Is Ableton Push 1 Still Worth It in 2025?

 The ableton Push 3 is great. But let's be honest, not everyone has £800–£1,700 lying around.

So what if you could get that hands-on Ableton controller for less than £100?

That’s where Push 1 comes in.

It launched back in 2013, but how does it hold up today with Ableton Live 12?

Let’s break it down.

1. It Still Works with Live 12.1 
Surprisingly, Push 1 works straight out of the box with Live 12.1. Plug it in, and it just… works.

No need for hacks, scripts, or workarounds. All the main functionalities are intact: clip launching, pad mode, and device control.

2. The Core Features Haven’t Changed
The 64-pad layout? Still great.
Note mode and scale settings? All there.
Drum sequencing? Identical to newer models.

Ableton nailed the layout early, and the Push 1 still delivers where it counts.

3. The Downsides (That Old-School Screen + Sticky Issues)
Now for the trade-offs:

• The monochrome display feels ancient — no MIDI note editing.

• Some secondhand units have a sticky rubber surface due to ageing materials.

The stickiness can be fixed (I stripped mine), but it's worth checking before you buy.

4. The Price Is the Real Selling Point
Push 1s sell secondhand for £50–£200. I grabbed mine for £90. Compare that to £300+ for a used Push 2 or £800–£1,700 for a Push 3.

If you're learning or on a budget, it's a bargain.

Final Verdict:
If you’re after a budget-friendly Push experience, Push 1 is still 100% worth considering. However, be aware of its screen limitations and sticky coating risk.

▶️ Full video and demo here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl-utDkzekc