Digital Pianos

First let’s look at digital pianos.  A good brand to look at, because of it’s extensive catalog of music keyboards, is Yamaha.  Yamaha is a leading manufacturer of keyboard instruments, making some of the most respected and revered concert grand pianos in the world.  When it comes to digital pianos, Yamaha is also a top-notch brand.  Within the digital piano category Yamaha has six series.  The Modus series offers pianos with a modern, stylish design geared towards those who want a “decorative” instrument for home decor, as well as excellent sound.  For a digital piano that’s as close as possible to sounding and feeling like a real acoustic piano, the Clavinova series is the best Yamaha offers.  The sound of the Clavinova digital pianos is taken from Yamaha’s best acoustic concert grand piano, the CF III S.  The Clavinova CLP and CVP models have the same grand piano sound, subtle characteristics such as string resonance, weight gradation of the keys (often referred to as “graded hammer action” or similar terminology), three foot pedals, and amplification system (Tri-Amp system).  The main difference between the two is the CLP models feature a more traditional upright piano design with a simpler digital control interface whereas the CVP models offer accompaniment styles, several hundred voices such as strings, organs, guitars, etc (whereas the CLP models average about 10 voices), and a wider control panel with a bigger array of controls and an LCD screen.  Yamaha’s Arius models are a simpler version (in form and function) of the Clavinova CLP models.  The Yamaha music keyboards mentioned so far all have 88 keys and are suited for those who want authentic piano touch with weighted keys (or weight gradation as mentioned above, referring to the keyboard action where the keys at the lower register are heavier than keys in the upper register as they are on acoustic pianos) and high quality authentic piano sound in a keyboard instrument they can practice on and enjoy at home.  The digital piano has several advantages over its acoustic counterpart such as not requiring tuning or maintenance, the ability to practice at a lower volume or on headphones, and some of the digital enhancements such as playing different instrument sounds.  Some of the differences among the various models will be the number of audio samples used per key (the more samples, the higher the sound quality), the number of instrument voices, number of recording tracks and recording time (in MIDI format), the strength of the sound system, usb and internet connectivity, keyboard action, and cabinet design.

Yamaha also offers the contemporary digital piano series and professional stage pianos, both of which are designed to be highly portable instruments and feature just the keyboard with digital controls in a compact case.  Aside from having most of the functionality of home digital pianos, the stage pianos will typically also come with a pitch bend wheel, more comprehensive connectivity options to control external equipment (such as an external synthesizer) and interface with computers, and a user interface designed to be as intuitive as possible for live performance. Cabinets, stands, and pedals are optional.  Some models will not have weight gradation of the keys and often require an external loudspeaker.

Roland is another leading manufacturer of high-quality digital pianos.  Their Grand digital pianos are premium quality instruments designed to look and sound like an acoustic mini grand, with even the lid actually affecting the sound.  The polished ebony cabinetry houses the keyboard (with key weight gradation), the electronics, and a high-quality loudspeaker system.  Some of the models also feature “moving keys” that play by themselves to programmed songs (some of the Yamaha Modus models can do this too).  Roland also makes an Upright line that is similar to the Clavinova CLP series produced by Yamaha, as well as a Stage line of digital stage pianos.  Other manufacturers such as M-Audio, Casio, and Kurzweil have their own digital piano offerings similar to Yamaha and Roland.

Arrangers and Workstations

Nowadays the functionality of arrangers and workstations are being combined into one instrument.  Typically the workstation (and many digital pianos) will include the functionality of an arranger.  The hallmark characteristic of a traditional arranger keyboard is a collection of rhythm tracks in various styles (such as jazz, pop, or techno) over which one can play the lead part(s) using a variety of instrument sounds.  This is useful for composers who want to hear what their songs sound like with the sound of a full backing band, for changing the style of a song, or for those who want to perform as a one-man-band all in real time.  Workstations will have additional music creation tools and are geared towards those who want to craft sequences of music note-by-note, line-by-line, with a large palate of high quality instrument sounds to choose from, and even create custom sounds.  The “hardcore” workstations also have built-in audio recording controls and capabilities, and combine audio and midi recording into a complete professional sequencer.  Many workstations also include a virtual Hammond organ instrument voice with virtual drawbars, and a synthesizer to generate new sounds from scratch.  For both arrangers and workstations you’ll find 61, 76, and 88 key music keyboard sizes.  Most, if not all arrangers (and some workstations) do not have weighed keys, but many will at least have touch-sensitive keys that transmit expression.  Many of these instruments will have a pitch bend wheel for added expressiveness and most will have built-in speakers.  Among workstation and arranger keyboard models you will find variations in number of instrument voices, speaker quality, polyphony (how many notes can sound at the same time), accompaniment styles, number of recording channels, key touch sensitivity, split keyboard option (to play two different instrument voices at the same time), digital effects (such as reverb and chorus), connectivity (with computer, auxiliary equipment and modules, internet, etc), and user interface.

Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between an arranger and a workstation.  It’s probably more accurate to say that there are three variations in this category of music keyboards:  workstations, arrangers, and hybrids.  Yamaha offers a line of musical keyboards they call arranger workstations which are essentially hybrids, while their entry-level and synth-focused portable keyboards are their arrangers.  Casio offers portable keyboards (CTK and WK series), some of which they call workstations, but in reality all of their portable keyboards are arrangers, except for their WK 3800 model which I would classify as a hybrid.  Yamaha’s Tyros 3 and Roland’s Fantom 8 are examples of “true” workstations.  In essence, on the “arranger side of the scale” you have an instrument that has little more than a collection of accompaniment styles, songs, instrument sounds, maybe a basic 2-6 track sequencer or recorder, and some effects, whereas on the “workstation side of the scale” you have an instrument that has everything.  More information can be found in this post on arranger and workstation music keyboards.

Synthesizer Music Keyboards

There are various types of synthesizers (synth for short) in various forms (for example those controlled by a touch pad) but the ones relevant to this site are those on which the pitch information is controlled by a keyboard.  The synthesizer often appears as a stand-alone music keyboard instrument, although its functionality is sometimes built-in to workstations.  The synthesizer has functionality to create new, unique sounds from scratch, using a variety of tone generators, pre-created tones, or a combination of.  The synthesizer will have various built-in synthesizer technologies (Roland, for example, offers Elastic Audio Synthesis, AP-synthesis, and Vocal Designer), analog and vocal modelers, filters, and other effects that mold the sound to your imagination (and heart’s) content.

Many vintage analog synthesizers are still highly coveted and used by musicians, but todays keyboard synthesizers offer more sound creation options with a combination of analog and digital signal processing (DSP) techniques.  Roland has an extensive line of dedicated keyboard synths.   Some of these specialize in vocal and vocal ensemble synth sounds (the VP series), while others like the Juno-G integrate features like an audio/MIDI multitrack recorder that you would find on workstations.  The AX series are known as “shoulder” synths which you can play like a guitar. Korg also has an extensive line of dedicated synths, making some of the smallest synth keyboards today such as the MicroKorg and MicroX.  Nord is another well-known manufacturer of digital keyboard instruments that makes dedicated synths such as the Lead 2x and the Wave.  Premium workstations such as the Korg Oasys and Roland Fantom G8 have powerful built-in synthesizer functionality as well.  Each synthesizer, old and new, can be treated as a unique instrument, offering it’s own unique character and functionality.

Organ Keyboards

The pipe organ is a very inspiring instrument and attempts to recreate it’s sound in a compact, portable keyboard instrument have led to some interesting music keyboards.  The Hammond organ is perhaps the most famous of these instruments that has been widely used in popular music.  The original Hammond organs used electronic and mechanical means to generate sound and are fairly big and cumbersome to transport.  Some of today’s digital keyboards made by Nord (C1 and C2), Korg (BX3 and CX3), and Roland (VK-8) are able to replicate its sound digitally in a more portable instrument.  Roland actually has an extensive line of organ consoles featuring two manuals, a pedal board, drawbars, sound system, and control panel with LCD screen all housed in a wooden cabinet.  This is their Atelier series that have several organ sounds including the Hammond and pipe organs as well as accompaniment styles, hundreds of instrument sounds, and other arranger and workstation functions.

In the 1960s an attempt to create an even more portable organ keyboard like the Hammond resulted in what is known as a combo organ.  Some manufacturers like Nord and Korg call their organ keyboards combo organs but they really are not combo organs and instead are emulators of these instruments.  Authentic vintage combo organs like the Vox Continental and Farfisa (two of the most famous of these instruments) were made in the 1960s and 1970s and were characterized by a ”thin” or “cheesy” electronic organ sound (and also looked like they sounded).  They generated sound electronically, much like a synthesizer.  The combo organs would usually made with one manual (but sometimes two), also included drawbars, and typically came with their own set of fold-out legs. These were very portable and thus ideally suited for taking on tours and became important instruments in popular music of that era.

The MIDI Controller

The MIDI controller is another specialized music keyboard who’s functionality is sometimes integrated into workstations.  It is used to control sequencing and audio recording software such as Cakewalk, Cubase, or Logic and makes it easier to enter music into a sequencer, mix and record audio, and allows musicians to play software instrument samples via the computer through loudspeakers.  In some ways the MIDI controller is the “least musical” of the keyboards because it does not create it’s own sounds, but it is still a useful tool that makes music-making on the computer a lot easier and more intuitive than using a mouse.

Some of the leading manufacturers of MIDI controllers are M-Audio (Axiom, Oxygen, and Keystation series), Roland (PCR series), and Studiologic (SL and VMK series).  You can also find MIDI pedal boards (Nord and Studiologic both make one) that you can connect with a music keyboard and a computer to simulate the experience of playing an organ.  In this category you can find keyboards in various sizes, from 25 keys all the way up to 88 keys, some with weighted keys.

By understanding what types of music keyboards are out there, it will be a lot easier to choose the right keyboard instrument to meet your needs.  All music keyboard manufacturers make digital pianos while the other keyboard categories are manufacturer-specific.  Casio, Yamaha, and Roland make arranger/workstations while Kurtzweil, Nord, and Roland make synthesizers, and M Audio makes midi controllers.  Understanding the different options and functions will help to know what you can do with the keyboard, but as I’ve said before, it’s valuable to be able to play different music keyboards to determine which one feels right, and ultimately let your ears be the judge of how it sounds.

What is it you’re looking for in a music keyboard?  Are you looking for something just to be able to plunk out ideas for compositions?  Is MIDI important to have so that you can connect your keyboard to the computer?  Are you looking for a professional-level instrument with realistic instrument sounds for performance?  You can have a keyboard with only 25 keys if you want the most portable option or a full size 88 key music keyboard.  Many electronic music keyboards will have built-in speakers but some won’t so you’ll need to buy separate speakers for these.

Don’t forget the pedal!  If you’re looking for a music keyboard instrument that you’ll be performing with, you’ll probably want to get a sustain pedal, which is not always included with the keyboard.  If you’re looking to use your keyboard to enter music into a sequencing program, the pedal can serve several useful functions that will make the entry of music into your computer easier.  Accessories like a pedal are another important thing to look at when selecting a keyboard.

Some music keyboards are designed for specific music production purposes.  You will see keyboards that also work as a control for a digital audio workstation (DAW).  These more professional music keyboards will have additional functionality to control levels, panning, and channel selection in audio recording and mixing programs on computers. This kind of keyboard, often called a workstation (or sometimes “synth”) keyboard, also allows you to manipulate your own sounds and interface with sequencing software to compose music and create a sequence of music that you can solo over during a performance.  Another type of music keyboard is known as an “arranger.”  These will usually have a standard set of instrument sounds and a collection of rhythm styles (such as rock, country, jazz) included in their sound library.  These keyboards specialize in giving the player the ability to play a backing rhythm section, control the chord progression, and play a lead all at the same time, essentially performing as an “instant” one-man band.  Many arrangers (as well as some workstations and digital pianos) also have pre-installed piano lessons that essentially help you learn some songs and develop keyboard skills.  Some even have keys that light up to guide the student in which keys to press.  Although these won’t replace a “real” teacher, they can be used to learn a few simple songs built-in to the keyboard program.

Here are a few more questions to ask to pinpoint what music keyboard is best for you:

• Is this a keyboard just for practice or will you be performing for an audience?

• Will you be traveling with it (to a gig or a friend’s house)?

• Will you need it to interface with computer sequencing software to compose music?

• Will you use it to control mixer functions in recording software?

• Do you want synthesizer functionality to be able to create sounds from scratch or manipulate existing sounds?

• What kind of keyboard action are you used to?  Do you prefer piano or organ touch?

• What style(s) of music do you play?

There are a variety of features that you’ll want to consider as well.  When looking at built-in speakers, consider the quality of sound and the volume.  The headphone jack should also reproduce a high-quality sound so that you can enjoy the music on headphones.  The number of keys will play a role in how heavy and portable the keyboard is and what repertoire you can play.  If you’re used to playing classical piano pieces (and/or just really like the lower bass tones in general) you’ll definitely want a full 88 key keyboard.  Polyphony (how many notes can play at the same time) will be an important factor especially when playing the built-in rhythm styles or any MIDI sequences you may have created.  The layout of the controls will affect your creativity and how intuitive and enjoyable your music making experience is.  Expression controls such as modulation wheels can expand your creativity and allow you to add extra character to your performances.  Listen to the quality and authenticity of the built-in sound samples, drum kits, and rhythm styles.  If you want to record your performances pay attention to how many tracks you can record and for how long.  Digital effects such as reverb and synthesizer tone generators give you greater control over the character and manipulation of sounds.  Connectivity options such as MIDI, USB, microphone (for karaoke applications), and foot pedals are also important considerations in terms of expanded functionality and the ability to connect seamlessly with computers and other MIDI keyboards and devices.  The keyboard action (i.e. graded-hammer action, semi-weighted keys, etc.) will make a big difference in how the keyboard feels.

You will find that certain types of keyboards will fall into certain price ranges. Digital music keyboards with the built-in speaker and built-in library of sounds, for example, will typically be in the lower price range, whereas the music keyboards with DAW functionality will be “the next step up.”  The keyboard instruments designed as digital pianos (that produce the most realistic piano sound) will usually be in the upper price range.

When you know what you need the music keyboard for, it will be easier to search for the one that best fits your needs.  Decide what features you want that will meet your needs, then go try out the musical keyboards at your local music store to make a final decision.