I'm considering picking up a KX88. My understanding is that they went out of production around 10 years ago. If I equip my studio-to-be with a sound module or 2, and various samples which will reside in my computer, will the KX88 still do an acceptable and not too cumbersome job of keyboard controlling/recording to midi files?

Have you played the KX88?? A lot has happened in weighted keyboard technology since the KX88 was designed. I think you can do better -- but if you like it, that's different. There are still lots of pros who use it.

Have NOT played the KX88, I must admit. At least not for 15 or 20 years (too far back to remember). The action is rather heavy I believe-heavy in a good, real piano sense. It does seem to have its own bunch of hard-core, raving afficionados. I was basically looking for a way to save $1000 or so in my initial setup.

I'd much prefer a used RD700, RD600, etc. or even a RD150 to the KX88. That way you still get sounds and to me a better action.

If you're looking to save money, you might want to get cheaper monitors. At this point, while you're just doing MIDI tracks, you really don't need the kind of accuracy that KRK monitors give you. You just want something that is going to be reasonably accurate, but more importantly provides high quality sound that's musical. Here are some other options for you:

Audix PH5vs $200
Alesis M1 Active MK II $400

good luck...

Regarding KX88s, given that you could be looking at many years of wear and tear on a used unit, don't pay too much if you find one.

I have a Doepfer LMK4+ which I bought last year. It has a very "functional" appearance, but it is a truly great keyboard. The things I like about it:

1. The action, which is - I believe - a proprietary design, rather than the Fatar/Studiologic setup which appears in many different keyboards.

2. The build quality; it's constructed into a sturdy case.

3. Great MIDI features.

4. You can set the sensitivity of the sharps in relation to the white notes... I think this is possibly a unique feature, and a very welcome one.

www.doepfer.de

David

P.S. I posted some thoughts on 'cheaper' monitors in the "Quotes" thread yesterday. Hope they are of some help.

Very interesting. I've never seen one up close, but I'd like to. They're not very common over here.

Jazzyd and SteveY - advice appreciated regarding monitors and controllers.
According to the Doepfer site, there is, surprisingly, a dealer in Montreal. I'm going into town tomorrow anyway. Maybe I'll even come across an LMK4+. It does look interesting.

Steve M