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

[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.