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My name is Jenn, and i'm new to the piano world. I've been looking for a keyboard, but making a choice is difficult. So I've come to ask for help!
The keyboard I have in mind at the moment, is the "M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3". A lot of people have told me it's a good keyboard. The reason why I want the 88 keys, is because I want to be able to play on an actual piano as well, if I have the chance. Now, my intentions are just to be able to play on the computer, but I would also like some sound coming out of the piano. Now this is obviously optional, and I think i'm fine leaving that out to buy that keyboard. Is this a good keyboard for beginners? I know 88 keys is probably not good to start with, but I thought I might as well. Another question I had, was if I needed a foot-pedal. My uncle has a yamaha keyboard, and he has one. Apparently it's to let the key presses make longer sounds. Is this necessary for a midi-only keyboard?
I'm just looking for a good keyboard. The one I have in mind, the keystation 88 MK3, is so far decently priced at 200 euros, so i'm thinking about that one. Any other suggestions?
If you are at all serious about playing piano ... then no. Get a real piano. But be prepared to spend more. (Or look for a not-too-old used piano to cut the cost.)
Mac is right, if you want to learn to play piano and not keyboard (there is a difference) and you say play a real piano you need a weighted hammer action digital or controller; and with a sustain pedal.
Hi Jenn, and welcome to this forum, and to playing the piano!
Mac and Spanishbuddha are right, but you may not understand why. With weighted hammer action you have much more control of the sound, especially the dynamics - how soft or loud you play. And dynamics are extremely important for playing well. Now the keyboard you have in mind has velocity sensitivity, and that is better than keys that can only play at the same volume, but if you want to learn to play well, you'll need weighted keys.
Playing the piano is learning to create, playfully and deeply seriously, our own music in the world. * ... feeling like the pianist on the Titanic ...
PS. I think that this digital piano would be one of the cheapest that you can find. I don't have any information though about if it is a good dp, or not.
Playing the piano is learning to create, playfully and deeply seriously, our own music in the world. * ... feeling like the pianist on the Titanic ...
If you can't stretch your budget much, I would recommend taking a look at some lower end CASIO digital pianos. (CDP series) I bought by CASIO CDP-240 (an old model) brand new for about 350 EUR. I use the same model for 5 years now. It is not the best DP, of course, I firmly believe that it is a good band for the buck. You may try to find a used model (CDP-120, CDP-230/240) or take a look at some newer models.
Hey guys. My knowledge of piano's is abysmal, to say the least. I know nothing about it, other than what people tell me. I found the keyboard I have talked about in my main post, and that one seemed okay to start out. Of course, in the near future, I'd probably decide to start playing for real, and then buy a more decent piano, but right now it's just for starting off. The reason why I started liking piano so much, is because I play virtual piano. With my PC-keyboard. But there's a barrier there that really annoys me. As for the black keys, I have to hold the shift key, so playing chords is extremely difficult.
I don't think I want to go MUCH above 200, as i'm only starting out. I know to get a better piano sound, you'd need a weighted hammer action. Or at least I knew a bit about that. But I do want to play on a pc, my room isn't that large, so a full on piano, wouldn't work. But evidently, should I get the pedal to have it work, or is that no use? Any information about keyboards would be much appreciated. <3
My suggestion is that you check out Jeremy See's reviews of various budget keyboards and see if any will fit your needs.
Casio PX-S3000 Nope, no issues with it at all. Took lessons from 1960 to 1969, stopped at age 16. Started again in July 2020 at age 67. Lots more fun now!
It was the “any information about keyboards would be much appreciated” that gave you away.
Good try, Kawai, but you’re not getting by agent Pete0014 that easily!
I am here solely to protect and serve the community; you’re welcome!
Hahaha. Don't know who Kawai is. Unfortunately. But on a real note, I would like some help. Because I am really wanting to play piano, and really tempted to buy the M-audio Keystation 88 MK3, with pedal, but i'm waiting for some more helpful responses, so I won't make a mistake buying this one. >.<
You do not need 88 keys in order to learn to play the piano/keyboard. I'd say you could go with 61 or 73 for one or two years without a problem. Also you do not need a pedal straight away and usually you can add one later.
Unless I'm mistaken, the master keyboard you are considering does not have speakers so you'll need to hook it up to your computer and use a software in order to make any sound (that is why it is called a station).
In order to learn I'g go with something more similar to a piano even if you have to sacrifice some of its capabilities. So, you want to have (in my order of preference):
- Touch sensitivity (the stronger you play the louder it sounds) - Weighted keys (they respond much like those on a real piano) - 88 keys if possible, otherwise 73 or even 61
Hi Jen. Welcome aboard. The 88MK3 doesn't have any sounds and no speakers on it. You said you would like to hear sounds on the piano. Plus the unit is only semi-weighted keys. Which are not bad per-say but not ideal if you want to really learn to play the piano. You want a weighted keyboard.
What is your budget for buying a piano?
All these years playing and I still consider myself a novice.
Hey! The keyboard I have in mind at the moment, is the "M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3". A lot of people have told me it's a good keyboard. The reason why I want the 88 keys, is because I want to be able to play on an actual piano as well, if I have the chance.
First off, ideally, if you should look for either a digital piano or a controller with weighted keys, as pointed by some messages above.
Originally Posted by JennyBunnyBean
Now, my intentions are just to be able to play on the computer
If those are not options for budget or whatever reason, then, IMO, this controller is better than nothing for starters.
Originally Posted by JennyBunnyBean
but I would also like some sound coming out of the piano.
I think you are aware of it but, as you mentioned you would like some sound coming out of it, then this will not fit. It is a controller only, it sends MIDI messages to another keyboard/digital piano or computer and those are responsible for producing the sounds.
I hope this helps.
PS: do not take Pete14's messages too seriously, he is our pet stand-up comediant.
Hi Jen. Welcome aboard. The 88MK3 doesn't have any sounds and no speakers on it. You said you would like to hear sounds on the piano. Plus the unit is only semi-weighted keys. Which are not bad per-say but not ideal if you want to really learn to play the piano. You want a weighted keyboard.
What is your budget for buying a piano?
I don't really want to go above 200 for a keyboard. As i'm just starting out, and I'll definitely buy a more expensive one once I've learned at least a little bit. I don't necessarily want to learn piano, it would just be nice to play the keyboard, and be able to play the piano when I see one. My friend got one. So I could stop by and play. There's also those public pianos, so it's just a secondary target. It's so annoying though. Because everyone has different opinions on keyboards, so I keep getting recommended different ones by people on discord, and the sorts. And I am terrible with making choices. ^^
If we ignore "piano technique" and just go for "playing keyboard" and you are currently noodling on a qwerty keyboard then it doesn't really matter that much what it is that you upgrade into.
When playing chords and melody your hands need some space. 61 keys could be a minimum. More doesn't hurt. 73 is another common size and then there's 88.
If you ever want to play real pianos the keys should be full size. There are also keyboards with mini keys.
To play without the computer it should have built in sounds and speakers.
To play with sounds from the computer or with other software on the computer it should have a USB socket that transmits MIDI.
It doesn't need to have hammer action keys, but a real piano will then feel very different at first.
Some products are quite large and take much more space than just the keys. Like e.g. the Roland Go:Piano. Some are as compact as it can get e.g. the Vangoa VGK8600.
Start with something cheap and get something better when you feel like it. I wouldn't rely too much on opinions and recommendations.
