Tips and Tricks for Choosing Your Perfect Keyboard!

Congratulations, you’ve decided to start piano lessons! The first question every student or caregiver of a student often has is what keyboard or piano they should buy. If a real piano is not available to you, it is entirely possible to have a great experience learning with an electric keyboard. The following tips will help you to select the right keyboard for you or your student.

1. Full-Sized Keyboard and Keys

The first thing to look for when buying a keyboard is that it is full-sized. Some electric keyboards are made smaller for travel or convenience, and while they do a great job of serving those purposes, they are not conducive to learning the instrument. An electric piano for the purpose of learning should be full-sized and consist of 88 keys. You’ll want to make sure that those keys themselves are full-sized as well; white keys should measure about an inch long. If an 88 key keyboard is not accessible for you, we suggest one with no fewer than 76 keys. The materials we use in lessons, however, do consist of pieces that will use a range over all 88 keys.

This is an image comparing different keyboard sizes based on the number of keys. The largest keyboard is a full-size one with 88 keys, the second has 76, the third 61, and the fourth 49. The 88 key keyboard is preferable to have the best experience.

2. Weighted Keys

Once you have the size of the keyboard in mind, the quality itself is the next step. You’ll want the electric keyboard to have as similar of a playing experience as a real piano, so keeping the following things in mind is very important. First, the keys should be weighted. Weighted keys on a keyboard are designed to replicate the feel of an acoustic piano. They mimic the resistance and response of traditional piano keys, providing a more realistic playing experience. Weighted keys help improve finger strength and technique, give a real feel, and enhance expressive playing through the dynamic contrast.

3. Touch Sensitivity

With touch sensitivity, the harder you press a key, the louder or more pronounced the sound produced, and vice versa. Touch sensitivity is particularly important for pianists and keyboardists who want to express dynamics in their playing, mimicking the nuances of acoustic pianos. With touch-sensitive keys, players can achieve a wider range of expression, from soft, delicate notes to loud, powerful ones, depending on how forcefully they play the keys. These qualities will mimic that of a real piano feel, and make sure that your student will be able to transition to a real piano when necessary with as little adjustment as possible. These qualities will be clearly marketed on a good keyboard.

4. Keyboard Polyphony

Keyboard polyphony is also vital. This refers to the amount of notes the keyboard can sound at one time. Often, songs will require large numbers of keys to be heard at once, and without a keyboard with adequate polyphony, this is not possible. A good number for keyboard polyphony is 64 or higher. Polyphony is essential for creating rich, layered sounds and complex musical arrangements. It allows musicians to perform intricate pieces with multiple parts. Additionally, polyphony is particularly important in electronic music production, where layering multiple sounds and effects is common practice.

5. Sound System

The quality of the keyboard sound system can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the sound generators, the sophistication of the DSP algorithms, and the power and design of the amplification and speaker system. High-end keyboards often feature advanced sound systems that produce rich, detailed soundscapes suitable for both live performance and studio recording, while entry-level keyboards may offer simpler sound systems with fewer features and less sonic depth. Many times students will supplement their keyboard with an external sound system.

6. Keyboard “Bells and Whistles”

There are just a few more features and accessories that you should consider. Does your keyboard have all of the following “bells and whistles” on its soundboard: a metronome, recording capabilities, accompaniment patterns, and a physical power source instead of a battery operated one? These will be used by your student, and in the case of the metronome, may be used very frequently at the request of their teacher.

7. Accessories

Keyboard accessories play an essential role in enhancing the functionality, comfort, and convenience of playing the instrument. A keyboard bench provides a stable and comfortable seating option for the player, promoting good posture and reducing fatigue during long practice sessions or performances. Additionally, an adjustable bench allows players to customize the height according to their preference and playing style. An AC adapter ensures reliable power for the keyboard, eliminating the need for batteries and ensuring uninterrupted play. This is particularly useful for extended practice sessions or live performances where battery power may not be sufficient. A keyboard stand provides support and stability for the instrument, allowing players to position it at a comfortable height for playing while also saving space. Adjustable stands offer flexibility to accommodate different playing environments and player heights, while sturdy construction ensures the safety of the instrument during use. Together, these accessories contribute to a comfortable and efficient playing experience, enabling musicians to focus on their performance without distractions. You can oftentimes find these bundled together for extra savings.

8. Reputable Brands and Reviews

Lastly, make sure that you have looked at reviews–the good and bad–of any keyboard prior to purchase. There are many reputable brands for a keyboard, but that does not always mean the keyboard is going to be a for-sure success. Look for brands like Yamaha, Casio, Korg, and Roland for the most popular brand names digital pianos. While the brands mentioned are well-known and reputable in the industry, there are also many non-name brand or lesser-known digital piano models available on the market. These instruments may offer good value for money and meet the needs of certain players, particularly beginners or those on a tight budget. When considering a non-name brand digital piano, it's essential to do thorough research, read reviews, and if possible, try out the instrument in person before making a purchase.

Take the aforementioned tips into consideration before purchasing, and you will be set up for a great start to lessons!!