Why I buy this one ?
- 88-note velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted action
- Pitch bend and modulation wheels
- Volume/assignable control slider
- Advanced function button for programming
- Sustain and Expression pedal inputs (pedals sold separately)

Computer Brain offers this stuff with condition New, new for:

Price : $183.37 Usually ships in 1-2 business days

ANTOnline offers this stuff with condition New, new for:

Price : $183.37 Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Full Compass Systems offers this stuff with condition New, new for:

Price : Too low to display Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Streamline Audio Video offers this stuff with condition New, new for:

Price : Too low to display Usually ships in 24 hours

Amazon.com offers this stuff with condition New, new for:

Price : Too low to display Usually ships in 24 hours

BlueZodiac offers this stuff with condition New, new for:

Price : $195.00 Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Universal Shoppers offers this stuff with condition New, new for:

Price : $197.09 Usually ships in 1-2 business days

fastfriendlyservice from NC, United States offers this stuff for:

Price : $199.00 Usually ships in 1-2 business days

SameDayMusic offers this stuff with condition New, new for:

Price : $199.00 Usually ships in 1-2 business days

American Musical Supply offers this stuff with condition New, new for:

Price : $199.00 Usually ships in 1-2 business days

What our customer's say!

"Keyboard", I bought this piano keyboard and I'm satisfied with it. It's easy to play and thanks to the softwares, we have many possibilities to create. So good choice :)

":(", it probably would have been great but I didn't have a compadibal system for it. :(

"Great with Garage Band", Great to have a velocity sensitive keyboard controller with full 88 keys at this price! I purchased based on the other reviews here which helped me understand what to expect.

The keyboard is completely plug and play with OS X and works well with Garage Band.

The velocity sensitivity is not the greatest. Even adjusting the sensitivity in Garage Band preferences, I cannot be anywhere near as expressive in my dynamic range as I can be on a real piano. But, I discovered that some aspect of this is in the digital instrument that the keyboard is controlling, and not the keyboard itself.

I purchased the GarageBand Symphony Orchestra Jam Pack after using the keyboard for a couple of days. Apple Garageband Jam Pack: Symphony Orchestra The Steinway grand in this Jam Pack not only sounds better, but has better sensitivity response than the standard piano. I still lack as much dynamic range as I would have on a piano - some notes not playing and others not being loud enough if I use the same relative force. But, I'm happy with the value for the price, and with all of the other fun stuff one can do in Garage Band.

I purchased the M-Audio sustain pedal at the same time as the keyboard M-Audio SP-2 US65010 Sustain Pedal Piano Style Sustain Pedal for Keyboards and recommend that for anyone for whom simulating a piano is a prime consideration. Here, too, the standard Garage Band piano vs the Jam Pack Steinway perform differently, the sustain sounding more like a real instrument with the Jam Pack Steinway. (But, it does only sustain the depressed keys with Garage Band - it does not result in induced harmonics from the other released strings, lest I get anyone too excited. Again - this keyboard is merely a controller. With other software, other results are possible.)

Re: the posts about lead. See the other posts - there is no more lead in this than any other electronic component.

Re: USB socket on left and short cord. This keyboard can be plugged into a USB hub without problem - I'm using one of the plugs on my Apple keyboard - but you can also use a USB extension cable (or replace the included cable with a longer one) without problem, as this is a low data rate device. So, not a big deal.

"Disappointed", I didn't expect to come to a software so confusing, so I haven't been able to upload sounds on to the machine. Now, that I have already opened the software, I may have to sell this and drop the price, because it says that it can be installed onto only one machine. It does look nice and feel nice and it was a good price when I purchased it, so I just hope that someone will buy it and can make it work.

"DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT", This came with a warning sticker stating that this product contains chemicals, including lead, which can lead to cancer and other diseases/defects. I personally find this sickening that Amazon would sell a product that requires such a warning. I am returning it immediately. The only reason I gave it even one star was because Amazon would not let me post this review without at least one. Please be careful!

Read this reviews before You buy...

"M-Audio's explanation for the ", First, I want to apologize for the length of this post, but the content demands it.

After my review, I have two emails that come straight from M-Audio that address the "lead paint and dangerous chemicals" issue. This information goes out to Donald Sosin "farmhouse41, and anyone else that is concerned about this issue. I bought the 49e version because it's size is perfect for my space as a secondary keyboard, but this information applies to all models.

I have a Korg Triton Pro in my home studio, and bought the 49e version of this excellent keyboard to use in my living room. It operates flawlessly with my Mac G5 and Garageband, which was truly a plug and play experience. I opened Garageband, turned on the Keystation and the midi device was immediately recognized, and I began to play. It was just that easy. In short.. I love it!

Now for the "Product contains lead and chemicals causing cancer and birth defects" issue. I will post two responses that I received from M-Audio yesterday after I sent them a single email that clearly and strongly questioned every aspect of this "Warning". In my email I wanted to know where the lead was used and if it could harm my family and me. My primary concern was that they had used lead in the silver paint or anywhere on the exterior of the keyboard. Here are the two responses from my single email:

"Al,

This warning label is now required on all electronics devices that contain lead. The keyboard contains lead soldering on the circuit board, which is something you will never come in contact with under normal use. If you ever take the unit apart, which we don't recommend, you'll just want to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards. This will remove any trace of lead that may have rubbed of on you. We understand the concern that such a label would cause, but we can assure you that you are not in any danger while using this product as intended.

Best Regards,

Name withheld for privacy. Here is the second response from another M-Audio employee:

Hi Al,

Just to chime in here...

The warning posted in our 49e Keystudio manual is also found in the manuals for all of our other electronic products. We are located in California, where we are required by state law to use this warning on any product containing even minute, trace amounts of lead (et al). The warning is State of California boilerplate.

Since the RoHS act (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive) was passed in the European Union, our products are safer than ever. We have updated the components and materials in all of our current products to comply with the standards set forth therein. [...]

Also, don't hesitate to contact us with any further questions you may have regarding this matter.

All the best,

Name withheld for privacy.

I suggested that they amend the Warning in the Quick Start Guide to include this additional information. I don't know if they can or will do this, so I'm not holding my breath. I hope this information that comes "straight from the horses mouth" proves helpful in alleviating the concerns that a lot of us experienced and does not keep anyone from buying this excellent line of keyboards.



"Fantastic for the money", This keyboard is definitely missing the bells and whistles of more expensive instruments, however, if all you need is an easy-to-use MIDI controller, you can't beat the 88ES. The key action is par for the course; I've played better, I've played worse. The longer you play an electronic instrument, the more your fingers and phrasing adapt to it anyway. All in all, this is the least expensive way to obtain an 88-key controller that is very simple to use.

"Customer advisory: Product contains lead and chemicals causing cancer and birth defects", I just purchased a Keystation 88ES MIDI Controller and was shocked to see a warning in the manual that the product contains lead or other chemicals known to cause cancer and birth defects. I have never seen this in any electronic music gear I have purchased over the last 30 years. What is the story here? I am a teacher of songwriting and film music and had planned to use this equipment in classroom situations all over the country. I can't be exposing myself or my students to harmful chemicals. Health-wise, legal-wise, this is a no-brainer. How can they put something like this on the market? I'm speaking as someone who has bought a number of M-AUdio products in the past and hopes to in the future.

I'm returning this keyboard to the store I bought it from (web order), but wonder if there is a similar product that is free of these chemicals, (this is a silver-colored model, is that the problem?) but equally lightweight, which is the reason I bought it. I do a lot of gigs and find hauling 90 pounds of synthesizer around a big strain on my back and hips, and was really happy to find a 22-pound keyboard I could run through my laptop.

But not at the cost of health. Anyone who owns one of these, I'd be interested in knowing your thoughts...

"Good product for starting piano player.", Feels like a real piano during usage. Easy to setup for Mac OS systems.

Additional features of piano are tricky as it is easy to push a wrong button and change the settings. Once you are accustomed to the interface, it becomes easier over time.

"Wow !", A full and affordable lightweight 88 key MIDI controller... what more could one ask for...
How about semi-weighted key ??? Done deal !
Here's the catch - - mutch to my delight, the action is almost exactly like that of a Hammond Organ - - my main organ and coincidentally I use it with the Native B4.... The feel is so B-3 like I actually prefer the action to any of the other Hammond Clones I owned.
Of course, most people aren't going to be buying it for that purpose, but I can tell you... the feel is really nice...
If you grew up in the era the affordable MIDI keybaords = junk era, this little baby will change your mind.
Good enough for a pro... affordable enough for the serious student who needs all 88 keys.
My only issue (and its a minor one) is that the USB connection is on the far left hand of the keyboard... logical if you're going to be setting it up in front of the computer... but I don't think I Macintosh G5 and 88 key controller are going to fit on most desks... as a result I got a keyboard stand to set it up to my left, however, since the connection is where it is the cable doesn't reach. Nevertheless, not the end of the world... All in all this is one fine blessing from the Gods of Computer Music !