[For beginners] Keyboard types and how to choose one

Hello. This time I would like to introduce various types of keyboards. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced piano player, there are many types of electronic keyboards that you may not be familiar with. There are various monikers such as electronic pianos, synths, and keyboards, but I hope I can clear up the differences.

I will introduce them according to their purposes such as:
-For piano solos or playing at home alone
-For stage performances
-For bands
-For those on the go, etc.

■ For playing piano solo pieces　/　For home practice → Electronic piano

If you want to have an acoustic piano, but you cannot afford one or you don’t have enough space to put one, an electronic piano might be a good choice for you. They are also often used for home practice for those who are taking piano lessons. The biggest advantage is that you can use the functions unique to electronic musical instruments.

Features

• Most of the models have 88 keys
• High-end models are quite close to acoustic pianos in both touch and sound.
• Most of them can be adjusted in volume and headphones can be connected, so you can practice whenever you want without annoying neighbors.
• Generally, they have numerous tones, as well as a metronome. High-end models often comes with more functions such as a lessons feature and app linkage.
• Stands with 3 pedals are often sold separately, but when used together with an electronic piano, you can get a stable feel like that of an upright piano.

PLAYTECH / PDP300S-WH Electronic Piano Stand Set

An electronic piano that is quite cost effective and comes with a stand, in the 40,000 yen range. You can also purchase just the keyboard, or just the stand.

PLAYTECH / PDP400S

ROLAND / LX-5-PES

■ To play on stage / Touch and tone are important → Stage piano

Keyboards specialized for use on the stage are called stage pianos.

Features

• Most models have 88 or 73 keys.
• Many models use high-grade keyboards or wooden keyboards and have high-quality sound.
• There are many variations of keyboard instrument sounds such as piano, electric piano, and organ.
• Designed to allow quick tone adjustment even on stage
• Sophisticated design that looks great on stage
• Some of them do not emit sound without external speakers. However, once you connect them to speakers, they can produce a loud sound that will not be lost in band performances.

YAMAHA / CP88 Stage piano

YAMAHA's standard stage piano with a keyboard just like a real piano. It is equipped with many standard piano tones in addition to Yamaha's grand piano.

ROLAND / RD-08

VISCOUNT / LEGEND '70s Artist

■ To play in a band → Synthesizer

If you play keyboards in a band, you may be in charge of not only the sound of the piano but also various sounds such as strings (violin, etc.), brass and sound effects. There are also occasions when you may want to fine-tune the tone to match the sound of the band. Synthesizers are keyboard instruments that meet such demands.

Features

• Abundant preset tones
• You can create your own tones by editing or layering the tones.
• You can save created tones and recall them with a single touch to quickly switch from one tone to another.
• Abundant lineup of keyboard sizes from 49 to 88 keys
• Many have a light touch
• Similar to stage pianos, many of them do not produce sound unless they are connected to external speakers or headphones.

ROLAND / JUNO-DS61

YAMAHA / MX61 BK 61 keys synthesizer

KORG / KROSS2-61-MB 61-key keyboard synthesizer

A standard synthesizer that is particularly focused on timbre so that it can be used in the modern music scene.

■ To carry around / For children → Portable keyboards

Lightweight, compact keyboards. Many models are recommended for children because of the fun features they include.

Features

• Some models cost less than 5,000 yen and are easy on your wallet.
• Many models have functions that even beginners can enjoy
• 32 to 61 keys

PLAYTECH / PTK070 Mini Keyboard

PLAYTECH / PTK200II

PLAYTECH / PFK61 Folding keyboard

■ For brass band and singing practice → Practice keyboards

When practicing with a brass band or chorus, you may check tones with the piano or the keyboard. An ordinary keyboard is good, but there are also keyboards dedicated to practice, and they have various functions that are not intended for casual playing.

Features

• One-touch transposition to B♭, E♭, F, C, which are often used in brass band
• You can switch between equal temperament and just intonation & set your own tuning
• A metronome function that allows you to set the appropriate time signature
• It is easy to convey an image of what the instructor wants, by changing the rise and brightness of the tone.

YAMAHA / HD-300 Harmony Director

ROLAND / JUSTY HK-100 Harmony & Rhythm Practice Keyboard

■ Not only playing but also as interior décor → Toy pianoｓ / piano-style keyboards

Stylish keyboards that make an impression just by placing it in a room. They’re also recommended as gifts or for children to play with.

KORG / microPIANO Red Micro Piano

A stylish keyboard with a red and black color scheme. There is also black version.

KAWAI (Kawai Musical Instruments) / Grand Piano Black (1141)

There are various types of keyboards available for a variety of purposes. If you are thinking of purchasing keyboards, please choose carefully according to your needs.