decent keyboard to make drum sounds etc

yo, i need advice on how much dough i need to drop to get a decent keyboard that will allow me to play midi drums and also add strings and stuff. i'm looking at the alesis qs6.1 but that may be way to good for what i need. i just need some basic stuff--what models, brands, price-ranges? thank you in advance for your advice, mp

hey ducers, anyone else with ideas on inexpensive keyboards with decent drum sounds? thanx, mp

What do you consider inexpensive?

lw, thanks for responding. i would consider anything less than 500 inexpensive. i'm just a indie-rock/folk type guy who wants to make beats in a less cumbersome way than with a drum machine. also, i'd love to have cool strings and stuff. thanks, mp

Yeah, that's inexpensive all right. Yamaha, Roland, and Casio all make "consumer-type" keyboards for under $500. You'll probably want to start with one that has "General Midi" capability AND velocity sensitivity. Try to find one with 61 keys or you'll have trouble locating the bass drum sounds (you'll have to transpose the keyboard). There should be a half-dozen or so keyboards available in that price range and with those features. You won't get GREAT drum sounds in a keyboard of that price, however, but you will get at least 10 different drum kits to match with your music. A good place to look at some of what's available is They handle the Roland consumer line. Most keyboards under $200 won't have one or more of the features above. ------------------ LW

lw, thanks big time for your advice. folks have been giving you props right and left on this conf. well deserved. thank you sir, mp