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

[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.