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How to choose a keyboard - how to choose a digital piano.

This section discusses how to choose a keyboard, as well as how to choose a digital piano.

I often get emails from visitors to this site asking me what keyboard or digital piano they should buy. This question is answered with two questions.

1. Do you like it?

In order words, does the keyboard or digital piano meet your needs? You must have a clear idea of your requirements and make a decision based on that.

Click here to buy a keyboard or digital piano.

2. Do you have the money?

This one is pretty straightforward. If you've got the money you can buy whatever meets your needs.

Here are some more tips to help you make a decision. Read the following article and learn how to choose a keyboard, as well as how to choose a digital piano.

There are so many keyboards and digital pianos on the market today. How does one make a selection? Here are a few tips to help you choose one that meets your needs.

1. How much can you afford?

Very often, the questions I get on how to choose a keyboard or how to choose a digital piano has to do with money. What you choose may just be what you can afford.

With such a wealth of keyboards available, a working person shouldn't have a problem finding one that fits their budget. Low priced keyboards are all over. But this doesn't mean that you should settle for anything. As the old adage goes, you usually get what you pay for. Usually the more money you invest, the greater the returns.

2. Do you need weighted action or synth action.

Questions on how to choose a keyboard or how to choose a digital piano are usually based on the type of keys a keyboard comes with, whether weighted, semi-weighted, or light.

Weighted action means that the keyboard comes with heavy (weighted) keys and feels like an acoustic piano. You need some muscle to play such keyboards. If you're a trained pianist or you want to develop your piano skills a weighted keyboard or digital piano would be better suited.

Synth action would mean lighter keys. You can usually play faster and easier with a synth action keyboard. Are you gonna be playing synthy and techno stuff? Then synth action is what you need.

3. How many keys do you need?

Questions on how to choose a keyboard or how to choose a digital piano usually have to do with the number of keys that the instrument comes with.

You have a choice between 88, 76, 61, 49, 37, 25 keys, and even less. Your choice should be based on your needs and circumstances. For instance, players doing stuff that requires a small range, like samples, only need a few keys. 76 keys are usually best for quality synth action. But if you're into stuff like sound development you can't afford to work with anything short of 88 keys.

4. Do you need an onboard sequencer?

You need to avoid duplication. If you're already sequencing on your computer you don't want to pay for a keyboard that comes with a sequencer. You may never use it. An onboard sequencer is more important when you're working without a computer.

5. Consider whether you need a workstation - how to choose a digital piano.

Workstations perform so many functions. These include everything from sequencing, to sampling, to effects, and mixing. Again you should avoid duplication. If you're already doing all that on your computer, you probably don't need to pay extra for a workstation. Don't buy features that you already have. But a workstation is an incredible and necessary tool when a computer is not in the mix.

6. Importance of velocity and aftertouch features.

Ensure that your keyboard comes with velocity and aftertouch features. Velocity refers to how the sound responds to the amount of pressure applied to the keys (how quickly keys are pushed down). While aftertouch deals with the control data that is generated by pressing down the keys after they have reached and are resting on the keybed.

7. Will you be gigging or not - how to choose a keyboard.

If you'll be carrying your keyboard from gig to gig, durability should be an important consideration. What material is used? A hard case should come in handy for protection. The weight of your keyboard is also part of the picture; unless you don't mind the hassles of carrying a heavy keyboard or digital piano from one gig to another.

You should be able to find a keyboard easily online. You can order one that suits your needs today. Some of the best music keyboard and digital piano prices can be found here. You get free shipping to your door.

We discuss several keyboard brands and models here - although this site is mainly about Yamaha keyboards. Take time to read our reviews and check out the merchants listed here. When you get to the merchants read customer reviews before making a decision.

Here's some good information on how to choose a digital piano; how to choose a keyboard. Find out what is the best keyboard for you.

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