Joel

Thanks for breaking it down. This was very helpful and gives me a place to start. I'll check back iafter I've done some exploring.

I guess I'm just dense. I don't know what a software synth is. Is that a type of computer program? Since I don't need Garage Band, what are some good software packages to look at? Forgive me for sounding stupid, but my computers don't have midi inputs, so how can I just plug a keyboard into my computer? Don't I need some type of hardware interface? Or do they plug into a USB port? Maybe I just need someone to tell me where to go to learn the basic concepts and terminology. Joel

Probably mostly as a source of sounds, although this technology is new to me so I’m not really sure that this means. I was thinking that a computer/synth might work better for me because 1) I’m hoping that the software would be easier to use than the Kurzweil – I don’t have much free time and what time I have I like to spend making music, not reading manuals!!! I just don’t have the time or patience to figure out much of the Kurzweil’s capabilities, 2) Some of the Kurzweil’s sounds are great and some aren’t so great. I’m thinking that a computer/synth would allow me to buy the sounds I want. 3) I’m thinking that a computer/synth would allow me to upgrade as I upgrade my computer, so I’m not stuck with the hardwired technology that comes with the Kurzweil. 4) The Kurzweil is too heavy to cart back and forth between the church, where I play with a band, and my house, where I practice and entertain myself. Obviously, using the Kurzweil as a midi keyboard for a computer/synth wouldn’t solve the last problem, and selling it is not an option since it belongs to the church. I guess my main question is, how can I start exploring whether this is a good route for me without shelling out a lot of money? Can I get decent sounds out of Garageband? What hardware do I need to do this? Since the computer is doing the sound, can I buy any old cheap keyboard to get started? Thanks Joel

I want to explore using a computer for keyboard synth in live performance. I've been playing piano for over 30 years, and using a PC for over 24 years, but never put the two together. I've only been playing a synth for a couple years. I currently use a Kurzweil 2600XS and, to tell the truth, I don't find it very user-friendly. At this point, I'm not interested in recording. I have a PC laptop and my wife has a new MacBook, that got me interested in the whole concept. I took a quick look at Garage band, but got frustrated quickly without a piano keyboard setup. It looks like Garage Band is designed for recording. I'd like any advice on how to get started. In particular, I'd like to know: 1) Can Garageband be used for live performance with a keyboard and some type of hardware? 2) Is Garage Band the best application for live music performance, or would you recommend other hardware/software combination? 3) Is there someother hardware/software that would be better? Obviously, I want good sounds and I don't want to waste money on hardware/software that I won't be happy with, but at the same time, I'd like to start exploring without a huge initial outlay. 4) A rep at the local Apple Store told me I should get a USB keyboard. Is that the same as a USB Midi keyboard? What type of keyboard should I get? Can you recommend any brands? 5) Can I get good quality sound running the output from the computer's earphone jack to my keyboard amp, or do I need some other hardware? 6) Any other advice you can give would be much appreciated. Thanks, Joel