When you are a beginner at anything it can be hard to know where to start and what kind of equipment you need. I am writing this at the start of the year and I know that there will be many of you that have 'learn an instrument' on your goals for the year.
Learning the piano and keyboard is a really good goal (read about the benefits of learning an instrument here) - and if this is your first foray into doing anything music related, a big WELCOME to you!
But as I said, knowing where to start and what you will need can be a pain, and a place where procrastination will attack you till you forget the idea all together. I am here to stop that!
Here are my picks for what I would start with, along with some different options, to start you on your Keyboard learning journey (I hate the word journey - why did it even pop into my mind!).
If you have any other tips or comments on my suggestions, I would love to hear them in the comments below.
Please help my new blog out, if you can, by leaving a comment or sharing to social media - Thanks!
Contents
12 Must-Have Keyboards & Accessories
Pianos & Keyboards
The Affordable, Yamaha Piaggero Series
This is a great pick as keyboard that you can get started on for not much money at all (well, when comparing other keyboards at least). It's from a good, well known brand - Yamaha. It's light touch, has 15 different sounds and has a recording function. This would well and truly get any one off to a good start.
The Slight Step Up, Alesis Recital Pro
This keyboard is slightly more expensive then the one above but again, wont break your budget. It is a step up as it is a full, 88 key, size that are semi weighted - that just means that they have a bit of resistance that makes it feel more like a acoustic piano. This is great if your goal is to eventually step up to that magnificent baby grand one day.
The Upper Beginner, KORG B2
If you really want to aim to one day playing a real piano one day (you know, when you get that bigger place), the Korg B2 might be just the beginner keyboard for you. Korg highlights that it is "Perfect as a first piano for a new player, we've paid special attention to the experience of playing a real piano." This version comes with the stand and pedals as well! That along with the natural weighted hammer action (feels like an acoustic piano) make it perfect for starting, and then holding on to for a long time.
Piano & Keyboard Accessories
A Sustain Pedal
Most beginner model Keyboards don't come with a sustain pedal (although double check before you do buy one). A sustain pedal when pressed basically holds the notes that you pressed, even though your fingers are not on the keys. Strangely enough, this is a big part of playing - just watch any pianists foot.
A Chair or Bench to Sit On
Now, is it imperative to have a designated Keyboard bench to sit on - No, many a person have used the dining room chairs. Is a dining room chair the best to get comfort and technique - probably not. A good bench means comfort and that it can be adjusted to the right height to learn and play properly.
A Sturdy Keyboard Stand
Pretty much the same summary as the Keyboard bench above - a keyboard without a stand can be put on any flat surface but 1. Do you have a surface that will fit it properly without the chance of it falling? 2. Do you have a flat surface that is the right height so that your practicing is not hindered?
Don't forget, if your plan is to play your keyboard in a band live on stage, a stand lets you adjust the height and even stand up.
A Keyboard Cover to Keep The Dust Away
Looking down at the laptop keyboard I am typing this at now, all I can see is dust and.... well I don't really know what is hiding underneath the keyboard. A musical keyboard is no different - it collects dust and grime. I say to do yourself a favour and limit the amount of cleaning by covering it up when needed - you will thank me when its still in top condition and you want to sell it to upgrade.
Bluetooth Instrument Headphone to Prevent Other Annoyance
This one I know from experience and I must emplore you to save yourself from arguments from family and room mates. As I said in the intro, being a beginner is hard - you must crawl before you can walk (and then a lot of walking till you can run) - this is a difficult for you but also for the people around you who have to hear all the mistakes. Mistakes are good and need to happen to learn but please consider the people around you how would have to hear you practice the same thing over and over!
These headphones are blueooth which is always good when you start headbanging while playing the keyboard from Bohemian Rhapsody.
So there you have it - This was my post about the must-have keyboards and keyboard accessories and I hope that it was useful to anyone reading it.
If you enjoyed what you read, or have any feedback, help my new blog out by leaving a comment or sharing to social media
About the Author
I have had a lifelong passion for music. I picked up my first guitar when I was 10 and it's been there, most of the time haha, ever since. I have played and studied music ever since that time, always trying to learn more and get better. There is not one aspect of music that I am still not in awe of.
I have gathered a lot of information over time and now, with Music Thought House, I have decided to release it on the world.
I know that music can be daunting and seemingly complex and I am not a complicated person. The blog posts I write am to keep things simple and straightforward so everyone can get a better understanding of music.
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