Choosing a keyboard for piano lessons. How do you choose the right keyboard to learn how to play the piano? Is a keyboard even an excellent first step for those who want to learn how to play the piano?
The good news is that aspiring piano player can begin their journey by playing a keyboard, and many people do. It’s certainly less expensive and simpler than purchasing a piano and more portable. At the very least, it is an excellent option for people who are unsure what they want from playing the piano or whether they will stick with it.
This guide aims to demystify the process of selecting a keyboard. What are the essential characteristics and functions to look for? And What do all of the keyboard’s features mean?
How to choose a beginner keyboard or digital piano?
When shopping for a keyboard or digital piano, there are a few factors to consider, whether you go to a local music store or shop online. Consider at least the following critical elements: The size and number of keys, whether the keys are weighted, whether the instrument uses MIDI, and whether the instrument is new or used.
1. Number of keys
Different keyboard designs come with varying numbers of keys. In other words, you can play a wider variety of notes the more keys there are on your keyboard. Your keyboard experience and the available space determine the number of keys you should use.
A good starting point for beginning keyboard players is 66 keys, sufficient to play a wide range of songs while also learning the fundamentals of piano and keyboard. However, even with a small instrument, you can do a wide range of things.
Notably, as keyboards become larger and wider, they may contain 72 or 88 keys to play with. If you already have some experience playing the instrument, opt for a larger keyboard with 88 keys. However, remember that a larger keyboard is usually more expensive than one with 66 or fewer keys. Significantly, portable pianos for beginners with fewer keys may be easier to transport compared to a larger keyboard with many keys.
2. MIDI
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) keyboards are a must-have for any home studio. A great feature of MIDI keyboards is that they can be plugged into your computer or other devices physically or wirelessly via Bluetooth. MIDI keyboards are also available in a variety of sizes and price points. Another advantage of MIDI keyboards is that they can be mapped or programmed to fit your needs and the sounds you want to produce.
3. Full-sized vs. compact keyboard
What size would you like your keyboard to be?
If you intend to transport your instrument frequently or have limited space, consider some of the smaller digital pianos and keyboards on the market, also known as compact keyboards.
A smaller keyboard will have fewer keys than a larger one, but it will be lighter and more portable. However, with some features, you can play the full range of keys on a smaller compact keyboard. On the other hand, larger, full-sized digital pianos typically have more keys and a variety of other knobs, sliders, and other playing features.
4. Voices and sounds
Voices, also known as “sounds” or “tones,” are the sounds that your keyboard can produce. In other words, the more sounds your keyboard has, the more different types of instruments it can imitate, such as a grand piano, electric piano, organ, or even something completely different. However, you should prioritize sound quality over quantity, as a more realistic-sounding keyboard will be much more enjoyable to play. Just be prepared to pay a little more for better sound quality.
5. Used or new
One important consideration when determining the cost of a keyboard is whether the instrument is brand new or used.
The benefit of used instruments is that they are much more affordable for those on a tighter budget. However, before making a purchase decision, inspect the instrument’s condition, especially if you’re shopping online or using a peer-to-peer service.
When purchasing a new instrument, it is likely to come with a warranty, and you will undoubtedly get what you pay for when purchasing a new keyboard from a reputable reseller. When you visit your local music store, you can test the instrument before purchasing it or ask the staff for advice on which one to purchase.
Different Types of Pianos and Keyboards
1. Acoustic Piano
Nothing beats the sound of a full-fledged acoustic piano. The musical notes on this type of piano are created using real wood and strings. As a result, the produced sound has a nice, natural tone.
Acoustic pianos are divided into two types: upright and grand.
Upright Acoustic Pianos
Upright pianos, also called vertical pianos, are pianos with a soundboard and string plane running vertically. Vertical pianos can achieve a very compact form factor because the strings run at a 90-degree angle to the keys. Because of the small amount of floor space required, people may prefer an upright piano over others.
Grand Acoustic Pianos
Grand pianos are the other major sub-category of acoustic pianos. The soundboard and string plane run parallel to the keys in this type of piano. The piano has a large soundboard protruding from the back, and the strings run horizontally to the ground. Although grand pianos require significantly more space than upright pianos, many musicians prefer the former.
Grand pianos have significantly better responsiveness and sound quality. Grand pianos have a wider dynamic range, a more expansive tonality, and a rich resonance of musical notes. These enable the pianist to play quickly, repeating notes or very softly. The pianist can create music with a livelier emotional expression with a grand piano.
2. Digital Piano
Digital pianos do not use real strings to produce musical notes. They instead use electronics to recreate the music. “Isn’t that like an electronic keyboard?” you may be thinking. And you’d be almost right.
Both the digital piano and the electric keyboard generate music in the same way. The main distinction between them is how they appear and sound. A digital piano is similar to an acoustic piano in appearance and sound.
Weighted keys on an excellent digital piano make it feel like you’re playing the real thing. They also have similar sensitivity to speed and pressure and provide a wider range of sound dynamics.
Bottomline
The choice of any instrument is a personal one. Our guide to selecting a keyboard should help you understand the various features and which keyboards may be the best options if you want to learn to play the piano, but the final decision when selecting a keyboard must be yours.
Consider which features you prioritize, and then match a keyboard to your requirements. Do you require weighted keys? Do you want something small and portable? Would you like to listen with headphones? The first step is to locate the appropriate keyboard. When you combine this with the right piano or keyboard course or online lessons, you’ll be well on becoming a talented musician.