Save Space with the Best Keyboard Piano
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Alesis Portable Keyboard Piano -
RockJam 54-Key Portable Keyboard Piano -
Yamaha EZ Series 61-Key Keyboard Piano -
Casio 61-Key Portable Keyboard Piano -
Buyer's Guide
The piano is a beautiful instrument that has been around for centuries. You can play anything on it from classical compositions to rearranged pop songs. It’s also less physically torturous to play than a string instrument like the guitar. Unfortunately, a full size piano is a gargantuan room-dominating monolith. Keyboard pianos exist to solve that problem. Here are our top picks for the best keyboard pianos in 2022.
Best Keyboard Pianos Worth Considering in 2022
Alesis Portable Keyboard Piano - Best Keyboard Piano Overall
Our favorite keyboard is the Alesis Melody 61 MKII. We selected the 61-key model over the more compact 32-key and 54-key versions due to its extra versatility. The inclusion of a variety of useful accessories and large library of material to help new learners get up to speed makes this keyboard our top pick.
- 40 demo songs to play along with make a game of learning the piano
- Included microphone allows you to record singing along while you play
- No 88 key option
RockJam 54-Key Portable Keyboard Piano - Runner Up
The Rockjam 54-key portable keyboard is a more affordable alternative to the Alesis above. With a control panel that looks not unlike the inside of a fighter jet, this complex keyboard has all the options you could ever ask for.
- Available in different sizes for different space accommodations and levels of player
- Sturdy music stand gives a convenient place to mount sheet music or a tablet for easy learning
- All the options available may be visually daunting to a beginner
Yamaha EZ Series 61-Key Keyboard Piano - Honorable Mention
With a minimalist visual design concealing a powerful range of capabilities and a rich, powerful sound, this Yamaha keyboard is an excellent choice for professionals and more experienced users.
- Large 88-key design gives unparalleled range of tones
- Sustain pedal gives an extra level of control over the sound
- Using the function button to access various features is slightly clunky
Casio 61-Key Portable Keyboard Piano - Consider
Casio is a household name when it comes to portable keyboards, and the CTK-2550 is one of our favorites. Compact and lightweight, this keyboard is the closest you’ll get to fitting a piano in your pocket.
- Folding stand for quick setup and easy transport
- Included headphones allow for a more personal music creation experience
- Doesn’t have a midi-capable connection
Buyer's Guide
Are you looking to bring out your inner Beethoven? If you are, this may be the best time to get yourself a keyboard piano. Keyboard pianos are lighter and smaller than the grand version, but they still create beautiful sounds.
Whether you are on a journey to become a piano expert or learning how to read music, keyboard pianos are suitable for anyone that needs to buy one. This article will explore a few things to consider before purchasing the best keyboard pianos.
What is a keyboard piano?
A keyboard piano is made to be carried around with ease and can play all sorts of music styles— it doesn’t matter if you are playing pop, classical, rock or jazz. Keyboard pianos are lightweight and compact and may even be either Bluetooth or wireless compatible. The perfect keyboard piano should be able to last long, withstanding the demands of moving them around many times without damaging them.
The best keyboards often come with an adjustable stand, built-in speakers, a travel bag or carrying case, micro USB ports, volume control, and more. And, there is thankfully a keyboard piano for almost every budget.
What are the types of keyboard pianos?
If you are searching for the right keyboard piano but don’t know which kind to get, here are some things that should help you out.
· Digital Piano
This is the modern option for traditional pianos. They feel and sound like real pianos, but they are lighter and do not have strings. For someone who is starting with pianos but does not have enough money to buy a grand piano, digital pianos are ideal.
· Electronic keyboard
Electronic keyboard pianos can do much more than a standard piano. They come with in-built software that allows the user to do certain things, such as selecting effects, tones, and the sound they want the keys to making when playing them.
· Synthesizer
This device can produce and imitate different sounds with in-built sound programs that can create bass or rhythmic effects. They can also simulate bass sounds, play the song’s main melody, and many more.
· MIDI controller
This type of keyboard relays Musical Instrument Digital Interface signals to MIDI-enabled devices. Although it looks like a keyboard, it does not produce its sound. Instead, it relays MIDI commands to a connected system, releasing digital sounds.
What are features to consider before buying a keyboard piano?
Every keyboard piano shares many similarities; knowing these features will help guide you on the right path. Here are some features to look out for before buying any of the best keyboard pianos.
· Number of keys
The standard full keyboard comes with 88 keys, but several keyboard pianos come with 61 keys while some have only 25 keys. 88 keys are the ideal piano to go for someone desirous of learning. Using this type of piano will give you the full range that a piano has to offer. If you are looking for something portable, 33 or 25 keys will do just fine.
· Action and weight
This feature refers to the touch and feel of the keys. Semi-weighted and weighted keys give the user a feeling close to a traditional piano. The hammer action deploys a hammer mechanism that helps recreate a grand piano’s functions. Unweighted keys come with a synthesizer feel.
· Amplification
Many digital pianos got created using in-built speakers and amplifiers. You need to select a piano that will be loud enough for your environment. Note that using a more audible sound means you will need more prominent speakers, which means a heavier instrument. If you are using an external amp or a public address system, it won't matter if you get a digital piano with small speakers.
· Keyboard display
If you are searching for a keyboard piano that comes with an LCD screen, ensure it is easy to read and large enough. It should spell out the sounds and functions you will be using. Smaller screens usually use many acronyms and abbreviations, which takes a long time to learn.
· Replacement parts
If you search for a replacement keycap, they are often easy to locate. Hence you shouldn't be too concerned if it breaks. But if this is not the case, look for customer service emails that can help you locate a replacement key if the original gets missing.
· Noise level
One notable feature of keyboard pianos is that they are pretty loud. Thus, if you have sensitive ears, it will only be a real issue if you play the pianos for an extended period. The ideal piano must never exceed 85 decibels because that could be uncomfortable for someone who has hearing issues.
· Connectivity
When selecting a keyboard piano, you may consider one that has a USB port so that you can save your sessions. A piano with a USB port will also transfer the sounds from and to your computer.
· Durability
Beyond the price of a piano, you need to consider its durability as well. If the keyboard breaks after using it for a few years, it isn't the best choice.
· Electric vs acoustic
A lot of people prefer using an acoustic piano if they regularly play. But for people who are into orchestra music, electric pianos may be the ideal choice. Thus, you need to search for instruments that align with your needs.
· Keyboard size
The piano ought to be big enough to fit on the user. It should also be portable enough to be taken around for gigs. You may also want to get a model that comes with a noise-canceling microphone.
How much is a keyboard piano?
Keyboard pianos aren't precisely too expensive, but different options depend on your needs. These pianos cost between $50 and $300.
· Low-end keyboards
If you are in the market for a cheap keyboard piano for your home, you should be able to get a decent one for less than $100. Keyboards within this range are well-built and reliable.
· Mid-range keyboards
You should get a quality keyboard between $150 and $200. Such models often come with helpful features.
· High-end keyboards
If you are looking for the best keyboard piano, a budget of about $250 should suffice. With this instrument, you will get quality and durability.
Keyboard Piano FAQs
Q. What do I need to set up a keyboard piano?
A. There are different methods one can use to set up a keyboard piano. The most effective way is by using a utility that comes with the keyboard. Many keyboards come with software that helps with the setting up.
Q. How can I enhance the sound of my keyboard piano?
A. You can determine the sound quality through the sound card’s quality and the computer’s amount of processing power sound card’s rate. Also, the quality of the tracks that the player can play will determine how loud the sound will be.
Q. What differentiates desktop and laptop keyboards?
A. The core difference between desktop and laptop keyboards is in music performance. Desktop keyboards are lightweight and operate on dedicated hardware. They are usually more powerful than laptops.
Conclusion
Getting the best keyboard piano shouldn't be too difficult after reading this article. Be mindful of what your needs are and your budgetary considerations before buying. Doing this will help you avoid making unnecessary mistakes.