Hello all,
I need some recommendations. I did the search thing and didn't see an answer to my specific needs, so here goes....
I like to play classical, jazz, and progressive rock. I currently own an acoustic piano and a Hammond Organ. I want to get a digital keyboard for a variety of reasons, but I'm a bit ignorant about the capabilities and limitations of the different types of digital keyboards available these days.
IE: Digital Pianos, Arrangers, Workstations, Synthesizers.
I would like some recommendations on what type of unit to get, and then specific make and model recommendations as well.
Here is what I want:

88 weighted keys.
Ability to plug into an amp via 1/4" jack.
Good piano sound, of course.
Other sounds like electric piano, hammond organ, etc.
Some accompaniment features, like bass and drums, varying musical styles,different time signatures.

Now, I believe all the above features are available on most digital pianos, but here is where it gets a little more complicated;

I'd like to utilize midi more since I'm not too familiar with it's uses other than using it to print sheet music I've been unable to find elsewhere. Perhaps to use it to play along with and better learn pieces I like.

I'd like to perhaps get some good lead synth and synth bass sounds reminiscent of the mini moog with pitch bend and modulation.

Perhaps compose, play, and record some multi track stuff on it.

With that said, I'd like some recommendations on type of keyboard and make and model to get. I'd like to keep in under $2K, under $1.5K is even better.

Now if I'm trying to get too much out of a single keyboard let me know, and I'll just have to think in terms separate purchases. But of course I'd like to have it all at once!

Thanks for any recommendations you have.

You should probably look into a synthesizer or workstation. If you want to compose and use the keyboard as a stand alone unit, look for a workstation. Workstation means you can do everything at the keyboard, no external devices needed (unless you want to burn your music onto a CD. However some Korg Triton's have that option as well).

Note: Workstations are expensive. I have a Kurzweil K2600X that cost me $2,000 USED. You will not find a *new* workstation for under $1,500 or even $2,000.

WORKSTATIONS:
Look into Yamaha Motif/XS, Korg Triton/Oasis, Roland Fantom, Kurzweil K2600X/S. Even Alesis might have something. (They used to have a model called the Fusion that cost right around $1,000 but I think it has been discontinued).
Yamaha and Roland probably have the best sound and feel for piano playing.

SYNTHESIZERS:
Kurzweil PC Series, Yamaha S90ES, Yamaha MM8, Etc...

I am not up on who is offering what these days. If you are in the US go to www.musiciansfriend.com. (I guess if you're not in the US you can look if you want to get an idea of what you want and how much it might cost). There you can click on a tab depending on if you want a Digital Piano, Synthesizer, or Workstation. Then you will be able to see what they offer in these specific categories.

Hey,
Thanks alot for the input. One of the primary qualities I need is the 88 weighted keys, since I really like piano most, but I need something I can plug headphones into since with all the kids in the house, someone is usually napping. I was hoping to find a keyboard that "had it all" for under $2K, but now I don't think there is such a thing. The 88 weighted key workstations are awesome, but priced around $3.5K. A tad to rich for me right now.
What I'm leaning toward right now is the Yamaha YPG-635. It's a good piano, which also has alot of accompaniment features, alot of other sounds, and midi capabilities. So I can play piano and get acquainted with some technology as well. If you know of a similar rig that is as good or better, let me know.
Thanks.

PS

The Yamaha you mention is a good alternative to a Workstation. It has many workstation-like features, just on a smaller scale. Sure, it may have limited-to-no "synthesizing" capabilities, but it has so many sounds that you will probably not feel the need to change them. I believe it also has a built in sequencer, maybe up to 6 tracks. This can be somewhat limiting, but good enough for tooling around with small orchestration and rhythm tracks.

To top it off, it has a pretty decent piano sound and feel. Better than my Kurzweil, in my opinion.

I just read the Musician's Friend website and it says the sequencer is 16-part multitimbral. I said it might have a 6 track sequencer because it is very similar to my old 76-key DGX-202. But I doubt that was 16-part multitimbral. All in all, you can probably count on doing some fairly decent recording on this.

Some might say the action on this is not quite as good as models of a similar price range, but keep in mind that they are talking about digital pianos. For this price range, this is the best action you will get with this feature set for under $1,000 (which is already pretty acceptable).

I wish I would have remembered this instrument when I made my above post, I've played it in Guitar Center and it was a lot of fun.

This model has built in speakers as well as a headphone jack. On a workstation you would have to worry about monitors or an amp which would tack on an extra few hundred dollars. If you haven't played this keyboard, I suggest that you do. It seems like it has many of the features you need, just without the "professional" sound and feature set, like the ones I mentioned above. Save those for another day, but this should get you by.

Les

Hey Les,
Thanks alot for the advice. I really appreciate you taking the time. It's been helpful. I think the YPG-635 might be the one for now. I'll just look around a couple more days to confirm......
Yea, tough decision. The big Motif, Fantom, & Oasys sure are tempting. I gotta win lotto!