A Buyers Guide To Electronic Keyboards

A Buyers Guide To Electronic Keyboards

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Buying music keyboards has recently become complex due to the many new and old brands that exist in the marketplace. The current wave in technology has made the market full of many different types of electronic products. However, with the right knowledge you will able to make the right choice when buying a keyboard, keeping in mind your budget.

Below are some guidelines to look out for when buying music keyboards:-

Octaves

An octave refers to the space between one note to the same key lower or higher up on a scale. The more octaves you can play or have on your keyboard, the better. In keyboards or digital pianos its most important to have as many octaves as possible. Most normal keyboards with 5 or less octaves start with the note C, on the left, and continue up to five octaves to the right. This means the movement from C to C is five (5) times to the right. When buying music keyboards don't settle for anything less than five (5) octaves. A keyboard with more than five octaves will most likely start with a different note than C as the first note on the left.

Voice and Rhythm Features

Keyboards are made to be able to play music involving other musical instruments like guitars, saxophones and even drum accompaniments. Its therefore important to check the kind of styles (rhythms) that come with the keyboard you want to buy. Voice settings are also important to look out for, to see if you will be able to play important sounds that you like to use in your music. This could be flutes, piano sounds like grand pianos, honky-tonk or upright pianos. Keyboards give you a chance to experiment with lots of sounds from different musical instruments.

Ports

When buying music keyboards or digital pianos its important to check on the connectivity ports available. This would include output ports to transfer sounds from the keyboard to an amplifier. Also, pedal sustain ports are very important for playing the keyboard and are an essential feature. Midi ports are also important when using your keyboard or digital piano for recording. In many keyboards these ports are usually next to the power imput.

Pitch bend

Pitch bend wheels come in very handy for applying pitch bending effects. For example, they can be used when playing a guitar solo on your keyboard. They are mostly performed by the aid of a rotating button or two buttons, or a rotating wheel. One is used for taking the pitch higher and the other one to take it lower and back to the performed note.

Compatibility

When buying music keyboards its important to keep in mind the ease of compatibility of your instrument with other gear like computers or soundcards (for example in recording). This flexibility will give you a chance to use your keyboard in different situations and make the maximum use of it.

Display Screen

Its more comfortable to work in a well lighted room than in a dark one. When buying music keyboards - dont compromise on the display screen. This helps you to keep track of whats happening on the instrument. Keyboard display screens also help you to move around the settings of your instrument and see in real time what you are asking the keyboard to do.

Midi

Midi support is one important feature that can not be stressed enough when buying keyboards or digital pianos. This is because there comes a time when you may need to use your keyboard for recording or to connect it to your computer for other situations. Midi ports will help you in these situations. Midi support features in a keyboard make it possible for it to work as a synthesizer. This will prevent you needing to buy another keyboard instrument.

Speakers

Its a good idea to get a keyboard with speakers. Most of them come with two speakers, one on the left and the other on the right side. With built-in speakers you dont need extra gear like amplifiers and other speaker connections to listen to what you are playing.

Always remember to avoid pressure from the sales people when you go trying out digital pianos. Remember they are there to make a sale and so dont be intimidated or compromise on any of the above important guidelines when making your decision.

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