61-key keyboards are obviously going to be cheaper than 76-keys and 88-key ones. Alesis Recital 88-Key Beginner Digital Piano. The one shown in the first piano keyboard layout has two octaves, a total of 24 notes. Buy Best Choice Products 61-Key Beginners Electronic Keyboard Piano Set w/LED Screen, Lighted Keys, Recorder, 3 Teaching Modes, H-Stand, Stool, Headphones (Black): Portable & Arranger Keyboards - Amazon.com FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases You can learn about some of the best digital piano brands here. The actual body construction of the Recital is b… Especially for someone who wants to take their piano playing to the next level, a 61 key piano is not going to be the best option for you. Having that weight is essential for developing strong enough fingers and consistent playing techniques. If you plan to use this piano not just to learn on but to perform on then it’s great. Few professional-grade keyboards are offered with 61 keys, but many beginners’ instruments use that format to create a smaller, cheaper and more portable instrument. While these keyboards are still perfectly good instruments, they are not as well-suited to two-handed playing as the 88-key version. Costco sells 88 key touch sensitive Casio and Yamaha pianos with a bench, stand and damper pedals for $449.00 and $499.00. If you plan to become a serious pianist someday, then you’ll want to start with an 88 key piano from the beginning. You can get 88 keys, but these are typically going to be more expensive and they will be digital pianos. They’re not just instruments for children as they offer features that adults would love to have in their instruments too. Its sound quality is a little better than that of some of Casio’s cheaper models, but it’s still not as good as their premium range. That kind of difficult repertoire utilizes the entire instrument from the lowest to the highest octaves. This is the best weighted… A full-sized piano has 88 keys. It’s impossible to hit the transpose button in the middle of some pieces where the music is moving quickly and both hands need to play at the same time. With an 88 key piano, there are simply no limitations on what you can do. ADD TO CART. If you have a bit more money to spend, you can acquire the Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano. FREE SHIPPING - orders arrive in 5-7 business days. Four hand piano compositions will be much tougher to play. Keys: The number of keys on a beginner keyboard will vary usually from 61-76 keys. So, can you learn piano on 61 keys? Such keyboards also tend to be larger, heavier and more expensive. While these keyboards are still perfectly good instruments, they are not as well-suited to two-handed playing as the 88-key version. The answer below just might surprise you! While I love so many aspects and features of 61 key pianos, there are some clear disadvantages. These keyboards usually have 61 keys, which is a good number of keys for a new player (a full keyboard has 88 keys, which is the same as an acoustic piano). In the United States, I've given successful performances in several places including New York, Florida, Connecticut, & New Jersey, I have also performed internationally in Italy and made my Carnegie Hall debut in 2014. $99.99 $199.99 save $100.00. Part of that is due to the weighted nature of the keybed (more on that in the Keyboardsection of the review). A majority of 61 key pianos do not have weighted or hammer action keys. The audio you hear when you play the Kawai KDP-70 Digital (appx. This includes options like drum pads, touch weight, ambiance filters, recording modes, lesson modes, metronome, and app syncing displays. Many digital keyboards are great at reproducing the sound, but nothing does it quite like a real instrument. (You can count them if you don't believe me!) Anything by Chopin, Liszt, Scriabin, Rachmaninoff, Debussy will be tough to play. Some keyboards offer 88 keys, replicating the full size and feel of a piano keyboard. Piano Playing And Preventing Carpal Tunnel, Playing Piano Music On Guitar - Helpful Tips. Real pianos have true hammer action and produce an authentic sound. I'm passionate about music and share all of the tips, tricks, and great information I've learned over the years on this blog. Kawai KDP-70 Digital. If you’re planning on purchasing a portable option, this is not the way to go. Electric keyboards are also available in smaller sizes, some with 76, 61, or 49 keys. A keyboard with less than 61 keys wouldn't be good for a beginner since it would be too basic and would be quite detrimental to your playing. Pianos with fewer keys tend to be more cost-effective solutions compared to 88 key pianos. (Includes Knox bench, Knox double X stand, headphones, dust cover, … 61 vs 76 vs 88 keys for beginners Hi! To learn more about how to choose the right piano for you whether it’s a digital or acoustic piano, read this piano buying guide. In general, most romantic era compositions will not be playable. 88 hammer action weighted … If you’re new to the piano, knowing what kind of instrument to get started with can be confusing. They are also great for other activities such as music production, classroom activities, and group music activities. 61-Key Beginners Electronic Keyboard Piano Set w/ 3 Modes, Microphone. Below is a quick breakdown of where 61 key pianos actually hinder the playing experience for pianists: 61 key pianos lack enough octaves to play standard piano repertoire. The cheapest Amazon keyboards with 88 keys and “weighted” keys (like the keys on an acoustic piano) cost from $210 up. Touch sensitivity is important, and no matter how many keys a digital piano has, this can be an issue. Certain content that appears on JoshuaRossPiano.com comes from Amazon Services LLC. One example is the Alesis Recital 88-Key Beginner Digital Piano. Digital pianos with less than 88 keys are great for learning early to intermediate pieces. This may require musicians to transpose and adjust the sheet music to fit the instrument. Play Video. There are entry level products, but are certainly not toys. 61 key pianos are typically more cost-effective, but you’ve probably wondered if you can actually learn to play the piano with fewer keys. Here’s a list of the many advantages of a piano with lesser keys. Some of their older models can even go for as low as $100! Here’s a list of some differences between digital and acoustic pianos. Beginners 49 61 Key Electronic Keyboard 88 Key Piano Stave Note Sticker: Description: The 56 music labels cover piano & keyboards with 49 keys, 61 keys and 88 keys. These keyboards have developed into a category of instruments all their own. If you’re looking for a keyboard for a kid who is just starting out, the Casio SA76 is … There are certain brands that always set a high standard for digital pianos. That’s important that if you are in the market for a 61 key piano, that you make sure it has this feature. Even though a standard piano has 88 keys, there is still a lot you can do with fewer keys. . From the keyboard itself, which packs in 300 sounds (along with 40 demo songs) and a responsive 61-key playing area, to the included accessories; this is an all-in-one package which will inspire you to grow your skills. He has been writing professionally since 2006, and has written for businesses, blogs, newsletters, and individuals. Yes, you can learn how to play the piano on 61 keys, but there will be limitations on what music you can play. Yamaha P45B Digital Piano. Notes would have to be dropped out and overall that leaves to a less than pleasing musical experience. You can get those additional 2 octaves back with the touch of a button. 61 keys – great for beginners. At the end of the day, an 88 key piano is always going to be better than a 61 key piano. A full-size keyboard has 88 keys, but 76- and 61-note keyboards are popular. Read this article on hammer action and weighted action to learn more about this feature. But if a piano is not available for you, then you can go for a 44/49/61/76 keys keyboard. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, TweakHeadz.com: Tips on Buying a Keyboard. Most beginner lessons require at least 61 keys. The keyboard has 61 keys, which is a good starting point for beginners who might find a full 88-key instrument a little overwhelming. Brian Westover is a freelance writer, editor and publication designer.