What keyboard should I purchase?

by Sinan
(Saudi Arabia)

Hello.

I am a 15 years old piano fan. I think I will purchase a keyboard soon, but I should tell you that I never touched a grand piano before. I messed with an upright piano one time in my life, and copied themes on my 10$ piano toy; until it crashed. The only thing that makes me intend to purchase a keyboard while I still don't know anything about real pianos is my ability to learn new skills quickly; and I liked music. But in where I live music is a foreigner art and there is nobody nearby can help. Therefore I have to know everything through the internet.

But my questions, yet are still random. Therefore I need somebody to tell me what I should do. Like when a fan wants to purchase a digital camera for the first time in his life; he can't imagine that there is a feature named "Long Shutter" in the camera, and that it is very important if he intends to learn the photography. Therefore he has to ask someone the question "Which features do I have to look for in a digital camera?". *So what about that with a keyboard?

The random question of this day, or honestly of the last month: *Do the usual keyboards have no pedals? Are they almost removed?! *Aren't they very important? I Still don't know what's the difference with sound that they make; but I'm sure that I need them!

Another question: *What does the "pitch bend" do?

The modern keyboards contain many features. I can't recognize all of them because I'm still an English student, the language used there is hard to me! So, finally, by ignoring some advanced keyboards and taking the advice of a sales man, I decided to purchase what is called a "Portable Grand". *Is it a known type, or a specific party for the Yamaha brand? And I think that Yamaha is better than Casio for no reason; just because the general opinion says that. I won't pay more than 300 American Dollars. *Do you have any comments on what I will purchase? Is the "Portable Grand" a good type for my situation?

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*Question needs an answer


ANSWER

Hello, Sinan--

First of all, I would like to congratulate you on your English! I get letters all the time from English speaking people who are nowhere near as articulate as you are.

OK--your questions:

1. The features of a keyboard will vary according to the type of keyboard. There is a discussion of various types of keyboards at Tips for Buying Keyboards


2. Most digital keyboards now have pedals. They are connected to the keyboard via a cable. Yes, you DO need them, so don't buy a keyboard which has no pedals.

3. The "Pitch Bend" does just what is says--it makes the pitch go up or down. This is especially useful when playing solos because it allows the keyboard player to bend the pitch in much the same way that a guitar player can by bending the strings on the guitar.

4. The "Portable Grand" is both a general type of digital piano and a specific model made by Yamaha. In fact, I have a Yamaha portable grand that I use for my keyboard players in the bands that I put together.

There are advantages and disadvantages to the Yamaha Portable Grand. One huge advantage (and the main reason I purchased it is it's portability. It is very light and can be easily carried and set up by one person.

I personally do not like the action on the Portable Grand as well as I did on the keyboard that I formerly used--a Kawaii digital Piano. The Yamaha just does not feel like an acoustic piano.
The Kawaii, however, was bulky and weighed 150 lbs., requiring two people to set it up or move it. The weighted action like that of the Kawaii tends to make the digital piano much more expensive, however.

I think that for the price that you want to pay, you will like the Yamaha, especially since you are just beginning. My objection to the action probably is because I am used to playing my acoustic grand.

If you would like some excellent FREE piano lessons, please visit Absolutely Free Piano Lessons. You will find free lessons and many other resources which you will find useful.

Best Wishes to you, Sinan, and let us know if you have more questions. We are happy to help!

Lynne