How to Choose a Keyboard

Despite the new name, the key actions share a lot in common with their predecessors (GH3 family) and therefore feel quite similar. The biggest improvement here is the optimized pivot length of the black keys, which makes it easier to play further into the keys. The Balanced Hammer Effect Keyboard is a non-graded hammer action which means that all the keys have the same resistance, rather than needing more and less force on the lower and higher keys, respectively.

The Yamaha P-125 is an 88-key stage piano with a max polyphony of 192 notes. It comes with graded hammer-action keys with moisture-absorbing matte keytops. They do not include any speakers and have yamaha piano keyboard to be connected to another system to be heard. Yahama even makes MIDI adapters and interfaces that connect to iOS devices. Built with flexibility in mind, MIDI keyboards give you all the control.

Bring these sounds into your DAW using a MIDI interface and monitor everything by connecting your headphones to your MX Series device. The concept is that the piano itself has no buttons or controls – every setting can be adjusted using the Smart Pianist App available for both iOS and Android. When looking for Console Digital Pianos, expect it to look a bit like furniture, especially when you get to the higher-end models.

The actions from Yamaha vary greatly in both quality and nature – their wood-core actions on models such as the P515, CP4, CLP series (upper) are quite similar in configuration to the well-known Roland PHA-50 action. The full digital hybrid actions of the Avante / N series are quite a compelling option. The GHS actions are entry-level plastic actions with basic configurations, and with one action further below it on the quality scale. The weight and nature of each action is perhaps the most varied of any of the major manufacturers, with key weight ranging from the low 40 grams to close to 90 grams.

The PSR-E463 has 235 rhythms from a wide variety of genres with optional sync start, intros, endings, fills as well as optional accompaniment, which includes backing bass and a rhythm section. A nice feature here is you can adjust the rhythm & accompaniment volume if you want it adjusted relative to the main voice you are using. There’s an App For That – Featuring an “Audio to Score” function, the CSP Smart Pianist app can scan your music library, producing a chord chart and piano score of any song on your device. His audience spans several generations, and he is viewed as the unique combination of one of the greatest composers of all time and the “ultra-cool cult hero” of the contemporary music set who often has several songs on various music charts simultaneously. Mike’s solid reputation for creativity and quality has motivated many other well-known rock musicians to invite him to record on their albums. The web browser that you are currently using is no longer supported, and as such features of this website may not work as expected.

The P-45 portable digital piano has been around almost as long as the wheel, and finally, Yamaha is here with a new version, the P-145. Available in a choice of White, Rosewood and Black finishes, the YDP-145 delivers an authentic piano-playing experience in a stylish and compact package that won’t dominate your living room. SC series found in Upright B1,B2,B3 and Grand GB1K – “entry level” models. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time).

All of their work fosters an environment for the enjoyment of a variety of musical endeavours. Their strong commitment to promote and support music education is one of the most significant elements that distinguishes Yamaha from the rest. Tom Grant, master instrumentalist, talented singer and natural entertainer, nimbly walks the line between jazz tradition and modern pop. This soft-spoken Oregon native’s inspired songwriting produces propulsive R&B grooves, infectious melodic hooks, and stylish ballads with equal ease. He plays jazz piano with the harmonic sophistication and deep sense of swing that only comes from more than three decades on the bandstand.

This stands in contrast to Roland, who introduces Bluetooth MIDI on their entire line without exception. So either Roland is offering a solution that no one asked for, or Yamaha’s fundamental architecture with many of their products simply don’t allow for the introduction of the technology without a complete overhaul of the circuit boards. Internet connection – the technology develops quickly, and the internet plays a major part in our lives. With connectivity to the internet you can download and upload midi songs. I don’t believe this is essential for a beginner, but on the other hand, downloading songs to a keyboard may be motivating for the student to play these songs. Lighted keys – a special feature that comes with built in lessons.

It offers many special features, such as a metronome, action adjustment, and the ability to split the keyboard in two so that middle C is in the middle of each half of the keyboard, allowing a teacher and a student to play together on the same piano. Liz Kinnon has performed with artists such as Dizzy Gillespie and Andy Williams, worked as an orchestrator on the animated shows Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain, and Histeria, and currently teaches jazz piano at the Colburn School in Los Angeles. Phil Metzler is a lifelong musician who plays keyboards (and occasionally yamaha electric guitars trumpet) in the pop/rock band Just Off Turner, which has released five studio albums. John has worked as a professional music director, performed in concert halls and on nightclub stages, and taught music at a private Los Angeles middle and high school. Everything from their studio monitors to their guitars are known to be clear and sharp in their acoustic presentation. (Only very recently have their acoustic pianos started to trend towards a more subdued voicing technique from the factory, a change generally welcomed by the North American buying audience).

You’ll even find full keyboard packages with everything you need to play right away. The weight of the keys isn’t perfect, but it’s the ideal transition from portable keyboard to digital piano for beginners. The feel of the instrument should be good enough to last from beginner to intermediate playing.