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Recommend a MIDI keyboard for learning the piano
I have invested in the Udemy course Piano For All, and am looking for a MIDI keyboard to learn the instrument on. I’ve used MIDI keyboards for years in my songwriting and currently have an M-Audio Keystation 49 Mk3. Great for what I’ve needed it for until now, but am now looking for:
- At least 61 keys, preferably more, but I probably don’t need 88
- Full size keys (my M-Audio has mini keys unfortunately) * EDIT - I might be wrong about the mini keys, but they seem ‘slim’ to me
- Weighted or semi-weighted keys, and obviously velocity sensitive
- A matching sustain pedal
Don’t want to spend a fortune - I’m not sure what is realistic, but no more than £400 in the UK including the pedal, hopefully less. I’d be happy to look at secondhand, but it’s a question of finding something.
Comments
I know little about this, but I would just definitely encourage you to get a continuous sustain pedal, if you can afford it, as it will really make a difference when playing Pianoteq
Try the Korg SP100. Good second hand deals available. Great keybed and not too deep.
So that’s one that isn’t simply “on-off”, but one that gradually shifts from off to on as you press it down, with gradually increasing levels of sustain? Appreciate it may depend on my choice of keyboard, but do you have any examples? Thanks
Just a thought, why not a digital piano that also had midi output?
I have this one for my children and it is a nice (basic) piano. I like it you can play it stand alone, and there are speakers integrated. No hassle with wires.
https://www.thomann.de/gb/yamaha_np_12_piaggero_black.htm?shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZ2IiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6NCwibGFuZ3VhZ2UiOjJ9&reload=1
Yamaha P45
Studiologic SL73 Studio
A used one sold on eBay last week for £280 I think
Here’s the 88 key version
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175878688761?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=LsdCAOU0QHa&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=ws6crJH7QcK&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Comes with a sustain pedal but I’d upgrade to a Roland DP-10 for half-pedalling or the Studiologic SLP3-D if you also want sostenuto etc
This one? If you own it, what do you like about it? I see it’s fully weighted…I am a novice when it comes to pianos as opposed to MIDI keyboards. Thanks
Roland FP10. MIDI, adjustable fully weighted full sized keys, looks cool, sustain pedal, (which you’ll want to upgrade), 88 keys in a v compact package, two good piano voices, plus a fistful of Rhodes, Wurlitzer etc, built in speakers, £325. And… did I mention it’s a piano?
Yes I have the SL73. It’s a great board but definitely a heavier feel to the keys than other boards you might have played. You get used to it as your hand/finger muscles get stronger, and the weight allows for much more subtle changes in dynamics and speed.m
It’s also really small and fairly light for 73 keys - easily carried in a gig bag with one hand.
Having said that @Svetlovska ’s suggestion looks like a very good deal too as it also has built in sounds and speakers. The SL is probably way more powerful and flexible as a MIDI controller but that may not be so important to you.
Thanks @TimRussell. £320 plus free shipping sounds like a good deal. I don’t think I’ll mind a heavier feel to the keys as I am guessing the pay off is more control. I’m really wanting a piano feel first and foremost.
I like the look of the Roland @Svetlovska but I’m struggling for space.
I’m actually curious about finding some good piano/keyboard learning apps that listen to the keyboard (unconnected) in real time, and are hopefully free or low cost. Trying to avoid subscription as well since this is mostly for my niece.
If anyone notices, uses, or comes across any it be great to know, thanks.
This is what popped into my head as well.
Casio makes surprising good digital piano for the money they ask.
V timely article
https://www.musicradar.com/news/why-songwriters-should-learn-the-piano
I would agree with that. There are better ones, but Casio’s quality has improved considerably in recent years.
Good motivation, thanks for sharing. I’m a veteran songwriter, guitarist, singer, mixer, producer, midi-user, home studio owner, and a NOVICE piano player. It’s genuinely exciting to be setting out on this path of learning piano
https://www.thomann.de/gb/kawai_es_120_b.htm?shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZ2IiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6NCwibGFuZ3VhZ2UiOjJ9&reload=1
bit over the price limit but a good keyboard
I'm narrowing the search to digital pianos now, think I can squeeze a full 88 key into my space, and I can stretch the budget a bit. Very tempted by the Roland FP10, but tomorrow I'm going to a physical shop that only carry Yamaha and Casio. Thought it'd be good to try some myself rather than purely rely on your suggestions and Internet reviews.
Any views on Casio digital pianos? I still remember an awful home keyboard I had back in the 80s...sure they've improved but to my uneducated mind it doesn't have the prestige of many other brands and the reviews I've seen are not glowing.
Casio had a reputation for making poor quality keyboards back in the day, but they have made improvements since then.
Their pianos are definitely not top of the range, but in my experience the hardware has improved considerably. A friend bought one of their more expensive ones some years ago and is happy with it, and I played one in a music store while waiting to talk with the guy behind the counter and was surprised at how good it felt. My only criticism of the one that I played is that the sound didn’t have the richness of a good grand piano sound, but the hardware was good.
@michael_m great information, thank you. What you say is reflected in the reviews I’ve watched and read over the past few day.
Well that’s good to hear - at least you’re getting consistent comments.
This might be of interest to you.
Casio releases new Free Piano Learning App - Casio Music Space
https://gearspace.com/board/product-alerts-older-than-2-months/1372874-casio-releases-new-free-piano-learning-app-casio-music-space.html
I tried it with my Alesis Qmini 32 keys usb and it was recognize and works with the app.
It’s not hammer action but the Numa Compact 2 seems a great deal. Same company that makes the Studiologic SL MIDI controllers.
https://www.studiologic-music.com/products/numa_compact2/
There’s also a 2X version which includes drawbars for controlling Hammond sounds
It's a super great keyboard but it deteriorates quickly (sadly).
i.e.: noisy clicky sticky key after 8 months.
It's the cheap version of the FP30X.
I’ve spent months doing research to find the best keyboard controller for my needs. I was driving across the country from one music shop to another, and I decided in the end to choose something that was in front of my eyes all the time from Doug’s @thesoundtestroom videos: the Arturia KeyLab 61 mkII. I’m happy with the purchase. 🤩
I went to the store today and fell in love with a Yamaha YDP-165, which is more than twice my original budget. Beautiful instrument, lovely feel under the fingers, sounds gorgeous. I like the idea of buying locally…it’s in stock, free delivery, installation and set up…weighs a ton and it’s going upstairs so that’s good. Some thinking to do 😂
It’s a good keyboard, but I don’t think it’s suitable for learning the piano.
KeyLab is the range of Arturia controllers, just look at the KeyLab 88 MkII and tell me it is not good for learning piano. 😅
if you go down that route then Kawai keyboard are a must try.
Same keybed as the Studiologic.
Studiologic is cheaper in price with less bells and whistles.