Kurzweil Midiboard

$599.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (4)

2 Reviews

Find out who is using Kurzweil Midiboard

1 community setup

2 wishlisted

6 saved

Page last updated Jun 10, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 10, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (3)

$599.00 4 available Used

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Average Price: $599

High-end/Boutique

$200

$501+

Price Tier

In the MIDI Keyboard Controllers category, Kurzweil Midiboard is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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The Kurzweil Midiboard is a MIDI keyboard controller that has stood the test of time, renowned for its robust build and expressive capabilities. Featuring 88 fully-weighted keys, it provides a realistic piano feel that appeals to both traditional pianists and modern producers. This keyboard is designed to offer an exceptional range of dynamic expression, making it a favorite for live performances and studio sessions alike.

One of the standout features of the Kurzweil Midiboard is its deep programmability, allowing musicians to intricately tailor the controller to match their creative vision. With multiple zones, splits, and layers, this controller empowers musicians to craft complex arrangements. Its onboard pitch and modulation wheels, alongside aftertouch capability, further enhance its expressiveness, enabling users to deliver nuanced performances.

Whether you're triggering virtual instruments or controlling hardware synthesizers, the Midiboard's reliable connectivity ensures seamless integration into any setup. With its proven track record, the Kurzweil Midiboard remains a trusted choice for those seeking a versatile and expressive MIDI controller.

Key Features:

88 fully-weighted keys for authentic piano feel
Multiple zones, splits, and layers for complex arrangements
Onboard pitch and modulation wheels
Aftertouch capability for enhanced expressiveness
Seamless integration with virtual instruments and hardware synthesizers
Robust build quality for reliable performance

Product specs

Brand	Kurzweil
Model	MIDIBoard 88-Key MIDI Controller
Finish	Black
Year	1980s
Categories	Keyboard MIDI Controllers
Analog / Digital	Digital
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Weighted
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys	88 Keys

FAQs

What type of key action does the Kurzweil Midiboard have?: The Kurzweil Midiboard features fully weighted keys, providing a realistic piano-like feel that is ideal for professional pianists and serious keyboard players.
How many keys are on the Kurzweil Midiboard?: The Kurzweil Midiboard is equipped with 88 full-sized keys, offering the complete range of a standard piano.
What MIDI connectivity options are available on the Kurzweil Midiboard?: The Kurzweil Midiboard includes MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through connections, allowing for versatile integration with various MIDI devices and setups.
Is the Kurzweil Midiboard suitable for use with digital audio workstations (DAWs)?: Yes, the Kurzweil Midiboard can be used with DAWs, thanks to its comprehensive MIDI capabilities, making it a versatile choice for studio environments.
What distinguishes the Kurzweil Midiboard from other MIDI controllers?: The Kurzweil Midiboard is distinguished by its fully weighted 88-key setup and robust MIDI connectivity, making it a top choice for musicians seeking a realistic piano experience in a MIDI controller.

Videos

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oneforthevine1

Emerson, Lake and Powell - Touch and Go

oneforthevine1

Midiboard & Deckard's Dream

JSI

Midiboard + Deckards Dream poly-AT improv

Paul Schilling

Reviews

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PROS

Real hammer action with real wooden keys and rubber hammers for authentic feel
Polyphonic aftertouch offers unparalleled expressive control over synths
Advanced MIDI routing, layering, and transposition capabilities
Version 3 units feature a sophisticated arpeggiator and 8-zone split/layer function
Adjustable touch and velocity sensitivity for customized playability
Capable of complex MIDI sysex hexadecimal programming
Durable build quality, with some units still functioning from 1988
Retrigger threshold parameter enables realistic drum rolls
Recognized as a premium, unrivaled MIDI controller for pianists

CONS

Heavy and not very portable
Some critiques of MIDI implementation complexity
Older technology may require additional support or firmware updates

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Kurzweil Midiboard.

Features and functionality

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The Midiboard offers a tactile physical "give" with aftertouch, providing a traditional piano feel compared to the sponge-like feel of the Osmose.
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The Midiboard includes polyphonic aftertouch, which users have successfully paired with Arturia CS-80 and custom Reaktor patches.
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Version 3.0 firmware is mentioned, with users utilizing sliders like "velocity attack" and "retrigger" for specific adjustments.
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Despite some confusion, the Midiboard is noted to have MIDI in, out, and thru, which ensures versatile connectivity options for different setups.
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User experience

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One owner has used the Midiboard since the '80s, although some sliders are broken, the keys remain functional, emphasizing its durability.
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Some repair shops are hesitant to service due to difficulty obtaining parts, impacting maintenance options for long-term owners.
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Comparisons

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Users find the Midiboard's key feel similar to the Korg SV-2, with a much more musical aftertouch.
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Use cases and applications

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Users appreciate the Midiboard for its MIDI capabilities, suggesting it over Eurorack setups due to its MIDI focus.
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Setup and maintenance

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One owner reports a stuck LED display showing "8" with a lit shift button, indicating potential technical issues.
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Velocity issues may be related to sensor board discrepancies; cleaning the keybed or consulting the service manual may help resolve varying key responses.
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Software and compatibility

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Owners use MIDI interfaces like the Roland UM-ONE-MK2 for connectivity with DAWs such as Ableton, indicating compatibility with modern digital setups.
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Users emphasize the importance of using a reputable MIDI to USB cable, such as those from Roland, to ensure reliable connectivity with modern VSTs.
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A detailed list of polyphonic aftertouch-compatible plugins is suggested as a resource for users integrating the Midiboard with modern DAWs.
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Build quality

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The Midiboard is highlighted as being heavy and large, prompting potential buyers to consider available space before purchasing.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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steviejams

almost 7 years ago

The BEST....period.

I still own one. A version 3 MidiBoard from the mid 1980s. Nothing feels as good as this thing. It truly is a real hammer action, with real wooden keys and rubber hammers. Nothing made today even comes close. You can adjust the "touch" and the velocity sensitivity on the fly. The "retrigger threshold" parameter allows you to do very realistic drum/timpani/mallet rolls. It can do very sophisticated layers and splits, with foot switches or MIDI patch changes controlling the state of the keyboard. The arpeggiator is amazing - even by today's standards. It can also send very complex hexadecimal code for specific sysex functions.

Like I said....none of the toys today even come close. If Kurzweil were to ever try to make this masterpiece again, the MSRP would be over $10,000.

Roles:

Keyboardist Composer Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Pop

io_perplesso

327

about 8 years ago

The best master keyboard ever created.

It's heavy, MIDI implementation is not that clever, but the capacitive contact technique is fabulous, like the polyphonic aftertouch. It's the definitive master for pianists.

My one is Japan made, so its mechanics is the Suzuki build, known as better than the US one. When purchased I wrote to Hal Chamberlin, that in a few hours sent me its latest firmware, upgrade instructions and compliments for keeping alive his "creature"; very very nice!

Roles:

Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Rock Blues

Artist usage

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Richard Wright

Singer, Keyboardist

Pink Floyd

Verified via Photo

This keyboard was mentioned in the booklet of the reissue CD release of "P.U.L.S.E.".

Ryuichi Sakamoto

Keyboardist, Composer

Yellow Magic Orchestra

Verified via YouTube

In the late 1980s to early 1990s, Ryuichi Sakamoto utilized the Kurzweil Midiboard, as evidenced in the YouTube video titled "??YMO???????."

Keith Emerson

Keyboardist

Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Verified via YouTube

Again....I worked for Kurzweil and owned all of these instruments. Keith was endorsed by Kurzweil Music Systems in the 80s, with a K250 and a Midiboard. Both were used on the EL Powell album and can be seen in music videos and on live concert footage. I also got to see Keith's rig in person. Keith triggered sounds from a Yamaha TX-816 and an Overheim Matrix 12 with his MidiBoard. That's where the big brass lead for "The Score" and "Touch and Go" came from. In later years, he switched to cheaper, thinner synths like the Korg O1W and an Alesis. Neither ever captured the magic of the original FM/OB analog layers. Or the GX-1 for that matter.

Phil Lesh

Bassist

Grateful Dead

Verified

The Kurzweil Midiboard, a MIDI Keyboard Controller, was confirmed to be part of Phil Lesh's collection, as evidenced by its inclusion within a fitted road case measuring 58 by 26 by 12 inches. This information, detailing the provenance from the collection of Phil Lesh, a renowned bassist known for his work across various rock genres, was verified through a listing titled "PHIL LESH GRATEFUL DEAD KURZWEIL MIDIBOARD." This source provides credible proof of the artist's use of this specific music gear.

Wendy Carlos

Keyboardist, Composer

Verified via Mixonline

Her synths were fed by two MOTU MTPs and an original Kurzweil Midiboard, plus several of JL Cooper's fine MIDI boxes.

Kurt Ader KApro

Verified via Facebook

Kurt Ader, known for his work with KApro, utilizes the Kurzweil Midiboard as part of his musical setup. This information is available on his official Facebook page.

Jeff Bova

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Change

Verified via Photo

Jeff Bova is confirmed to use a Kurzweil Midiboard, as evidenced by a post on his Instagram account. In a photo shared on March 31, 2019, Jeff Bova states, "My Kurzweil Midiboard circa 1986 continues to hold down the 88 key world in Bovaland," referencing the keyboard's ongoing use in his music production.