keyboard input

The keyboard controller part usually has:

   - the keys
     how many?  are they weighted?  do they feel JUST like an acoustic piano's?
     you NEED at least 76 for some songs.  Might as well get 88 if you can.
     you'll probably want weighted keys,
        especially if you'll want to transition to acoustic somewhat easily.
     Weighted keys are better than the light touch ones according to most.
     It's up to you, though.
     Also, there are quite a few different feels to weighted keys.
     Some just use springs.  Some use elaborate wooden hammers and lead weights.
     It's a tough call...  You =must= try em all out or you'll regret it :)

   - keyboard pressure = channel pressure = mono aftertouch
     leaning on the keys while held down can modify the sound

   - note pressure = poly aftertouch
     leaning on a PARTICULAR key can change the sound of that ONE note.
        Or set of notes.
     Very cool, but can overwhelm midi throughput.
     Very few keyboards can generate this.  And it's not often used.
     I haven't had the pleasure of using it yet :(

   

   - pitchbend wheel
     a wheel that always springs back to the center.
     "bends" the note's frequency down/up a halfstep or so.
     Gives you SORT OF a guitar-ish string bending sound.

   - modulation wheel
     stays where you put it (or might spring back to off)
     usually adds vibrato or tremelo.
     but changes the sound SOMEhow.  More about sound changing later.

   

   - 1/4" jack for hold pedal
     foot controlled note sustain switch
     You'll probably have to buy this seperate from the keyboard.
     Sometimes glommed together with a volume pedal.

   - 1/4" jack for volume pedal
     volume or "expression" continuous adjustment via foot

   

   - program change buttons
     let's you pick a number (from 0 to 127, sometimes more, sometimes less)
     for choosing a sound.  Just the number is sent over midi, not a string
     that says which exact sound name you want.
     The number is for the sound on the RECIEVING sound module.

   

   - master volume slider, master balance slider, effects amount sliders,
     and other sound tweaking sliders, knobs, buttons, pedals, etc, etc.
     Rather non standard and you don't really know if it'll go across midi
     or not unless you actually try it out...  or can decipher the manual...

   - sheet music stand - is it well placed and wide?
     you will be staring at it A LOT and may want 3-5 pages side by side


So a keyboard's main job is to generate midi.
   (or to drive it's internal sound module directly)
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Next up,
   A sound module's main qualities...