Things to consider before buying the best digital piano for beginners
It is essential that you like how the piano you are buying looks, but it is the performance that should be your priority. Keep reading to find out more about the specifics of the keyboard you should look for, as well as why polyphony is important. You will also learn more about demo songs, connectivity with other apps to play your favorite tunes and the learning kits that will help you to master playing quickly. Here is a detailed overview of the features you should keep in mind when picking out a digital piano for your needs.
Keyboard
Everything starts with a keyboard selection as that is the main component of the digital piano. The first thing to consider is the number of keys. These usually vary from 61 to 88, and the choice depends on your preference. A high number of keys gives you more versatility and freedom when playing, but a low number may be more suitable for beginners.
Furthermore, it is important that the keys provide a great touch response and an authentic feel of a piano. That means they should produce sounds at different volumes depending on how hard you play them.
Ultimately, you shouldnโt neglect the comfort you feel while you play. A variety of settings can make it easier to play, but it all comes down to personal preference.
Maximum number of polyphony
The simplest explanation of polyphony is that it is the capability of an electric piano to play multiple notes simultaneously. This may not sound like an issue unless, for example, you reach that maximum and use a pedal. You will notice that some notes disappeared. This is all because of the algorithms, which limit the versatility of playing and sound quality. You want to go with as much polyphony as possible. It is why you should choose models like Casio Privia PX-160 that support a 128-note polyphony, which is quite impressive.
As we already mentioned, using a pedal can be of huge importance in controlling polyphony. If you activate the pedal, you will layer multiple notes on top of each other. Moreover, you should consider the gradual decay of certain sounds, which is another reason why you need as much polyphony as possible. It is also an answer to the question of why the polyphony number exceeds the number of keys.
Display
Since you are buying a digital piano, the chances are that it will have an LCD screen. The screen can be of huge importance as it makes controlling the unit, and learning how to play far more manageable. All necessary information will be shown on the screen, and it will contribute to your comfort of playing on the device.
The display is usually compact, but it can still vary in size. That is why you should consider finding the size that fits your preference. For example, Yamaha PSR-EW310 did an excellent job in tailoring the display to fit the keyboard seamlessly. As a result, you have an attractive product with a useful and reliable LCD screen.
Portability
When it comes to portability, you want to consider the weight and dimensions of your keyboard. If you are working with a teacher, who asks you to bring the keyboard to the class, you want a light unit that you can easily carry. Plixio 61 Key Electronic Keyboard has a compact size, and it only weighs seven pounds, which makes it very suitable.
If you need portability, you want to find the smallest and lightest unit out there. However, if you are okay with keeping your digital piano in a single location, you can go with a premium package like Roland FP-30. It may be a bit heavier and harder to move, but it will outperform any portable keyboard out there.
Ultimately, the decision is yours, and the good thing is that you have many portable units at your disposal if that is your cup of tea.
Tones, rhythms, demo songs
The beauty of a keyboard is that it can reproduce sound samples captured from various instruments, such as organs, accordions, flutes, synthesizers, etc. While it is always nice to have a lot of tones available, your primary focus should be on piano sounds. Depending on the unit, they might sound like acoustic or electric pianos in combination with other instruments. For example, the Korg B1 supports three pianos and five extra instruments.
Many digital pianos these days feature hundreds of rhythms. Finally, beginners will appreciate the choice of pre-loaded demo songs. That doesnโt make learning that much easier, but it makes it more fun to follow some famous melodies.
Apart from using demo songs, many units like Joy Jk-63M-Kit have an amazing UBS compatibility that allows you to play MP3, MIDI, and other audio files. That way, you can learn while enjoying your favorite tunes.
Learning kits
The manufacturers that aim to design the best beginner keyboard for playing the piano often include learning kits with their product. Alesis Melody 61 MKII, for example, offers free online lessons if you choose their unit.
Other products, such as Roland FP-30, include an instructional DVD. These DVDs aim to help you to adjust to the device you purchased. You will find useful tips and tricks to improve your playing skills.
We recommend you to pick a beginner piano that comes with integrated lessons that will help you to become a great player. An LCD screen can be of massive help because it can show the notes that you should play. Additionally, you may get sticker sheets to label the keys so that you can easily locate them on the keyboard.
All these can be important and make playing more manageable and entertaining.
Ease of playing
The ease of playing largely depends on the type of keyboard. If you have big fingers, the narrow keys are not a great option for you. On the other hand, children should look for a compact-sized keyboard, which perfectly suits their fingers.
It may be wise to go for a graded hammer standard (GHS) keys, such as the ones in Yamaha P45B. These are beautiful because they provide an authentic feeling that resembles a real piano.
Although beginners might get used to unweighted keys, if you want to become a serious player, you should start with GDS or NH (natural hammer) keys right away. That way, it will give you the feel of an acoustic piano, and not a keyboard.
Connectivity
Modern electric pianos come with a bunch of digital features that increase the versatility and fun of using the product. You will find units, such as the Joy Jk-63M-Kit that are USB compatible and have MP3 support. That way, you can play your favorite MP3 songs by simply plugging in a USB device.
Other units have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections granting you access to specialized apps. For example, Casio CT-X5000 allows you to play MIDI files over Chordata app for smartphones. Roland FP-30 is compatible with multiple applications for playing music. Thanks to a Wi-Fi connection, you can play audio files with your piano, and learn to play using your favorite tunes. While connectivity isnโt an essential feature for electric pianos, it can be very useful.
Extra features
Apart from sounds and tones, your keyboard might have different effects. For example, Casio CT-X5000 comes with a Dance Mode effect, which allows all fans of electrical music to make unique remixes.
Now, letโs take a look at items that may be included in the package that comes with your keyboard:
- Piano stand โ instead of placing it on a table, put the keyboard on a sturdy stand.
- Stool โ a chair specifically designed for your unit.
- Headphones โ perfect when you need to play in a noisy environment and suitable for quiet playing when others are sleeping.
- Microphone โ for all those who want to practice singing skills at the same time.
Finally, you want to consider the warranty for your product. The warranty can significantly vary, but premium pianos should have a generous one.
Price range
The best beginner keyboard doesnโt have to be expensive. However, the truth is that the price ranges can significantly vary. If you are looking for an entry-level unit, and you do not need to have exceptional sound quality, you can find a digital piano for under $100.
An entry-level unit, such as Alesis Melody 61 MKII, can be a great choice for all those who want to see if their children would get used to playing the keyboard. You donโt want to splash the cash on a unit your child will quickly get bored with.
However, if you or your kid plan to become serious piano players, you deserve a premium learning unit. Roland FP-30 offers an excellent all-in-one package for beginners, including an instructional DVD and all the other things you need to start playing.
These premium products are more durable and can deliver unique and natural-like sounds. You will enjoy playing a high-end digital piano, and the listeners will go crazy because of those rich tones. Nevertheless, please note that the most expensive units often go over $500. Ultimately, finding the best ratio between price and quality is important, and that should be your primary priority when choosing a digital piano.