Keyboard Recommendations

There is an amazing array of piano keyboard instruments available today and while they may look similar they have different functions and not all are suitable for learning piano. Acoustic pianos can be a joy to play and have a sound that is unbeatable but in this article I will be talking only about electronic keyboards and specifically those suitable for learning piano / keyboard. 

Beware of the cheapest keyboards on the market. They may function satisfactorily but the sound quality is less good usually and that is important because if you don't sound good you won’t feel like practicing.

A learner keyboard needs to have at a minimum the following functions. 

1. Have 61 or more keys

2. Be touch sensitive also known as touch response 

3. Have a sustain (or damper) pedal or socket for one. (You buy the pedal as an add on item.)

4. Have a headphone socket.

These links show you a few examples of entry level keyboards with these features.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LKS250--casio-casiotone-lk-s250

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Yamaha/PSR-E360-61-Key-Portable-Keyboard.gc?rNtt=61%20key%20touch&index=9

https://www.kraftmusic.com/yamaha-psr-e373-portable-keyboard.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=merchant&utm_campaign=yam-psre373&gclid=CjwKCAjwzvX7BRAeEiwAsXExoyQ92SPDjNtoVJotXZykmc3o_TZbsCg-EejcxNo4r9QTqttQhP9rjxoCDScQAvD_BwE

For intermediate / advanced players or beginners looking for something better, these keyboards have a few big advantages.

1. They are full length (88) keys so all piano songs can be played on them. 

2. They sound significantly better.

3. They have a better touch response, feel better to play and help a student learn to play with more sensitivity.

4. They make it easier to play an acoustic piano well. 

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/P125BK--yamaha-p-125-88-key-weighted-action-digital-piano-black

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Yamaha/P-45-88-Key-Weighted-Action-Digital-Piano.gc?rNtt=88%20key%20digtal%20piano&index=4

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Casio/PX-S1000-Privia-Digital-Piano-Black-1500000259921.gc?cntry=us&source=4WWRWXGP&gclid=CjwKCAjwzvX7BRAeEiwAsXExo9WDawEXrEu2W8GQjcP3fbO9frPpsZp7qF509L1CFXN0CdVIBJl9ExoCFnsQAvD_BwE

With all of six of these keyboards you can also buy them as a bundle which includes a stand,  pedal and headphones. I would recommend that as you want a comfortable inviting set up for your piano practice.  

Enjoy your musical journey!

Fintan O’Neill

Playnmusicllc.com

Fintan O’Neill is a jazz pianist, recording artist and BMI published composer who has been teaching for over 30 years.