[MusicTlk] Looking for a Blind friendly digital piano and app

Mon Sep 25 10:56:23 UTC 2023

Glad you're happy with your keyboard. I installed the free complete start software, and it doesn't seem to be very accessible. But from what I understand, complete select will come with the keyboard, and it is supposed to be accessible.

> On Sep 25, 2023, at 5:33 AM, John Dowling via MusicTlk <musictlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I'm not too familiar with the s88, but I do have an S-61, and  I love it so much! It's definitely worth it for a blind person. It's probably the only accessible keyboard that's not over $4000.
> John Dowling
> RAMPD Pro member
> https://rampd.org/profile/john-dowling-jr
> 
> 
>> On Sep 24, 2023, at 14:44, Lone Arranger via MusicTlk <musictlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Thanks for pointing me to Native Instruments, Komplete Kontrol, and the S88 MK2, but since the online reviews focus on the sighted musician, I have several questions, before I buy it and try it out. I'd also appreciate any comments and suggestions based on your experience.
>> 
>> Many people have complained that after some use, the keys start to click and rub., and even after sending the keyboard back several times, it is still a problem. What's your experience with the clicking problem?
>> Are the hammer action weighted keys "graduated"?
>> does the keyboard emulate escapement?
>> Is the physical size of the keys the same as a grand piano?
>> Are the white keys textured, or will fingers slip when sweaty?
>> How many notes of polyphony does the MK2 have? (The digital pianos I've looked at have 256 note polyphony.)
>> When playing live, is layering the keyboard possible?
>> When playing live, is splitting the keyboard possible?
>> What is the software that is called "Kontact"?
>> how do you connect the keyboard to the computer? USB cable? BlueTooth?
>> All reviews I've come across focus on the screen , the touch bar, the lights, and, on the MK3, polyphonic afterTouch. Where can I find a clear and concise review from a blind musician's point of view on using the keyboard with a computer?
>> Since the S88 keyboard does not have on-board speakers, are external speakers connected directly to the S88? If so, what kind of jacks? If not, is the S88 heard through the computer's speakers?
>> Are there left and right, quarter inch jacks on the keyboard, so it can be connected to a sound system?
>> Are there headphone jacks? If so, what size jacks?
>> Does the S88 have a microphone jack?
>> If I'm going to try the Native Instruments S88 MK2 (or MK3), should I install and configure Komplete Kontrol on my Windows 10 computer before getting the S88, so I can get familiar with the software? And what about Reaper? I don't know what "Kontact" is, but do I need to install it before getting the S88 so I can get familiar with it?
>> Does the S88 MK2 come with a true sustain pedal?
>> The reviews say that MK2 has "Machine" but the MK3 does not. What is "Machine"?
>> The feel and response of the keyboard is very important to me, and AfterTouch is only a "golly, that's neat" feature, so I'm considering the MK2, not the MK3, unless the MK3 has something special for someone approaching things from a blind piano player's point of view that has not been focused on in any of the reviews.
>> 
>> I realize I've asked a lot of questions. Whatever help you can give is really appreciated.
>> 
>> Thanks again for all the help,
>> Dan
>> 
>> 
>>>> On Jul 22, 2023, at 12:23 PM, Steve Martin via MusicTlk <musictlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Most keyboard players I know have switched to using Komplete Kontrol MIDI keyboards with a computer and the KK software running in a DAW of their choice (Logic, Reaper, Pro Tools etc.). They are are all even gigging with the KK keyboard, laptop and a small  audio interface. I don’t know that  you will beat that set up for accessibility.
>>> A friend of mine also has a Yamaha Reface, no app as it’s all knobs buttons and sliders and that’s what they use if they just want to play without having to first turn the computer on.
>>> If you find something else I am curious to know what it is as well, but everyone I’ve talked to in the last 5 years plus has pretty much converted over to Komplete Kontrol for accessibility.
>>> Steve
>>> 
>>> 
>>>>> On Jul 21, 2023, at 7:30 PM, Lone Arranger via MusicTlk <musictlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> Hi,
>>>> 
>>>> Can anyone recommend a digital piano comparable to the Roland fp-60x that is accessible and uses an IOS-based app that works with VoiceOver?
>>>> 
>>>> I am asking because Roland's IOS-based apps, including their new "Piano App", are incompatible with VoiceOver.
>>>> 
>>>> In early 2022, with the help of a Roland dealer here in the United States, Roland was made aware of the problem, yet even with the replacement of their "Everyday app" with their "Piano App", Roland has ignored the VoiceOver-compatibility problem.
>>>> 
>>>> All suggestions are very welcome.
>>>> 
>>>> Thanks,
>>>> Dan
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
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