Understanding how to Choose a Keyboard:
There are many different kinds of keyboards that are each built with a specific purpose in mind. It’s important to understand the difference between them so you don’t make the mistake of thinking you are buying a keyboard that acts like a piano and instead buying a keyboard that is designed for another purpose. This should help you not be overwhelmed with choices and avoid the confusion of marketing blurbs which often give the impression that each keyboard can suit any need.
‘Digital Pianos’ are the most suitable for learning and playing purposes. If the keyboard you are looking at doesn’t have ‘Digital Piano’ in its model name, it is in another category. Beware of close-sounding titles like ‘Grand Piano’. If you are buying a beginner keyboard to use for the first year or less you don’t have to worry about this yet. Once you are ready to buy an 88 key keyboard, you should make sure to look for this category.
Many keyboards claim to have weighted keys but that doesn’t mean the action will feel like a piano. Some will feel very close to the feel of a piano while others will feel thumpy and not be very responsive. Don’t be misled into thinking this means it will have a good action.
If you’d like to know more about the different kinds of keyboards, what functions to look for and how to choose the right one, you can check out my blogpost on it here. https://www.parkslopemusicschool.com › buying-a-keyboard-for-piano-lessons
If you’d just like some specific recommendations look below:
If a bundle isn’t suggested, it’s usually because the other things in the bundle are unnecessary or not great quality. Other things you may need are described below so you can decide whether they are necessary for you or not. Specific recommendations are given in case you do need them.
61 Key Keyboards
Casio and Yamaha are the best temporary options if there is a desire to try lessons out before committing to a bigger instrument purchase. Continuing to practice solely on a beginner keyboard beyond the beginning stage can be very limiting and doesn’t allow work on musicality or technique. These keyboards lack: weighted keys, proper action, sensitivity and enough keys to play the majority of music. These are generally okay for young beginners (4-8) as they progress slower but students usually outgrow them within a year. Older students or those who take to it quickly will outgrow this kind of keyboard much faster.
Budget can also be a reason to buy a beginner keyboard first. However, If you are already committed to taking lessons and have the money for the digital piano purchase, skip the beginner keyboard. If having the lump sum of four or five hundred dollars feels like a strain, limited-time 0% financing is usually available at one of the many places you can find music equipment.
88 Key Digital Pianos
Casio Privia Series and Yamaha P-series both manufacture great choices under $1000 that we recommended for their balance in functionality and affordability. While there are are many other choices above $1000, the extra cost is not necessary in order to get a solid instrument. Recommendations below:
61 Key Keyboard Recommendations
These are only meant to get started with piano lessons and see if you want to continue before making a big investment. These keyboards don’t have a realistic piano feel which means that they keys don’t feel the same as a piano or give the same sensitive response. They also have a limited number of keys so students do outgrow them usually within a year. If you know you’re committing to piano lessons for longer than a year, we recommend getting one of the 88 key keyboards we suggest. If the student is older than 10, a 61 key keyboard may only last a few months as they will make progress faster than a 5 or 6 year old.
61 key Casiotone: This has a handle which makes it convenient for carrying. Comes with power supply. Can also be used with 6 AA batteries.
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Yamaha 61 key keyboard: Comes with power supply. Can also be used with 6 AA batteries.
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88 Key Digital Piano Recommendations
Casio Privia
Keyboard Only:
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Keyboard with pedalboard and wooden stand: Although this doesn’t come with a bench, it comes with the pedalboard which is nicer than having a loose pedal that slides around.
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Stand and Pedalboard Only for Casio Privia
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Yamaha P-series
Keyboard Only
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Keyboard, Wooden Stand and Foldable Metal Bench (note: does not come with pedalboard)
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Keyboard, Wooden Stand and Wooden Bench (note: does not come with pedalboard)
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Stand
You don’t need an expensive or heavy duty stand as all of the keyboards are light. However, you do want one that will go low enough for a proper sitting position. If you are getting an 88 keyboard it is less wobbly and looks nicer to get the wooden stand. If you plan to travel with the keyboard at all, the fold up stands are more convenient as the wooden ones are heavy and also usually must be screwed together during assembly.
Double Brace Stand
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Stand and Bench Package
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Bench
You don’t have to get a bench if you have a wooden or folding chair as long as you can get a good playing height. With your arms bent, the keys should be a little below your forearms. Make sure not to use a chair with arms attached as they get in the way of elbows as you move up and down the keyboard. Even if the arms can be adjusted out of the way it’s not a good idea since students are often tempted to leave them up and rest their arms on them as they play which is bad technique.
The benches are usually height adjustable or at a standard playing height so it is a little easier to get the height right. Usually they provide better playing support if they don’t have too much padding which make them kind of squishy.
Wooden Bench with Padded Seat
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Foldable Padded Bench
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Sustain Pedal
You can get a universal sustain pedal. Polarity is switchable to work with any brand of keyboard. You may not need this for a while as you’ll learn to connect your notes with your fingers first. There are cheaper ones available but M-audio is a known brand.
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Step Stool
This is only required for children who’s legs are not long enough for their feet to be planted firmly on the floor. It’s important to have the feet on the floor so that the weight can be adjusted over the legs when moving up and down the keyboard.
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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We do get a small commission from Amazon for recommendations but are not sponsored by any brand so make our own choices on things we’ve used ourselves or feel will be the most affordable and functional for our students.
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