If you, or someone you know, is just beginning their journey into the world of piano, you've probably just started looking at some options to invest in your first keyboard. After all, practicing is the key to success (so much so, we've written a whole blog about it)! In this buying guide we will break down your options so you feel confident in your purchase and if you're still feeling unsure, we've included some of our most used and most recommended keyboards!
So Many Options...
Before we dive in, it's important to mention that all of the options we will talk about are considered "digital pianos". This means they are each attempting to digitally replicate the tones of a real piano (as well as add some other cool features). That being said, the best option for anyone learning piano would be to practice on a real, acoustic piano. Given how expensive these can be, most people want to at least try piano lessons before making such a large investment. If you're interested in putting in a little more work to find a less expensive acoustic piano, there are plenty of used acoustic pianos looking for a new home. A major consideration when looking for a used piano is transportation - many times the seller will get rid of their old piano for cheap because moving it (or hiring a moving crew) can be costly and/or difficult. The other option you may see floating around the web is something called a "controller" or "MIDI controller", something like this. You may be intrigued because they seem to offer a lot of features for a low price, but the caveat is that these keyboards need to be connected to a computer (with the appropriate software) in order to make any sounds. They will typically connect with some type of USB cable. MIDI keyboards aren't terribly technical to setup, but if you're looking for something that's quick and easy to setup and play, you'll want to choose a digital keyboard like the ones we'll discuss below.
How Many Keys?
One of the most common variables when searching for a keyboard is the amount of keys. Some keyboards can have as few as 25 keys, some have up to 88 just like an acoustic piano would. The main question you want to ask yourself before deciding how many keys is: How long do I want to use this keyboard for?
We're assuming most readers (or their young pianists) are planning to practice and learn for at least a year, so we are going to start our guide off with 61 keys as the lowest amount of keys, anything less will typically have smaller individual keys, making it feel less like an acoustic piano and more like a toy. The closer to 88 keys, the more professional a keyboard will look, feel, and sound.
Weighted Vs. Unweighted Keys
The other main factor you'll want to consider is whether your keyboard will have weighted or unweighted keys. Weighted keys will be slightly heavier and feel more like an acoustic piano. Unweighted keys will typically feel lighter and more like plastic. In addition, unweighted keys are not "touch sensitive". Acoustic pianos are touch sensitive, which means the amount of force you use to press down a key dictates how loud or soft it sounds. For most young beginners, unweighted keys are fine as the material you'll be attempting to play typically won't be that technically challenging. However, if you are taking lessons somewhere that has an acoustic piano or a keyboard with weighted keys, you will definitely feel the difference between practicing at home and playing at lessons. Most keyboards with 61 keys or less have unweighted keys because it is assumed the keyboard is intended for beginner use where the weighted vs. unweighted difference may not be very noticeable.
Accessories?
Once you've began to go through some options, you may notice some keyboards come with accessories and some do not. With a bit of searching, you may be able to find the same keyboards we've listed below, sold from a different retailer, with a bundle option. These bundles are often put together for convenience, but they don't always save you a lot of money. The main accessories most people look for are:
- Keyboard Stand
- Keyboard Bench
- Headphones (if you want to use a pair you have at home, you may need an 1/8" to 1/4" adapter)
- Manuscript Book
Aside from these accessories which are commonly sold separately, things like a music stand and power supply are almost always included with a keyboard. Still be sure to check the product details to see if these items will be included.
With the main considerations taken care of, lets go through some options!
*Any prices listed are estimates, you may find deals at certain retailers - we suggest checking Sweetwater, Guitar Center, or Musicians Friend as well as any local retailers for the best price!
61 Key Options
Alesis Melody 61 MKII - Price: around $120
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Headphones, Keyboard Stand, Music Stand, & Bench included.
Cons
- Unweighted Keys
- Attachable music stand is flimsy and won't support stand alone papers very well.
Yamaha PSR-E273 - Price: around $150
Pros
- Includes attachable music stand.
- Lots of different instrument sounds.
Cons
- Keyboard stand, bench, & power supply not included.
- Unweighted keys.
Casio CTK-2550 - Price: around $130
Pros
- 61 full-size keys
- built-in lesson functions
- affordable price
Cons
- Limited number of voices and tones
- non-weighted keys
- plastic construction
76 Key Options
Casio WK-245: Price: around $300
Pros
- Attachable music stand and power supply included.
- Has capability to record 5 songs with 6 tracks each.
- More realistic feeling keys.
Cons
- Doesn't include keyboard stand or bench.
- Unweighted keys.
Yamaha PSR-EW310 - Price: around $350
Pros
- 76 full-size keys
- touch-sensitive keys
- 48-note polyphony
- high-quality sounds
Cons
- No weighted keys
- limited number of voices and tones
88 Key Options
Roland FP-10 - Price: around $650
Pros
- 88 weighted keys
- SuperNATURAL sound engine
- Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- Limited number of voices and tones
- no display
- no built-in speakers
Yamaha P45 - Price: around $500
Pros
- 88 weighted keys
- compact and lightweight
- high-quality sound
Cons
- Limited number of voices and tones
- no split or layer function
- no onboard recording features
Casio Privia PX-160 - Price: around $550
*This is the keyboard used in Studio A at Collingswood Sound!
Pros
- Includes keyboard stand & music stand.
- Includes power supply.
- Weighted keys with "Scaled Hammer Action" making keys feel very similar to an acoustic piano.
Cons
- Bench not included.
- Keyboard is difficult to remove from stand once it's set up.
Making The Final Decision
We've only really scratched the surface of keyboard options out there. When it comes down to it, there are a myriad of options between amount of keys, accessory bundles, brands, and more, so choosing the best option is going to come down to figuring out your needs before making the purchase. Some important questions you'll want to answer before deciding:
- Do you plan to upgrade your keyboard in the future?
- Do you need certain accessories (keyboard stand, bench, etc.)?
- Will the keyboard be used for more than just practicing?
We wish you the best in your search and if you need more help deciding or have any questions, please reach out to us!