From: tapas@esri.com (Tapas Das)
Subject: Re: Looking for System Recommendations
Organization: Environmental Systems Research Institute
Date: Mon, 11 Jan 1993 01:32:48 GMT


In article  <1io3cgINNke6@harpo.uccs.edu> Kevin Sahr writes:
>
A friend of mine is a pianist interested in experimenting
with electronic music. He has about $3,000 to spend for a
complete system (computer, software, keyboard, interface
boards, etc.). Does anyone have any recommendations on what
he should/should not purchase?
>

Kevin,

Here is my recommendation:

1. You need a good, fast and reliable computer.

Buy the GATEWAY 2000 model 4SX-25             Price:  $1495
                                              Phone: 1 800 523 2000
This comes with
25MHz Intel 486SX Processor, Pheonix Bios
4 MB RAM
Both 5-1/4", and 3-1/2" high density floppy drives
170 MB 13ms IDE hard drive
14" color non-interlaced monitor
MS DOS 5.0, Windows 3.1, Microsoft Mouse, MS works for windows and more.

This model gives you a relatively high price/performance ratio.
It is far cheaper than going with Compaq, IBM, or Dell.
You may find cheaper solutions if you care to dig in copies of PC Magazine,
or Computer Shopper, but be wary of super bargains.  Many of these
bargain companies do not last for long. 
My friends have had good luck with Gateway.  Good performance, great price.


2. You will need a powerful, yet easy to use sequencer.

Buy Cakewalk version 4.0 for DOS (not the professional version)  $99

Call Soundware 1 800 333 4554

This is the perfect IBM PC sequencer for beginners.  Has 256 tracks
and comes with a very simple user interface.  

3. You need a GM (general midi) sound module that will capture
all the generic instruments and drum sounds.  You would also 
need an interface card so that your sequencer can talk via midi to
your keyboard controller.

Buy the Roland SCC-1 GM sound card, bundled with Band-in-a-box
software.
It also includes the MPU 401 midi interface and necessary cables.

The price for this bundle is $499.
Call PG Music at 1-800-268-6272

It is a good idea to have at least one GM sound module in your setup.
A lot of canned MIDI files can be purchased with GM sound arrangements.
   
Band-in-a-box is an excellent tool for adding accompanyment tracks.
All you need to do is specify the chords for your music.  Dont know
the Chords?  No problem.  Just buy a 'fake book'.  They show you
the melody line with the chord changes.

4. Finally you need an input device to trigger the sound module.
Since your friend is a pianist, he obvious choice will be a 
keyboard controller.

Buy the Roland A 30 Keyboard Controller          Price: around $700
Call Sweetwater sound 1 219 432 8176 for a quote.

The A30 has 76 weighted action keys and work specially well with
their GM modules.

The keys on the A30 have a lighter touch than a standard piano.
But this is good thing.  It may take a while to get used to this,
but it will be less tiring on your fingers when you play for long
periods of time.  Moreover the lighter touch and faster response
allows you to better simulate other instruments like mandolines,
guitars or strings.

The 76 keys come in handy too. The 5 octaves on normal synths may be
too restrictive for a piano player.

So how are we doing so far?

1. Gateway 4SX-25                            $1495
2. Cakewalk 4.0 for DOS                        $99
3. Roland SCC-1, Band-in-a-box, MPU401        $499
4. Roland A30 Keyboard controller             $700
---------------------------------------------------
                                   Total      $2793

This is a solid setup in the sequencing/arranging category.

However, it lacks in sound quality.  Your pianist friend will
not be satisfied with the piano sounds of the SCC-1.

I would suggest to buy the EMU-proformance piano module for around $350.
The closest thing you will find to a real piano for this price.

Next, you may want to look at additional sound modules as future
upgrades:

These are all rackmounts:

1. Korg Wavestation SR
2. Roland JV880 
3. Korg O3R
4. EMU Proteus 1,2
5. Yamaha TG77 
6. Alesis D4 - drum module

You may also need a good multieffects processor

1. Ensoniq DP/4

You may also want to add a powerful synthesizer/sampler 

1. Kurzweil K2000R

You may also need a midi controlled mixer

1. Fostex DM100

You may also need a programmable midi patchbay/processor

1. Digital Music MX-8

Ask you friend to subscribe to Keyboard Magazine 1 800 289 9919
if he is not a regular reader already.

Buy mail order to save sales tax and shop around.

(BTW, I too am a pianist turned midi hobbyist.)  

Good Luck.

Tapas Das.
tdas@esri.com