gear for finale

Hi, i have been using finale for a while now.. the problem is that I write using the "pc mouse" and I´m thinking about buying a midi keyboard or midi interface?... my budget is between 100 and 200$...

the questions would be...

1-what should I buy if i only need to write the notes faster?...

2-if i buy a midi keyboard, do i need an interface?..

3-Are those midi keyboard compatible with any sound blaster card?..

4-If i want to use a guitar instead.. can i just buy a midi/usb cable thru a power amp? or do i need more gear?...

remember, all of these questions are regarding Finale´s notation problem, since i´m using a mouse pad.. not to have a "better sound" or any of that..

thank you so much for your help..

1. I would say a MIDI keyboard, but have you tried a Speedy Entry tool?

2. I think you can use a MIDI-USB cable for that. I've seen one for $40.

3. If the Sound Blaster card has a MIDI input/output then sure.

4. I'm not sure about this, but if you find out, then I'll surely try it since I have an electric guitar (which I never use)

EDIT: Roland GI20 guitar midi interface I think this would work for #4 (I just Googled)

For the guitar question, there are such things as MIDI guitars. I'm sure they're not cheap, but it's worth looking into.

http://www.midiguitar.net/faq.html

Shows some prices for the guitar stuff, but it goes way over your budget.

Originally Posted by Nickthoven

For the guitar question, there are such things as MIDI guitars. I'm sure they're not cheap, but it's worth looking into.

All you need is a midi pickup they run like 100-200 bucks. Not to mention you can hook your guitar up to a computer and use the computer effects for it.

yeah, a midi pickup would do it, but i was trying to find a different way... like a power amp thru but i guess that only works for digital recording, wav... thanks anyways... and thank you guys for the help...