Hi everyone!

I've played piano by ear since I was 2 years old and could barely reach the keys. I've been completely fascinated by digital pianos/keyboards and was wondering what type of keyboard does the following --

It has several instruments, like a synthesizer except it also lets me layer several tracks one on top of the other and could be used for midi playback on the computer. I don't know if layering is the right word but I could record one track, then go back and record another on top of it and so on.

Thanks for your help!
Sherice

You need something with a built in recorder with multiple tracks that has additional sounds. Many synth keyboards have these features from Yamaha, Casio, Korg, etc. However, you need to decide if you want weighted keys or if you want synth action. If you want weighted keys, you are looking for a digital piano. If you want the non wieighted keys, then the cheaper synth keyboards will do. Digital pianos with sounds and multi track recorders start around $600 and go up from there. You would have the ability to layer sounds (combine 2 or more sounds together. Many keyboards with sounds also have on board rhythms to play along with and they have MIDI ports which allow the keyboard to connected to a computer and used as a MIDI controller. This allows you to use recording software like Pro Tools, Cakewalk, Audacity and others to produce your own songs and have more instruments available.

Roland HP 203.
I know of that one becouse I have it , lol, dunno about the others.

Pretty much anything in the Yamaha DGX line does this, and you can get an 88-key weighted model. It costs around $6-700.

Also be aware that workstations (synths with sequencing and possibly sampling abilities) can do this too. The 88-key versions have weighted keys, but they cost several thousand.

What is your budget?

Hi!

I don't need weighted keys -- budget possibly around $600 or so. Thank you!

You are in luck because the feature is common even on cheap toy-like keyboards that seel for under $200.

Next question is what kind of quality you are after.

Also if you are willing to connect your keyboard to a computer then almost any keyboard can do this at a fairly sophisticated level.

What kinds of sounds do you need and is realism important. How many keys wide. Ranges are from small 25 key desktop keyboards up to full 88 keys.

No weighted keys and up to $600?? Look at the Casio WK500. It's about $300 or one of the Yamaha PSR series.

$600 is actually a no man's land. there are more to choose from at half that price or at four times the price. If there is a Guitar Center ior Sam Ash store near you. Go there and bring headphone and plan to stay a couple hours. Try out a few.

I'd suggest buying in thr $200 to $300 range then later when you know what you want making to jump to the profesional level like the Tyros, Pantom, Motif and so onbut those are low to mid four digit prices.