The keyboard is an enjoyable and thrilling instrument that is perfect for novice musicians. Mastering it may seem challenging due to the various keys and hand-eye coordination required, but don’t be disheartened. Through consistent practice and the right beginner keyboard, memorising the keys will become second nature. Before you start playing, make sure you have the appropriate music keyboard to assist you with honing the skill.
An ideal choice for novice players is typically a lightweight and user-friendly design. It’s created to help you out in becoming proficient with the keys, tackling the intricate hand movements, and ultimately mastering the art of playing a traditional piano. If you’ve ever been curious about trying out the keyboard, you’re in the perfect spot. Here is a comprehensive guide for purchasing your first keyboard:
Most Important Keyboard Features
Performance
Performance refers to the responsiveness of the keys on a keyboard during use. Keyboards come in a range of firmness levels and resistance, offering a unique playing experience. Playing with unweighted keys usually offers less resistance, making it easier. When the keys are weighted, they feel more solid and less sensitive to touch. They are an excellent option for newcomers wanting to get comfortable with the keys.
Sound
Arguably, one of the most crucial elements of a quality music keyboard for beginners is its sound. By exploring various options available on the market, you’ll discover top brands offering designs with high-quality sound similar to a traditional piano.
Two additional sound components to consider are polyphony and multimodality. Polyphony refers to the total number of sounds that a keyboard can generate simultaneously. Multimodality refers to the keyboard’s capacity to produce a variety of sounds, including drums, string instruments, and other essential background elements.
Dimensions
For adult beginners, a full-size keyboard with weighted keys is the top choice. For those more inclined towards the electronic aspect, a compact keyboard with unweighted keys could be a suitable option. These choices offer a variety of sound options, storage, and electronic capabilities.
Recording Features
For those intrigued by musical composition, it’s essential to select a keyboard with diverse recording features. With recording capabilities, you can delve into different facets of keyboard playing and easily share your music with others.
Compatibility with MIDI
MIDI is short for musical instrument digital interface. It may not be essential initially, but it can become crucial as you delve deeper into electronic music. When it comes to storage, it typically indicates the amount of space available for new sounds and user presets on a keyboard. For those interested in delving into the electronic aspects of keyboards, having ample storage is essential for a comprehensive keyboard experience.
Output
Having keyboard output is an essential feature for all newcomer to the world of recording music. With this output, you can easily connect your keyboard to speakers and amplifiers. Having keyboard output is essential for staying connected with your friends, family, and performing at events.
Different Types of Keyboards
Synthesiser
Consider a synthesiser as an excellent option for beginners. Smaller in size and easily portable, synthesisers offer convenience and mobility. Featuring a variety of sounds and sound effects, this electronic keyboard is sure to impress.
Arranger
Arrangers provide auto-accompaniment. Simply choose a few options, and the music keyboard will generate a backing track that complements the style, rhythm, and tempo. For beginners, the variety of options available can feel overwhelming, and mastering an arranger keyboard may require some time and practice, so this isn’t the ideal option for novices who are just getting to know the instrument.
Workstanion
A workstation keyboard is a premium keyboard known for its higher price point. Equipped with its own computer and a range of advanced programming features, it essentially comes with everything needed for composing and utilising advanced programmes. Nevertheless, it generally features weighted keys and just like with the many features you get with guitar pedals a workstation keyboard is widely regarded as one of the top choices according to industry norms.
Organ
Today’s organ keyboards have moved away from metal pipes, are more compact, and strive to replicate the sounds of classic organs. Some organ keyboard models aim to maintain classic features seen on traditional organs like drawbars, pedal boards, and multiple key decks (known as manuals).
Digital Piano
The electric piano covers the full range of electronic keyboards. Grand piano keyboards imitate the appearance of traditional grand pianos, yet they do not have strings and hammers inside. Digital pianos do not produce the same sounds as acoustic pianos. Instead, computer chips within store digitised recordings, which are played through amplified speakers when keys are pressed.
Hybrid
By combining an arranger, digital workstation, synthesiser, organ, or piano, you create a unique hybrid. Hybrids combine the finest features into one convenient package. Some musicians require keyboards with multiple functions to avoid purchasing separate individual ones.