Yamaha CS-01

Very easy to get sounds quickly. Great for live playing. I've never seen the manual, but I don't think anyone would really need one.

It's a little monophonic analog keyboard. Very easy to play because it's got mini-keys. The best part, though, is that you can strap it on for super cool mobility. The pitch and mod wheels are very easy to use from a standing position, as well. It's a sort of one-trick pony, because it has no sequencer, effects, MIDI, or anything fancy like that. However, it's the best at making those hard to find Atari 2600 sounds. It's even got a built in speaker!

For such a small keyboard, it has an impressive range of sounds. There are five different wave forms, each with its own personality. You can get everything from mellow sounds, to in your face 80's analog lead tones. Surprisingly, the bassy sounds you can get with this board are pretty good. I use it for pop-rock music, but I could see it working in dance.

This is probably the most reliable analog board I've ever played. It's so simple to set the sounds, and since there are few sliders, you can find your sounds easily. I would definitely play with it live!

I would buy five of these if given the money to do so! I love it because when I play with my band, people come up to me afterwards and say "what was that little thing you were swinging around?" It looks cool, it's light, it sounds great, and it's just so easy to get great sounds! The only thing I could wish for it was that the pitch wheel was a little less extreme. It's a small wheel, and it goes an octave range. It's tough to get it to go to the right note. Other than that, it's perfect for that wicked keyboard solo! Just imagine how cool you'll look with one of these babies strapped around your neck! Best of all, they're totally underated, so you can get them for $60 or so. If you see one, pick it up, and you won't regret it.