I'm looking at buying a keyboard and really have no idea at what I should be looking for in a good one. You kids seem to be pretty knowledgeable (brian should probably stay out of it though [jks {LOL}]) about this kind of stuff so I've come to you for help. I'm not looking for anything amazing, just something fairly solid. I'm not sure what I should be spending but I think I'll set an upper limit of 1,000AUD (800-900USD).(Ultrautsukushii I fully expect you to go nuts on this with vapid amounts of suggestions!)

GO

Ps. I didnt bother using the search so if opinions have been discussed on this matter already...I dont care. Also, yes I'm incredibly lazy and am not doing any research on my own. That is what you guys are for

Pps. OMGZ I AM GOING TO BE MAKIN' HITS WITH BENNY G. IN NO TIME (AKA JAMES)

Heres a really nice one for a good price:

^ LOLZZZ

Looking for smooth-but-edgy-and-original analogue synthesizer sounds or something all-around that gives you piano-, organ etc. simulations?

1.) See if Behringer makes keyboards.

2.)

Alex if you're buying a keyboard just to make electronic music I suggest you just get a midi controller like the oxygen or axiom series from m-audio and just use software and your pc or mac for the sounds. Buying a 1,000 dollar keyboard is not worth it unless you're going to be touring or something with it, or you know what you want. If you have a mac I also suggest getting logic, it's like garage band on crack and has some great plugins.

Yes, just get a MIDI controller. I have a M-Audio Axiom 25... it's a little restricting but it's really nice (you can get them in different sizes).

If you're doing the live electronic thing i suggest the midi controller + Ableton Live combo. It will give you great freedom to play with live tracks.

ya live is pretty great, though I have seen it crash live a few times(Ableton Dead). It's really easy to assign keys to knobs in the program though and the cross fader etc. I mean basically Reason 4, cubase, ableton, and logic(if you're on mac) are all going to give you more options than any keyboard, and it's way better to start out that way and then work your way into hardware synths.

definately, you've really experienced crashes? that's not good. It just seems like many big artists depend on it live.

Hm, mine hasn't crashed. I really like it though, there's so much stuff to do. You can really tweak anything you want.

I'd like to think I can help you with the Keyboard department, but I would suggest something similar to what James said if that's actually what you're going for.

The truth is, I like organs better than keyboards... so I would say look on craigslist for some old hammonds/wurlitzers. I have gotten a couple of Hammond M3s on there, which you can find for free because they "dont work" (just gotta oil the hell out of them and move the motor gears and junk and it will start to move eventually). Of course, if you don't like that kinda thing, then a midi controller that's will be a couple hundred new (maybe a hundred or less used) should do. I suggest getting a program that can run midi, soudnfonts, and VSTs.

If you really wanna go nuts, get an actual analog keyboard with a vocoder and/or a talk box. Then listen to "computer love" a million times, make some love makin' music, and get back to us.

Honestly, I can't really help on keyboards though, other than I've heard it's best\safest to run them through bass amps.

EDIT: Casiotones are hilarious. If you get one, get one that has plugins for drum pads and get some off of ebay for it. The drum pads are black plastic and orange rubber heads. They are very cheez and sound great when run through an amp with effects.