MGZ's How To: Pianos and Keyboards
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With all the options on the market, wanting to buy a keyboard or piano can be stressful but the good thing is, we are here to help!
Keyboards, Digital pianos, and Acoustic pianos: What is the difference?
Keyboards
- Light, portable, and generally the most affordable
- Good for beginners, small spaces, or musicians who want sounds like synth, strings, drums, etc.
- many are touch sensitive but not fully weighted
Digital pianos
- Designed to feel and sound like an acoustic piano
- Weighted keys, realistic piano tones, and sturdy stands
- Good for those who want to earn proper technique without the maintenance of an acoustic piano
Acoustic pianos
- Requires regular tuning and takes up more space
- Ideal for committed pianists dedicated to long-term music growth
The amount of keys
61 key
Best for beginners who want to learn basics or play pop music
76 keys
Good middle ground for learning and performance
88 key
Full-size piano range. Recommended for advanced playing
Key action
Determines how the keys feel when you play
Unweighted keys
- Light
- common in basic keyboards
Semi-weighted keys
- A good balance between piano feel and playability
Hammer weighted/ Fully weighted keys
- Closest to an acoustic piano
Sound and polyphony
Polyphony is the number of notes a keyboard can play at once (aim for 68 to 128 for smooth playing)
Possible features
- Touch sensitivity
- Built-in speakers
- Headphone jacck
- Metronome
- Recording functions
- USB/MIDI connectivity for music production
- Rhythms and tones
Portability
If you need to move the keyboard/piano around often then consider:
- Keyboards are lightweight and easy to transport
- Digital pianos are heavier and stay in one place but are still easier to move around than acoustic pianos
- Acoustic pianos are permanent and require professional moving
Extras you may need
- A keyboard stand
- Sustain pedal
- Keyboard bench
- Dust cover
- Headphones
- Power supply (If the keyboard does not include one)