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Hey guys, I tried to search this topic but for some reason didn't pull up anything good. I'm going to be Ebay-shopping for a midi keyboard soon and would like some recommendations on what to look for and what to stay away from. Basically, what brands and models will give me the best bang for the buck, and which are a disaster. I will be buying something fairly cheap, probably between $200 and $300. So don't tell me to go get a new Korg Triton or Yamaha Motif. I need good cheap midi goodness. Looking for as many features as possible, obviously. Thanks in advance.

You would really need to provide more information on what you want to do with your MIDI keyboard, and what features are important to you before we could really give you any good advice. How many keys do you need (full 88? 66? maybe only 25?)? Do you need weighted keys?

My first impluse, based on what little you've said is to point you towards the M-Audio Axiom line. Good prices if basically all you are looking for is a MIDI controller.

Actually, after looking into it. I think I would prefer a synth. It would be nice to get a synth that can also double as a MIDI controller. I assume they make those, but I could be wrong. If I were using a keyboard as a synth, it would just send the audio out line level, and then I wouldn't have to mess with any MIDI... right? I think I would prefer a hard synth to a soft synth, but would be open to either. I don't "play" keyboard so I don't know if I would "need" weighted keys, or even what difference it would make. I also don't think I would need the full 88 keys, as I understand some keyboards have functions to jump octaves... I think. Basically I want to be able to scroll through different soundbanks, and compose melodies and percussion with this keyboard while recording it into protools. I don't need the keyboard to record tracks or anything fancy. I just want as many quality sounds as possible. So that's all I really know. Hope that helps narrow it down.

AYE TRY THIS LINK BEFORE YOU BUY http://www.sweetwater.com/shop/keyboards/keyboard-controllers/buying-guide.php