| When looking for a new keyboard, consider the name | | | | Another thing to consider in a piano keyboard is the |
| brand manufacturers of piano keyboards. Look at your | | | | number of controls a model has for sound modification. |
| budget and then go from there. Does that budget | | | | Many keyboards come equipped with settings to |
| allow you to check out some of the premiere makers | | | | make the piano sound like different musical |
| out there? Does your budget require you to go with a | | | | instruments. Some also have voice settings, so certain |
| lesser-known manufacturer? | | | | keys sound like a choir singing. Again, if you want just |
| Some of the names in piano keyboards are Korg, | | | | your typical piano sound, you may not require all these |
| Kurzweil, Roland, Yamaha, Kawai and Moog. There | | | | sound controls. To keep your costs down, it's best to |
| are a host of others as well, some with a wide model | | | | buy a model with only the features you will use. |
| line available. Check each manufacturer's products | | | | An important consideration, especially if you live in an |
| from low-end to high-end and compare across | | | | apartment or condominium, is sound control. You want |
| companies for features offered. Sometimes a | | | | a keyboard that allows you to set the volume as low |
| lower-priced model may suit you just as well as a | | | | as possible while maintaining quality and clarity of |
| higher-priced one that has many extra gadgets you | | | | sound. You also want a keyboard that allows for |
| may never use. The main thing is to make sure any | | | | headphone plug-in, so you can play as loud as you |
| model you choose has a clear, full sound resembling as | | | | need without disturbing anyone. |
| close as possible a traditional piano sound. You don't | | | | With today's "going green" concerns, you may want to |
| want a tinny sound that is more annoying than pleasing. | | | | investigate the energy use of keyboards. Keyboards |
| If you base your decision solely on price, investigate | | | | that are green friendly are sure to be the latest |
| consumer reports and product reviews that may alert | | | | models and can save you dollars on energy bills. With |
| you to product flaws. You may find some high-priced | | | | that extra money, you can upgrade to a higher-priced |
| models receive more bad press than lower-priced | | | | keyboard later. |
| makes. Regardless, don't let a piano keyboard | | | | Additional things to consider are any special benefits or |
| purchase blow your budget. You can always upgrade | | | | bonuses for buying. Some music studios sell |
| down the road. | | | | keyboards and may offer lesson or music book |
| One important consideration when purchasing a piano | | | | discounts for purchasing from them. Some music |
| keyboard is the warranty. If you're buying a new brand, | | | | stores offer music lessons on premises and may offer |
| make sure the warranty is suitable with no | | | | free introductory piano lessons with a keyboard |
| unacceptable "except for" clauses. If you're buying | | | | purchase. |
| used, try to buy from a dealer who offers even a | | | | The final thing to consider when purchasing a |
| six-month warranty on a used product. They're out | | | | keyboard is its capacity for attachments. Aside from |
| there; you just have to look for them. | | | | the headphones (and you'll want them for sure so you |
| Consider the type of keys your fingers will run across | | | | can practice silently), you may want outlets for an |
| when you look at piano keyboards. Do you want | | | | amplifier or a Musical Instrument Digital Interface outlet. |
| traditional weighted keys that have the feel of an | | | | This allows you to hook a keyboard into a computer. |
| acoustic piano? Do you want touch sensitive keys that | | | | Of course, the computer also has to have a MIDI input. |
| spring into action with little downward pressure? Both | | | | If your computer doesn't, you have to buy a USB MIDI |
| are available, and checking them out will ensure that it | | | | adapter. With the proper software program in place, |
| suits your touch. I would certainly recommend that you | | | | you can play notes on a keyboard and have them |
| get both of these features so your keyboard not only | | | | show up as written music on your monitor. The |
| sounds but also feels like a normal acoustic piano. | | | | computer plays the notes back, and the program |
| Consider whether you want a full 88-key piano or one | | | | stores the played notes on the computer. If this looks |
| with fewer keys. It depends on what you plan to play, | | | | like an attractive option, seek a keyboard with this |
| how much you want to spend, and the space you | | | | outlet. |
| have in a room. You don't want to feel cramped with | | | | Take the time to investigate all the piano keyboard |
| a keyboard whose length barely fits into a small room. | | | | options available to you on the market. There are |
| On the other hand, if you plan on getting better in a | | | | makes and models to suit your exact requirements. All |
| hurry, then get an 88 key keyboard from the outset so | | | | you need is an investigative attitude to search out the |
| you won't have to worry about outgrowing it. | | | | one that's right for you. |