's public domain so also a free download as 3 PDFs.

http://www.onlinepianocoach.com/hanon-the-virtuoso-pianist.html

 

[Quincy]

First thanks for the video, Gary. Wish she were my teacher, hehe. Would the PX plug into the XW, its pretty inexpensive too

 

[happyrat1]

You'd need a mixer too. A Behringer Xenyx 502 would work in a pinch but I'd advise thinking ahead and getting a Xenyx 1202FX right from the start to leave room for future expansion. A 1202FX has enough inputs to feed a small combo band into your studio monitors or PA system. Also has 100 very cool DSP effects built into the mixer itself.

http://www.amazon.ca/Behringer-Premium-Preamps-Multi-FX-Processor/dp/B00GOFVZF4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1390708513&sr=8-2&keywords=xenyx 1202fx

http://www.long-mcquade.com/products/954/Pro_Audio_Recording/Mixers/Behringer/Xenyx_12_Inputs_2_Bus_Mixer_with_Effects.htm

http://cosmomusic.ca/mixer-behringer-xenyx-1202fx.html

http://www.amazon.ca/Behringer-Prem...8&qid=1390708513&sr=8-2&keywords=xenyx+1202fx

 

[Quincy]

Nothing seems to compare to the Casio in that price range. Too bad the screen wasnt slighlt larger. Its funny that unit takes 8 AAs and yet the XW takes archaic D's. Thanks Gary.

 

[happyrat1]

Actually it takes like 6 AAs. And the batteries are meant more as an emergency backup in a stage situation where the power is flaky.

 

[Quincy]

I really like the PX-5S, especially the price my only concern would be getting something very similar to the XW, sound wise. I have crossed off the Kross ( lol that's funny) because the PX-5S is the better of the 2, so I want to get some more practice under my belt but I like the Korg Krome and its big display but its alot more money.