
Are you considering purchasing your first piano? You are pretty intimidated, aren’t you? However, you don’t have to be if you clearly understand the compulsive factors of a high-quality music keyboard. Firstly, it is important to pen down your expectations and have your checklist ready.
For instance, you should pre-determine the size of the keyboard and be clear whether you need it to be small and portable or big and decorate your music room. So, read further to know about the factors to consider and determine before making the final purchase decision.
Length
It is the foremost factor to consider when purchasing a keyboard. There are keyboards with 88 keys, 76 keys, and 61 keys. Most of them are made as full-length keyboards with 88 keys. A full-length keyboard will be a perfect choice if you are an intermediate or advanced instrument player. However, for beginners, a 61-key instrument will be enough.
Sound
Sound quality is another primary factor you should never neglect. You have to check the function of the speakers and the internal sound library. Speakers are the essential sound output device on the keyboard, and you will have to rely on them. So, it is imperative to ensure that they are of good quality. Ensure you check the quality of both the external and internal speakers.
External speakers come in handy, especially during concerts. If you are practising, you will need internal speakers to work efficiently. Check whether you are provided with headphones when you purchase a keyboard. If yes! Check how the speakers work when headphones are connected.
Polyphony
This feature may seem new to you. It refers to the number of notes you can play without notes simultaneously. Polyphony supports your creativity and provides a platform to express yourself.
Keyboards that have 64 notes can support you seamlessly well. Beginners will not need this feature unless they are learning to specialise in it. Also, entry-level keyboards are available with a lower polyphony count.
Action
Keyboard’s action can refer to the response of the keys when touched. For instance, pressing down a key on an acoustic keyboard will cause a hammer. It was utterly a mechanical action. Resistance is added to each key to enable hammer with modern-day digital keyboards.
Best keyboards are designed with fully weighted hammer action and graded action. They imply that the keys at the lower end have more resistance than the keys at the upper end. Finally, it is always better to go for a fully-weighted keyboard than semi-weighted when you want it to be a one-time investment.
MIDI connectivity
If you wish a music keyboard to create and compose, ensure it is equipped with MIDI connectivity. It will help you connect your piano or keyboard to a Digital Audio Workstation and record yourself playing. Moreover, you can also use thousands of plug-ins available with it.
With access to millions of high-quality sounds, it will help you to enhance your creativity. Also, you can use your keyboard as a MIDI controller by linking specific keys and creating your beats or any sound you use in the loop. Many pianos and keyboards are also available with USB MIDI connectivity.
Conclusion
Thus, these are the top features to consider before you invest in a music keyboard. As a music lover, you would thoroughly inspect the instrument. This is just a reminder to double-check all the must-have factors before purchasing one for a high-quality music experience.