which piano should I get?

Acoustic pianos are magic. But you gotta hit every key. No !

your first keyboard

I'll recommend any cheap piano with lots of controls:

pitch bender and wheels

sliders and knobs

pedals

keyboard pressure / channel pressure / mono aftertouch
mean the same thing - leaning on the keys (as a whole) after they're down can modify the sound - you want it !

They make sounds bend, pan, thin and thicken. And other super cool things. No need for buttons. Piano keys do what buttons do better.

This first keyboard will teach you why spending more money on one with premo keys is worth it.

But those keyboards never come with very many controls. So good job gettin' this one first. Pianos need friends too.

premo keys

let you play softly, smoothly, evenly. Playing softly is the MOST important thing !! Welll, playing in time is. But STILL. Playing loud is easy. Playing softly takes practice and skill.

You can rest your hands without hitting keys. Holding your hands up introduces tension. Tension can damage your tendons - watch for it.

But the main reason is they feeeel so good.

I'd rate the brands by feel in this order:
Kawaii, Yamaha, Nord, Roland, Casio.
Yamaha was the sweet spot for me. Kawaii and Nord are pretty spendy. Casios are clacky.

Do research at pianoworld.com's prices paid thread

Hit a local piano/band store

don't buy till you feel it. Keyboard actions are all different and can't ever change. Feel is the most important quality of a keyboard.

Good luck !!

► next ◤ home