Customer Reviews

M-Audio PROKEYS 88SX 88-Key Lightweight Stage Piano with Semi-Weighted Action

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I finally ordered this piano because, if the description was to be believed, it offered exactly what I was looking for: a lightweight piano with the 14 sounds I actually use (piano, electric piano, vibes, organ) along with some good bass sounds and the capability of splitting the keyboard for walking bass lines with the left hand. Lastly, I've long missed the ride cymbal I was able to layer on to the bass sounds of my Kurzweil K1000, and the M-Audio Prokeys promised to include that feature. The piano had everything a professional player could want, and the description was free of tech-talk and daunting jargon.

Sadly, Amazon's description, except for the semi-weighted action part (which is accurate), is for the M-Audio Prokeys 88 rather than the 88SX. For some unfathomable reason, M-Audio not only eliminated the heavy action of the Prokeys 88 for the 88SX version but reduced the total number of sounds from 14 to 7 while eliminating the split and ride cymbal features. From some reports, the Prokeys 88 is an overly-heavy instrument with clunky, inconsistent action, not exactly what the gigging musician would wish for, especially when playing the instrument in organ mode. Consequently, the ProKeys 88SX seemed to be just the ticket.

The Prokeys 88SX no doubt still represents a good value, as a number of reviewers have attested, but it's not the keyboard in Amazon's description, and it's of no use to me as a performing musician frequently called upon to supply bass lines. The accompanying manual is thick, but that's because it's written in six languages. Only the first several pages are devoted to using the keyboard as a performance instrument: the bulk of the manual contains MIDI data likely to be of limited use to anyone without previous experience using a keyboard as a MIDI controller.

UPDATE: More than a year later, and Amazon is still carrying the description for the Prokeys 88, NOT the Prokeys 88SX. The negative votes that this review has attracted must mean either: 1. the reader thinks I'm trashing the instrument; or 2. the reader doesn't believe that Amazon's description is wrong. Let me repeat that I think the ProKeys 88SX represents a good value--it's very close to a Kurzweil SP-76 or SP-88. (The Kurzweil has only a marginal edge in terms of quality of instrument sounds and keyboard feel, but it's more than twice the price of the 88SX and, unlike the 88SX, has no USB connection). As for Amazon's description of the SX, if you think it's right, please go immediately to the M-Audio website (or a music instrument dealer) and read the descriptions of the Prokeys and ProkeysSX side by side. Either that, or be content with 7 sounds and no split or layering possibilities.

I just received this piano yesterday and I am thrilled! The two piano sound settings are some of the best I've heard (and I've read elsewhere that this piano and its bigger brother--the ProKeys 88--have the best sound for any piano under $1000). The keys feel great considering they are semi-weighted, and the multiple velocity settings are very well implemented.

When purchasing this piano, there are some things to keep in mind that can add to the overall cost. Most importantly, this keyboard does not have built-in speakers, so you will need a separate set and some good cabling to get sound for everyone to hear. Otherwise, if listening through headphones suits your needs, you'll either need a pair with a 1/4" connector or a 1/8 to 1/4" adaptor if you want to use your MP3 player headphones. Fortunately, the piano does come with a USB cable and drivers, so you can use it as a MIDI device on your computer immediately. Finally, you may want to consider buying a keyboard cover in order to protect it from dust and the like.

If you're looking for more reviews, Keyboard Magazine has the one that influenced me to buy this piano. Overall, highly recommended!

I've been using this keyboard for about a month now. I was pleased that it comes with a USB cable to let you port your masterpieces to your computer as well as a sustain pedal. The sound quality is surprisingly good: when you hit a high note, you'll swear you can hear the hammer hitting the cord. If I have a complaint with this piano, it's that the included pedal isn't very responsive and will often fail to recognize that you are standing on it. Perhaps this is because I'm using it on carpet? In any case, the pedal was free, so I can't complain.

First-time keyboard buyers should be aware that this does not come with speakers of any kind. You'll need to buy headphones or speakers separately to hear what's being played.

And what more could a beginner ask for? I believe the 88SX's keys are weighted enough for me to develop the appropriate touch. Just to keep it real, though, I make sure to play my pieces a few times every week on an upright piano to which I have access. The 88SX has not, apparently, "under-trained" me, as I find I play perhaps even better on the upright. Maybe someday I'll come upon some speed limitations that one reviewer has noted, but if I do get to that point, I'll be deliriously happy and most likely move up to something else. No speakers is ideal for the beginner, and there jacks for two headphones. I can bang away and know that I'm the only one hearing my learning curve.

I play pieces such as chopin's fantasie impromtue and ballade op. 23. This piano simply wont fly for such high speed songs, so I returned it. I got to this piano because I was on a search for the most realistic and portable piano out there. By realistic I was focusing on the touch. Like steinway touch. Because when you practice professionally, the sound isn't as important compared to the touch of the keys. Any pro would agree with me on this (yes, sound is important but again, NOT as much as touch). Also by realistic I mean full sized. I can't play pro piano pieces without the whole 88 keys available..

So I got to this one, and judging on the reviews I thought it was a safe bet. It isn't if you're looking to play fast on it. It isn't if you want the best key touch on it. My search continues from here. I hope someone comments on this again to tell me if they've found that perfect touch and portability keyboard out there..

I'm using this piano for two purposes -- regular old playing and also as a midi controller for use with Propellerhead Reason 4.0.

As a piano, it's a good full-sized keyboard for the price. It's a light unit (17 lbs) which is good for convenience sake, but sometimes it's nice to have something a little more substantial. The action on the keys is fine -- it's not like a real piano but for 300 something dollars, it's not bad. The action on this piano is lighter (keys push down more easily) than on some of the other M-audio keyboards I've tried, btw.

As some reviewers have noted, in order to hear the piano, you'll need to buy either a pair of headphones with a 1/4" jack or external speakers.

I'm using this keyboard as a midi controller with Reason, and it's worked perfectly well. The software and drivers are easy to install, and it's really just plug & play. Very simple.

One last thing, this unit comes with a sustain pedal, so don't make the mistake I did and order a sustain pedal, b/c you'll just end up returning it. You should, however, probably buy a keyboard stand (I bought the World Tour Single X Keyboard Stand which is working great) and music stand.

I've had this product for about 8 months. I was hesitant to get this keyboard due to some reviews stating it's hard to play quickly with this. I've found that I have no problem with speed on this keyboard. I may not be playing many songs with 16th notes, but for any casual player not looking to impress, this keyboard will suit you well.

The only drawback I've found is that the keys are just slightly harder to press than your more expensive keyboards and the pedal is almost completely useless. I've placed a board underneath the keyboard to set the pedal on, and it works to some satisfaction, in the future I will buy a better pedal though.

There are two headphone jacks, one can be used for speakers and one for headphones. This is great for not having to switch them out and get cords tangled. Haven't had any problems with the keyboard at all, sounds great after almost a year of heavy use.

Update: Another year and still running strong. I have to admit though my Yamaha regular piano sounds so much better, but being a college student that has to live in small places and move every year, this keyboard is a godsend.

I bought this thing for two reasons: to teach myself to play piano (despite 20 years grounding in music theory and various instruments, I've never sat down and learned the instrument), and to help with my computer compositions using things like Garritan Personal Orchestra. As a piano for a beginner, it seems great. I have it hooked up to a computer speaker since I'm not terribly worried about stage quality sound while I'm plinking away at Canon in D, but even so the samples all sound great to me. As far as its functions as a MIDI controller, I can't speak to the advanced functions yet since I haven't learned how to use them. The basic function--that of inputting notes into Finale or whatever program you use--works great, and will greatly speed up your note entry. The included pedal is a nice touch, although put something hard underneath it (like a book) if you're using it on carpet.

The only thing that irked me was the 1/4" jacks for audio, necessitating a trip to Radio Shack to purchase a suitable connector.

All in all, well worth the price. I'd buy it again any day.

I purchased the 88SX model based on the description on the site. However, portions of the description are for M-Audio's model ProKeys 88, the more expensive model. The 88SX has 7 great voices, is lightweight, easy to use and well worth the price. However, it does not have keyboard splitting functionality, 14 voices, sound layering capabilities or some of the other features mentioned in the description on line. I suspect that someone combined the descriptions of the two differnet models. I phoned Amazon and asked that they make a correction.

Bottom line - for a basic keyboard, the 88SX is wonderful. It fills my needs perfectly. I am a gigging musician who doesn't want to lug a weighted 88-key piano around. The 88SX has good voices, simple operation and is very easy to pack around.

I bought this 88sx keyboard in May 2006. It's the first keyboard I've ever played or owned. It has 128 note polyphony, inputs for three pedals!!! The only thing missing is split for the keyboard. For the price you get 7 awesome instruments, whereas some companies give you one good piano and 500 kiddy toy sounding instruments! I really like the clavinet keyboard.

It's one up from a midi controller because you can just turn it on and start playing. I hooked it up to an old Panasonic receiver and Paradigm speakers and it sounds awesome. My midi pc uses the Grand 2 and M-audio 2496 sound card and with the 88sx... it's unbeatable! (music is also awesome thru this audio card).

I would recommend this digital piano to any student or beginner because of the price and 7 awesome instruments.