ShortScale.org

I must admit I have a bit of a fondness for the Mini-keys found on the Microkorg and Microkorg XL. A lot of people hate these, but when I got used to them it seemed kind of odd going back to full size keys, it seems like I should be playing piano or something. The mini keys feel perfect for synth work, and the light action on my XL is really good for fast playing too, you can manually play arps pretty easily(of course, I suck at playing synth, but I can still play one or two). I can see how for someone with bigger fingers it'd be an issue though. Maybe a synth with more intermediate size keys would work.

I've been thinking of getting a full size(61 key) synth/keyboard, and ideally I'd like something with Mini keys. I'd also like to be able o use it as an MIDI controller with Velocity, etc. There was some neat Casio FM Synth that had mini keys, but I don't think it had velocity or MIDI which is a shame.

Check out the Korg MicroStation. Same size keys as the microKorg XL, but 61 of them, a crap-ton of sounds to work with, a sequencer, and an arpeggiator. It has exactly what you're wanting.


http://www.korg.com/Product.aspx?pd=572



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It's pretty neat alright, I was looking for something cheap to bash around on though, like the Korg X5D or what have you, or a nice FM Synth.

You wanted 61 mini keys, correct?

Yeah, pretty much. Will probably heave to end up getting a full size one. I was basically going to sell my 61 key MIDI controller which I never use since I don't like the action and get something cooler I could to gigs from time to time(generally I take my Microkorg XL)

You're not going to find another actual synthesizer like that with 61 mini keys. You might find some home keyboards with 61 mini keys, but they'e not synthesizers.

if you want a cheap FM rack synth to use with a midi controller look for a TX81Z or a TQ-5. they are pretty much the best of the (less expensive) 4-op FM synths.