How to Pick a Piano Keyboard

A piano keyboard is a digital piano in which the sound is produced electronically when the keys are pressed. You may choose to purchase a piano keyboard if you desire to make your own recordings, or if you are just learning how to play the piano. Piano keyboards are typically lighter and often less expensive than acoustic pianos. In order to pick a piano keyboard, understand what you want to use the piano for, consider the types of songs you will be playing, choose a size, listen to the sound and feel the keys.

Instructions

1. Understand what you want to use the piano keyboard for. If you desire to record your own music, then you may want a piano keyboard that has different sound choices and recording capabilities. This type of piano keyboard is a workstation keyboard. If you do not desire to record your own music, or you want the piano keyboard to just have the traditional piano sound, then you will want to pick a regular piano keyboard.

2. Consider the types of songs you will be playing. Not all piano keyboards have the same number of keys. If you want to record your own music or play contemporary pieces, then you probably will not need a full keyboard. If you plan to play classical music, then you will need all of the octaves and will need to pick a full keyboard. A full-size keyboard has 88 keys.

3. Choose a size. If you want a light piano keyboard that is easy to move, then you should pick a piano keyboard that has folding legs. If you want the piano keyboard to resemble an acoustic piano, then you should pick a piano keyboard that has a permanent bottom structure.

4. Listen to the sound of the piano keyboard. If you want a piano with many different sounds, then play a few notes on each sound and make sure that each sound is authentic. For example, the piano sound should sound just like an acoustic piano, and the violin sound should sound like a violin. If you only want the piano keyboard to have the acoustic piano sound, then make sure that the sound is not overly digital or artificial.

5. Feel the keys. Determine whether you are comfortable with the feeling of the keys. The keys should be easier to press toward the treble, or right side of the piano. They should be harder to press toward the bass, or left side of the piano. If all of the keys feel either too easy or too hard to press, then do not pick this piano keyboard.

References

• Children's Music Workshop: How Do I Know What Type of Piano Keyboard to Buy?
• Piano Keyboard Reviews: About Keyboards