Thinking Of Buying A Keyboard This Holiday Season?

Thinking Of Buying A Keyboard This Holiday Season?

It’s the holiday season – a time when keyboards are purchased heavily as gifts. 

For many, the thought of investing in a high quality acoustic piano is a bit overwhelming. The size, the cost, it’s all too much for something you’re not sure your child will love. 

They’ve been asking for one, but will it wind up in the spare closet like so many other purchases you’ve made? 

So you look at the ads and find one on sale at your local big box store. That should work … right?

That depends. Does your child really want to create music? Or is it more of a toy?Thinking Of Buying A Keyboard This Holiday Season?

If your goal is to give your child the gift of music, it requires a little more thought process on your behalf. There is a difference in the keyboards on the marketplace today. And if you select the wrong one, your child won’t enjoy the music it creates. Here’s what to look for. 

Make sure the keyboard is full size

An acoustic piano has 88 keys with 7 full octaves. You’ll find keyboards in many different sizes. When you invest in a keyboard will all 7 octaves, you’ll provide an instrument that teaches correct finger spacing and scale to the instrument, as well as have the ability to play whatever songs they desire. 

Make sure your keyboard has an adjustable stand

Not all keyboards come with a stand – you might have to invest in one separately. If they are adjustable, your child can adjust it depending on where they sit. It will also be fully adjustable as they grow. 

Make sure the keyboard has weighted keys

This means when you press down the keys, they spring back like a real piano. Cheaper keyboards won’t have this feature. Learning to play with weighted keys ensures your child can cross over to an acoustic piano when they are ready. 

Make sure keys are touch sensitive

A piano player knows a light touch will produce a light sound, and a stronger touch will respond with more volume. Again, the more accurate the keyboard, the easier it is to transition to an acoustic piano when the time is right. 

Keep it simple for beginners

Depending on the keyboard, you can find one with many extra features and special effects. But to a beginner, it can all be a little overwhelming. As a toy, it can be fun to press buttons and make different sounds. But if you want to give your child the gift of music, staying simple will provide them with the desire to learn how to play. Incorporating 88 keys into songs is already a challenge. 

Want to find the best keyboard for your child this holiday season? We can help.

Do You Need A Better Keyboard?

Do You Need A Better Keyboard?

Did you purchase a simple keyboard for your child to determine if they enjoy playing the piano before you invested more? Are you debating if now is the time to upgrade and purchase a better keyboard?

Many people start out as simple as possible. Before investing a lot of money into a piano, they prefer to get a few lessons under their belt before taking the next step. But practicing on a piano that is less than perfect can actually take away your ability and drive to move forward with your lesson plans. It can take away your goals and desires.Do You Need A Better Keyboard?

There are two primary reasons to upgrade and buy a better keyboard than what you’re working with now.

1. Your keyboard is old and worn out
Unless you have a professional keyboard, chances are your current keyboard may not be performing up to par. Beginning and mid-range keyboards are designed to last a few years at most. The more play and activity you give it, the faster it will wear out. Look for cracked cables and cords, or a faded or striated appearance. You can also listen to the music – is it starting to sound hollow or buzzy? Old keyboards aren’t designed to have repair work and last for years of time. At some point, it’s time to purchase a new one.

2. Your keyboard no longer fits your musical goals
If you’ve been playing for any length of time, chances are your ability has improved significantly. New piano players grow quickly in the first few months of training. And the more you learn, the more you’ll appreciate a better instrument. You should also take into consideration what your future goals are. If your child loves music and anticipates playing piano for years, now may be the perfect time to step into an acoustic piano. If your child has envisioned creating their own band, a keyboard with better action and a more piano-like feel will give them flexibility in both what they learn and how they transport it from place to place.

Evaluating your needs and determining the best choice for your situation can leave you feeling stuck and unsure. Stop by and allow us to help you to evaluate your needs and show you different opportunities that can meet your needs.

Buying A Keyboard: What You Should Know

Buying A Keyboard: What You Should Know

What’s on your child’s wishlist this year? If they love music, if they love playing with technology, a new keyboard may be at the top of their lists.Buying A Keyboard: What You Should Know

When purchasing an acoustic piano, it’s wise to look at both the new and the used market because of the many benefits. Because an acoustic piano can last for decades if well maintained, it can be transferred from generation to generation for years of enjoyment.

With a keyboard, that isn’t so. Keyboards manufacturers in general release new models about every two years. And because technology changes so rapidly, in just a few years, a keyboard can be such old technology that it no longer works with current software and design.

Which means if a keyboard is in your future, it may be best to think for the short term, and upgrade every few years as your child’s music knowledge increases.

When considering a keyboard, there are a few basic criteria that every keyboard should have:

  • 5 octave keyboard minimum (61 keys)
    Full size keys (they should match an acoustic piano’s keys)
    Touch sensitive keys
    A full range of sounds and rhythms

The more advanced your child’s skills are, the more features you can invest in.

In some ways it is better to purchase keyboards that match your child’s abilities. As they grow and change, they will have a better understanding of what is possible and what they want to do. That makes shopping for the next keyboard that much easier, because you’ll have specific features to shop for.

When looking at new models, don’t worry as much about how new the technology is, or when the newest models will be released. If it’s the right price and has the right features for your child’s needs, it will be a reliable addition to your family and provide many years of enjoyment.

In addition to purchasing the keyboard, there are a could of accessories that can add to the experience. Headphones are a welcome addition to give your child the ability to play at any time, without interrupting other family members around them. Most types of headphones will work with your keyboard, and come with the standard 6.35mm stereo jack.

A keyboard stand from the same manufacturer as your keyboard can also be welcome purchase. By purchasing a stand from the same manufacturer, you will ensure that screws and holes align, and the keyboard remains stable and in place no matter how much playing it receives.

Have additional questions? Need help purchasing the perfect keyboard for your child? Stop by today.