Buying Piano or Buying Keyboard? Things you need to know!

Piano
If you are a person who likes the piano because:
• You like its looks and its sound
• You are just content with playing the music you like on the piano (classical, jazz, blues etc.) without being bothered if there are hundreds of effects or other instrument sounds

This gives an indication that you should be buying piano. A digital piano can be a cost effective solution to your need and it will also give you all the arranging features which you may start using later on.

Arranger Keyboards
On the other hand:
• You are a beginner who wants to take his first step towards playing
• You are excited by the various sounds, styles, and effects which a keyboard offers
• You want to play for a band
• You like making your own tunes and you want to give musical shape to it

This tells that you should be buying keyboard - a musical keyboard or a synthesizer or a workstation.

Factors to consider: Once you have decided the basic thing, there are some additional factors which you should consider before you make your decision to buy. Those things would be Cost, Number of keys, Maintenance, Portability, built-in Styles, built-in Sequencer etc. You will also have to take care that your instrument does not become obsolete in a short span of time. Let us look at those factors closely:

• Cost: Be sure of one thing while buying Piano/Keyboard. The model which you like will always exceed your budget -:) If budget is a constraint, you will need to do some thinking so that you can compromise on certain things which are not necessary for you. If budget is NOT a constraint, go in for all the features - though I have not seen such people yet -:)

• Skills: If you are a beginner, cut down on accessories like the pedal. Look for a model which is not very expensive because if you do not learn then your investment will go waste, it will turn out to be a "white elephant". Also explore buying a used keyboard/piano.

• How many Keys: Keyboards/Pianos come in 88, 76, 61, 49, 37, 25, even lesser keys. The smaller ones, less than 61 keys, are usually used by guys who are into Computer music recording. They use it as a midi controller. 61 keys is the minimum you should look for; you should be able to play a wide range of songs on this. If you are inclined towards classical music, then consider 88 keys.

• Synth or weighted action: This refers to the feel of the keys. With a Synth action it is easier to play faster as the keys are lighter. Ideal for beginners and non pianists.

Weighted action tries to imitate a real piano key. Weights are added below the plastic keys to make them harder to play. This means that the feel is more like a Piano. Suitable for pianists and those who want to improve their piano skills. Check out Hammer Action and Graded Hammer Action as well.

• Touch/Velocity response: If the keyboard has touch response, it means the sound will be sensitive to the touch. If you press the keys lightly the sound will be soft, if you press it hard the sound will be loud. You need this feature. Almost all the keyboards nowadays have this feature but just make sure it is there.

• Expandable: keyboards, being an electronic instrument, run the risk of getting obsolete over a period of time. If you are an intermediate or advanced player, consider keyboards that can be upgraded with the latest sounds and styles just to make sure it does not become obsolete. Keyboard manufacturers are now incorporating all the upgradeable features found in Computers to keyboards and Digital Pianos as well.

• Sequencing & Mixing: Most of the keyboards have built-in sequencers so that you can practice song making with them. But if you are serious about recording and mixing then you need to consider whether you want to do this on your keyboard or a computer.

If you already have a computer and have used software sequencers then you can probably save cost by not having these features in your keyboard when you buy one. You will be duplicating the features. But if you do not have a computer and wish to do some serious recording and mixing on a keyboard, consider buying a workstation.

• Performing: If you are a performing artist, you will have to consider the issue of portability. Since you will be traveling a lot, you will need to consider factors like weight of the keyboard, better protection by going in for high quality keyboard cases and sturdy stands so that it adequately supports your keyboard. For top of the range models, you will also have to consider insuring your gear.

• Where do you buy from?
Once you decide on the above things, the instrument can be bought from a variety of places like your local outlet, Internet, exhibitions, etc. So you will need to do some running around to see who gives you the best price. Of course good bargaining skills will always come in handy.

• Buy Used ones?
For most of us, budget is always a constraint and so you can also consider buying used instruments or going in for part exchanges. Again, there are plenty of sources for you to find used instruments from.

These are the factors which you would normally consider while buying a keyboard or a Digital Piano. In addition to this, you can check out the links below to know more about buying Piano/Keyboard.

How to find Cheap Keyboards?
How to find Cheap Pianos?
How to find Used Keyboards?
How to find Used Digital Pianos?
Expanding your Instrument!

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