Roland D-50 to MPK261 keyboard feel

Discussion in 'Instruments' started by midi-man, Feb 11, 2016.

  1. reliefsan

    reliefsan Audiosexual

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2014
    Messages:
    1,069
    Likes Received:
    941
    I'd say don't aim to replace. Keep working with your lovely D-50 and add a midi controller that covers your needs.
     
  2. Voo

    Voo Platinum Record

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2011
    Messages:
    289
    Likes Received:
    178
    I have a Yamaha SY85 and a MPK249 They do not compare. The Fatar keys in the SY85 are far superior. That being said, I will say the AKAI is a great keyboard and very happy with it. The drum pads on the Akai MPK are simply some of the best out there.

    As suggested get a controller with pads on it and sliders / fader's to use with the D-50
     
  3. SonicBoomer

    SonicBoomer Producer

    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2011
    Messages:
    142
    Likes Received:
    79
    I had a new MPK49, that I gave a buddy who needed a controller when they moved overseas.
    I found it to have good feel, but no D-50. However, all the MIDI features are so practical.
    My best advice is to go into your local music instrument superstore, after sitting with your D-50 for a while, and compare several controllers including the AKAI you're deciding on.

    Good Luck!
     
    Last edited: Feb 15, 2016
  4. midi-man

    midi-man Audiosexual

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2013
    Messages:
    1,656
    Likes Received:
    825
    Thanks to everyone for there input. I greatly appreciate it. The reason I was thinking about the AKAI MPK261 is because of the overall control.
    Drums Pads, Daw control, CC and everything. I am also having a problem finding one at a store locally. That is why I was asking you pro Keyboard guys.
     
    Last edited: Feb 15, 2016
  5. midi-man

    midi-man Audiosexual

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2013
    Messages:
    1,656
    Likes Received:
    825
    I have a S90 Es as my weighted keyboard. It is great for Piano but not for playing synth stuff. I can totaly agree Yamaha make some great feeling
    keyboards. How would you say the feel of the MPK49 is to the D-50 stiffer and weight wise to the semi weighted key on the D-50.
    Have some difficulty locating one locally. Also MF is having a sale 15 % off till today so I was hoping on purchasing one with them.
     
  6. Rhodes

    Rhodes Audiosexual

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2015
    Messages:
    928
    Likes Received:
    558
    You should define what you like the keys to feel like

    - piano like
    - rhodes like
    - hammond like
    ...fast, slow, bouncy, easy to glide on, rounded ends, high or low, light or heavy, resistance to push, and so on...
     
  7. midi-man

    midi-man Audiosexual

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2013
    Messages:
    1,656
    Likes Received:
    825
    Rhodes sorry if it were a Guitar I could explain it in detail but it's a keyboard.
    I can say I like the D-50 or would like to get as close as possible to it, if I can.
    Some have said the Akai is very close to a D-10 or D-20 I remember playing one in a store a while back.
    I think I can live with that feel as my controller.

    The D-50 to me is not cheap feeling to me it has some weight to it, not as per the S90 but some weight. Just enough to feel some friction to the keys. Or should I say it takes some effort to push the keys down to make a sound not like a Very cheap keyboard.
     
  8. returnal

    returnal Rock Star

    Joined:
    Jun 2, 2014
    Messages:
    392
    Likes Received:
    304
    Would adding a small, keyless midi-controller (with knobs and/or faders) to your D-50 solve your issue?
     
  9. midi-man

    midi-man Audiosexual

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2013
    Messages:
    1,656
    Likes Received:
    825
    I added an Akai LPD8 to it already and it has made a great addition to it. Of course I had to mod the pads since they were not as sensitive as they should have been. I thought it would be great to have and all on one solution also.. Also I can control the DAW with this keyboard
     
  10. midi-man

    midi-man Audiosexual

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2013
    Messages:
    1,656
    Likes Received:
    825
    I pulled the trigger and ordered it today. I wanted again to thank everyone for there input on this. I will follow up in a week or two to let you everyone know how Ike it.
     
Loading...
Similar Threads - Roland MPK261 keyboard Forum Date
roland fantom 06 Synthesizers 35 minutes ago
Hi Help me bulding my setup (Roland s760) sampler Samplers, Synthesizers Jun 26, 2025
What do people think job the new Roland Cloud Boss Effects pedals? Software May 20, 2025
Roland VS-890: what am I in for? Soundgear May 15, 2025
roland fantom x Synthesizers May 2, 2025
Loading...