How Does an Electric Keyboard Work?

Fundamentals

The electric keyboard is laid out similar to an acoustic piano and has the same keyboard. But the way an electric keyboard processes sound is different. As an electric instrument, it uses a digital or electronic sound module, or tone generator, to produce the sound it needs. Analog or digital technology is used to mimic the half and whole steps, and the octaves per sampled sound.

Keyboards 101

Keyboards are made in all types of brands, styles and models. There are full-sized 88-key models, and there are smaller 49 key models. Some are digital, while others are analog circuit based models. Some digital keyboards use convolution to produce tones. This means that a prerecorded sample is used as the tone, and special algorithms are used to variate the pitch. Either that, or they are recorded pitch by pitch. Some sounds come strictly from an algorithm. Many keyboards offer options for sustain, touch response (to mimic the feel of a real piano), or DJ functions. Some offer full workstation capability for recording and even CD burning.

Brands and Types

There are many brands of keyboards to choose from, including Kurzweil, Yamaha, Kawai, Nord and Korg. There are workstation keyboards, which give you the ability to compose, record and produce. There are synthesizers, both analog and digital, that give users more functionality and creative control over sound and tone. There are stage pianos, portable keyboards and many other types to choose from depending on your budget and style.