By: ddt972 (22-Dec-07)      Experience with product: 20 Days

Strengths:	full size 88 keys
Weaknesses:	does not support winXP Media Center Edition

Full User Summary
It turns out that Windows XP Media Center Edition has problems with many Midi related software programs. I supppose that most people experienced using this type of device would know this. However as a Midi novice, finding out that MCE is a surprise. But, this is a great value. I'm having a blast learning how to use the Reason software program with this keyboard. This is all you need to get started. Well, this and the right operating system.

By: dukenukem (20-Jul-07)      Experience with product: 2

Strengths:	Great full scale keyboard for beginner.Just Plug-n-Play with a Mac.Amazing when paired with Garageband.Good Semi-weighted keys that aren't on the 49e.More keys than the 61es.
Weaknesses:	From a beginner's viewpoint: none.

Full User Summary
This keyboard is perfect for the beginner, or even advanced, keyboard player as a low cost piano when paired with Garageband and a decent stereo sound system. Just plug and play with Garageband on the Mac. Just Plug and spend an hour figuring out the non-intuitive software on the PC. The keyboard played through the grand piano instrument in Garageband sounds almost like a grand piano. Add in all the other instruments and it's a tremendous value for under $300! I can't say as much for the PC Ableton Live Lite Software that comes with it. There's not even an normal sounding instrument in the bunch. You'd think since it IS a keyboard it would at least include a piano. Just awful. Thank Jobs for Garageband and M-Audio for a great USB/Midi/Piano.

By: bean5 (20-Jun-07)      Experience with product: 2 Weeks

Strengths:	simple design, simple to use, simply awesome.
Weaknesses:	keys are only semi weighted, and this thing is HUGE, but that's the nature of the beast

Full User Summary
I've always wanted to learn how to play the piano, but I'm dirt poor so I never got a piano of my own. I got a mac recently and with garageband, I thought this would be the perfect chance to learn, so I picked this keyboard up and I love it. I wasn't prepared for the size, but I can't really complain about that. Not that many wires to fuss about, just plug the usb in and you're ready to go. Keys are semi weighted, so they feel ok, but not great. I have my mac connected to my sound system so when I play the piano, it sounds like I really have a grand piano, it's great. Not too many knobs or buttons, which is perfect for me since the computer takes care of all that mess. The keys are marked with what note they play, which is nice for me, kinda, since I can just cheat and look down at the board (I kinda hate this because I want to learn how to read music, but I have no control over myself and I will always look down). I love this thing.

By: Koui (08-Jan-07)      Experience with product: 7 Days

Strengths:	Light weight, Decent action for non-weighted keys, Price
Weaknesses:	Bundled software isn't very user friendly.

Full User Summary
I've been wanting an 88 key MIDI controller ever since I had my first MIDI studio in the mid 80s. My primary instrument isn't piano so I don't mind the lighter action of the non-weighted keys. The fact that the Keystation uses just a USB cable for power and to send data is a BIG plus. I can stand this in the corner of my studio and place it on my desk (it's only 22 pounds) when I use it so it's a great space saver. When I play this through my studio monitors using Native Instruments' Akoustik Piano software I can close my eyes and hear the closest thing to a real piano yet. The Ableton Lite bundled software might be useful for a beginner but it's more of a product demo than anything else. The mod and pitch wheels work great, there's octave up and down buttons, and an advanced key which selects MIDI controller functions like channel, patch, etc. It's has such a short depth to it that it might be difficult finding a stand that will support it properly for live use. I doubt it would hold up under constant gigging though. YMMV. Well worth the money !!!

By: min0603 (09-Aug-06)      Experience with product: 10 Days

Strengths:	Construction is quite good. Comes with everything that you need for computer hook up. Good semi-weighted touch, but not the best. Nice velocity input. No driver required.
Weaknesses:	Power switch on the back. It's hard to find the power switch.

Full User Summary
I purchased Keystation 88es for MIDI composition. It is truly plug and play device. You don't need any driver to install for this keyboard to work in Windows XP. It worked well with SONAR, Cubase, Nuendo and Fruity Loop. When I used The Grand VSTi, the keyboard delivered nice velocity input. It measures 54" in length. It's not the best master keyboard in the market, but does a good job for beginner.