Today we will look at some of the best 88 key keyboards for beginners to purchase as well as answer a few common questions pianists have when they are looking to purchase their first instrument. Read on to learn about what keyboard you should buy as you start off your musical journey!
SHOULD I BUY A DIGITAL KEYBOARD OR AN ACOUSTIC PIANO?
Picture this scenario: you’re a brand new musician who just started learning to play the piano and you need to buy an instrument to practice on, but should you buy a digital keyboard or an acoustic piano? While there are pros and cons to either choice, there are a few clear advantages to purchasing a keyboard:
- PURCHASE PRICE: keyboards are a much more affordable option for a beginning musician just starting off. This article includes reviews of several keyboards starting at around $500 in price, whereas an acoustic piano will oftentimes cost 10x as much at $5000.
- COST OF MAINTENANCE: digital keyboards don’t require any tuning or any other routine maintenance unlike acoustic pianos. This cost of maintenance for acoustic pianos can add up quickly as it is generally recommended to tune a piano twice a year and each tuning session usually costs $100.
- ADDITIONAL FEATURES: many musicians also appreciate the extra features that digital keyboards offer over acoustic pianos. Some examples include the ability to practice using headphones so as to not disturb other people nearby, or the extensive sound library that most keyboards contain.
WHAT FEATURES DO I NEED IN A KEYBOARD?
As you might imagine there are many different types of keyboards available for purchase and it may not be apparent what you need to look for. Here are a couple essential features you should look for in any keyboard you buy:
- FULL-SIZE KEYBOARD WITH 88 KEYS: some inexpensive, smaller keyboards have fewer than 88 keys (for example, 61) but you should always look for a full-size keyboard so you can have the entire range of bass and treble notes available to play.
- WEIGHTED KEYS: as you probably know, the volume of a note played on a piano is determined by how hard the key is pressed. Weighted keys are a system used on keyboards to emulate the feel and sensitivity of an acoustic piano. This is a very important feature to look for in a keyboard as it will help ensure that you develop the correct technique in playing the piano.
5 OF THE BEST 88-KEY KEYBOARDS
Yamaha YPG-535 88-Key Portable Grand Piano
This is the least expensive keyboard in this list, but don’t let that fool you: this keyboard still packs a punch! It features Yamaha’s Graded Soft Touch (GST) action and 500 different voices on-board. Most notable on this keyboard is the inclusion of the Yamaha Education Suite, a built-in program with lessons teaching you how to play the piano. It comes with 30 built-in songs, but you have 70 more available on the included CD-ROM and the ability to connect to a computer via USB to download even more songs!
This keyboard is a simple and straightforward choice for someone that wants a keyboard with learning-assistive features.
Click here now to check the current price and purchase your own!
Yamaha P125 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano
This is one of the most aesthetically-pleasing keyboards on this list, with a sophisticated, minimalist design. It features Yamaha’s Graded Hammer System (GST) which closely emulates an acoustic piano so that the low notes require a heavier touch and the high notes require a lighter touch. It also offers the option to connect to your smartphone or tablet where you can control voices, rhythms, and other settings.
This keyboard is truly the stylish choice and the ability to connect to your mobile device is a great perk too!
Take a look at the current price and buy yours now!
Casio Privia PX160BK 88-Key Full Size Digital Piano
The sound quality on this keyboard is what makes it really stand out. First off, Casio took great cares in how they recorded the piano samples available on this keyboard, but even more notable is the keyboard’s newly redesigned speaker system. When the keyboard is pushed up against a wall, these speakers will resonate the sound off the wall and project it across the whole room! (But don’t worry if you need to keep things quiet – this keyboard also features a jack for you to plug in your headphones).
If the sound quality of your instrument is a #1 priority, then this is the keyboard for you.
Click here now to view the current price and buy your own!
The ONE Smart Piano, Weighted 88-Key Digital Piano
This keyboard is remarkable in the features it offers in helping you learn how to play the piano. The first is the free app for your mobile device that includes sheet music for over 4000 different songs, over 100 instructional videos, and games to help you learn too. Second, it features LED light-up keys to assist you as you play the piano.
For those that are looking to teach themselves how to play piano, it’s harder to think of a better choice than this.
Take a look at the current price and purchase yours now!
Yamaha YDP163R Rosewood 88 Weighted Keys Digital Piano
Finally, we take a look at this top-of-the-line offering. This keyboard includes Yahama’s Graded Hammer 3 (GH3) action which includes the same hammering system and spring-less mechanism as an acoustic piano to give the most realistic feel possible. It is also made out of a stunning rosewood exterior.
This keyboard is certainly the choice for those that don’t want to settle for second-best and want to invest in a beautiful instrument.
Click here to view the current price and buy your own now!
CONCLUSION
In the end we hope you learned a little more about why you should choose to buy an 88-key keyboard and hopefully you found one that will suit your needs perfectly. Have fun and make some music!