Lots of people and children dreams of living a life of a musician and being a pianist or a guitarist are one of the most common line of thinking that strikes them.
But pianos are a bit complicated to pick up specially when you are buying your first digital piano. This is why we have handpicked 10 of the best keyboards/digital pianos for beginners you can surely be confident on.
There are many pianists out there who have a craving for digital pianos the reasons mainly being that it has good sound, lovely look and feel like that one of an acoustic piano, though they are not able to purchase them either because of high price or lack of space to keep them.
Whatever may the reason be, the fact remains the same, that the digital pianos are the ultimate substitute for acoustic ones.
If you scan the market, you will find numerous digital pianos with so many distinct features to offer, and this makes them apt for the varying needs.
Therefore, the review’s main concern is to shortlist the best options for the novice.
Keyboard For Beginners Under $200
Casio CTK-2550 61 Key portable keyboard
Casio once again has something in store for the new learners.
Casio has particularly designed this keyboard for the ones who choose the innovative techniques of learning music.
Let’s have a glance at its features.
CTK 2550 has 61-keys, which is smaller in comparison with the other models with 88-keys.
Then, there are 400 tones in the keyboard that makes it an amazing instrument to have.
As an extra benefit, there are around 150 rhythms that give you so much options to get aware of your innovative capabilities.
CTK 2550 can even be integrated be with other apps, so it aids in better learning.
For example, the CHORDANA app helps in in learning how to practically play any song.
The only thing that you are required to do is to, just download the MIDI file of the song and its ready.
The learning light feature, lights the notes that you are required to play. Due to this learning isn’t a difficult task now.
The keyboard can be powered by batteries, so you can carry your keyboard anywhere you wish to.
Reasons To Buy
Reasons To Avoid
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Casio LK-190 61-key portable keyboard
Each one of us is not desirous of an advanced digital piano, so this keyboard brought to you by Casio is the ultimate one for all those who are in search of a piano with elementary functions and affordable price range.
LK 190 might be the best option in case of a child who is taking his baby steps into the world of music and piano.
The very initial thing that shall grab your attention is the size of the keyboard which is not identical to that of a digital piano, as there are only 61 keys that too they aren’t hammer weighted.
In fact, it is the smallest keyboard in our list.
You may be wondering that in such a case, what is good in it?
The Casio keyboard has exciting features such as the 400 tones that one gets with the keyboard, and these many sounds are for sure enough for you.
Besides it, there are 100 styles and rhythms as well which is of great help in case one requires soundtrack to intensify the mix.
Then you have the 60 inherent songs which is easy to learn with the leading lights feature, as the keys that you are required to play gets lit up, due to which the identification gets simplified.
So, if you are the one who fantasies producing music, then the dance music mode of the keyboard is just for you.
It allows to generate dance music at a quicker pace. This keyboard is a bundle of joy.
Also Check : The other version in the LK series is LK 265
Reasons To Buy
Reasons To Avoid
Yamaha NP 12 61- key lightweight portable keyboard
For ones who wish to have a piano that is easily portable as well as equipped with functions, the Yamaha NP-12 Digital Piano is for them.
For all the young players, this keyboard is a great one to start with, its 61 lightweight keys are comfortable for them to handle and play.
Besides all the basic features, the keyboard can function with the free apps of Yamaha like the- digital piano and sound controller, my music recorder, visual performer, piano diary, metronome and note star.
The youngsters nowadays have a great inclination towards these apps so you only need to connect the iOS device and then you will be able to manage the keyboard’s controls via the device.
With all these features the capability of your keyboard gets enhanced by and large and you are able to explore more of training materials.
Since the design of the keyboard is compact, lightweight and handy, it is easy to carry wherever you wish to take it.
Greatly versatile piano as it can be powered by 6 AA batteries and you aren’t limited to a single place.
Coming to the tones of this keyboard, you got some really lovely and majestic tones like the grand piano tone.
The soft touch keys enable dynamic play.
The 64-note polyphony is adequate for a novice.
For complete assessment of your performance, you can record and then playback your performance.
Reasons To Buy
Reasons To Avoid
Alesis Recital - 88-Key Best Beginner Digital Piano
There are few learners who aren’t able to make the efforts for playing the hammer weighted keys, but neither want to go for the soft or touch keys.
In such a situation, the only rescue is to opt for semi-weighted keys, and Alesis Recital provides you this.
If in future you have intentions of switching to fully hammer weighted keyboard then, this keyboard is perfect to train and set your fingers for playing.
Here, there are 88 semi-weighted keys that is very much suitable for aspiring pianists.
It has 5 vigilantly sampled sounds, including the piano sound, that can be further expanded by combination of different sounds to produce fresh sounds, which is even possible by blending existing sounds with various effects and creating exciting sounds.
Since this keyboard has been designed keeping in view the needs and comfort of a beginner, there are various features present to assist them in learning.
One of the features is the metronome, which is helpful in keeping a track of the time during practice sessions.
With the lesson mode, you and your teacher, both can play simultaneously on the same keyboard at respective ends.
The interesting part is that, if you order this product, you get to avail premium subscription for a period of 3-months of Skoove, that offers unlimited latest and updated educational materials.
Reasons To Buy
Reasons To Avoid
Keyboard For Beginners Under $300
Yamaha PSR EW300 AD 76- key portable keyboard
Referring it as a digital piano shall be wrong on our part, but its functions for sure are like that of a digital piano.
It is ideal for the novice learners who have no such fantasy for stuffs like 88 keys or hammer keys but wants a house of options.
While digital pianos have nearly 20 included sounds, the PSR EW 300 has 574, which is commendable.
But you can’t merge the sounds to make new creations, so a basic dis-advantage.
There are many interesting features in this keyboard that shall convert the boring learning process into a fun session.
Yamaha PSR EW 300 also offers Yamaha education suite, with the help of which you will be able to step by step master the songs.
The touch tutor feature helps you to learn the dynamics because the velocity with which you strike, is measured.
This feature is really a bliss, because having a command over the dynamic control as it is important while playing a piano.
This training is possible with the aid of the touch sensitive keys that teach you to maintain control over the fingers for greater dynamic effects.
Now, even after all these features if your desire is to increase the functioning capacity of your keyboard, then you can do so by simply connecting it to the PC.
Reasons To Buy
Reasons To Avoid
Yamaha DGX 230 76- key digital piano
Many a times many of you are not able to actually handle the weighted keys? What to do then?
Without much worries, you should go for the DGX 230 presented by Yamaha.
The digital keyboard with 76-keys has a lot in store for you and it goes just so well with the beginners.
With the DGX 230 you get a wide variety of sound options which will really interest you.
There are approximately 500 standard quality tones, and the scenario is such that even if one plays a fresh tone for every single day in a year, he or she will yet not run out of choices available to them.
Isn’t it amazing for all music lovers?
Next, combining both, in-built and CD, there are 100 songs for you to practice and master, and in case of a beginner, this is no less.
The very next question that pops up is that what do we do with these many songs?
Each song is further fragmented into 7 lessons, by the Yamaha’s educational suite.
Now, the songs are available to you in even smaller bites, and this is much more relaxing for a newbie.
Due to this feature, keeping a track of your learning will be an easy task for you now.
As you completely learn all of the 100 songs to perfection, you are no more a beginner, rather a pro.
With the 6-track recorder, independent recording of 6 tracks is possible and all of them can even be played backwards concurrently.
Thus, it’s easy to record your learning sessions, or inspirational song ideas, and play them back to judge your performance.
The keyboard has keys sensitive to touch in place of hammer weighted ones, wherein the respond of the keys depends on the intensity with which you play.
The harder you play, louder is the sound, and when played softly, the sound proportionately drops.
Reasons To Buy
Reasons To Avoid
Keyboard For Beginners Under $500
Yamaha P45 88-key weighted action digital piano
This keyboard from Yamaha, P45 (not to be confused with P 45B) delivers to you amazing piano key feel, even in the absence of stuffs such as the stands and additional accessories.
The 88 hammer weighted keys have matte finishing that reduces the chances of slippery fingers.
There is the dual mode with which you can blend and combine tonal expressions to your creation.
Due to such features, the world of sonic opportunities opens up.
Going a bit further,
Easy connection of the digital keyboard to the computer is also possible, or even to the other devices, through the USB port.
The point to be noted here is that the connectivity options to the additional resources, is of great help to you.
Similarly, it can even be used for a MIDI controller at your studio.
Yamaha claims this model of its as the most affordable and to be liked by most of the budding pianists, and at no point can one disagree to the fact as it rightly serves the purpose of any beginner.
Reasons To Buy
Reasons To Avoid
Casio Privia PX 160 BK 88-key full-size digital piano
The Casio Privia PX 160 has so many features to count on be it the authentic feel or the amazing sound quality, the keyboard is worth your investments.
Leaving aside the superb sound quality, there are variety of variations.
Due to multiple options, you can even play twin sounds at a time, which may produce another fascinating sound and shall be add on to your sounds collection.
Further, you can also split the PX 160 into two parts and play two distinct sounds on the respective ends.
Additionally, you and your teacher can play simultaneously at each end of the piano, which is of great help in the learning process.
There are many instances, when one feels like hearing their performances, which is very much possible in this keyboard, as you can record and even play two tracks in one go.
This technique helps in self-evaluation, as when you are able to listen your play, you get to know the areas where improvement is required.
On the whole, this keyboard is excellent piano for a beginner, with lots of innovative features.
Reasons To Buy
Reasons To Avoid
Keyboard For Beginners Under $600
Yamaha P 45 B digital piano
You will be glad to make this choice if you intend to adapt your fingers as to how to play the weighted keys.
The keyboard has 88 standard keys and naturalistic piano sound.
While going into more details, it is found that the keyboard provides you with all that you shall require in the beginning, such as the bench stand, pedal, educational guide, and headphone for personalized practice sessions.
Once you get started, it’s your choice whether to go with piano sounds or some other included sound.
With the split mode feature, you and your teacher both can simultaneously play at respective ends and it is just so comfortable for learning process.
If you practice in the absence of a metronome, the outcome is unfavorable, and Yamaha is aware of its essentiality, thus has added the metronome feature which helps you in tracking the time of the scales as you run them.
Next, there is even the option of using the transpose feature to learn the playing of tough notes in simpler keys prior to playing them in the actual keys.
As an extra package, you get in the bundle, piano guide along with CD and Fast Track keyboard DVD.
These stuffs shall assist you from the day one in being familiar with your keyboard.
Reasons To Buy
Reasons To Avoid
Korg B1SP 88 weighted key digital piano
If one has the dedication and passion towards music, but can’t afford to purchase an acoustic piano, then for once, do give a check to the Korg B1SP.
Similar to an acoustic piano, this keyboard also features 88 standard weighted keys.
Have you been missing the pleasure of playing an acoustic piano?
In such a case you are definitely going to be in love with the Korg B1SP.
The weighted keys replicate the sounds produced by the keys of the acoustic ones.
There are even 3 pedals, that compliments the playability and charm of an acoustic piano.
Now, talking about the sounds, all of the 8 sounds present, are digitally sampled, so that they resemble to original sound as much a possible.
Moreover, once you use the pedals, there will piano like expressions itself.
Stereo speakers making use of MFB technology, gives enriched tone to the sounds, and you can even connect the headphone for practice sessions in privacy.
The package consists of a furniture stand for the B1SP piano giving a worthy look.
Next, there are 3 -pedals, piano bench, sheet stand and even an AC power adapter.
To assist you in the learning process, Korg has laid stress on the instructional material.
Due to these factors, the B1SP, is an ultimate choice of the learners in search of a close substitute of an acoustic piano.
Reasons To Buy
Reasons To Avoid
How To Buy Digital Piano - The Definitive Guide
Right from the starting of the article we had talked about the multiple reasons as to why one opts for digital pianos, the basic reasons being high price or shortage of adequate space.
When you choose a digital piano, your level of playing is a vital determinant in deciding.
This is so because, there are different models of digital pianos, offering different variety of features, that caters to the needs of players of distinct levels.
As our main concern here is to find out the best digital piano for any budding pianist, the factors that are essential shall only be considered and focused.
Some of these factors are is it portable or not, how many tone options are there, what are the connectivity options, how easy it is to use, its playability, additional accessories and all.
How Does Playability Affects Novice Pianist
This is mainly concerned with the key type of the digital piano.
It may be weighted, semi-weighted or touch sensitive keys.
The suitability depends entirely on the objectives of the pianist.
For one who wishes to master the acoustic piano shall go for hammer-weighted keys whereas a beginner will be more comfortable in semi-weighted ones.
Simple UI
It feels so good when one has easy accession to the functions of your piano without much complications and this is a really important factor.
If each and every you end of reaching out to the manual for help then it starts getting irritating after some time.
So, go for a keyboard that has simplistic controls and functions.
Does Portability Of Digital Pianos Matter ?
In some case, the criteria do not many, whereas may be a major concern for some.
An easily portable piano is good for a beginner who will be able to play it frequently if it is easy to carry.
Portability also has another parameter and that is the power type it runs on.
Some of them are powered by the batteries which facilitates extended portability.
Check Number Of Tones and Quality Of Sound
When you have multiple tone options you have the opportunity to mix and match more sounds and create new ones.
You can try out so many variants and this enhances your capabilities.
There are some pianists who give more importance to the quality rather than how many tones do you have.
Accessories
When any digital piano has additional accessories such as the stands or pedals or the headphone then your playing gets even more enhanced and your learning sessions are greatly affected.
In case you are practicing in the absence of the pedals, then you are probably missing out on the basic skills of playing a piano.
If the accessories are combined with the product itself, then you actually save both your time and efforts.
Connectivity Options
If your keyboard is compatible with other external devices and can be connected to them, then this can turn out to be of great advantage to you.
There are even apps that helps a lot to the new learners and are beneficial only if your keyboard can be connected to them.
The task of music production shall be made easier for you if keyboard is able to connect to the computer.
So, its always better to opt for a digital piano providing multiple connectivity options.
My Final Thoughts On Best Digital Pianos For Beginners
Finally, on completion of the analysis of the positive and negative aspects of all the products that have been reviewed above, the conclusion is derived.
As we know that, each of them has that extra tint in them to be able to make into this list, but there are three that are simply captivating.
They are namely, the Yamaha P 45B digital piano next we have the Korg B1SP digital piano, and lastly the Casio Privia PX 160 BK digital piano.
Further even among them, the best is the Korg B1SP digital piano as it stands apart on all the parameters of ours. But when budget is considered no doubt Alesis Recital 88 key digital piano might be the best bang for the buck.
Hence, it shall be considered as the ultimate winner of our list, and the most suitable digital piano for any beginner to begin his musical career with.
Hope this detailed guide helped you in making a better decision for choosing you first digital piano.
Till Then,
Keep Playing and Spread Love