Buying my first MIDI controller

[Shuriken]

I've saved some money and I decided to buy a MIDI controller.At the moment,I have enough money to buy an Akai MPD18 or something around 120 bucks.My friend recommended me to buy a MIDI keyboard over an MIDI controller,but I'm not sure I need a keyboard,since my style is boom bap and I'm not a fan of composed beats,plus,I don't have music theory knowledge.Should I go for a keyboard?Should I go for the Akai MPD18 or should I continue saving money and buy Akai MPD24 or MPD26?Are MPD24 or MPD26 pads more responsive than those on the MPD18?I don't feel like I need those knobs,faders and few not really important extras that MPD24 and MPD26 has,which will cost me twice as the MPD18.I need to make the right decision,because after I buy this,I'll save money for other equipment and I couldn't afford another MIDI controller or keyboard in near future.Also,should I have another priorities over a MIDI controller?My monitors are only 30 bucks and I have stock sound card that came with my PC bought back in 2003.

[moodiggles]

For sampling, I would say go for the midi drumpad first. I got the mpd 24 first, then got a midi keyboard, and as of now, I hardly ever use the keyboard, although its nice for basslines and any synth I put in (which isn't very often).

If you want to get a midi drumpad, I would go for at least the mpd24. You may think you dont need the knobs now, but as you progress, you are going to want the faders and knobs. I've never used the mpd18, but I would assume the mpd24 would be the way to go. I was pretty much in the same boat as you about a year ago, and I ended up going with the mpd 24, and I couldn't be happier.

Its ultimatly your choice, but there's a good chance you might be kickin yourself later if you settle for the mpd18.

[bkimbriel]

You can get an MPD for around that price range on ebay / craigslist. I had an MPD24 for about 3 weeks then bought my Korg Padkontrol...personally i liked my padkontrol more.

Korg PadKontrol (Lightly Used)

As you can see I'm now selling my padkontrol for an MPD32. The only reason I'm switching is because I got it in a package and with note repeat, etc it has everything the padkontrol has plus a bit more (knobs, faders, etc).

[saturatedskillz]

look for a Korg Padkontrol, you can find one on ebay for about $100.

I have had one little and I love it!

---------- Post added at 05:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:29 PM ----------

You can get an MPD for around that price range on ebay / craigslist. I had an MPD24 for about 3 weeks then bought my Korg Padkontrol...personally i liked my padkontrol more.

Korg PadKontrol (Lightly Used)

As you can see I'm now selling my padkontrol for an MPD32. The only reason I'm switching is because I got it in a package and with note repeat, etc it has everything the padkontrol has plus a bit more (knobs, faders, etc).

oh man, I didn't even see you were selling your. That a great deal

[bkimbriel]

oh man, I didn't even see you were selling your. That a great deal

haha thanks...yea the thing is great! But I don't need 2 drum pads and I'm liking the MPD32 a bit more. If I don't get an offer on here I may sell it to a friend of mine who is getting into production with me.

[Shuriken]

Thanks for the advices.I like Akai products more,but will also check what Korg PadKontrol offers.I don't know the price of Korg PadKontrol in my country,so I'll ask,but I think it's over my budget and I really can't go over my budget.I'll think more about this,whether to spare money or buy the Akai MPD18.