Question re Keyboard to learn Piano

[purplerabbit]

So R wants a keyboard for his birthday. He wants to learn to play the piano and we don't have room for a piano in our house. So do I have to get an 88-key one for him to learn properly. I am confused by the array of keyboards and the different numbers of keys -- 61, 76, 88 -- and need to know what to get him. Suggestions?

Comments

[vvvexation.livejournal.com]

Most pieces don't require anywhere near the full 88 keys, but I'm not sure what would be a good minimum for him to be able to play most stuff.

[the-misha.livejournal.com]

For a beginner's learning keyboard, a 61-key keyboard will be more than sufficient; as vvvexation pointed out, most pieces don't actually use the full 88-key range of a grand piano.

More important even than the number of keys, IMO, is that the keys of the keyboard be sized (and weighted) roughly like those of a piano, rather than being the sort of pseudo-keys found on many "children's keyboards." Most serious keyboards will be fine, honestly, though it might be help to have R actually test-play a couple of them to see which ones his hands like. Also, you can check with the salescritter to see what zie recommends, though - as ever - take their responses with an appropriately-sized grain of salt.

[freeimprov.livejournal.com]

The key quality is an excellent point. It's a much bigger playability issue than the number of keys. I have a Kurzweil stage piano that feels really good. The Yamaha synth? Feels like a toy.

What you want is "fully weighted keys" if possible, and the kind with flat, piano-style fronts rather than cutaways. The cheap Casios have the cutaway, unweighted or "semi-weighted" keys, and don't feel nearly as substantial. Weight means resistance, and resistance means more precise control.

[freeimprov.livejournal.com]

A 49 key instrument would do; a 61 key would be better. I have a 61 key and a 76 key at home, and the 61 is about eight inches shorter. The shorter keyboards are less expensive, too!

If he becomes really committed to it, you can always get him a nicer 88 key (and a place to put it) later - or better yet, a real piano, if you can find a place for it!

[coyote3502.livejournal.com]

I second the recommendation for a weighted keyboard. Come and play on our piano sometime to get a feel for it, then compare. Also, it should be on a very sturdy stand of some sort. Setting it on a table sets it at the wrong height. Also, it should have a good sustain pedal.

I will always advocate for a real piano, even if it is a small spinet. It doesn't really take up that much more space than an electronic keyboard, and no electronic keyboard can match the tactile sensations, the tone, the touch of the keys, etc.

That said, I'm guessing that portability may be an issue. Would this keyboard be transported to Iowa? Does he have an instrument available there? If he truly wants to learn piano, can he get lessons in both places? No amount of self-directed study can substitute for a good consistent teacher.

If you *must* go electronic, make sure it has full-sized weighted keys. 61 keys is sufficient.

[fluffthebunny.livejournal.com]

As a piano teacher, a pianist, etc... I want to strongly encourage you to get an instrument that has a full set of 88 keys. The repertoire may not always hit the outer-octaves, but it's really not something you want to be without, particularly if you start improvising, or playing 4-hands stuff with children.

I'd also strongly urge you to look for a keyboard that offers "weighted action," or "semi-weighted action" at least. This will make the instrument heavier and more expensive; however the touch/feel of the keyboard will be comparable to that of a sticks-and-strings piano. Dynamic control (soft/loud) is the essence of what makes a piano a piano. The actual full name of the instrument, pianoforte, translated means "soft/loud."

You don't have to spend a fortune for such an instrument. My personal instrument at home is an M-Audio ProKeys 88sx. It is a good compromise between weight (20 lbs... I can easily carry it under my arm to a friend's house), feel (semi weighted) and price (less than $400). Note that there are no built-in speakers in the instrument, but it will sound lovely patched into any home entertainment center. I have a PA rig I run mine into, but that's not necessary.

With any portable instrument, you'll also need to invest in a stand to support it, and a nice bench is worth looking into. These items can be had relatively inexpensively at your local Guitar Center.