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From: johnston@minnie.me.udel.edu
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.misc
Subject: Re: Music/Midi
Message-ID: <51504@nigel.ee.udel.edu>
Date: 22 Apr 91 12:42:00 GMT
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In article <1991Apr22.060205.8244@hawk.cs.ukans.edu>, chai@hawk.cs.ukans.edu (Ian Chai) writes...
>I am an amature musician (actually, a computer science graduate
>student masquerading as one 8) with a Mac IIx. I would like to
>get a cheap MIDI keyboard and music software. My primary preceived
>need is for something that I can use to record and edit my music

In article <1991Apr22.060205.8244@hawk.cs.ukans.edu>, you write...
>I am an amature musician (actually, a computer science graduate
>student masquerading as one 8) with a Mac IIx. I would like to
>get a cheap MIDI keyboard and music software. My primary preceived
>need is for something that I can use to record and edit my music
>into scores. I have basic note-reading ability, but can't just look
>at a piece of music and tell what it says without plonking it out
>on a keyboard.

Several Casio keyboards fit the bill.  As an amateur musician
(and "pro" computer user), you will probably want a synth
with a robust MIDI implementation -- super sounds can wait until 
you develop the keyboard chops.

I picked up a Casio CZ-1 a couple of years ago after reading
that some university chose it for a music work station lab.
I have been satisfied with its performance as a "controller";
later on I added a Yamaha TX-81Z FM synth module to add more
and (IMHO) better sounds.  Unlike many low-end synths, it sends
velocity.

Disclaimer:  I am looking to sell this synth (just can't play piano), 
swap it for a cheesy Casio guitar controller (like MG-20), or swap it 
for a real guitar controller and $$$.   Please e-mail if interested.
I would be happy to help set up a Mac/MIDI keyboard beginner --
can't help with the musical side, but I did get past the hardware &
software learning curve.  I'll pass along what I know  ...

Bill (johnston@minnie.me.udel.edu)