Piano Action - Synth, Weighted, Graded Hammer Actions for Piano KeyboardDo you know what Piano Action Keys are you looking for in the digital keyboard or piano that you intend to buy? When it comes to the various keyboard actions available on musical keyboards and stage pianos, you will hear various terms like Synth Action, Weighted Action, Hammer Action, and Graded Hammer Action. These terms simply indicate what type of keys you want for your digital piano keyboard. I am sure you must have noticed that the pianos have thicker keys whereas most of the keyboards have thinner keys. So Action basically refers to the feel of the instrument, the keys in particular. Why So Many Key Actions?The primary reason for so many key actions is to suit the different levels of keyboard and piano players.Beginner keyboard players like synth action, whereas somebody who wants to learn the piano will prefer weighted action. Advanced piano players will prefer graded hammer action and so on. When it comes to hammer and graded hammer actions, the manufacturers may also have their own unique way of naming them, just to suggest that their piano keys are the perfect and resemble the closest to acoustic piano keys. Before you decide what sort of action you need, let us see what each of them stands for. Synth Action KeysA Synth action is found in almost all the musical keyboards.With a Synth action it is easier to play faster as the keys are lighter. It is basically made of plastic. Almost all the entry level 61-key keyboards have this action. If you have been playing the Piano for some time then you may find this action a bit uncomfortable. A lot of musicians, on the other hand, find this action suitable for playing the sounds of other instruments besides the piano. You can try it out at your local store to get its feel. Weighted Action KeysHere you will find the manufacturers trying to imitate a real piano action. Weights are added below the plastic keys to make them harder to play. This means that the feel is more like a Piano.You will get a better piano feel with the Hammer action, which is an improvement over the Weighted Action as they actually use hammers inside. But they will usually cost more. Hammer Action KeysIn this case, the manufacturers actually use hammers inside the keyboard to strike a surface.The intention obviously is to get that perfect Piano feel. This action is far better than the weighted action and a lot of pianists actually prefer the Hammer action. Graded Hammer Action KeysAnother effort to get that perfect piano feel! This action emulates the action of a grand piano.You will find that the keys are heavier in the bass and lighter in the treble areas. This is what exactly happens on a grand piano, the hammers get thicker as you move to the bass side from the treble. If you wish to play a lot of classical stuff then, go in for a weighted action or a Hammer Action keyboard. One good thing for you would be, once you play on these keys, you can play on any piano. Additional Reading Back to Arranger Keyboards from piano keyboard action New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. |