Buying a keyboard

[Tom-Guitarist]

Sorry if you get lots of threads like this, asking what keyboard to buy and stuff. But I really want to start and haven't got a clue what to buy. I would like some kind of in-built teaching type thing in the keyboard (is that stuff any good?). I'm really into Muse and thats kind of whats motivating me to get a keyboard so anything good for this kind of stuff would be good. Any help much appreciated. Cheers

[P120Dude]

Sorry if you get lots of threads like this, asking what keyboard to buy and stuff. But I really want to start and haven't got a clue what to buy. I would like some kind of in-built teaching type thing in the keyboard (is that stuff any good?). I'm really into Muse and thats kind of whats motivating me to get a keyboard so anything good for this kind of stuff would be good. Any help much appreciated. Cheers

Hey,

If you want a great onboard teaching system, great sounds, and great features, I would suggest looking at the Yamaha Portable Keyboard Line. They have an onboard learning system (Y.E.S.), and they have great features for begginers. They are not that expensive, either.

I strongly suggest that you stay away from Casio Keyboards.

P120Dude

[Tom-Guitarist]

Cheers for the advice, so you reckon that teaching stuff is worthwhile and useful? By the way I was looking at a limit of £300. And whats the deal with casio keyboards :confused:

[P120Dude]

Cheers for the advice, so you reckon that teaching stuff is worthwhile and useful? By the way I was looking at a limit of £300. And whats the deal with casio keyboards :confused:

No Problem for the advice.

Yes, the Y.E.S. System is very useful and worthwhile. Of course it's not going to be the same as a one on one instructor, but it will teach you basic skills. And Yes, they are in your price range.

The Deal with Casio: They have very metallic sounding Acoustic Pianos, short, and unrealistic. They have OK features, but not as great as the Yamaha's. The Key Action (feel of the Keys) is also very rough and springy.

If you need any more help, feel free to ask.

P120Dude

[Di5Kettes]

I definitely agree. Casio's overall quality is worst than what Yamaha has to offer. Even the songs sound better. From the casio I have to the Yamaha I've played, the casio is much simpler as well. It all depends on the model you buy. Just test them out at the store and you'll see.

[Muadip]

I'm also looking for a keyboard.. What should be the minimum number of keys if you wanna play things like Muse or classical stuff like Mozart or Beethoven??

[Cecillianne]

76, I think.

[P120Dude]

First off, if you are planning to play Piano, do not buy a Keyboard or Synthesizer. Look into a dedicated Stage Piano. Stage Pianos sound and feel exactly like an Acoustic Piano, and they have tons of great other features. They are very expensive, but they are superb, and definatly worth the money if you are a Piano Player. So, my vote goes to a full, 88 key weighted hammer action Stage Piano.

P120Dude

[Muadip]

Yes I know that a stage piano would be better... but then again I don't have that kind of money.. 300$ at most

[Tom-Guitarist]

Ok thanks a lot for the advice, another question, how important is the number of keys, for instance I saw a 61 key piano that looked quite good but is it going to limit me severely in what I can play in comparison with an 88 key? Cheers

[Silas]

I have an 88 key keyboard and to be honest I doubt I'd feel very deprived if it were a 76 key instead. Furthermore, if you're buying a new keyboard for educational purposes, I doubt you'd use all of the 88 keys. 61 keys are standard on the Yamaha educational series, if I'm not mistaken, you can start with those and upgrade later.

[Muadip]

okay thanks.. I thinl I will buy a Yamaha with 76 keys then :)

[Tom-Guitarist]

I was looking at this DGX 300 (http://www.yamaha-europe.com/yamaha_europe/uk/10_musical_instruments/60_portable_keyboards/10_keyboards/20_portatone_dgx_series/10_no_series/20_dgx300/index.html) and this DGX 505 (http://www.rockingrooster.co.uk/showproductdetails.php?PID=193) slightly over budget but a good price. What do you reckon?
Also when a keyboard says it has the Yamaha education system III (YESIII) as this one does, does this mean that the education part of it would be exactly the same as any other yamaha keyboard with YESIII? Any other reccomendations for good begginer keyboards with built in education stuff for around £300 (sorry for all the questions I haven't got a clue, all help much appreciated) :thumb:

[P120Dude]

I was looking at this DGX 300 (http://www.yamaha-europe.com/yamaha_europe/uk/10_musical_instruments/60_portable_keyboards/10_keyboards/20_portatone_dgx_series/10_no_series/20_dgx300/index.html) and this DGX 505 (http://www.rockingrooster.co.uk/showproductdetails.php?PID=193) slightly over budget but a good price. What do you reckon?
Also when a keyboard says it has the Yamaha education system III (YESIII) as this one does, does this mean that the education part of it would be exactly the same as any other yamaha keyboard with YESIII? Any other reccomendations for good begginer keyboards with built in education stuff for around £300 (sorry for all the questions I haven't got a clue, all help much appreciated) :thumb:

Yes, the Yamaha DGX series is excellent. They have great Acoustic Pianos, a good synth action, and very good features. The 88 Key Versions (500 and 505) have a semi weighted action, but it is not hammer action.

I would feel comfortable saying that the Yamaha Y.E.S. Education system is superior compared to all the other built in teaching systems available.

P120Dude

PS: I used to own a DGX-500, and I highly recomend it.