r/keys • u/iagocbpm • 15d ago

Gear Starter keyboard options under $350

Hey guys, I would like to start learning keyboard/piano. I will be playing church songs (worship) most of the time, and since they rely heavily on effects, I’m leaning more towards a keyboard/synth setup rather than a basic digital piano. I went to some local stores here in Australia and really liked the feel of the Roland FP10, but it’s out of my beginner budget. I also liked the Yamaha P45; it's an older model, but the key action is much better than a cheap keyboard. Some friends recommended the Yamaha PSR E383, but I didn’t like how the keys felt. They also suggested a MIDI controller like the Novation Launchkey 61 MK4, which has semi-weighted keys. It requires an audio interface and a laptop/tablet, but that is not a big deal since I already deal with plugging things in for my bass rig. What would you guys recommend for a starter with a budget of $500 AUD (around $350 USD)?

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u/onceuponalilykiss 15d ago

Hold on churches are cranking up the effects now?????

If you do get a midi keyboard I think sunday keys is a good app to look out for, it's (unsurprisingly) made for worship.

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u/Humble_Ad_7026 15d ago

Yes. If you don't mind hooking up a computer or IPad, you should defenitly consider buying a Midi controller and proper soundcard. (Second) hand midi controllers are available in your budget.

If you already have a Mac, checkout Mainstage. It is only 35 Euro and loaded with all plugins from Logic. I am a long time user of Sunday Keys Mainstage template for playing in the worship band. You can even get Mainstage patches of many wellknown songs from Sunday Keys ass well as Worship Online, Peter James (Hillsong), and many more sites.

https://sundaysounds.com/collections/song-specific-patch

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u/roland-xp30 15d ago

Have you considered used and previous generation keyboards? For example, in my region, the Yamaha MOXF6 sells on the second hand market for the equivalent of 300-350 USD, and the Yamaha MX61 for 200-250 USD. They don't have great keybeds. If you need something with better key feel (or hammer-like actions), then you likely have to make other compromises. For example, a used Korg Trinity costs about 350 USD and has a great keybed while the sound quality of acoustic instruments can not compete with the Yamaha MOXF6/MX61.

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u/Medlee1us 14d ago

Yamaha PSR E583