The 10 Best Keyboards for Beginners
Those aspiring to be a musician or have children looking to begin their musical training need all the help they can get to become an expert in their craft. Getting the right instruction and purchasing the proper instrument is crucial when learning a new craft or skill. This is true no matter what instrument you choose, guitar, oboe, drums, or keyboard.
If you are looking for the best keyboard on the market, we will explore some of the top options so you can review the options and choose the best one for yourself or your family.
If you are looking for a keyboard that will make learning to play easy and enjoyable. Just remember, no one sits down instantly, and is Mozart, so you may also want to invest in a pair of sound-blocking earphones.
What to Look for When Buying Your First Keyboard?
If you are a novice and never played a keyboard before, chances are you never purchased one either. We have put together a list of tips for first-time keyboard buyers. Keep these in mind as you begin your hunt for the perfect keyboard.
Check the size of the piano
A full-size piano has 88 keys, smaller keyboards have 61 keys; intermediate sizes have 76 keys. Those that are just beginning may opt for a 61-key keyboard. Once the player has mastered those keys and wants to increase their learning, they can opt for a full-size piano keyboard.
Many youngsters want to learn to play an instrument but lose their enthusiasm for it. So the best option is to buy a keyboard that is less expensive until the musician determines they want to continue honing their craft.
Price of the piano
Price should be an option. When buying the first piano, it is ok to purchase a model that is not extremely expensive, in case the desire to learn an instrument is a fleeting idea. In most cases, a good keyboard can be purchased for between $200 and $250. This is plenty to invest in a beginning keyboard.
If the beginning player wants to continue their piano lessons, they can always opt to purchase a full-size piano or keyboard that has the full 88 keys and perhaps more features.
What features should your first keyboard have?
When purchasing a keyboard, it is nice to have a model that has background beats, and different tunes that can be changed based on the song. Some keyboards can sound like different instruments, even guitars, horns, and bass.
Today, many keyboards have USB ports where you can plug in a microphone or speakers. Other items you may consider are a stand and a portable seat/chair. Also, it is handy if the keyboard has both an electric plug and a battery. This makes the keyboard a portable option that can be taken anywhere.
What brand should you choose?
There are many different keyboard brands to choose from. Casio and Yamaha both have affordable beginner brands of keyboards. They are both very good brands that have been around for a long time.
They also have options that the player can grow into should they wish to upgrade to larger models.
What are the Best Keyboards for Beginners?
According to BuyersGuide.org, there are several different options to look for when buying a keyboard for beginners.
Here are some of the top-rated keyboards new keyboard players:
Alesis Recital
This is an 88-key digital piano keyboard. It has semi-weighted keys, 2×20 speakers, five voices, and split and a layer and lesson mode. It also contains FX and piano lessons, making it great for newbies.
Here are some specs:
- This is a full-size keyboard
- Contains five voices (piano, electric piano, organ, synth, and base)
- Has two built-in 20 W speakers
- Power options include a power adapter or 6 D-cell batteries.
- Interactive piano lessons are included.
Alesis Recital Pro – 88 Key Digital Piano Keyboard
This model is very similar to the previous model, with a few additional features.
Specs:
- This is an ultimate beginner’s piano, that has 12 instruments “voices”; six more than the previous model.
- Features a universal responsive feel with adjustable touch response to accommodate your playing style.
- Powerful educational features – standard, split, layer, record, and Lesson modes with 128-note max polyphony and built-in FX: chorus, reverb, modulation
- Includes piano tutorials as well as a three-month premium subscription for interactive piano lessons
RIF6 61 Key Electric Keyboard
This is an affordable beginners’ option, with the 61-key option instead of a full 88-key piano keyboard.
Specs:
- This beginner’s keyboard features 61 keys. It is a great option for beginners.
- Let your creativity take over with 300 tones, 300 rhythms, and 50 demo songs. Use the optional percussion and drum sound kit to help keep the beat.
- This comes with RIF6 headphones so you can get rid of outside distractions.
- One benefit of this model is that it comes with a keyboard stand, stool, and battery adapter.
- Two teaching functions allow you to practice chords as well as popular songs.
YAMAHA P71 Digital Piano with Sustain Pedal
This is the first Yamaha on this list. This is a model you cannot get on any site except Amazon.
Specs:
- This model is an Amazon-exclusive model only available on their site.
- It has a power adapter and a sustain pedal.
- The keyboard includes a full 88 keys.
- This Yamaha model has ten different musical voices.
- Dual mode enables the player to combine two voices, such as piano and guitar.
- Conveniently sized at a depth of fewer than 12 inches and weighs only 25 pounds.
Yamaha, 61-Key Portable Keyboard, Bundle
This is another good offering from Yamaha, which has a full keyboard but is only 25 pounds.
Specs:
- Another model that is only available through Amazon.
- It comes with a power adapter and a sustain pedal.
- It has a full 88-key keyboard, that has the feel of playing an acoustic piano.
- Contains ten different voices.
- Enables the player to combine two voices such as a bass and a guitar.
- Less than 12 inches in depth weighs only 25 pounds.
RockJam 54 Key Piano Keyboard
This RockJam keyboard is a scaled-down size, with only 54 keys. It is a basic model but comes with some extras. It is very affordable and good for a very early starter.
Specs:
- This RockJam keyboard has a smaller-sized keyboard, just 54 keys.
- The keyboard can be used with batteries or via its power supply.
- Has two built-in speakers.
- Comes with sheet music.
- The company offers access to the Simply piano application.
RockJam 61 Key Touch Display Keyboard Piano Kit
This piano kit comes with 61 keys with an acoustic piano feel.
Specs:
- This is a very inclusive kit with 200 rhythms, 200 tones, a teaching function, and 30 demo songs.
- It has a digital keyboard with 61 full-size keys with an acoustic piano feel.
- It has a portable design powered by an electric power supply or batteries.
- This RockJam keyboard has a playback function so you can add layers of sound.
- The kit also includes a keyboard stand and a foldable padded seat.
RockJam 61 Key Keyboard Piano With LCD Display Kit
This is yet another keyboard from RockJam, known for having a wide variety of keyboards at affordable prices.
- This model is the RockJam super kit that has 61 full-sized keys.
- RockJam 561 has an LCD that features 100 rhythms and 50 different tones. It also teaches beginner learning programs.
- The playback function enables aspiring musicians to layer sounds.
- It comes with a keyboard stand and foldable padded seat for hours of comfy play.
Casio CTK-3500 PPK 61-Key Premium Keyboard Pack
This is Casio’s second item on the list. This is a keyboard kit that includes a scaled-down 61 keys keyboard and several extras.
Specs:
- This Casio model includes a stand, headphones, and a wall power supply.
- This model is lightweight and great for beginners.
- It has 400 tones and 150 rhythms.
- It features built-in speakers and headphones.
- You can choose from drum beats, bass lines, and synth parts. You can also use add filter, gate, roll, low-fi, and other musical effects.
- It can be connected to an iOS or Android. It comes with a free Chordana app, which Illustrates how to play popular songs.
Ohuhu Musical Piano Keyboard
This is one of the most affordable keyboards on the list. It is listed as #10, but it has many features and would certainly be fine for those just beginning lessons.
Specs:
- The Ohuhu is a 61-key electric keyboard.
- It features 300 Tones, 300 Rhythms, and 30 demo songs.
- It comes with a USB port to add other technologies. All you need to do is plug in a flash drive and download additional songs.
- There are a variety of teaching modes to boost playing skills and learn new techniques.
It is important to remember that you can buy an inexpensive model, such as those highlighted above. They are all good for beginners. The full-size, 88-key electric piano gives beginners the feel of playing a full-size piano.
Music is an important part of our lives and can enhance those that wish to find their own musical inspiration.
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