The Best Beginner Keyboard For 2024

Summary

In this video, experts review and compare a variety of beginner keyboards from top brands like Yamaha, Roland, Casio, and Dexibel, offering helpful advice for new players. Key features discussed include the number of keys, key velocity, and the feel of the keys. The video showcases entry-level models like the Yamaha P45, Roland FP10, and Casio PX-S1100, as well as higher-end options like the Dexibel H10, highlighting differences in sound, features, and price. The experts stress the importance of trying before buying and finding the best fit based on personal preference and intended use.

Takeaways

• 😀 Keyboards vary widely in terms of features, and the best beginner keyboard depends on individual preferences, such as budget, feel, and sound quality.
• 😀 Keyboards come in different sizes: 49, 61, 76, and 88 keys, with 88 keys being ideal for a more comprehensive piano experience.
• 😀 Weighted keys are important for developing finger strength and coordination, mimicking the feel of an acoustic piano.
• 😀 Key velocity refers to the response of the keyboard to the pressure you apply on the keys, affecting the sound dynamics.
• 😀 It's crucial to test keyboards in person to understand their feel and sound. Use headphones to avoid awkwardness and to better assess sound quality.
• 😀 The Yamaha P45 is an entry-level model with basic features and a simple sound set, perfect for beginners but with limited capabilities.
• 😀 The Yamaha P125 offers improved polyphony, better sound quality, and a more nuanced piano experience compared to the P45, making it a solid upgrade.
• 😀 The Roland FP10 features advanced sound sampling techniques, Bluetooth connectivity, and a higher-quality key feel than the Yamaha P45, making it a good alternative.
• 😀 The Roland FP30X builds on the FP10 with more sounds, better polyphony, and improved speakers, offering a richer, more versatile playing experience.
• 😀 Casio's PX-S1100 and PX-S3100 provide excellent Bluetooth MIDI technology, a sleek design, and enhanced dynamic range, though the Roland FP series offers more nuanced dynamics.
• 😀 The Dexibel H10 is a high-end digital piano with a wood action, highly detailed sound engine, and features like microphone input, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced players.
• 😀 The Roland Go Piano is an affordable, portable option with 61 keys and a lightweight design, ideal for mobile musicians or performers, though it sacrifices key action for portability.

Q & A

What are the key factors to consider when choosing a beginner keyboard?

The main factors to consider when choosing a beginner keyboard are the number of keys (preferably 88), key velocity (how sensitive the keys are to touch), and the feel of the keys (whether they are weighted or not). It's also important to think about whether you need built-in speakers or if you'd prefer to use headphones.

What does 'key velocity' mean in a digital piano?

'Key velocity' refers to how the keys respond to the force with which they are pressed. In simpler terms, it’s how hard or soft you press the keys and how that affects the sound produced. A more sensitive velocity range provides a more nuanced and dynamic playing experience.

How does the Yamaha P45 compare to the Yamaha P125?

The Yamaha P45 is a more basic and budget-friendly model, with a limited sound set and simpler features. In contrast, the P125 offers a more advanced sound engine, improved polyphony, and better key action, making it a more suitable choice for players who are ready to invest a bit more for a more nuanced playing experience.

What is the 'Supernatural sound design' featured in Roland keyboards?

Roland’s 'Supernatural sound design' is a technology that involves individually sampling each key to create a more realistic and nuanced acoustic piano experience. This allows for greater dynamic range, meaning that the keyboard responds to different levels of touch, from a light tap to a heavy press, with more variety in sound.

Why is it recommended to try keyboards in person before buying them?

Trying keyboards in person allows you to get a feel for the key action, key velocity, and overall sound quality. It’s important to test how the keys feel under your fingers and how the instrument sounds to ensure it matches your personal preferences, especially in terms of touch sensitivity and sound nuances.

What makes the Roland FP30X a great option for home use?

The Roland FP30X is a great option for home use due to its realistic sound engine, premium key action, and additional features such as built-in pedals and improved speakers. It offers a balanced combination of performance quality and affordability, making it ideal for long-term practice and even some light performances.

How does the Casio PX-S1100 stand out from other keyboards in its price range?

The Casio PX-S1100 stands out due to its sleek, polished design and its fast Bluetooth MIDI connectivity. The keys are designed to mimic the feel of a real acoustic piano, making it a good option for players looking for an aesthetically pleasing, feature-rich keyboard at an entry-level price point.

What are the main advantages of the Casio PX-S3100 over the PX-S1100?

The Casio PX-S3100 offers more advanced features, such as a built-in display for easier navigation, more sounds (including 700 different instruments), and better built-in speakers. It’s designed for keyboardists who want a wider range of sounds and effects, offering a more versatile instrument for creative musical exploration.

What makes the Dexibel H10 a luxury digital piano?

The Dexibel H10 is considered a luxury digital piano due to its high-end features, such as realistic wood action keys, a sophisticated sound engine, and expressive piano sounds. It’s designed for serious musicians who want a piano that can take them through their entire musical journey, from beginner to advanced levels, with a focus on sound detail and build quality.

How does the Roland GO:KEYS compare to other keyboards in terms of portability?

The Roland GO:KEYS is highly portable, with a lightweight design, built-in speakers, and the ability to run on batteries. It is compact and ideal for musicians who need a portable keyboard for practice, performances in informal settings, or playing on the go. However, it has fewer keys (61) and a springy key action, which may not be ideal for more serious pianists.