Not everyone wants a full-sized, weighted beast of a master keyboard, and not everyone can afford one. Rob Green checks out a cost-effective alternative in the shape of the Goldstar GMK49...

It certainly seems basic enough. With 49 keys and four octaves, it's hardly large, but it's perfect for those not over-endowed with space. For all but the concert pianist, an easily-portable mother keyboard with no-nonsense controls could be just the ticket.

The small, lightweight GMK49 has pitchbend and modulation wheels, and is powered by 9V AC adaptor or battery. There's a MIDI out and a sustain pedal socket, and it weighs in at only 3.4 kg.

Operating the keyboard is as simple as it looks. Although it has no LCD screen, the layout is remarkably clear, and most functions can be reached by a couple of button pushes.

As you look across the top of the GMK49, you'll see all the system parameters, clearly labelled next to their appropriate keys, as opposed to the needlessly cryptic abbreviations found on some models. When changing velocity settings for example, velocity type (from a choice of nine) and sensitivity can be altered.

To achieve this, you simply tap the large note/function button, press type or sense (in this case on the keyboard), set the desired velocity value on the keyboard, press enter, and then the note/function button again. This is much more painless than some other systems, and it means you don't constantly have to refer to the manual.

The keyboard itself is a pretty basic design. A little plasticky in operation, the keys aren't weighted, so if you use a sophisticated playing action for more skilled solos or playing styles, this unit will fall short of the mark. But for its low price, the Goldstar will probably win popularity as a budget sequencing tool.

I'm not too keen on the pitch bend control. It feels a little awkward, and I tend to prefer the joystick-style variety. This is a subjective view, a bit like a column-change gearstick versus a floor-mount one. One benefit is that it is less easy to break and warp. Whether this was the reasoning behind this design or not, I don't know.

One other feature that I'm less than keen on is the data entry slider. It's a minor niggle, but it does cut the signal out too early when pulled down, and changes the level somewhat disproportionately. This is especially noticeable when the slider is assigned to volume.

Verdict

On the whole, however, this keyboard is pretty good value for money. At £169, I would have few reservations about making this purchase if I needed such a machine. If you're looking for lop quality and great action however, you'll need to fork out more cash. You only gel what you pay for, but for the beginner on a budget, the GMK49 offers a lot of mother for your money!