Paul McEwan

I have an idea for a musical production and am looking forward to stepping back into that arena. As a keyboard player this will mean updating a lot of my gear. I will definitely need a new laptop and digital audio workstation software among other smaller sundries to move into the modern age of digital recording and live performance. My synths are so old they are cool so I won’t need any of those. But my KX-88 Keyboard Controller is a beast and I started to look around for another more up-to-date Keyboard Controller.

It turns out that after 23 years, the KX-88 is still top of the line for a number of reasons.

I should explain what a Keyboard Controller is. A Keyboard Controller is a keyboard that plugs into acomputer, modules or another keyboard to use their sound. A Keyboard Controller’s buttons, knobs and pitch bends etc are all assignable.

Why use a Keyboard Controller?

Most importantly, feel: The KX-88 has all wood, hammer action weighted keys with after-touch. This WILL make a piano sample respond, play and sound better. The KX-88 is still high up in ratings and reviews as being one of the best out there to this day.

Cost: Once you own a Keyboard Controller you don’t really need to purchase another keyboard again. If you want a new synth then buy the module or even cheaper, purchase the virtual synth software and install it on your computer.

The KX-88 is a heavy beast which is annoying when you’ve got a gig and as you’re carrying it you realize the darn thing doesn’t make a sound on it’s own. But I’ve grown to love it; every dent, scratch, sticker and scuff mark, this thing is durable.