Maurice – Page 4 – Piano Keyboard Reviews

If you're like most beginner players, you might be a little overwhelmed by the number of piano keyboards to choose from. And you're probably wondering "What is thebest beginners piano keyboard?" We spent over 40 hours researching the best keyboards for new players, and in this comprehensive guide we break down the best 24 models, starting with our 6 best-of-the-best: Best beginner keyboard (overall): Yamaha EZ-220Best budget beginner keyboard: Alesis Melody 61Best beginner keyboard for kids: Rockjam 561Best beginner keyboard for adults: Yamaha PSR-E263Best keyboard for beginners with 88 weighted keys: Alesis Recital Pro And don't forget to check out our runners-up list - all are popular and excellent value keyboards. Let’s get started! Best Beginner Piano Keyboards (Summary Table) [tcb-script src="https://api.tablelabs.com/t/cbrzwuyl.js" defer=""][/tcb-script] Best Piano Keyboards for Beginners: Reviews The purpose of this article is to show you some of the best options for keyboard pianos for beginners. Whether you are the one who is learning, or you are buying a keyboard for another beginner in your life, all of these options are going to be excellent for learning on. Today we are reviewing five of our favorite beginner keyboard pianos, so you can see the best features, as well as the pros and cons of each. Best Beginner Keyboard (Overall): Yamaha EZ-220 The Yamaha EZ-220 is an ideal beginner’s keyboard – it is well-priced, portable, and easy to use. The keyboard is designed to make both learning and playing a breeze. The EZ-220 piano comes with a touch-sensitive keyboard with 61 lighted keys, 100 free songs, and a wireless connection to the Page Turner iPad app. All of these basic features make the learning process super easy and fun. A USB to HOST port allows you to directly plug in the keyboard to your computer and edit and share your recorded music. A wide variety of built-in-voices lets you play guitars, strings, brass, drums, synthesizers, etc. The portable piano keyboard comes with many other additional features, too – a piano stand, a power adapter, headphones, etc. You might be surprised to find out that EZ-220 weighs only 10 pounds, which makes it easy to travel with. This lightweight instrument also takes up very little room, and hence, can be kept in a tight, enclosed space. The best feature of the Yamaha EZ-220 is the visual guides (Y.E.S) for beginners that help learners achieve mastery in playing the piano in no time. PROS Learning and playing the piano is easy and intuitive The touch sensitivity of the keyboard makes the transition to an advanced level easy The lighted keys make learning easy and fun Weighs only 10 pounds, which adds to the portability of the keyboard Comes with a music rest, headphones, an AC adapter, a songbook, and a keyboard stand The Yamaha Education Suite (Y.E.S) system is integrated into the piano 100 built-in songs and styles for piano lessons 392 instrument sounds of brass, drums, strings, etc cons Since it is a piano for beginners, it consists of non-weighted keys Lacks built-in recorder Expensive Lacks standard Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for wireless connection Apps are for iOS only Not MIDI compatible Summary The Yamaha EZ-220 is undoubtedly the best lighted-key keyboard, especially for those just starting out on their musical journey – young children or complete beginners. The features like the lighted keys and the fingering guide help make piano lessons fun, simple, and interactive. The accompanying iPad app with demo songs makes the learning process all the more interesting. Best Budget Beginner Keyboard: Alesis Melody 61 The Alesis Melody is a 61-key keyboard that comes in a bundle package that includes everything you need to start learning and playing immediately. It even comes with a pair of headphones, so you can enjoy playing without any outside distractions (and no one will be able to hear you make mistakes while you're learning!). This keyboard is priced at less than $120, and it is loaded with features that help to make learning how to play the piano fun and easy. There are 200 built-in sounds with layer and split modes, as well as 128 accompaniment rhythms. This keyboard has 10 featured songs in three instruction modes, so you can learn while you are playing along with each song. There is also the ability to record your own music to play along with. This package also includes online music lessons from Skoove, and you will learn how to play in a way that is a lot easier than traditional piano lessons. You will get a free, three-month subscription to Skoove Premium, with full access to all of the courses, and there are new lessons offered each month. PROS Learn at your own pace with Scoove music lessons USB connectivity to use MP3’s Uses an AC adapter or batteries cons Keys may have a tendency to freeze Poor sound quality at loud volumes Some units have stopped working Summary The Alesis Melody 61 is the ideal keyboard for the aspiring beginner who really wants to learn how to play the piano. Yes, it only has 61 keys, but this is more than enough to start learning on, and when you are ready, you can move up to a full keyboard. This unit comes with headphones so you can play undisturbed, and it even comes with a microphone so you can sing along while you are playing. Best Beginner Keyboard for Kids: RockJam 561 Learning to play the piano has never been easier, thanks to the RockJam 561. This keyboard is loaded with features that make learning how to play the piano loads of fun, and the learning tools make it easy to start playing your favorite songs pretty quickly. It has 100 keyboard sounds, 100 rhythms, and 50 demo songs, and you can learn on 61 keys. Yes, this is not a full keyboard, but it will do the trick, and once you master some techniques, you will be ready for a full, 88-key keyboard. This keyboard has an LCD display that will show you which keys and chords to play for the demo songs, and it will even show you the pace at which you should be playing. The 30 JoyTunes Piano Maestro songs are a great selection, including classical, pop, and rock, and the Piano Maestro learning tool gives you real-time feedback so you always know what you are doing right, and wrong. It works with a power supply that is included, and you can also pop in some batteries and take it anywhere. PROS Free learning tools included Bundle package includes everything you need Intuitive keyboard helps make learning to play easier cons Some units stop working for no reason Some keys may stick and not work properly LCD screen is pretty small Summary If you're looking for an inexpensive keyboard to learn on that has plenty of great learning features, the RockJam 561 is an option to consider. It has plenty of voices and rhythms, along with demo songs and free learning tools that include actual piano lessons. The bundle package includes everything you need to start learning and playing now. Best Beginner Keyboard for Adults: Yamaha PSR-E263 The Yamaha PSR-E263 is considered an excellent instrument for beginners of all ages, but especially for aspiring adult pianists. Like the Yamaha EZ-220, the PSR-E263 is a 61 key portable instrument with a wide variety of sounds, features, and functions. The product consists of 400 high-quality instrument voices and 100 styles to create and explore varied forms of music. It also comes with the Yamaha Education Suite that can be used with over 100 songs, making it perfect for aspiring pianists that are just starting out. The Yamaha keyboard features a compact, lightweight design that allows you to take your instrument wherever you want to. It also boasts a battery-powered setup, which helps you set the piano up anywhere without having to plug it in. Another terrific feature of this piano model is the duo mode that allows two pianists to play built-in songs together. The songbook that contains the built-in songs can be downloaded and is easily playable due to this feature. You can also play your favorite songs by directly connecting your music player to the instrument via cables. The onboard lessons (listening, timing, and waiting modes) help instill the necessary skills among those playing the piano daily. PROS A library of 400 instrument voices that allow budding pianists to play music from different genres 130 music accompaniment styles Compact, portable, and lightweight Ultra-wide stereo provides excellent sound quality It offers great connectivity options via add-ons like headphones, line output, line input, built-in speakers, etc. cons Non-weighted keys Non-touch sensitive keys No USB and MIDI ports on the keyboard Loud accompaniment sounds Summary If you are new to music and want to experiment with the art of piano playing, you can always rely on the Yamaha PSR-E263. It is a quality product available at an affordable price. Hence, you can easily learn to play the piano without having to burn a hole in your pocket. Best Beginner Keyboard with 88 Weighted Keys: Alesis Recital Pro The Alesis Recital Pro is a full-fledged digital piano with 88 hammer-action keys and an adjustable touch response. Since it is a full-sized piano, the size of the instrument is quite noticeable. However, surprisingly, the piano has a light weight, weighing approximately 26 pounds – this is light as compared to other 88 key digital keyboards. The Alesis Recital Pro has its own 20-watt, built-in sound system, which means that you won’t need to plug it into a stereo to listen to music. In addition, there are two speakers on both sides of the panels. With the help of a stereo headphone jack, you can plug in headphones and practice your piano lessons silently. The Recital Pro consists of 12 built-in sounds with two kinds of variations of instruments such as the piano, organ, synth, harpsichord, acoustic bass, etc. The keyboard also allows pianists to customize music by combining two or more voices via the Layer Mode or tailor it through adjustable Modulation, Chorus, and Reverb. PROS It is affordable Weighted, full-sized keys Easy to use Portable and lightweight Comes with a small display on the top panel Powered by batteries cons Can record only one song The first 8 to 10 notes hardly sound like musical notes Lacks a stand and sustain pedals Summary The Alesis Recital Pro is designed for both amateurs and experts. Its top elements include educational features, connectivity, and a well-built body that make the instrument worth investing in. All the 88 keys of Alesis Recital Pro are semi-weighted with the same length and width. Since the keys are light and easy to press, the keyboard is ideal for children. With the help of its incredible educational feature – lesson mode – children can learn to play the piano quicker than ever. The wide range of connectivity options can allow beginners to perform useful tasks like connecting various sound systems to the keyboard, plug in headphones to practice private piano lessons, etc. Runners-Up These keyboards are just below the cream-of-the-crop. But just because they didn't make our top list doesn't mean they're not excellent quality and outstanding value! If you didn't find what you were looking for in a beginner's keyboard out of our top choices, browse the models below and you'll be sure to find one that's just right for your aspiring pianist! Hamzer 61-Key Digital Music Piano Keyboard This keyboard from Hamzer offers an amazing and authentic range of sound. The built-in speakers give you plenty of volume, and they sound great, so you can enjoy the 255 timbres, 255 rhythms, and more. This Hamzer keyboard has an integrated learning system that has been created for beginner and intermediate piano players, and it is perfect for mastering finger control. You can play single-fingered and fingered auto-bass chords, and have the ability to choose chord timbre, rhythms, etc. Other features include rhythm sync and fill-in, tempo adjustment, and a master volume control. One of our favorite features on this keyboard is the record and playback feature. This is great to have when you are learning because you can record what you are playing and then be able to listen for any mistakes and easily correct them. This Hamzer keyboard is easy to use, and it is lightweight and portable. You can take it anywhere, and there is no need to plug it in, because it works with six AA batteries (not included), and it also uses a standard 110-120 volt power adapter so it can be plugged into any wall outlet. PROS Record and playback feature Loads of voices and rhythms Easy to use and portable cons Some units have stopped working Keys are not standard size as advertised No actual piano sound Summary If you are looking for an inexpensive keyboard piano that has the features you need to be able to learn how to play, this model from Hamzer is an excellent choice. It lets you learn how to play quickly, using single and fingered chords, and there is even an auto-bass function. This may be a compact keyboard, but it is pretty large on sound. This is a keyboard that anyone can use, and it is designed specifically for beginners. Casio CTK-3500 The Casio CTK-3500 is a portable, touch-sensitive keyboard that offers a wide range of beginner-friendly features. It comes with several built-in instrument rhythms and voices that make the entire piano learning experience fun and interesting. One of the distinctive features of the Casio CTK-3500 is its ability to load any MIDI song via the Chordana Play app. The songs can be downloaded onto the keyboard’s onboard memory and will show musical notes on the LCD screen, helping you to learn to read and play music. The 61-key keyboard is portable, lightweight, and comes with the use of the battery power. With 6 AA batteries, you can play the piano anywhere you like. It further has 400 instrument voices and 100 built-in rhythms that help customize music the way you want. The compact keyboard also has 48 levels of polyphony, which helps create a great mix of sounds. Some other additional features include the step-up lesson system with 60 built-in songs and a dance music mode with 50 music dance styles. But that’s not all; the Casio CTK-3500 has other interesting features like transposing and tuning, a pitch bend wheel, a metronome, etc. PROS 61-key touch-sensitive, full-sized keyboard Lightweight – 7.5 pounds approx. The power adaptor makes it convenient to use the keyboard outdoors 400 built-in instrument voices, 100 built-in rhythms, and 48 levels of polyphony Load, save, and play your MIDI songs Offers features like a dance music mode, a pitch bend wheel, supports the Chordana Play app, has a built-in step-up lesson system, etc cons The keyboard is not weighted The instrument sounds slightly mechanical Summary The Casio CTK-3500 is best known for its affordability, durability, and easy-to-use features. All of these characteristics (and more) make this keyboard one of the most ideal beginner’s pianos. With this piano, not only will you learn how to play the piano but how to play it using upgraded technologies of today’s time. Joy JK-63M-KIT As the name implies, the Joy JK-63M-Kit offers a complete piano package with a keyboard, a keyboard stand, a keyboard stool, and headphones. It also boasts a unique audio-in feature that allows the keyboard to be used as an MP3 player. The Joy JK-63M is also portable, which makes it easy to set it up outside your home. The compact keyboard has a wonderful design with 61 full-size keys that are easy to press and play, making it ideal for beginners. The keyboard also features 50 demonstration songs, 255 instrument voices, 255 rhythms, and 61 types of keyboard percussions which can help you customize and record music and share it with others. PROS The kit includes the stand, bench, headphones, and other accessories Cost-effective 255 instrument sounds, 255 rhythms, 50 demonstration songs, and 61 keyboard percussions that allow pianists to play with varied forms of music Ability to change the volume, control the tempo, and add-in sync to improve music Can record and listen to music as beginners play along cons Lacks weighted key action Keys lack the touch sensitivity feature Difficult to assemble the stand Summary With a full, efficient keyboard setup and the availability of demo songs, novice pianists can explore their creative side in music right away. With features like recording music and playback, they can keep track of their daily performance and progress. Accessories like headphones and stools allow them to quietly practice the piano in a corner without disturbing anyone around. The keyboard can also be powered with an AC cord or 6 AA batteries, which makes it easier to play the instrument outdoors. Since it is lightweight, it can easily be taken and set up anywhere. Yamaha PSR-EW300 This is a portable, lightweight keyboard with 76 touch-sensitive keys. It is a full-size keyboard that enables you to practice your finger positioning until you are ready to advance to the next stage. The keyboard is robust and durable as it is made up of strong plastic. The simple and compact design of the keyboard makes piano playing fun and stress-free. In addition to great design, the Yamaha PSR-EW300 features two 12-inch speakers and a two-watt amplifier that provides excellent sound. The piano comes with 500+ sounds and several effects (reverbs, chorus, equalizer, etc.) that help improve the overall quality of your music. The PSR-EW300 enjoys many other interesting features like duo mode, dual mode, split mode, and a music library with 154 built-in songs. Beginners can also make the most of the Yamaha Education Suite, a series of lessons that assist them in practicing present songs and MIDI files at their own pace. A nine-step lesson is another feature that helps novice pianists learn the piano quicker than ever. PROS Cost-effective Strong and robust Compact and portable Allows connectivity options such as USB-to-host connectivity 574 instrument sounds, 154 built-in songs, and 165 accompaniment styles Offers three modes features – duo mode, dual-mode, split mode cons The keys aren’t weighted Accompaniment sounds are extremely loud Since it features only 76 keys, you can’t play the full piano range Summary The Yamaha PSR-EW300 is a good beginner’s piano that will prepare you for more challenging and complex levels. Owing to its easy-to-use design, vast sound options, and other practicing features, this value-priced keyboard can help advance and improve your piano playing skills quicker than you think. Casio CTK-2550 The CTK-2250 lightweight keyboard is the perfect option for any aspiring pianist, music creator, or keyboard player. With 61 keys, built-in speakers, and the step-up lesson feature, the portable keyboard enables the learner to learn and play good music faster than they can imagine. The beginner-friendly instrument offers 400 tones, 100 rhythms, 60 built-in songs, and a 48-note polyphony that help pianists experiment with diverse musical styles. When playing the keyboard, they will have tons of sound options that will allow them to produce more creative tunes. However, the strongest point of this keyboard model is its price. You won’t find any other keyboard as inexpensive as this one. In other words, the CTK-22550 keyboard is the best low-risk option for those just beginning their musical journey. PROS Affordable Hundreds of tones to play – 400 tones, 100 rhythms, 60 song back tunes, 50 dance music rhythms Supports the Chordana Play App Has a touch response Comes with easy-to-press piano keys cons Keys are unweighted Sound quality is mediocre Not a full-sized piano Summary Since the CTK-2250 is a low-priced piano, its features tend to be limited too. Unlike other pianos for beginners, the CTK-2250 doesn’t produce high-quality sounds even though it offers a vast range of sound options. If you can move past this challenge and only focus on improving your piano playing abilities, this compact keyboard is a wise choice. That being said, once you become proficient in playing the piano, you will definitely need a model that is much more advanced. Casio LK-265 One of the most distinguishing features of the Casio LK-265 keyboard is its Dance Music Mode that allows you to produce and remix dance music. You get to choose from 50 music styles and instrument variations. You can also add different effects (gate, filter, flanger, low-fi, etc.) into the music to make it hipper. The keyboard also features lighted keys that are useful for beginners when it comes to guiding them on how to play songs. The best part is that you get to choose and play songs from an extensive library of music. You can also transfer MIDI songs to your keyboard via the right cables. This solid keyboard allows you to play music anywhere, no matter where you are! This is achieved via battery power. With the help of the step-up lessons, touch-sensitive keys, and a wide variety of tones and rhythms, novice pianists will find playing the piano easy and super fun. PROS 400 tones and 150 rhythms Built-in speakers and headphones allow you to play the piano quietly Easy and natural to play the piano due to the touch-sensitivity keys Compact and lightweight The piano can be played both indoors and outdoors Produces high-quality sound due to two in-built speakers cons The LCD screen is not big enough and has no light Semi-weighted keys Summary The Casio LK-265 keyboard is one of the most popular keyboards on the market, and that’s mainly due to its awesome features. This keyboard model features lighted and fluted keys which make it easy for novice pianists to play the piano. Owing to its Dance Music Mode, the keyboard offers a wide range of sounds – 400 tones, 50 inbuilt songs, 100 rhythms, and 48 degrees of polyphony. One feature that makes this keyboard an ideal pick for any beginner out there is its step-up lesson feature. It allows you to learn how to play different songs and become a pro at it! Roland GO: KEYS Music Creation Keyboard The Roland GO: KEYS Music Creation Keyboard allows the creation of music through its easy-to-use keyboard. Even if you don’t have any prior musical experience, you can still create songs with the 61 keys of this innovative keyboard model. You will have over 500 instrument sounds to play with, record your music, and track your progress as you grow. The keyboard also offers great connectivity options; for example, its Bluetooth connectivity for audio and MIDI allows you to connect your keyboard with your tablet or smartphone and share music files. Its innovative function, which is the Loop Mix function, can help you produce melodic songs in no time. Portable and battery-powered, GO: KEY allows you to enjoy your musical journey wherever you go. PROS Wirelessly connects the keyboard with your electronic gadgets via Bluetooth Offers a huge library of music Simple and easy-to-use keyboard Compact and lightweight design Play and create music anywhere with the help of six AA batteries that power the keyboard cons Poor-quality sound Summary Beginners can rely on the Roland GO: KEYS Music Creation Keyboard to produce advanced music and engage in songwriting. The most setting-apart feature of this keyboard model is undoubtedly the Loop Mix function that helps create original songs in real-time. Add in effects of the bass, drums, and other instruments to take your jam to a whole new level. With over 500 pro-quality sounds, your songs will sound like they’re being played by a professional pianist in no time. GO: KEYS is the perfect companion for ScratchX – a free educational program language. With the use of the GO: KEYS Scratch Extension, kids can learn to play the piano more effectively and produce their own stories and games with original music. Yamaha PSR-E363 As compared to any other entry-level keyboard, the Yamaha PSR-E-363 has a wide variety of accompaniment styles, instrument voices, and music customization effects. In addition, it consists of touch-sensitive keys that make the playing part easy and fun. Since the instrument doesn’t have weighted keys, it is ideal for older beginners. Weighted keys are an important feature of a keyboard for any beginner as they guide them with regards to the amount of pressure needed to move the keys and produce the right sound. Since the Yamaha PSR-E-363 lacks weighted keys, it may not be the best option for those just experimenting in the musical field. This keyboard model also consists of a recording feature and the ability to playback songs. This helps you compose and share your favorite music and assess your overall progress over time. The Yamaha Education System provides plenty of music lessons that let you learn the piano effectively. PROS Portable and lightweight Touch-sensitive keys The LCD provides guidance with the onboard lessons A vast onboard song library Helps customize harmony, reverb, chorus, etc Comes with connectivity options AWM stereo sampling offers great piano sounds Built-in music with 235 present song styles cons Non-weighted keys Doesn’t support the Yamaha Piano Controller App Lacks a power adapter Summary The Yamaha PSR-E-363 keyboard makes for an excellent option for those who are looking to transition from their basic piano level to a slightly more advanced level. Non-weighted keys, touch-sensitive keyboards, advanced connections, and sound options can help you become an advanced musician if you keep practicing with this keyboard. Yamaha YPT-360 The Yamaha YPT-360 comes with a set of versatile functions and a touch-sensitive keyboard action, making it a go-to instrument for beginners. The instrument produces high-quality sound, whether you play the music loudly or softly. Depending on your touch, you can create sounds exactly the way you want. The Yamaha YPT-360 offers a vast music library of 574 instrument voices which lets you enjoy the music of any genre you want. The piano also supports Keys to Success and various other onboard lessons that Yamaha believes in to facilitate you in playing the piano more efficiently. With the help of step-by-step lessons, you can easily learn to play full-length songs in no time. You can further build your skills through the “Touch Tutor.” The Yamaha YPT-360 also allows you to play the piano with a partner via its duo mode. It also allows you to easily connect your portable devices to the keyboard, letting you transfer your favorite songs, listen to them while playing, and record them for further personalization. In this way, you not only enjoy playing the piano but also pick up how to create music too. PROS Compact and portable A touch-sensitive keyboard Offers various onboard educational tools for developing your piano skills An LCD display for easy navigation through sounds and styles of music cons Slightly difficult to use; may require some practice to get used to A little expensive Summary The Yamaha YPT-360 offers a wide range of voices with 574 sound effects, 165 accompaniment styles, and 150 arpeggio styles. This is one of the most versatile keyboards on the list. It comes with 61 touch-sensitive keys with ideal levels for pressure tension; hence, it is perfect for beginners. Yamaha PSR-EW410 The Yamaha PSR-EW410 is the perfect keyboard for beginners that want to play all sorts of music. With its durable onboard speakers, Live Control Knobs, Groove Creator, Quick Sampling, and USB audio recorder, creating music can be fun and simple. The lightweight and portable design of the keyboard enables you to carry it around with ease. This keyboard model comes with a complete library of 758 instrument voices with the 48-note polyphony and 235 auto-accompaniment styles, which allow you to experiment with all the styles and genres of music. With the direct and simple connectivity feature, you can directly plug in your smartphones or tablets to the keyboard. This feature lets you share your own creations with others or transfer popular songs to the keyboard and play them on the piano. PROS Reasonable price Hundreds of instrument voices, music styles, and effects Supports the Visual Performer app that helps show graphics on the iPad/iPhone Has interesting features for music creation like Quick Sampler, Track Control, Groove Creator, Melody Suppressor, and the Live Control Knobs cons It isn’t a high-end workstation Summary The Yamaha PSR-EW410 is a great beginner’s or intermediate piano, consisting of both educational and advanced features. One of the greatest highlights of this keyboard is its professional features like Groove Creator, Control Knob, Quick Sampling, etc. These features help create and improve music in unique ways. This keyboard model is like its 61-keyed PSR-E counterpart, except that it has 76 keys and lots of innovative features. The keyboard also supports many apps; one of them is the Visual Performer, which plays out funky graphics on your iPad/iPhone when you play the keyboard. Casio WK-6600 The Casio WK-6600 is ideally used by beginners that are always on the go. This highly portable piano features 76 keys and an innovative workstation that makes it a great investment for an incredibly affordable price. The keyboard helps create terrific music with its 700 built-in songs, 210 accompaniment styles, and the ability to customize music via the “Tone and Rhythm Editor.” Unlike many digital workstations, the pre-recorded instrument sounds of the WK-6600 are of excellent quality. Thus, it helps mix in amazing instrument voices into your creation and produce out-of-this-world music. Some other features that can add value to your music include Reverb, Auto Pan, Chorus, Phaser, Tremolo, Enhancer, Reflection, Delay, Compressor, and lots more. With an easy-to-read display and well-arranged buttons, playing this piano is as easy as it gets. The instrument truly has the ability to produce music in a pro-style. With the aid of a 16 track sequencer and hundreds of DSP (Digital Signal Processor) effects, you can personalize your music as you want. In simpler words, the Casio WK-6600 allows you to unlock your creativity to infinity and beyond! PROS Budget-friendly keyboard Highly portable Offers seamless touch Touch responsive Produces rich sound via its 2-way stereo speakers and a 6W amplifier Comes with over 100 Digital Signal Processor effects, 10 Reverb settings, 5 Chorus settings, several layer effects, and other customizing options cons May not be the best option for beginners Unweighted keys Summary Beginners that have a strong will and passion for developing their skills can consider investing in the Casio WK-6600 as it comes with both basic and intermediate features. Since it has many advanced features, beginners may find it slightly hard to get used to them. However, daily practicing and experimenting can help them understand the overall functioning of the Casio WK-6600. Yamaha P-45 The Yamaha P-45 is the latest digital piano that replaces the previous P-35 keyboard model. This is an 88-key weighted digital piano that offers interesting features to its customers like a USB connector, 64-note polyphony, Dual Mode, a wave memory stereo sampling, and lots more. Apart from these features, what further contribute to the value of this wonderful instrument are the piano’s sleek design, durability, and portability. The keyboard’s two 6W speakers, polyphony note, and the AWM stereo sampling system play a crucial role in uplifting the overall sound quality. To enhance your music, you will have 10 demo songs, 10 present keyboard tones, and 10 instrument sounds. The keyboard model also comes with headphones that can easily be connected to the device. In this way, music can be played and enjoyed in silence without disturbing others. The P45 boasts additional features such as the “Transpose tuning,” which is extremely useful for amateurs out there. With the help of this feature, you can improve the pitch of your keyboard and play in a variety of keys. PROS One of the best beginner’s keyboard Affordable Produces high-quality sound Consists of 88 fully-weighted keys and the AWM sampling technology Lightweight and portable An in-built USB port Comes with a sustain pedal that allows dampers to move freely cons Lacks recording and playback function Has no MIDI port Summary This piano model is ideal for beginners on a shoestring budget. The keyboard offers the inbuilt music sounds, accompaniments, and metronome, which facilitate the art of music-making. Although the Yamaha P45 doesn’t feature any element for recording, it does possess the USB connector; which comes in handy when recording and editing music. Casio WK-245 This is a touch-sensitive model with 76 keys, 32 registration memory, 180 rhythms, and 152 tones. Those of you wanting to improve their volume according to the key pressure will find the Casio WK-245 worthy of your investment. It also comes with built-in speakers and headphones. The addition of the headphones means that you can practice the piano without disturbing those around you. The most apparent feature of this keyboard model is its design – strong and nicely-built. The large and lit LCD screen showcases music notations which help a piano player accurately play the notes of the song they’re practicing. Unlike many digital pianos, the Casio WK-245 comes in a plethora of colors; hence, you won’t have to settle for one in a dull, boring color. What good is a piano that doesn’t produce great sound? The best part about this ultra-cool keyboard is its enhanced sound effects that allow you to make melodious music. You can adjust the volume and pitch by choosing your preferred melody level. The piano can easily be connected to a PC, Mac, or iPad/ iPhone through the in-built USB MIDI port and cables. The connectivity feature allows you to send music files from your computer to your keyboard and vice versa and improve their quality. PROS Professionally built Comes with a power adapter so the keyboard can be played anywhere Doesn’t take up a lot of space Offers numerous tones, rhythms, and sound effects to improve a beginner’s piano playing efforts cons The manual is too long to read You have to press a key to select a tone rather than a dial, which is less convenient Summary The Casio WK245 keyboard is a model that gives you value for your money. It offers outstanding piano features at an affordable price. Plus, it guarantees that you won’t need to consider a replacement anytime soon. Alesis Recital The Alesis Recital keyboard is a wonderful entry-level keyboard for all the beginners out there. It is an 88-key keyboard, with all the keys being full-sized. Unfortunately, they are semi-weighted in nature, which means that these keys lack the ease and comfort of fully-weighted keys. That being said, the semi-weighted keys make the piano somewhat convenient to use. The Alesis Recital model comes with a wide range of sound effects (chorus, reverb, etc.) and hundreds of built-in sounds, layers, and split functions that allow you to dress up your music as you want. In addition, there is an extensive learning mode that is useful for novice pianists. You can take your learning to another level by subscribing to Skoove Premium. With several connectivity options such as a USB to MIDI interface, a headphone jack, and a sustain pedal jack, you can connect your keyboard to a computer, MAC, laptop, or tablet and explore the world of connectivity. PROS Natural and well-balanced piano sounds Well-thought-out learning mode Amazing built-in sounds A velocity-sensitive keyboard Portable and lightweight and can operate on batteries wherever you are High-quality in-built speakers cons Exceedingly sensitive keys with poor hammer action Offers basic features Summary The Alesis Recital keyboard is an excellent choice for beginners as it has the most beneficial feature for them – the lesson mode. Turn on this mode to learn the art of music-making from scratch. With a terrific digital audio workstation, you will get to create and improvise your tracks. Although the Alesis Recital keyboard poses certain limitations of its own, it is all right for amateurs. Plus, it is a highly affordable option that any budget-conscious customer can consider without having to worry about breaking the bank. RockJam 88-Key Beginner Digital Piano As the name suggests, the RockJam 88-Key Beginner Digital Piano has 88 full-sized keys. All the keys are semi-weighted and velocity-sensitive, immediately responding to your touch and are adaptable to suit your playing style. Each side of the keyboard boasts a 12-watt speaker that delivers excellent sound quality. Therefore, it is best for small musical performances. Modern and sleek in design, the RockJam 88-Key Beginner Digital Piano is full of contemporary piano features such as various instrument voices, different demo songs, and metronome settings. The split mode, lesson mode, metronome functions, reverb, and chorus functions speak volumes about the versatility of the keyboard. The outstanding component of this piano is the sheet music/iPad stand which assists in playing, practicing, and learning music. The device is removable, so it can easily be detached from the instrument and can be stored away in a bag, cabinet, or cupboard. The piano supports the number one piano learning app – the Simply Piano Education app - which facilitates the learning of free songs, including classical, pop, and rock, in no time. PROS 88 full-sized keys Over 100 tones and rhythms Adjustable keyboard stand and sheet music cons Lacks fully-weighted keys Summary With impressive features like the lesson mode, the RockJam 88-key digital piano is perfect for beginners. Music composers will find this instrument more fascinating as it offers plenty of sound options with over 10 instrument voices, 10 demo songs, and 10 rhythm tones, etc. Yamaha P71 The Yamaha P71 is a fully-weighted, portable keyboard, which means that its keys are smooth to the touch and can be pressed easily. Since they are fully-weighted, you can expect them to be slightly heavy. However, they provide the perfect resistance when the pianist is playing the piano. A well-built and compact piano doesn’t qualify as an ideal piano; it needs to have rich quality sound, and luckily, the Yamaha P71 fits the bill. In addition to providing terrific sound quality, the instrument offers 10 distinctive instrument sounds (vibraphones, electric pianos, pipe organs, and harpsichords) that can enhance your piano playing experience. The P71 also offers many connectivity options (a proper USB port, a headphone jack, an amplifier, speakers, etc.) to improve and enhance the sound system of the keyboard. Owing to the USB port, integrating the sounds of the keyboard with music software will be pretty simple too. PROS Fully-weighted keys allow you to play the keyboard easily Compact and durable Easy to play, practice, and learn Excellent connectivity options such as a USB MIDI port Budget-friendly price Offers the dual mode in which two pianists can simultaneously play the keyboard cons No LED screen which makes it difficult to play the piano The headphone jack is situated at the rear of the piano, which is quite inconvenient The sustain pedals aren’t durable Summary If you are looking for an affordable keyboard with high-quality sound and performance, the Yamaha P71 is a wise choice. At a good price, you will get a power connector and sheet holder too. Thus, you can get going without having to invest in piano accessories separately. Yamaha P125 The Yamaha P125 is the replacement of the P115 as the latest model has innovative features that the P115 lacked. To begin with, the design of the keyboard model is compact and convenient. Owing to its high portability factor, the keyboard can easily be carried around. The piano keyboard is the Graded Hammer Standard 88-key variety, which helps create traditional music like that of an acoustic piano. Some of the jaw-dropping features of this piano are the Smart Pianist App, bass and drum tracks, and the new “Table EQ.” Although this piano lacks a furniture stand, it can still be placed on a desk/table. The “Table EQ” feature allows pianists to play the keyboard while keeping it on a table. PROS Produces sound like a traditional piano Offers 20 unique rhythms, 50 built-in songs, and 192 polyphony Compatible with the Smart Pianist App Excellent speaker system cons Lacks variety in sound effects Doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity Summary The Yamaha P125 is prized for its super-cool features that its counterpart didn’t have. It is an amazing instrument with amazing features and functions that allows kids to learn the piano with ease. That said, the piano still needs improvement in sound features; otherwise, the keyboard is a decent investment. Yamaha YDP184R The Yamaha YDP184R is classical upright piano which is great to fill up space and decorate the interior of your house. It comes with a foldable music rest that folds in a backward direction, creating a neat and clean frame. This fold rest is wide enough to accommodate an A4 size paper and a wide songbook. In addition, the piano also comes with the three pedals, a music book, a bench, and a pair of high-quality headphones. The piano features a large LCD player on the left side and the power button and the volume slider on the right side. The keyboard has 88 plastic keys and produces rich, dynamic sounds. PROS Easy to use Has terrific features - duo mode, LCD screen, key-off samples, 1/8 AUX Input, the stereophonic optimizer Produces high-quality sounds cons Expensive Isn’t compact or portable Has fewer features as compared to other high-end digital pianos Summary The Yamaha YDP184R is not only ideal for beginners but intermediate pianists too. Although it is a great upgrade from its predecessor, the Yamaha 181, this keyboard model still has a long way to go. The impressive design and dynamic sound engine are the two most admired features of this keyboard model. In these two regards, a beginner won’t feel let down. Yamaha YDP-143 The Yamaha YDP-143 is yet another traditional piano set that is often bought as a decorative item for a house. The keyboard comes with a classic sliding cover that keeps it from getting dirty and dusty. Surprisingly, the Yamaha YDP-143 is easier to move as compared to an acoustic piano. The keyboard comprises of 88 fully-weighted keys that feel like classic piano keys. Like most outstanding digital pianos, the Yamaha YDP-143 has amazing sound quality, connectivity options, and a duo mode. PROS Durable and reliable Comes with a graded hammer-action keyboard It offers features like 192-note polyphony, 2-track MIDI recorder, 50 present piano songs, and lesson functions. cons Lacks built-in rhythms Limited sound effects Doesn’t have basic piano elements like key-off samples, string resonance, etc Summary The Yamaha YDP-143 is one of those pianos that are both physically and functionally attractive. It boasts a stunning color, finishing, and offers optimal sound quality and tones at the same time. Beginners looking for a piano that serves both a decorative and functional purpose must consider investing in the Yamaha YDP-143. How Many Keys should a Beginner’s Keyboard Have? There are a couple of schools of thought on this question. Some people say that the only way to learn how to play the piano is to use a keyboard that has 88 full-sized keys, because this is the best way to learn how to play the entire keyboard. Those on this side of the fence believe that using a keyboard with fewer keys is not going to prepare students for the real thing. On the other hand, there are those who say that it is actually better to learn how to play the piano on a keyboard with fewer keys. Often, a 61-key keyboard is recommended, because it is a bit less overwhelming for the beginner. But, once you become proficient at playing the keyboard, you are going to want to play more complicated pieces, so you will eventually need to upgrade to a full-size keyboard. This is something that you can worry about later on. When you come right down to it, most songs that you will likely want to play can be played on a 61-key keyboard, so you won’t have to upgrade for some time. You can get a decent quality, 61-key keyboard for as little as $40, which is great for the beginner who isn’t sure if the piano is going to be the right instrument for them. You can always upgrade once you start to hone your skills and decide that you want to continue playing. Another option is a 76-key keyboard, which will let you play pretty much anything that is aimed at beginner and intermediate students. These are not as common as 61 or 88-key keyboards, costing more than a 61-key instrument and less than an 88-key keyboard. They are also more cumbersome than the 61-key models, so it is not going to be as portable. Commonly Asked Questions What Should You Look for When Buying a Beginner Piano Keyboard? There are a few key things that you’ll need in a beginner keyboard to get off on the right foot… Think of it this way: it’s like taking up a new sport, like basketball. While you wouldn’t spend a fortune on basketball sneakers before you knew that you really enjoyed playing, you also wouldn’t go out onto the court in a pair of cheap flip-flops! The same idea applies to buying your first piano keyboard. Before you buy your first keyboard, you should think about: Where you want to put it. Do you have a lot of space, or limited space, to put the keyboard? Whether you want to move it around. Will you occasionally be taking it to piano class or a friend’s house, or will it stay put in your home? Once you know that, you’ll know whether you should get a piano keyboard (which tend to be lighter and more portable) or a digital piano (which tend to be heavier, and are meant to stay in one place). According to Sara Mullett, an experienced piano teacher who works a lot with beginners, once you’ve decided on the two points above, you should make sure you choose a keyboard that has: Full-size Keys. It’s important that learners get used to the spacing on full size keys so that they can move between different instruments at any point.Weighted Keys. Weighted keys are important to help to develop finger strength and the correct technique. Weighted keys are a feature on keyboards where keys give a resistance as you press it down, as well as spring back up, just like on a traditional piano.Keyboard Stand. For most people, a keyboard or digital piano should be put on an adjustable stand. This gives learners space to put their legs as well as allowing the piano keyboard to be set to the correct height to be able to learn the right technique.Music stand (if you’re planning on learning to read music). Having music anywhere other than on a stand in front of your eyes could hurt your posture and will make learning to read music much more difficult!Not too many sounds and effects. While making a lot of different sounds and having the ability to add and tweak effects can be fun, it can also be confusing to a beginner.At first, the most important thing is for it to be easy to get a clear sound from the keyboard. How Many Keys Should a Beginner Keyboard Have? Are 61 Keys Enough? If you want to learn to play the piano, you should buy a beginner keyboard with a minimum of 61 keys. Beginner keyboards typically come with 61 keys, while full size keyboards have 88 keys and 7 octaves. Some piano instructors argue that 61 keys aren’t enough, especially if you want to learn to play classical music. Without 88 full size keys it’s hard to learn the scale of the instrument, you might not be able to play pieces properly, and you may struggle to adapt to playing on other keyboards or pianos. However, 88-key keyboards are more expensive and for some players might be unnecessary. That’s why other instructors argue that 61 keys are fine for beginners, as long as the keys are touch-sensitive. We support that view! What are the best brands for beginner keyboards? There are many brands around for keyboards, but some are better than others in terms of their suitability for beginners. Yamaha is a well-known instrument manufacturer and whilst they do produce some keyboards which aren`t suitable, they also produce some which fit all of the criteria above. Yamaha are a reliable brand and it is easy to get repairs and accessories to their products. Casio also have a good range of suitable keyboards, but mostly with only 61 keys – fine for a complete beginner but will need to be replaced soon. There are a handful of excellent starter keyboards sold exclusively on Amazon. As you would expect, these are excellent for the money. As one example, the brand Alesis has an excellent 88-key beginner keyboard at a very competitive price. Tips for Buying a Piano Keyboard for a Beginner With so many different keyboards available, finding the right one for you can seem like a pretty daunting task. There are so many things that you need to take into consideration when purchasing a keyboard piano to learn on. The first thing you need to do is ask yourself the following questions: What is your budget?Who will be using it?What time of day will it be used?Where will it be used the most?Will it be moved around from place to place? You will also need to consider the features that you want, including voices (instrument sounds), rhythms, drum beats, and more. Let’s take a look at some of the best tips for buying a keyboard for a beginning piano player. Remember, for a beginner model, it is best to just keep things simple. You can upgrade to a better model with more features later on. Features to Look For In a Beginner's Keyboard Headphone jack Headphone jack Headphone jack Headphone jack Make sure your keyboard has a headphone jack. You need this in order to be able to play without being disturbed by outside noises. Also, it will allow you to play quietly so you will not disturb anyone while you are learning and practicing. on-board speakers on-board speakers on-board speakers on-board speakers Look for a model that has on-board speakers so you don’t have to worry about needing to plug into an amplifier to hear what you are playing.Many of the cheaper models do not have on-board speakers, but there are budget models with pretty decent speakers available. keys keys keys keys Look for a model that has at least 61 keys. If the keyboard is for a young child, you can get away with even fewer keys, as they should start out on something small that is not going to be too overwhelming. The keys should be weighted, so they have the feel of those on a real piano. accessories accessories accessories accessories Often, you can get some pretty great bundle package deals that will give you the keyboard and all of the necessary accessories. These include a stand, piano bench, sustain pedal, dust cover, learning tools, and more. usb connectivity usb connectivity usb connectivity usb connectivity Most of today’s keyboards, even the least expensive, have USB connectivity. This allows you to be able to connect your computer or other devices so you can download various learning apps, music, and more. effects & other features effects & other features effects & other features effects & other features There are certain effects that you are going to want, including various instrument sounds, sustain, chorus, reverb, etc. You will also want to have certain features, including a record and playback option. Keep in mind that the more features a keyboard has, the more expensive it will likely be, and you probably won’t need that many features anyway. portability portability portability portability If you're planning on taking your keyboard outside of the home, such as to piano lessons, you need to make sure that you get a model that is lightweight and portable. This is another reason why many people recommend a 61-key keyboard, because they are easy to lug around. budget budget budget budget Finally, you need to consider your budget. You can pay as little as $40 for a decent keyboard, and as much as thousands for professional stage keyboards.Of course, at this point in time, you are probably only looking for something inexpensive to learn and practice on, so avoid looking at models that you can’t really afford. Piano for Beginners, Lesson 1 || The Piano Keyboard Conclusion As you can see from the above reviews, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a decent quality keyboard to learn on. These keyboards have plenty of features to make it easy to learn how to play the piano, and have loads of fun doing it. They are great for beginners of all ages, including young children, particularly because they are small, lightweight, and portable. No matter which of these keyboards you choose, you can’t really go wrong.