hello David,

> dont i need a keyboard to play the A100 mini

Not necessarily. I guess that depends on your definition
of "play". :)

For traditional stuff yes though there are a multitude of alternate
controllers: Theremin, ribbons, step sequencers, random voltage
outputs etc. Some info:

http://www.doepfer.de/a178.htm
http://www.doepfer.de/a198.htm
http://www.doepfer.de/a155.htm
http://www.doepfer.de/a118.htm

And of course things like foot control modules and the light
controller:

http://www.doepfer.de/a177.htm
http://www.doepfer.de/a179.htm

A lot of our customers actually do not use keyboards at all.
And many others including myself are looking forward to the upcoming
Touch keyboard/rack control surface w/sequencer to interface with
the A-100: http://www.doepfer.de/a100tkb.htm

I would certainly consider starting with the Mini System. As Dieter
mentioned you can buy it in a 6u frame for not much more than the 3u
version and then add to it as either your budget grows or as you
learn each module one by one.

Also don't forget that you don't have to stick to the exact module
configuation in the Mini System to get a system discount. You can
swap a few modules out *within* reason.

Feel free to email me with any comments or questions...

Thanks,

Shawn Cleary
www.analoguehaven.com