Keyboards, part 1

 

When composing non-guitar pieces, I usually use a large MIDI keyboard controller connected to my computer, and I compose in Finale, which is a music notation/scoring software application.   I've been using Finale since the mid-1990s.  Likewise, the keyboard I've used for composing is a Fatar Studio 90.  I've had the Fatar since about the same time I started working in Finale, so it's about 30 years old.  It served its purpose admirably, and I wrote a metric ton of music with it.  It's a full 88-key model with weighted action.  The only downside to it was that it predated USB technology, so I was forced to use a MIDI-to-USB breakout box.  That bit of hardware usually worked, but could be flaky and unreliable.  It was a recurring source of irritation and often a blocking issue when I wanted to compose.  In other words, if the hardware wasn't working that day, then I didn't get any writing done.  In Finale, anyway.  I can still write on piano and do at times, but Finale is my preferred tool.

Then, a couple of weeks ago, the Fatar, which had been slowly dying over the past couple of years, completed its death process.  It was time to find a new MIDI controller for writing.  MIDI controllers are keyboards with MIDI connections, but unlike a synthesizer or a keyboard workstation, they have no onboard instrument voices.  They're ideal for MIDI'ing into a computer for composing.  

I don't keep up with MIDI hardware/instrument developments, and it had been so very long since I bought the Fatar that I didn't know what was currently available in the realm of MIDI controllers.  Some research was required.   

I eventually decided upon the Nektar LX-88.  It's also a full 88-key keyboard, with semi-weighted action.  The action felt a little different than the Fatar in that it was a faster, more responsive action.  Not quite as heavy or firm as a true piano action.  If I had intended for the LX-88 to be a performing instrument; in other words, to be used in recording sessions, I don't think I'd like the semi-weighted action.  However, for composing, I really do like it.  It's fast and accurate.  The more I play it, the more I'm liking it.

Additionally, the LX-88 is USB bus-powered.  The Fatar used a wall-wart type of AC power supply, and I've never liked those.  The LX-88's USB connection simultaneously provides the MIDI output to the computer.  Hence, with a single USB cable, the keyboard is powered, and communicates MIDI data to the computer.  No breakout box required.  No wall-wart required.  Completely reliable, and always ready to go.  It also has an input for a sustain pedal, which I use extensively.   

I've also set up the LX-88 as a keyboard for using orchestral libraries; as well as various piano and cathedral organ libraries.  This means that any time I'm at the computer, I can accomplish some piano shedding.

Having the new keyboard feels exciting, like it's not merely a replacement for the old keyboard.  Now I can write or shed piano whenever I want with no equipment limitations or interference.   That's a great feeling.

 -kk