Hello everybody

I'm in the market for a 61 keys master keyboard. Basically there are only two things that matter: the number of keys (61 namely) and the feel of the keys. This should be as close to a real piano as possible. For this reason I got an eye on the Studiologic VMK 161 plus, which is the only 61 keys controller with hammer action.
However, there is only one store in my area that could order a unit, and they'll only do so when I actually buy it. So no possibility to try it out first and also no possibility to return it when it isn't broken.
What do you think, should I go for this deal or buy a semiweighted (which?) that I could try first?

Goodkeys,

Well, I am in the same predicament and would also welcome another member's opinion. It is so hard to lug around an 88-key board, through airports and taxis, whenever I fly out to catch a ship. I am thinking 61-keys (still not happy about the compass: whoever heard of middle F?) would let me play a lot of Bach while I am out.

I hesitate to invest again in this brand. I bought a 49-key Fatar about 12 years ago that gave me nothing but trouble since day one. Being out to sea, it's not like one could just return it or get it fixed, so I had to open it up and fix it myself. I am curious if their quality has improved, and also if this VMK-plus action is the real deal, but so far I haven't been able to track one down. I remember back in '98 I had to drive to Orlando to get one, and I don't feel like driving that far for an audition.

So, who on here has test-driven one of these 'boards? Inquiring minds wanna know. Thanks.

Craig

On this same topic, there seems to me a pent-up demand for a short digital piano with hammer action. I have pleaded on this forum before for manufacturers to address this issue, but I have never seen a response. How hard can it be to make a lightweight, 61-key, hammer-action keyboard with a compass from F-f, i.e. five octaves with middle C in the middle (of all places), thus allowing the traveling pianist to play the complete keyboard works of Bach, Handel, Scarlatti, Mozart, Haydn and half of Beethoven as they were originally written. (Someone once suggested I transcribe the works to fit the C-c compass of currently available 61-key 'boards. Not practical, methinks.)

Sigh. I know that eventually someone will catch on (Yamaha? Suzuki? Honda?) and sell a boatload because they will be the only game in town. Such a keyboard would fit nicely within the airline weight and size restrictions and give us frequent flyers something to take with us without costing an exorbitant amount in fees, not to mention garnering long looks from the nice customs officials in other countries.

Am I asking for too much? Are manufacturers afraid of losing sales of their big 'boards if they make a smaller one that people actually buy? Apparently, because none has taken the lead in addressing this market.

Okay, that's all I want to say. Rant off.

Craig