| This article lists some suggestions to consider prior to | | | | creating sounds that mimic other musical instruments. |
| purchasing electronic keyboards. | | | | Electronic keyboards typically come with extra abilities. |
| A major component you have to think about is the | | | | A few of the features you need to think about prior to |
| number of keys on the keyboard. Keyboards designed | | | | purchasing one are: |
| for kids typically have a smaller number of keys. | | | | A variety of sounds (voices): Digital pianos are not |
| Otherwise, keyboards come standard with 61 or 76 | | | | meant to mimic other instruments besides the acoustic |
| keys, and digital pianos are similar to acoustic pianos in | | | | piano, but electronic keyboards have the ability to |
| that they have 88 keys. You will need to take several | | | | mimic any musical instrument you want. You can set |
| things into consideration when determining how large a | | | | your keyboard to mimic a violin, a trumpet, a clarinet, |
| keyboard is right for you. What kind of music do you | | | | organ, or any other instrument you can think of. A |
| want to play? Do you need to take your keyboard | | | | number of keyboards even allow you to mimic |
| with you often? How large an area do you have to | | | | percussion instruments as well. |
| store the keyboard? What quality of sound are you | | | | Touch Response: If you desire to play the keyboard |
| looking to get? Do you need other features? How | | | | as you would an acoustic piano, then you will want the |
| much can you spend. | | | | keys to respond to your touch in order to get stronger |
| If you're looking to play a wide variety of music, a | | | | or lighter sounds, depending on how much pressure |
| keyboard with 76 keys or a digital piano will probably | | | | you put on the keys. This is done by putting sensors |
| suit your needs best, since they will have more range. | | | | beneath the keys that tell the computer program inside |
| As an illustration, the Moonlight Sonata requires notes | | | | the keyboard to play a louder sound when pressure is |
| that are situated in the lower base range, which are | | | | added, and a softer sound when pressure is |
| not available on a keyboard with 61 keys. But, if the | | | | decreased. |
| music you usually play does not require these wide | | | | Will you require a MIDI Interface?: If you intend to put |
| ranges, a keyboard with 61 keys will do fine. But make | | | | your music onto the computer, you will need a MIDI |
| sure the one you select has the ability to change the | | | | interface. |
| key of the piece (transpose the pitch) so you can | | | | Built-in Lessons: If you are just learning to play, these |
| access an extra lower octave. | | | | lessons can assist you with tunes already on the |
| If you do not have a large area in which to store your | | | | keyboard. You will be able to learn both hands of a |
| keyboard, or if you intend to travel with it a lot, a | | | | tune individually just by watching the notes as they |
| keyboard with 61 keys is smaller and easier to | | | | pass by on the screen. Once you complete a song, |
| transport. | | | | the keyboard can let you know what you did well or |
| A digital piano is a great option if you are looking to get | | | | what you need to work on, such as notes, tempo, and |
| the sound closest to that of an acoustic piano. This is | | | | other areas. This will allow you track your progress. |
| also a good choice if you are not concerned with | | | | |