Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Digital Pianos - Electronic Pianos - Synths & Keyboards Best instrument for live cover band

Right now I'm playing a AKAI MPK88 midi conroller into Galaxy Vintage D and Steinberg Halion Sonic. I've been playing and recording at home and it's been a decent setup.

I'm planning to join a cover band (80's, 90's, 00's) and need a good mix of pianos, organs, strings, synths, and brass. I've considered just using a laptop and making my current rig mobile, but honestly I wanted to get some opinions here first. Would I be better off just getting a good stage piano like a Nord Stage or Roland RD700NX?

Price isn't that important, but sound quality, reliability, weight, and flexibility are very important.

I'd love to get your thoughts on this.

One word:

Nord.

Thanks James. The one word says a lot. The Nords sound great. What is your reasoning on this? I was really expecting to find some good software synths to compete with the Nord, but haven't found any so far...

Nord boards are built for live, gigging players. Great sounds, excellent 'direct' interface, lightweight and portable, and with terrific build quality.

Sure, you may be able to find better sounds with a laptop and software, but for a single, standalone package Nords are difficult to beat.

Cheers,
James
x

I guess we should ask what your
budget is and go from there....

I guess I'd like to stay under $3K, but I could push it for something amazing.

Budget aside. I think it very much depends on the songs you want to cover and how complex the layers and splits are.

They are pretty heavy to lug around but the Kurzweil PC3K series and the Yamaha Motif XF series are both pretty impressive. I haven't tried it yet but the Korg Kronos Plus is also rated rightly.

I suggest that you consider using two keyboards. In order to reduce weight I am waiting to try the new Privia PX-5S for use primarily as a digital piano and controller. I hope to be able to pair that with a second lightwight semi-weighted keyboard for organ etc - perhaps a Roland VR-09. (Weight aside I am pretty happy with the Kurzweil PC3K7 as an upper keyboard).

Another vote for Nord here. Given your requirements I don't really think there's another viable option...and that's not to imply the Nord would be "making-do". They are very good.

I found a Nord Stage EX for $2950 on Craigslist with case. Seems like I should go check it out.

That's too much for that board. Check your pms.

Agreed, the Stage EX is a great board, but a little old.
For that price I'd be looking for the latest model.

James
x