Reddit reviews M Audio SP 2 | Universal Sustain Pedal with Piano Style Action For MIDI Keyboards, Digital Pianos & More

Sustain pedal, $12.96 shipped

what about a little old fashioned foot-hand coordination? Assuming you're using a midi keyboard that can accept a sustain pedal. https://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Universal-Sustain-Electronic-Keyboards/dp/B00063678K

Sounds like a defective foot pedal. Avoid the really cheap ones. Here is a $23 sustain pedal that has the most ratings on Amazon. It seems pretty solid. /www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00063678K/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1511812188&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=foot+pedal+digital+piano&dpPl=1&dpID=41UgtleuxLL&ref=plSrch

NOOooooooooooooo. DO NOT GET THE YAMAHA P45B, instead, consider the Yamaha P115. The reason is because the P45B comes with only 64 polyphonic voices while the P115 comes with 192 polyphonic voices. This makes a HUGE difference when playing piano! Especially when you get to more advance pieces.

I was in the same position as you last black friday as well and I choose the P45B at first because of it's price. It was pretty bad and some notes would just cut off at certain points (related to the polyphonic voices)! So I returned it and got the P115 and have been loving it ever since. The only thing I wish it had was a note display cause I started out as a beginner.

I took a look at the Kawai ES100 and it has 192 polyphonic voices as well, which is good, but it doesn't seem to have as much button settings as the Yamaha P115 does. I would suggest you look up the manuals for both to see all the settings both have. Some have hidden settings which use a combination of a function key + note key.

FINALLY. DO NOT MAKE YOUR DECISION OFF OF THE PEDAL. You can easily get a $20 pedal off of Amazon which is already better quality than both pedals you listed combined.

In conclusion, because I love my P115, I will recommend that over the Kawai. Hope this helps in your decision!

EDIT: Extra read up on polyphony.

EDIT 2: Me performing one of my favorite songs on the Yamaha P115.

If it's just a sustain pedal you're after, I got the m-audio from Amazon, working pretty well so far

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00063678K/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522856418&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=m-audio+sustain+pedal

I also purchased a Privia PX-350 and started with the stock pedal for about two weeks. It is extremely light and pedaling with it was next to impossible because it shifted all over the place. Two weeks later I decided to buy another pedal and haven't looked back since. This is the one I purchased and fully recommend it to you, savemenico. Best piano-related purchase I have made apart from the instrument itself :)

http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Sustain-Pedal-Action-Keyboards/dp/B00063678K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420740205&sr=8-1&keywords=m-audio+pedal

If you played the cello for a bunch of years I'm guessing you already know how to read music and hear when you've screwed up a note, so that's gonna be a huge help.

I'm in my 30s and just started playing the piano again after a 20+ year hiatus. I took lessons for 2-3 years when I was in elementary school, and then dabbled in various instruments throughout high school, then just stopped. I decided to take up piano again like 2 months ago.

1. Roland FP-30 is great, especially for entry level.
   
   
2. Stand choice is really up to you. I don't think the KDP-70 pedal unit will work without the KSC-70 stand, though, since it attaches to the stand. If it's feasible financially and you don't need it to be portable I think the stand and pedal unit combo are a good choice. I have a cheap pedal that doesn't attach to the stand and definitely have issues with it trying to wander around my floor. The furniture-style stand and attached pedal are definitely more similar to an acoustic piano than my hacky setup. That said you can get cheaper stands and pedals that are adequate. I'd just warn you to stay away from cheap single X-stands because they're really wobbly. With your height I'd go for a Z stand or the furniture stand so you're not bashing your knees.
   
   
3. I have a teacher. I would be a hot mess of bad habits without my teacher. It's not even that expensive, as things go. Totally find yourself a teacher if it is at all humanly possible.
   
   Also, don't feel like you have to practice a million hours a day. I practice 30-60 minutes a day and am advancing much faster than I expected. I suspect it's better to practice 30 minutes a day every day than to try to practice 2 hours a day and then get overwhelmed and busy and skip days all the time.

A) On page 46 of the Owner's manual here, it shows how you can save settings into a memory bank number, so that you can quickly re-load those settings. Though I'm not sure exactly what you are trying to save.

B) You have to buy a sustain pedal. Usually $10-$50. Something like this is decent.

C) It's a relatively cheap keyboard, so it's not going to feel as realistic as a real piano. You have to pay more money to get better key actions. Every keyboard manufacturer has different marketing terminology for their key actions. Yamahas, from worst to best, are: GHS (what you have), GH, GH3, and NW. You can read a bit about here. As a different example, Kawais actions are shown here. Of course, I can't tell if there's something else going on with your keyboard, like actual stickiness due to something that happened to it.

D) Yeah it's crazy in this day and age that keyboards built-in samples still suck. Even the high-end $3000+ models don't come close to a good VSTi. Most people can't tell the difference though, so I guess there's not enough demand to change their approach. There are lots of good VSTis with 8+ velocity layers. I think what might even be more important than lots of velocity layers is having long samples. Most keyboards only have a couple of seconds of a sample that loops and decays unnaturally, whereas a good VST might have a 30+ second recorded sample for the low bass notes. The "random" change in harmonics and slow, natural decay of a real recorded piano note is what really makes it sound much more realistic imo than what a keyboard does.

Edit: You should still notice a full range of velocities from your keyboard - e.g. midi velocity smoothly going from 0-127, so you should have no problem going from pp to p to mp, etc., up to ff. I assume you mean you're just noticing that the recorded sample only has 3 variations across all those gradual volume increases.

Anyway, check out these: VI Labs Ravenscroft, Synthogy Ivory II (not sure if still requires hardware iLOK dongle?), Galaxy Pianos - Vintage D, Sampletekk, Pianoteq (this is the only one that is modeled, not sampled), and there are many others.

Lots of things you can do with $25 on Amazon:

Behringer Ultra Vibrato UV300 pedal ($25)

Behringer Ultra Chorus UC200 pedal ($25)

Rock Band 25-key MIDI keytar ($24)

M-Audio SP-2 sustain pedal ($14)

Behringer Ultravoice XM8500 dynamic vocal mic ($20)

Auphonix 6" double mesh pop filter ($19)

Behringer Ultra-DI DI400P passive DI box ($20)

On-Stage single X keyboard stand ($22)

Andoer melodica ($20)

Andoer kalimba/mbira thumb piano ($12)

Big Thunder Tube ($30)

Small Thunder Tube ($8)

Angled Thunder Tube ($28)

Meinl Percussion 8" claves ($6)

Stylophone ($24)

Cables

Cable adapters

I've had this fora while and it works fine: M-Audio SP-2 Universal Sustain Pedal with Piano Style Action for MIDI Keyboards, Digital Pianos and More https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00063678K?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I'd recommend this one: https://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Universal-Sustain-Electronic-Keyboards/dp/B00063678K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1467550061&sr=8-2&keywords=piano+pedal

It's heavy, solid, and easy to open up if you need to tighten screws/lube the joints.

that's really expensive, the cheap looking one that i got for free is already half-pedalling, but it;s broken.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/HusDow-Universal-Polarity-Keyboards-Synthesizers/dp/B01N0BGZ9Y/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1485026265&sr=8-2&keywords=m+audio+sustain

https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/5n2/HQRP-Universal-Sustain-Piano-M-Audio-Kurzweil-Keyboards/B00IZLU254/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1485026265&sr=8-5&keywords=m+audio+sustain

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sustain-M-Audio-Fairdeal-keyboards-digital/dp/B004JOLVNS/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1485026265&sr=8-4&keywords=m+audio+sustain

https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-Audio-Universal-Sustain-Keyboards-Digital/dp/B00063678K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485026265&sr=8-1&keywords=m%2Baudio%2Bsustain&th=1

pls help

Well, I've just gotten a sustain peddle but I think it may be the wrong one.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00063678K?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

On Clubbed to Death I hold down the peddle at the same time as pressing that lower G and it holds the note for much longer while I have it pressed in. Problem is...after pressing that G I need to immediately play other notes. So the peddle is pressed down and the G sounds, but so do the other notes because I have it pressed in, but if I let go of the peddle in order to play the other notes, the G dies out immediately.

I assumed somehow that the peddle would allow me to prolong that G note, then I could let it go and play the other keys normally.

Checked the reviews on the M Audio SP 2, a few people are using them with Alesis midi controllers:

https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Sustain-Action-Keyboards-Digital/product-reviews/B00063678K/ref=cm_cr_getr_d_paging_btm_next_2?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=all_reviews&pageNumber=2&filterByKeyword=alesis

>It works great! It arrived in an attractive, well-packed, perfect-fit box that can be reused to store it in if you want. I'm using it with my Alesis Vi61 usb-midi controller keyboard. All I had to do was plug it into the Alesis's sustain port in the back of the keyboard, and it work immediately. It sustains when pressed, then it releases the sustain when you lift your foot. If the software instrument you have selected already has a sustain, you will not notice the pedal working. But if you select other instruments, such as acoustic piano, you definitely notice a functional sustain working with the pedal.

​

>I purchased this item because it has a polarity switch, which is essential for my Alesis VI49 midi controller. This pedal feels great, is heavy enough to stay put on the floor, and works like a charm! Great item for the money

Assuming it is compatible like what /u/joename said, I can recommend this one. It is super heavy/solid and myself and a buddy of mine have had one each for years.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00063678K

This is the stand I would recommend for that controller. As for pedals, really anything would work, but this one I believe is all you could ever need.

Hi ! (sorry for my bad english)...
Real piano is really better, but that not always possible... You need at least a keyboard who simulate the piano key... (you have to watch the technical description for something like "semi-weighted velocity-sensitive keys")

In this price, this one is not bad at all:
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Keystation-88-Keyboard-Controller/dp/B00IWTS58A

And this pedal :
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Sustain-Pedal-Action-Keyboards/dp/B00063678K/ref=pd_bxgy_267_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=10N3ACGJ7G3FSR9KK1VC

And you can find better on the second hand market... Best to go around what is available on the second hand market and then do research on the real value of the keyboard.
You have a lot of natural resources on the net to learn the piano ... that's how I started ... The downside of not having a teacher is that you have someone to tell you your gross errors (such as sitting too close or too far from the keyboard), but it is still very possible, at least if your goal is to have fun and not a career.

Some good bases here :
https://www.youtube.com/user/pianoologist/playlists
https://www.youtube.com/user/pianocareer/videos
https://www.youtube.com/user/PianistMagazine/videos

Myself I have a old Kawai CL25 and I use it like a midi controller with Reason and a piano bank sounds (piano refills)...

I think /u/mwjt42's suggestion is best. If you can't find anything there another option would be an electric keyboard pedal.

I guess the real question is, what is your input method? Is it connecting to a computer? Were you hoping for USB? Maybe something like this, used for gaming it might be durable enough. Maybe look for something better, from a reputable brand in the gaming industry.

I produce music and play piano so I also like the idea of a synth more. If you're computer is already setup with speakers (or could be), I'd highly consider going the "software way." I had about the same budget and did this. It's been almost one year and I have no big complaints. The only annoying thing is that I have to bring out my keyboard every time but I'd much rather do that than give up the thousands of synths I can play to. Also, this way you can read sheet music on your computer which I find quite convenient. Here is my setup:

http://i.imgur.com/GxHcP.jpg


http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Keystation-88ES-Midi-Controller/dp/B0006676A0/ref=sr_1_6?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1343529276&sr=1-6&keywords=m-audio


http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-US65010-Sustain-Pedal-Keyboards/dp/B00063678K/ref=pd_bxgy_MI_img_b

http://www.amazon.co.uk/M-Audio-Universal-Sustain-Action-Keyboards/dp/B00063678K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1449946630&sr=8-2&keywords=Keyboard+Sustain+Pedal

This is a momentary pedal switch that has a toggle on it so you can set it from normally on to normally off and vice versa. Its also fitted with a 1/4" mono plug so you should be able to just by it and plug it into your metronome and sit it next to whatever foot you want to use to start it.

I used to use one for my bass drum pedal when playing Rock Band because the one that comes with it is rubbish.

you could save a few bucks by buying this package, and the pedal seperately. Here

He will only need the one pedal, the other two are not used often and usually for acoustic pianos anyways.

In any case, a regular double braces X frame stand will be enough for you.

You won't really need the use of the other two pedals besides the sustain.

If you aren't rough with your keyboard, this will be good enough for you!

https://www.amazon.com/World-Tour-Double-Keyboard-Stand/dp/B000BKTC08

https://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-SP-2-Universal-Electronic-Keyboards/dp/B00063678K

This has 88 keys, and they're weighted, though not hammer-action:
Alesis Recital

Edit: & be sure to get a sustain pedal, such as the cheap and nice M-Audio SP-2

I have a Yamaha P-45 and like it a lot. Besides price, weighted keys/general feel were my primary importance when looking and going from playing on purely acoustic pianos for 10+ years to digital out of necessity I think they feel pretty good and true to the real thing.

You can get the P-45 for $400 right now on most websites (down from the usual $450) and fits your criteria. I bought mine on B&H Photo-Video-Audio to save the ~$30 tax that would have been charged buying it in person and on most other websites. As for sustain pedal and stand, those have done me well. Full setup for ~$484 with Amazon's tax. Not bad if you ask me.

My advice: If you're not absolutely sure what you want, go to a music store and try out as many keyboards as you can until you find something you like. The Guitar Center near me had a P-45, its big brother the P-115, and a few others on display you could mess around with.

Also, if you do end up going with a digital keyboard and get it shipped to your house, make sure everything works before throwing the packaging away (there's lots of it). The first one I got had a dead key but after contacting B&H they did a good job with returning it and sending me a replacement.

M-Audio SP-2 | Universal Sustain Pedal with Piano Style Action for Electronic Keyboards https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00063678K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_XNQuDb14Z9YQZ

It depends what you are using but that link should work. Please check before purchasing Amazon

Any sustain pedal should hook up to it just fine. I'd recommend this $20 one from M-Audio. It's what I use now, and I think it's pretty good. Getting any of the piano style action ones helps, but I wouldn't say it hindered my progress when I had one of these pedals and it worked just fine. I think an expression pedal would would work fine, though, since it's basically an on-and-off switch controlled by your feet for the digital effects of the piano.