Piano Keyboard Advice

[Silenka]

Dunno if this goes in music or general but I put it here, can move it if you need. I am looking into buying a keyboard (the musical kind) and I know next to nothing about brands and what's a good one for a general beginner who would rather have a real piano anyway. Basically, I'm just looking for a keyboard that will play like a piano, if such a thing exists, with maybe a few fancy things to play with here or there, but not very necessary. I know most keyboards come with a crapload of stuff I won't even use, so I'm having a bit of trouble slogging through the many types of keyboards there are out there.

Basically my tl;dr question is: Those of you who play/know people who have a keyboard, what is the best brand/model to buy for someone who doesn't want anything fancy, just wants to play piano? Looking for something in the 100~200 or under range.

I would appreciate any help anyone can offer since I'm flying blind on this experience-wise. ^^

[Ksandra]

well I'm not sure on brands, but depending on how much money you're willing to spend, try to get an 88-key one. Always annoyed me about the 66 keys, they take out the base-line keys which are used more often then the high-tone ones.

Added to that the 88 keys always sound more "piano" to me, and are meant to be used as a "real" piano, vs a piano with 60 different retarded sounds that you'll never use unless you're trying to make a basement group with the kids down the street...

[SubzeroDiabolos]

well I'm not sure on brands, but depending on how much money you're willing to spend, try to get an 88-key one. Always annoyed me about the 66 keys, they take out the base-line keys which are used more often then the high-tone ones.

Added to that the 88 keys always sound more "piano" to me, and are meant to be used as a "real" piano, vs a piano with 60 different retarded sounds that you'll never use unless you're trying to make a basement group with the kids down the street...

This dude begs to differ YouTube - "Throwing Fire" -- Re-Uploaded (better audio this time!)

[Silenka]

This dude begs to differ YouTube - "Throwing Fire" -- Re-Uploaded (better audio this time!)

While that is very interesting, yeah I'm just looking for one that sounds like a piano haha. Thank you for the key advice Ksandra, that kind of stuff is important

Just checked it out, seems the 88 key ones usually have 'weighted' keys to be more like a real piano (never going out of tune is a plus as well). Looks a lot more expensive though XD

[Moridam]

If you have access to some kind of software instrument (e.g., Garage Band for Mac), a keyboard controller is the way to go if you want something that plays like a piano in that price range. I've used this before, and it's really hard to beat for the price:

Buy M-Audio Keystation 88es USB MIDI Keyboard Controller | Keyboard Controllers | Musician's Friend

If you're looking for something self-contained (onboard speakers & synthesis) I think Yamaha are pretty decent, and you can stay within your price range easily. The main drawback in going that route though, is that you're going to have non-weighted keys and likely won't find anything over 61 keys. I haven't played around with around with the modern ones, but I would hope they allow you to modify the tonal range on a 61 key layout (this way, if you want to use the lower couple of octaves that are left off of the hardware, you'll have the option). It wouldn't shock me if they left that out of the entry-level boards to entice you to upgrade to a more expensive model though.

edit-

sounds more like you're in the market for a basic digital piano. this looks like the closest offering to what you're looking for, although it is above your stated price range:

http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfrien...ard?sku=702663

[Daeman]

I think Moridam really hit the nail on the head. From personal experience, I'd say Yamaha is a pretty good choice. I've had a 61 key Yamaha for awhile and its held up pretty well. Its over four years old and has the option to modify the tonal range up or down, I could even split the range and take out the middle, so I'd be surprised if this option wasn't on most or all models these days. I think it will be difficult to find a weighted 88 keys on your budget though.

Yamaha YPT-210 61 Key Full-Size Digital Music Keyboard with AC Adapter in Electronic Keyboards and Pianos at JR.com

There are also a number of Casio brand keyboards around your price range, but I'm not very familiar with Casio.

Amazon.com: $100-$200 - Casio / casio keyboard: Electronics

[kareface]

If you have access to some kind of software instrument (e.g., Garage Band for Mac), a keyboard controller is the way to go if you want something that plays like a piano in that price range. I've used this before, and it's really hard to beat for the price:

Buy M-Audio Keystation 88es USB MIDI Keyboard Controller | Keyboard Controllers | Musician's Friend

If you're looking for something self-contained (onboard speakers & synthesis) I think Yamaha are pretty decent, and you can stay within your price range easily. The main drawback in going that route though, is that you're going to have non-weighted keys and likely won't find anything over 61 keys. I haven't played around with around with the modern ones, but I would hope they allow you to modify the tonal range on a 61 key layout (this way, if you want to use the lower couple of octaves that are left off of the hardware, you'll have the option). It wouldn't shock me if they left that out of the entry-level boards to entice you to upgrade to a more expensive model though.

edit-

sounds more like you're in the market for a basic digital piano. this looks like the closest offering to what you're looking for, although it is above your stated price range:

Buy Yamaha NP-30 Digital Keyboard | Stage Digital Pianos | Musician's Friend

I have the keystation 61, and I love it. If you have enough room for the 88 key version, It would get that. I run mine through USB on the computer, and it works great. If you need some help setting it up let me know. Some emulation software might require Asio4Allv2 to work with out delay, but it depends on what you use. However, I can say this much, I got my 61 on craigs list for 70$, and I've been loving it. You can set it up to output just about any sounds you want. I'm currently using The Grand 2.

[Purrrfect]

Semi-off-topic, but what would someone look for if they have no piano history but would like to learn to play (more of a self-taught or work at your own pace kinda thing)? I played the violin through middle/high school so I have some music background, but not sure where to start on the hardware side. I did look at those links Moridam posted and looked on that site and saw this which doesn't seem bad on the surface, but I have no idea about any of that stuff.

[Yeargdribble]

I would always suggest going for weighted keys because it's easier to adjust from weighted to those dinky plastic ones than the other way around. I'd give similar advice to a guitarist to learn on an acoustic guitar first because it's easier to go from acoustic to electric if you already have the kind of callouses you get from an acoustic, but people who learn on electric often pick up an acoustic and can't hold the string down.

For me personally I'd always go for 88 keys, but for someone who isn't going to be working professionally or just wants to learn some basic stuff 61 will work. I wouldn't go any lowe than that. The thing about 88 keys is if you're trying to play some cool stuff by ear you'll rarely be limited by your instrument.

If you're fairly proficient and need a keyboard for software input or can always have a way to keep the keyboard relatively near your computer (and have more than shit for speakers) I'd definitely aim at a pure MIDI controller type keyboard. You'll get more bang for your buck and if you know what you're doing you'll have 10x the versatility vs. buying the standard keyboard with speakers built in.

For beginners I'd definitely generally suggest something with speakers build in due to the learning curve (albeit small) of running a MIDI controller through another device and getting all of the sounds you want.

[Boyiee]

If you are just learning, buy something for 60$ don't waste your money. Get a cheap casio or something. If you don't have experience, you don't need much, plus no matter how adamant you are about it if you have never done it before you don't know if you will stick to it.

Waste of time looking at anything over 100$ in your case.

[Eckskalibur]

I also suggest weighted keys. I started on a Yamaha keyboard that didn't have weighted keys and was thrown off by weighted keys. But they are so much better to play on.

I'm not sure if your looking at keyboards because they're cheaper than pianos (obviously). But, keep up on Craigslist. People on there are always trying to get rid of pianos (For free). They usually need a little bit of work. But, they are worth it. I got one on there, I just had to get it to my house. It was out of tune, and some of the keys are chipped.. But it plays. It was well worth the hassle of getting it in the house.

[Ksandra]

I also suggest weighted keys. I started on a Yamaha keyboard that didn't have weighted keys and was thrown off by weighted keys. But they are so much better to play on.

I'm not sure if your looking at keyboards because they're cheaper than pianos (obviously). But, keep up on Craigslist. People on there are always trying to get rid of pianos (For free). They usually need a little bit of work. But, they are worth it. I got one on there, I just had to get it to my house. It was out of tune, and some of the keys are chipped.. But it plays. It was well worth the hassle of getting it in the house.

Actually, if you have the space this is a really good idea. I know piano tuning is about ~90$. If you can get an old piano for free/cheap it might be better for your buck to just get the real thing.

I would suggest if you think of doing this, find some piano tuners in your area, and see what their pricings are. If they seem like decent prices then you can try hunting down and old piano to have tuned. (Can usually find cheap/free ones on Craigslist and in the wanted ads).

Best thing about this too, if you give up after awhile, a piano in the house always looks really nice. >.>;

[Silenka]

I didn't think of Craigslist, good tip there. I am also starting out, although I've always wanted to get really good at piano, and the desire has never gone away. I think if I got a piano/weighted keyboard I would never come to regret it. But I tend to make mistakes in purchases a lot so I'm really apprehensive about spending a lot of money on a keyboard that might not meet my expectations. I'll spend a lot of time thinking on it, I'm sure, and take everyone's advice into consideration.

I appreciate the advice so far, decidedly I would much rather have an 88key than 61, aside from that I'm still not sure which one I'll buy and from where, but I definitely have a better idea of what I'm doing than I did before ^^

[Boyiee]

Have you ever played piano before? Any instrument? You have no need for 88keys if you aren't playing with 2 hands separately yet.

There are some nice suggestions here, but these are more advanced suggestions, you should save yourself in money. You will be just as happy in the end.

[Ksandra]

not sure where you live but typing in craig's list give some great stuff like this:

Piano

PIANO - Steger & Sons - good condition

HALLETT& DAVIS &CO PIANO
basically, if you go for a real piano almost anything will do. What I would lookf for is:

a. get an upright (takes less space and is much cheaper than a grand/baby grand)

b. take a look at/try the keys. Probably if you get an old piano some of the keys might be chipped at the tips. Those are ok, but obviously not as nice looking. Try to avoid any that are chipped on top as you'll probably will want to replace those which will cost more $

c. Check to see if the 2 to 3 bottom pedals are intact. Also will be more money if they have to be replaced/repaired.

d. See if it comes with a piano seat. Something easily forgotten about, you don't want to have to shell out extra cash to buy a new seat because the old owner broke his/hers.

don't worry about the sound, that's what a tuner will fix, and can make any piano sound great.

You should be able to find one easy, as you can see from the links above, it's really hard to move a piano so often people will sell them cheap even if they're in good condition, just to get rid of it fast.

One small warning though, most people who sell them cheap will require you to be able to move it out of the house, so become really good friends with some really strong people (one with a truck) fast.

[Silenka]

Have you ever played piano before? Any instrument? You have no need for 88keys if you aren't playing with 2 hands separately yet.

There are some nice suggestions here, but these are more advanced suggestions, you should save yourself in money. You will be just as happy in the end.

Erm. Yes I have played trumpet in band/marching band and I started learning piano with a friend, I was playing somewhat ok with 2 hands. I pick up instruments very quickly generally, so I'm not worried about learning to play it, and everyone I have heard say anything about it said playing on weighted 88key is a lot lot better if you want an authentic piano style, which is what I was aiming for.

Thank you for the links Ksandra, I live in Ohio but I'll look around on craigslist a bit ^^

[Boyiee]

You can get "authentic piano style" without needing 88keys or a fullsize piano - all you need is weighted keys.

Musiciansfriend.com has some refurbs you can check into, nothing wrong with the instruments just people that returned them due to not sticking with them usually. Can get a nice 66+key semi/weighted keyboard that doesnt take up as much space but is 10000x more then you will need for proabably a year or 2 for 200$.

[Silenka]

Your sig stares into my soul, compelling me to take your advice.

This is a really cool site actually, thanks. I'll look around here too and see if anything strikes my eye :D

[Electro]

Semi-off-topic, but what would someone look for if they have no piano history but would like to learn to play (more of a self-taught or work at your own pace kinda thing)? I played the violin through middle/high school so I have some music background, but not sure where to start on the hardware side. I did look at those links Moridam posted and looked on that site and saw this which doesn't seem bad on the surface, but I have no idea about any of that stuff.

Sorry to disagree with most of everyone else. I personally believe if you are starting out you should start out on an 88 key. You will grasp the concept of the instrument itself. I have been playing piano for about 12 years. I minored in college in Concert Piano (instruction). I personally believe if you can afford to get a FULL SIZE piano keyboard to simply do it. The reason why is that if you truly do love playing and start out with a 61 key, and you eventually upgrade to an 88 key the transition is going to be a lot different. Going from an 88 key to a 61 key or anything smaller, you will have some aspect and knowledge of the way piano is played. Maybe its just me. Although I'm not saying go spend 500 bucks either on one. Check your local pawn shops, craigslist, ebay, and even some of the local schools. Some of the local schools have pianos that just sit there and rot because no one uses them anymore. I bought an upright piano from a local school for $100 bucks and it needed tuning and a new paint job. The school transitioned from the upright to a nice grand piano and new keyboards.

[Silenka]

Ooh. *puts schools on the list*

I agree with 88key at this point. Basically I wanted something that was as close to a real piano as I could come without actually buying a real piano, 61 key just won't cut it for that imo. Craigslist is turning up some really promising stuff like this, which I may just pick up if the seller seems a reasonable decent sort. Thoughts?