I picked this up at a local music shop for 150 bucks, as they were having a huge sale.

The SL-990 xp is an awesome midi controller for the price. It's good for basic functions, and is personally the first midi controller that I've used in my home studio. I haven't wanted to upgrade or switch, so that in itself says alot about this guy.

The feel is wonderful. Other weighted-key controllers seem to have too much resistance, to the point where I had to make an effort to press a bit harder when doing runs that require quick and subtle note-playing. But this one seems to have a perfect balance. So if you're using this for piano pieces, especially, the feel seems natural. The fact that it's weighted AND an 88 key...and for such a low price...also gives this product a huge advantage in my mind.

The pitchbend and mod wheels are easy to use and comfortable, with a divit in which to put your thumb or whatever you use for tweaking these values. Personally, I wish the modulation wheel had a bit more resistance to it instead of just laying and remaning where you turned it, but I can understand why they designed it this way.

Doesn't come with a sustain pedal, but that wasn't a huge issue.

This thing has withstood alot of abuse, too. It's been toppled over (by someone who wasnt aware that gravity tends to pull items DOWN), and accidentally left powered on for over two weeks when I was on vacation somewhere. Still works amazingly.

Overall, I'm extremely happy that I bought this piece of hardware instead of the mainstream M-audios that everyone likes to make fun of. Cheap price, looks professional, and best of all, works and feels like a charm. Definitely worth it if you need a simple, basic, weighted 88-key with no frills.

~Laura~