(Part 3) Best musical instrument keyboards & midi according to redditors
We found 574 Reddit comments discussing the best musical instrument keyboards & midi. We ranked the 265 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 41-60. You can also go back to the previous section.
It's never too late. But I have a few suggestions:
As a beginner, don't get a real piano. Get a piano-weighted keyboard such as a Yamaha P85. It'll be easier to move around as you get adjusted and you don't have to tune it. Also, later, you can plug it into your computer and use a MIDI program to change the sounds and do more advanced things.
Second, keep your piano near your computer. Youtube is your friend. There are TONS of tutorials on there that will teach you how to play.
Third: Synthesia. Enough said. Don't rely too much on this, it's merely a tool to use early on when you're still learning your way around the keys.
Fourth: There are piano teachers everywhere. I suggest you watch videos and such and teach yourself for a while and get into it, but after that, getting lessons can really push you to learn/expand to things you never would have on your own. But always explore on your own.
Good luck to you and your musical endeavors!
Thank you for the kind words! I bought it on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B079JMMNXN/ref=sspa_mw_detail_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It seems to be very good quality and well made, and it comes with a very nice case.
Guitars
Pianos
Recording Interfaces
Microphones
That should be about it! If you're curious about anything else, let me know! I record all of my music in garageband, and with a few exceptions (see: Trixie), I master the tracks in Adobe Soundbooth.
EDIT: Fun fact! I wrote this list while TIPSY!
some vendor named "Precision Audio Sales" is selling them for $200 w/prime fulfillment on amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B07BHYZRYG/ref=dp_olp_all_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=alledit: nvm they corrected it lol
This?
KeyStep Portable Keyboard and Step Sequencer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HNO934E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_R.PXBbQ32403X
Did someone say polka? https://amzn.com/B071CL3G77/
Try to find some used pianos.
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Used/Pianos.gc#narrowSideBar
and also your local craigslist/letgo/offerup
also on amazon:
>* https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072FKLXRB/
It comes out to $330, maybe 380 with tax.
>* https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-Weighted-Digital-Sustain-Amazon-Exclusive/dp/B01LY8OUQW
>* https://www.amazon.com/Casio-Privia-PX160BK-88-Key-Digital/dp/B0100RBPTC/r
For the Prime Store Cash back you need to get the amazon store card (a credit card, you recieve 5% back on all amazon purchases, but sometimes, like for instruments you can recieve 10% back.) and for the Harmony discount you go to the product page and press the call me button and ask for the Harmony promo code. The %of the code varies between 5% to 18% so in total you can save 15% to 28%
Dad told me I need some new hobbies besides vidya gaming (which I'd agree with).
I've always been interested in playing an instrument. Piano seems like it would fit me the most; since I'd think it'd be a safest bet (I have Dyspraxia so some shit is harder for me and I'm pretty darn good at typing.)
I was looking at this and I thought it looked good for an entry level one. https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-PSRE253-Portable-Keyboard-Headphones/dp/B00UN8O5VO/ref=lp_11970001_1_6?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1484369321&sr=1-6&th=1
I have 70$ atm, and am trying to get the rest of the 50$ atm. Any other options? I looked online and people aren't fond of Casio and I'm not really interested in MIDI ones that I have to connect to my PC.
Thanks guys ^_^
The Casio WK-500 is a decent starter for the price:
http://www.casio.com/products/Musical_Instruments/Workstation/WK-500/
About $250 street:
http://www.provantage.com/casio-wk500~7CASS1M5.htm
http://www.amazon.com/Casio-WK500-Personal-Keyboard-Connection/dp/B001FSJC2S
This is an actual synthesizer. The keyboarist in my old band used to use this on top of his piano for certain songs. The reason we used it is because you plug it right into an amp, and you perform the piece live without the need for a laptop with a DAW on it.
If you want to also use a synth as a controller, what you need is one with a MIDI output. MIDI controllers/keyboars have MIDI outputs, because that's what they're made to do. MIDI is the language that the controller uses to speak to the DAW/computer. A MIDI output looks like this. A cable will run out of that port into your computer.
As far as whether an actual, self-contained synth like the one I posted would have a MIDI output on it or not, I'm afraid that is not my area of expertise at all. I know nothing of electronic music aside from what I've said already, I was mainly hoping to help you decide what instrument you want to pick up. I'm sure someone here will give you a good synth recommendation, or you could head over to /r/synthesizers.
EDIT: One more thing. You say you want to be able to play the instrument. If so, you're going to need something you can practice on. You can't really practice very well on a little 3-octave microkorg like the one I posted up there. If you're serious about acquiring the skill to play keys, you should think about getting a decent sized MIDI controller like this (this is what I use to control my DAW), or, if you really, really don't want to have to use a computer, get a nice electronic piano like this. It's all about what you want to do in the end.
Get yourself a keyboard haha
Edit:
https://www.amazon.com/HONEY-JOY-Electronic-Keyboard-Rechargeable/dp/B07FCG3NQW/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?keywords=roll+up+piano&qid=1568219818&s=gateway&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExWlJFME5EVlVOUEI0JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTIzNDE5MkVMWjBOV0hBVFhBUCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjg5NzU1MzJWQU5TS0I3NlRDVSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl
my boyfriend has been really into music (mostly hip hop/rap) since he was a kid and has recently expressed an interest in the producing side of things. he’s mentioned a couple of times that he’d like a keyboard or synthesizer, so i thought i’d get him one for Christmas this year.
i should emphasize that he’s never played an instrument before; i’m sure he doesn’t know how to read notes or anything. i played the piano for about 10 years growing up so i at least can help him out with some of the basics, but what i don’t know anything about is keyboards or synthesizers.
i just want to get him a solid option for beginners. i don’t want to spend too much money (hopefully $150 or less?) in case he tries it and isn’t into it. i don’t know if a keyboard or a synthesizer would be a better fit for him and his interests. below are a few options i pulled from amazon, but again, i don’t know anything about any of this so if you have suggestions please let me know! i really really appreciate all your help in advance, i’ll send gold to a few of those who reply later this evening :)
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Just be aware that those keyboards that you listed are midi controllers, which means they don't have built in sounds or a synth engine of their own.
That being said, if you're looking for a small midi keyboard, everyone recommends the arturia keystep. It's twenty bucks more than your budget, but can be found on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01HNO934E/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1505332187&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=arturia+keystep&dpPl=1&dpID=41e1FhdXcBL&ref=plSrch
Solid build quality, tiny, and has some really cool sequencing/arp features. Plug it into your laptop/pc and play away.
I really like the Yamaha P series (I have a P85), especially if you 1) don't care about all the extra synth stuff 2) want something portable 3) want weighted keys, pedal, 2 1/4" audio out jacks (for headphones and/or amp), and a midi out for like 500 USD
Edit: Link
The problem is these two things don't necessarily come together, particularly in lower-priced variants. So you will end up with either a nice synth that does crappy piano sounds, or a nice digital piano that does crappy synth sounds (or of course a mediocre compromise that gives you crappy versions of both). You could probably find an expensive unit that does both well . . . but this would surely be too expensive.
I am a synth guy who was looking for some decent piano sounds, and I ended up buying a ROMpler with piano sounds to play with my MIDI synth keyboards (an E-mu Proteus 2000). The unit was cheap (under $200) and to me sounds great. It was a very minimal investment and I got nice piano, electric piano, organ, and string patches. It also does synth sounds, but they are limited to a few sample waveforms versus the versatility of a real synth engine.
Coming at it from the other way, it seems like there is a decent selection of electric pianos that you can buy with nice 88-key keyboards and good piano sounds. I'm not sure of the quality, but I've seen plenty in the $1000-2000 range by Yamaha among others. You could in theory buy on of these for, say, $1000-1400 and then use the remaining funds to buy a desktop synth engine. If you wanted a mono-synth you could buy a Behringer Model D for $300 and pair this with a $1400 electric piano. Or, if you can get your hands on one you could buy a MicroMonsta poly-synth for just a bit more. As long as your e-piano has MIDI out, you can find plenty of options for great synths at all price points.
EDIT: OK, here is an example . . . [this piano] (https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-YDP143R-Console-Digital-Rosewood/dp/B01DW69ZTA/ref=sr_1_6?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1526672499&sr=1-6&keywords=digital%2Bpiano%2B88%2Bkey%2Bweighted&th=1) for $1100 leaves you $600 for a synth. You can get a Waldorf Blofeld new for $499, which is (from what I have read) a wonderful polysynth. Go for it!!
https://www.musiciansfriend.com/keyboards-midi/casio-sa-76-keyboard?src=3soswxxa
Is this a good keyboard for someone who is a complete beginner, and is just wanting to know if they actually are interested before making a huge purchase?
Or this one
https://www.amazon.com/Casio-CTK-2550-Portable-Keyboard-Integration/dp/B074VGGRWX?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1
Less keys are generally fine for some things, like leads and basslines, where there generally isn't a lot of large movement in a phrase. You can enter your midi information into a DAW and it's all good.
However, if you are picturing any large piano arrangements, or anything where you'll be playing a chord with your left and more chords or a melody with the right simultaneously, then obviously a tiny keyboard ranges from less than ideal to straight up unfeasible.
I have a Casio Privia-730 or something, full weighted keyboard but limited midi support (no pitch/mod wheel, etc). It's a piano, not a midi controller. This I would use (through a USB cable) for big grand things like a piano arrangement, string section etc.
I just recently bought a Korg Microkey2 for those more 'tight' sections, as well as its mod wheel and pitch bend. I greatly enjoy it, even though I'm not really yet use to the "synthesizer" feel of the keys. 37 keys is enough to fiddle across two octaves comfortably, and it's way easier to noodle out a quick lead line or something than the heavier, less responsive Casio.
However, I wouldn't recommend it if it were going to be your only controller. For that I'd say at least 49 keys is desirable, maybe more for a pianist as yourself.
Honestly, you're going to cry down the line if you don't have at least 37 keys. Trust me. For that I recommend this.
Hey I just went through this whole process so hopefully my experience helps you out.
-From What I understand the Alto in the Key of G is going to have the most resources out there as far as song books and tutorials. However it looks to me that the 17 Key Kalimba in the key of C has a decent amount as well.
-The Hugh Tracey Alto is the High end "Martin" or "Taylor' of the Kalimba.
-There are a lot of 17 Key Kalimbas on Amazon, most of them being in the Key of C. (some come un-tunned though and you have to do all that yourself)
I wanted to go for the Hugh Tracey Alto but opted to Start with the 17 Key "high" end gecko https://www.amazon.com/Kalimba-Performance-Protection-Professional-models/dp/B079JMMNXN/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1537143542&sr=8-4&keywords=gecko+kalimba
Mostly due to the fact that I will probably get one in G and C so I figured I could go with the cheaper one first to make sure I know what I want.
For sure - that one is an old model that my dad got me for Christmas over 10 years ago haha... here's the link to the Amazon page
This: https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-Portable-Keyboard-Survival-Extended/dp/B00WFH55KQ/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_267_tr_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=JVK7Y3G38AQE8ZDE5XRS
I swear, it is perfect. The keys feel more like a piano than most cheap keyboards, it has built-in speakers (but you can also use headphones) so you don't need an amp, and with this setup you can get the accessories you need. I recommend it to all my new piano students before I suggest their parents go get them an expensive or real piano.
I will do my best. I am only a month in to this madness. And when I started I wanted to emulate a workflow similar to how stuff was done in the early to mid 90s. Sort of faux hardware sequencing. The reason being every time I sit in front a DAW for a creative project I feel devoid of inspiration. So here's the current setup:
Hardware:
iPad Pro 1st gen connected to a USB hub via Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter.
LYFNLOVE USB Hub 3.0 Splitter,7 Port USB Data Hub with Power Adapter and Charging Port
KORG nanoKontrol2 connected to USB hub
Behringer UM2 connected to the USB hub and hi/low out of Model D
Behringer Model D connected to USB hub for midi control and UM2 to pass audio to iPad
So how does all this work together? Well the center of my workflow sits AUM AUM is my mixer, playhead, midi routing, and effects insert hub. It's the glue that ties all the widgets together with a unified clock.
For synthesis I am currently using the following apps: MOOG Model 15, MOOG Animoog, Audiokit Synth One, Audiokit FM Player, Menace, and Blamsoft Viking Synth which I can run many instances of. And now of course The Model D.
For Sequencing the Synths I am using the Rozeta suite.
And for percussion/drum machine I am using Patterning 2 which I absolutely love to death. With my quest to eventually go all hardware and possibly just a eurorack it's going to be hard for me to let go of this because I like it so much.
For effects/DSP I use all of the apps produced by Audio Damage, Inc., Kosmonaut, & RE-1 Tape Machine
For misc I use an app called Sector which is a nice sample slicer with a cool interface for introducing randomization to a sequence + effects to slices.
As previously mentioned. I am new to this and still learning. The apps I've mentioned merely are the tip of the iceberg as far as what /r/ipadmusic is capable of. I'm trying not to go too deep down that rabbit hole because I intend to go full hardware eventually. But it has been a great starting point to learn a lot of the basics and intermediate inner workings of how to use midi and some modular virtual patching.
I would be happy to answer any more questions. So far this (link to soundcloud, not just the one track RES is trying to make play)is most of what I've created with the newest to oldest representing the evolution of my learning curve. I have not recorded anything with the model d yet but plan to very soon.
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-88-Key-Weighted-Digital-Furniture/dp/B07DL1TLVB?tag=slicinc-20&ascsubtag=c1c1392aedf511e8a06bb2322e4368960INT
Piano is the best thing for learning theory because the entire chromatic scale is laid out in a straight line for you... for travelling what about one of those roll-up keyboards
Currently $209 on Musicians Friend. Or $225 on Amazon.
Not sure, but I just saw that Amazon has a similar model/bundle as an "Early Black Friday Deal" now for the same price :)
https://smile.amazon.com/Yamaha-88-Key-Weighted-Digital-Furniture/dp/B07DL1TLVB/
It's the same keyboard, but the chair is different (the one at Costco is 4 legs & not foldable, might be sturdier but not height adjustable) otherwise it looks like the stand is also the same.
This might be up your alley in that case, or, if you want to spend a little more money, this one give you some extra keys to play with.
This is just some Yamaha stuff I found cause I'm a huge fan of their stuff. Nothing from them has failed me yet! I'm sure if you poke around some more you can find something. Amazon search engine is your friend.
>I always though of piano lessons as incredible fun, or - in English English - a “hobby”. Perhaps this explains why educators of music always disliked me.
I started off playing "for fun." I was switched into the RCM a few months later because they thought I had real potential.
It's not because piano stopped being fun - it's just more refined. Private tutors will hone in on your weaknesses and spend double the time to get you to really get good and you can tell by the performance.
When I started taking private lessons to actually level up and not just tinker, it made my songs/repertoire sound more embellished.
>If it helps most of the piano students at a b.mus piano program I know all - secretly - have a 600$ ish digital piano at home/dorm. So with your background try that.
Gotcha. Good to know.
So I assume something like this:
https://www.amazon.ca/Alesis-Recital-Pro-Built-Educational/dp/B072FKLXRB/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=digital+piano+88+keys&qid=1565564867&s=gateway&sr=8-6
... isn't going to be anywhere near as good in quality. I'm not attempting to take piano seriously anymore - due to lack of time/energy restraints - but I am also concerned my background will make me feel like the keys are cheap.
>They feel like a new Steinway Essex brand piano, or lower priced Yamaha acoustic - all of which are better than my college ‘s practice pianos
Not familiar with the Steinway Essex brand, just Yamaha. The FP10/40/50 (can't remember the exact model number) feels like an acoustic. Someone recommended it earlier in the thread and it's quite pricy! Still, wonder if it's worth the value - after all, wouldn't it still be digital? :)
Yeah I just noticed that. :( I bought a Neutron for $330 a few months back and it's listed for $223 right now, and I literally just bought a model D a week or so ago.
I'm a curious newb that's been doing my best to soak up as much information as possible researching about synths and keyboards. A lot of this new jargon has been challenging to say the least. I have a question and I suppose I could've made a new thread but I feel like it's a dumb question so didn't want to draw too much attention.
I know it may not be fiscally or practically sensible but lets say that I want to get a Yamaha Reface CP as a mostly on-the-go-jam instrument but I also want to learn how to play keyboard in my room; so I decide that I want to have a master keyboard (lets say something with 49-88 semi-weighted keys w/ touch response) to play the Reface CP. What are my options? What constitutes as a master keyboard?
If I understand my research correctly, a MIDI keyboard controller with a MIDI dim (such as the Alesis Q61) plugged into the Reface CP won't act as Master.
I've seen discussions that mention using a powered MIDI USB host (such as a Hobbytronics MIDI Host) to make digital piano/keyboards with USB MIDI act as Master to the Reface CP but I don't understand which part of that equation makes that possible. Is it the fact that the digital piano has onboard sound or is the powered MIDI host playing some larger role besides merely extending the MIDI out signal from USB to MIDI dim?
Or to put it another way, would using a MIDI host with a MIDI keyboard controller (equipped with either USB or MIDI dim out) cause it to act as Master to the Reface CP when all plugged in together? This is of course assuming all of the components are compliant/compatible.
My instinct is that the device intended to act as Master always needs to have onboard sound and I'm letting the stuff I read about extenders over-complicate what is admittedly a pretty convoluted idea to begin with.
I can recommend the Yamaha PortableGrand NP30 that's $299 but only 76 keys.
http://www.amazon.com/Casio-WK-500-Personal-Keyboard-Connection/dp/B001FSJC2S
I have a used one of these...it's terribly improbable but if you happen to be in the houston area I would be happy to work with you. It has been sitting unused for a while as I haven't really been motivated to play it.
As far as finding one with weighted keys that's not too expensive will probably be tough as it's usually only the higher end ones that do. What is too expensive for you. Found what looks like a good one but it's about 400. Maybe watch for one on craigslist or something?
http://www.amazon.com/Casio-CDP-100-88-Note-Weighted-Digital/dp/B000GAP3J2
It seems like Casio WK500 would be something to get: it allows for creation of custom accompaniment, has a built-in sampler and a PA system (line - in), SD card slot and MIDI. I didn't get much time to play with it, but I am considering buying it for myself for quick drafts. It costs around $300.
As for the software - Energy XT 2.5 is a nice simple sequencer, and Ableton Live has an interface which explains where to click to do various things (but it might be an overkill).
In any case, you can get a free VST host and some free synths (my favourite being Superwave P8, MinimogueVA,Polyvoks station) - find all of them on KVR Audio Forums (in case you don't know, VST is a standard for virtual instruments, aka a way to get amazing sounds out of the computer).
You will also need a good audio interface for low latency (othewise the synths will be unplayable). You need one with ASIO support; use this google query to find one (Behringer ones are cheap and decent for a start).
Okay great. In that case I definitely recommend this Yamaha keyboard. It's the current version of the model I had when I was in college.
It's great for the uses you described, plus it'll cover just about anything you could possibly come across as a jazz trumpet undergrad: it can be used as a midi keyboard, headphone jack for personal practice in your dorm, and it can even be used for performing (in a pinch). Amazon has it for $180.
I bought my sister this keyboard, although I got it at a discounted price. The reason I got her this keyboard is because it is a student edition, meaning that it has a digital display which shows which keys you hit and the notes associated with each key. It only has 61 keys, but that's all you'll need to start off with. This keyboard also features what the description calls "touch sensitive keys". That means that if you hit a key softly, it plays softly, and if you hit the key hard it plays the note loud.
There are other models and brands similar to this keyboard, but the main things you want in a keyboard include:
These are the main features you'll want in a keyboard. The goal, for buying a keyboard, is to get used to playing keyboard instruments until you can afford to buy a piano or electronic piano.
I would suggest googling something like "Beginner's Guide to Buying Keyboards". There should be some comparisons online for which are the most economical, and which provide the best bang for your buck. I'm not the right person to ask about electronic learning and plugging your keyboard into your computer. I'm a traditionalist, and have never really even messed with all of that.
TL;DR: Okay this comment got very long. Basically, I think it's entirely accidental but people have a habit of going OTT when they're "into" an instrument, and forget what a beginner truly needs. I think there's a minimum requirement, but that it's achievable for something closer to $180-300
I see two clear sides to this.
Part of it is that Piano tends to be a predominantly middle class "hobby" (/pastime.... the fact "hobby" doesn't feel like the right word half proves my point), and therefore perceptions of "cheap" can vary quite wildly. That can throw out a feeling of snobbery, especially when anyone new to the instrument knows they can get a basic keyboard for $50. That's where the stuck up/snobby side comes in
There's also a point that most people who are here take the piano fairly seriously: and therefore have a different perception of what is needed for a "minimum acceptable" piano, because they themselves would find anything below that level completely useless. This is where the elitist side comes in to the perception
Similarly, there's a point that the more "into" piano, or anything else, you are, the higher your minimum accepable level is. I struggle to recommend cheap laptops for my family, because a $400 Dell from target could never cover my needs. We're all guilty of this sometimes: because we've invested so much time and effort into something that our expectations are far higher and we can find it difficult to recognise that others don't have very advanced requirements.
On the other hand, there is a clear minimum level (touch sensitive keys) below which many strongly feel that you are no longer playing the Piano, but are instead using a basic synthesiser with the notes arranged in the same way as the piano. I think we all agree that a basic Casio keyboard doesn't allow you to learn how to play staccato, or even to understand the difference between playing piano and forte. Therefore, there is a basic requirement that isn't covered by cheap keyboards.
It's not that people are being elitist in saying "Look, if you want to be able to learn on this keyboard and then transfer the skills to a piano, you really need weighted, hammer action (or at least touch sensitive) keys", it's that.... well, they're right. If you play a keyboard without touch sensitive keys, at an absolute minimum, you can't learn many of the skills that go beyond plinking out a basic melody.
It's a tricky one, balancing the two, and I feel the FAQ definitely strikes the wrong balance. It aims too much for "assuming you can already play and are happy to invest heavily", rather than "You've got an interest and want something that you can learn on from scratch"
Particularly with this line, which definitely lends itself to the "snobby and elitist" thing. The line in question is linked to <$500 keyboards
> Keyboards in this price range are more toys than they are instruments.
So the first thing I'd ask here is that if <$500 gets you a toy rather than an instrument, we have two things to ask.
While we see lots of "You need midi", "You need voices" nonsense banded around, I think we can sensibly limit the "needed" down to:
Personally I'd say that for a true beginner on a tight budget, weighted keys are a nice to have, but not a deal breaker. 88 keys, similarly, is nice... but how many beginner or even intermediate level songs use the 1st and 7th octaves? Anything over 60 keys, if we're honest, is enough to cover the 5 octaves used in most music.
So we're looking at 60+ keys and touch sensitivity, as being the "true minimum". With 88 keys, weighted or hammer action etc being "nice to have". So how much is one of those?
Here's one for $300 that's got graded, hammer action keys. So we're already at 60% of the $500 mark in my first search, hitting both my "necessary" and ll three of my "nice to have" measures.
Is it an incredible piano? No idea, I've never tried it. But it certainly looks good enough to learn on, as far as I can see.
And here's one for $180 that lacks the hammer action and fully weighted keys, but still has 88 keys, and is touch sensitive and semi-weighted. Would anyone say that a beginner couldn't genuinely start to learn with this instrument?
I do see the point that there's an element of "buy right or buy twice" here, that buying a $700 instrument that will last you well until you're proficient, rather than a $300 beginner instrument and upgrading later, will actually save you money in the long run... but we have to remember that this sub has a confirmation bias. By being here, you instantly belong to the "didn't give up on Piano" club. For everyone in this sub, there are others who wasted $300, never mind $700.
So yeah, I'd say that we really just need to re-define the "minimum" and "recommended" levels, find the right instrument for those levels, and then discuss them sensibly
There's nothing wrong with saying "This is the basic piano that's worth having at $180" (or whatever) "And here's a better one for $300 that will last you beyond beginner, and a $600 one that's good enough for anybody to keep at home" or whatever.
It's just the re-adjustment at the bottom end that's needed. Just because I've got a $1400 Yamaha Arius that's practically an Acoustic replacement, doesn't mean that's suitable for a beginner on a budget. Let's try to give the best advice we can, regardless of situation.
Of course, I accept that others may think that those pianos I've linked aren't worth learning on: I'd welcome any responses justifying that (not in a "Defend yourself!" way, but for genuine discussion)
The mime suit helps, too.
https://www.amazon.com/Mens-Costume-Makeup-Adult-Small/dp/B075LTTCGC/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=mime&psc=1&qid=1570844535&sr=8-7
https://www.amazon.com/Accordion-Mugig-Ensemble-Instrument-Childhood/dp/B071CL3G77/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=accordion&qid=1570844563&sr=8-1
There you go, Halloween outfit!
Hi! Looks like the perfect place to ask for recommendations.
I'm looking for a small keyboard and I'm a bit lost. My goal is to have something to visualize music theory on, try out some chords progressions and simple melodies, and maybe work the synchronization between the two hands. I'm a guitar player ( trying to learn theory) and I think that could be great to practice some concepts.
Looking at forums, they say 61keys is the minimum to learn piano. But I'd like a smaller keyboard, 60cm length or something, something easy to just sit on my bed or in front of my computer and try out things. What is the minimum amount of keys you'd recommend? Is 37 keys enough to work on synchronization between hands? I saw this one and the size looks nice ( maybe something cheaper though).
I think having built-in sounds would be nice, since having to plug a midi keyboard to my computer will stop me from playing sometimes. However I don't need 150+ sounds, with fancy ding-ding sounds. Just 3-4 nice sounds will be enough. Looks like the one I mentionned previously has that. But it's a bit expensive for me to start on.
Any suggestions?
Visit nearby music shop and see what they have.
You might consider these
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-YDP143R-Console-Digital-Rosewood/dp/B01DW69ZTA
https://www.amazon.com/Kurzweil-88-Note-Digital-Console-Arranger/dp/B01AR3D128/
Behringer-DEEPMIND-12 perhaps.
It looks good but thing is i live in sweden so i dont know what the tax will be on a 19kg package. I may go with amazon uk https://www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-Deepmind-Analogue-Polyphonic-Synthesizer/dp/B06VW1FQF2