Anyone here use a controller/keyboard to input their music into the computer instead of just clicking the mouse? If so, what do you use? I am looking at getting the Yamaha YPG-625 88-Key Weighted Portable or anything under $1k.

I use an old keyboard which is hooked up on to the computer. I'm considering purchasing a similiar one that you mentioned, but it is more expensive.

Mine is not an old keyboard but is not new and not a know brand but is a good big keyboard with weighted keys and a pedal. I have it connected to my PC through a midi cable which I bought On December. I have another keyboard that is really old but I don't use it.

Google ads works too well, it's showing me ads for keyboards. XD

I think the best thing you could do is to visit a local music store and try them all out. The touch and feel factor should weigh more than the price and size in my opinion.

I sometimes use a cheap keyboard I have to notate, but I don't really see an advantage to use it.

It is when you don't notate. Recording pieces manually will give them a much more realistic feel to it.

Two 88-key fully weighed controllers I know of are the M-Audio Keystation Pro 88 (http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/KeystationPro88-main.html) and the CME VX-8 Intelligent Keyboard (http://www.cme-pro.com/en/product-detail.php?product_id=9). The former has a lot of controllers, but I heard the weighed keys are not as well implimented as they should be. Haven't heard much bad things about the other one, but it might not be quite as popular due to it's price (about $1.2 K list, around $1K retail). Keep in mind too that these are controller which come with no preset sounds or speakers, so if you be wanting a realistic sound you probably need to have seperate virtual piano library.

If I can find a good price for the Keystation, I might decide to get it, if only for the control surface.

Thanks for the reply everyone! I went to the local guitar center with a friend who has a PHD(!) in music ed., and he recommended Yamaha. Stay away from Casio, something about stuck keys and quality control issues after pounding on it for awhile. XD He was ogling over a Roland Fantom which even if I can afford it, is a bit too professional/complicated for me. It was amazing though, the built-in accompaniment was just unbelievably smart. He was like, "You push these buttons and then instant anime music! Just watch me play one note." *amazing sounds come out of the speaker* *jaw drops* I can see how addicting that stuff is...