I am looking to buy a solid keyboard MIDI controller for use with my Soundblaster Audigy. However, I really don't know where to start. I want something that isn't too expensive, but is full sized and is solid quality. I don't care about the bells and whistles. It should be full sized.

So far I have found this... any advice? (Just from a quick google search)

I have a couple hundred dollars to spend tops.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=key/search/detail/base_pid/709204/
If you're not too worried about all the bells and whistles, this is a good choice. Unfortunatly, there's not much for assignable knobs and stuff. Also, it's 61-key, and the price is good.

I need 88 keys though.

What I want is a MIDI Controller that:

• has 88 keys
• is full size
• is under $600 tops, preferably under $300
• feels like a real piano. Preferably hammer action, but I realize that the cheaper models only have semi-weighted action.

What I don't want:

• Bells and whistles
• A Synthesizer that produces it's own sounds, not using MIDI

So far I have found 2 models:

The M-Audio Keystation 88es

and

The Studiologic Fatar TMK-88

The second one seems a bit cheap , and I know very little about the M-Audio.

Look on [url=www.wwbw.com]WWBW[/url]. They have a huge selection (much better than Musician's Friend).

I've found these ones that have 88 keys:

http://www.wwbw.com/M-Audio-Keystation-88es-i148787.music
http://www.wwbw.com/StudioLogic-by-Fatar-TMK88-88-Key-MIDI-Controller-i124734.music
http://www.wwbw.com/StudioLogic-by-Fatar-SL990-Pro-i137950.music
http://www.wwbw.com/M-Audio-Keystation-88-Pro-i130905.music
http://www.wwbw.com/StudioLogic-by-Fatar-VMK88-i137947.music
http://www.wwbw.com/StudioLogic-by-Fatar-SL880Pro-88-Key-MIDI-Controller-i124732.music

Unfortunately, the cheapest 88-key controller is $250...

Thanks Vincent.

Right now, I am somewhat set on the Fatar StudioLogic SL990 Pro. This is because it is the cheapest ($450) controller that has hammer piano action.

However, I noticed that the more expensive model, the Fatar StudioLogic SL880 Pro, has something called "aftertouch". From what I have read, this is basically an extra channel that transmits information about changes to the note after it has been played. Now, is this an essencial feature? Or is this a gimmick that doesn't really affect the "feel" of the keyboard?

Thanks.

Okay, I really don't think aftertouch is necessary. I found that there are two versions of the SL-990, the Pro and the XP, the XP being the newer and more expensive one. The difference is that the XP has "Constant Strike Force action" and an ivory finish while the Pro has "light hammer action" and is $100 less.

I guess this is one of those things where I have to walk into the store and test it out for myself.