How to Choose a Beginner Piano or Keyboard
HOW TO CHOOSE A BEGINNER PIANO or KEYBOARD
Since I started teaching music lessons, parents often send me messages asking what type of instrument they should purchase for their child to get started on.
As musicians, we want to be able to play the best quality instrument that we can afford. A better quality instrument will be kinder to our hands and produce a better sound FASTER! Kids want to feel an immediate positive reward when they begin playing. This initial momentum will carry them through many years of playing and get them through their playing plateaus (and believe me, this WILL happen!).
That being said, we don't want to break the bank, and sometimes kids just want to give it a try before you throw out their college fund on a grand piano.
Here are my best beginner piano recommendations to take you from “just giving it a try” all the way to college auditions.
This article contains Amazon affiliate links.
Acoustic Pianos vs. Electronic Pianos, a.k.a. Keyboards
Acoustic pianos are made of wood and have strings inside that are struck by hammers when the player hits a key. While they are beautiful and suitable for advanced players, their maintenance can be cost prohibitive and overwhelming for beginner piano families.
That’s why in this article, I will solely be recommending that beginners use Electronic Pianos, also known as Keyboards.
Modern electronic pianos are designed to mimic the sounds of upright and grand pianos. They are easy to maintain and can easily be moved around the home as well as packed up and taken to different homes if you end up having to move.
“FREE” Acoustic Pianos
First off, I want to recognize that yes, there are many beautiful working acoustic pianos that their current owners are giving away for free on Craigslist or Facebook marketplace.
If you opt for this, take these costs into consideration:
- Moving costs. Pianos usually need to be moved by professional movers in a box truck and secured so that they make it to their destination safely.
- Tuning. Strings on pianos need to be tuned at least once a year in order to produce a pleasant sound. This is especially important for beginners as they are developing their ear and sense of pitch. It will need to be tuned before it can be played.
- Inspection by a professional piano player or shop for other needed repairs. To make sure you are not getting a lemon, you may want to have a piano professional come and inspect the piano. That way you know what to expect and what repairs to budget for.
Acoustic pianos properly cared for can last many generations. Consider this as a new addition to your family and treat it with care!
With those thoughts aside, let’s get into my recommendations!
CHOOSING YOUR BUDGET
Prices on keyboards depend on a few key factors (pun intended):
1. Number of keys. The music you are able to play can be limited by how many keys you have on your keyboard. Shoot for as close to the full 88 as you can afford.
2. Weighted or touch sensitive keys. Touch sensitive keys enable the piano player to use “dynamics”, which are the differences in volume in songs and piano pieces. It’s one of the first skills taught on the piano, and one of the more difficult skills to master. Touch sensitive keys or weighted keys are a must if they are in your budget.
3. Sustain pedal, bench, and stand. After the first year or so of playing, most piano players are introduced to the sustain pedal. This pedal holds the notes out longer and helps the pianist create a more “full” sound with the piano. The bench is where the piano player sits, and the stand is what the keyboard rests on. Get all of these along with your keyboard if it’s within your budget.
LOW $ - Casio SA-77 44-Key Mini Personal Keyboard
Great for a very young beginner looking to fool around on the keys or test out piano lessons before committing.
MEDIUM $$ - Casio CT-X700 61-Key Portable Keyboard
61 touch sensitive keys with the capability to have a sustain pedal plugged in. Great for a serious beginner.
$$$ - YAMAHA NP12 61-Key Lightweight Portable Keyboard
61 touch sensitive keys with the capability to have a sustain pedal plugged in. More realistic acoustic sound for the advanced beginner.
$$$$ - Yamaha P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano with Sustain Pedal, Power Supply, Stand, and Bench
Everything you need to keep you going into intermediate and advanced levels. 88 weighted and touch sensitive keys for the look, feeling, and sound of an acoustic piano. This package some with a sustain pedal, power supply, stand, and bench.
