Help!!! I Need A Keyboard!!!
Buying a keyboard is about as easy as buying a car these days. There are so many choices, options, features, budgets, colors, and more. And deciding which one is right for you or your child can be daunting. But have no fear, we're about to make it a whole lot easier!
Now there's nothing like a 'real acoustic piano'! And if you have the room and budget for it, then go for it. But don't just buy anything you come across. If you are unfamiliar with pianos, take someone who knows along with you. They can try it out and give a recommendation as to if it's worth buying or not. As to brands.... you can't go wrong with Yamaha! They've been around forever and make a great piano. Kawai, Kimball, Baldwin, and Young Chang all make comparable versions, but I like Yamaha the best! These fall in the Mid to High level budgets. If you have the budget and want a finer instrument, shoot for Steinway and Sons or Boston. These are the Mercedez of pianos. If you want to buy new, you can go to a local piano gallery or store. But there's nothing wrong with buying used! Look on Facebook marketplace, Craig's List, Ebay, etc. Just make sure to see and try the piano out before buying! NEVER buy something that you haven't seen and had your hands on.
Now if the acoustic piano is a bit much for you, then the other alternative is an electronic keyboard. And here's the biggest rule to go by when choosing a keyboard... Buy a fully weighted, 88-key keyboard with built-in speakers! Why 'fully weighted'? Because this is the same feel as an acoustic piano. Some keyboards have 'non-weighted and semi-weighted' keys. You don't want this. The piano in many ways is an exercise machine and it helps to build strength and dexerity in the fingers. Why 88-keys? Because you can't get the fully weighted feel in anything less than 88-keys. All versions that have fewer than 88 keys are going to be semi or non-weighted. There are a few exceptions, but they are very expensive! Finally, why with built-in speakers? Because you don't want to have to full around with extra cables, speakers, etc. Make it easy! Other things to consider are keyboard stands, piano benches, and sustain pedals. You'll need all of these in order to make it work.
So with this in mind, here are some recommendations to take a look at that will fit a variety of budgets! Happy shopping!
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/P45BKHome
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/P45BK
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/P115BKHome
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/B1SPBK
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/XStdDbl
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FC4A
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BenchF
