good first keyboard for granddaughter?
Discussion
Probably like every other proud grandparent ever we are convinced that our granddaughter (just turned four) is going to be special when she grows up.
We'd like to give her every opportunity to find out what things she likes to do, and with that in mind I'm thinking I'll get her an electronic piano keyboard. Something that will help her learn to play the piano if that's what she chooses to do.
I'd be most grateful for any thoughts from the PH hive mind on what you think would be a good starter for her.
Thanks very much.
We'd like to give her every opportunity to find out what things she likes to do, and with that in mind I'm thinking I'll get her an electronic piano keyboard. Something that will help her learn to play the piano if that's what she chooses to do.
I'd be most grateful for any thoughts from the PH hive mind on what you think would be a good starter for her.
Thanks very much.
Edited by Blackpuddin on Monday 30th September 18:56
There’s a dazzling variety of electronic keyed instruments on offer. Be aware that “electric keyboard” and “electric piano” have very different meanings.
Electric pianos can be very expensive things (well into the multiple thousands of pounds) as they set to emulate, as realistically as possible, the touch, feel and subtlety of a real life grand piano - acoustic computer modelling, clever mechanisms to replicate the feel of the wooden levers that cause the hammers to strike the strings all come into play. You’re talking professional level instruments here.
I think your best bet is to look at the electric keyboard offerings on the market. The keyboard is shorter/smaller (5 octaves rather than the full 8-and-a-bit on an piano) and rather than full weighted keys, you get a lighter, springy key action. In general, they’re lighter, cheaper, have a variety of sounds to use, sometimes with built in drum machines etc. Nothing a pro needs, but good fun and engaging for a youngster.
I would say that *full size keys* are important, as should your granddaughter transition to a piano, she won’t have to adjust all her learnt hand shapes and muscle memory. Also, I’d suggest *touch sensitive* keys are Important. This simply means that the keyboard can detect how hard you press the key, and it produces a correspondingly louder sound.
Casio always were the king of the electric keyboard, and they seem to have a variety of models on their website around the £100 mark. This should get you something with both of the above qualities.
Electric pianos can be very expensive things (well into the multiple thousands of pounds) as they set to emulate, as realistically as possible, the touch, feel and subtlety of a real life grand piano - acoustic computer modelling, clever mechanisms to replicate the feel of the wooden levers that cause the hammers to strike the strings all come into play. You’re talking professional level instruments here.
I think your best bet is to look at the electric keyboard offerings on the market. The keyboard is shorter/smaller (5 octaves rather than the full 8-and-a-bit on an piano) and rather than full weighted keys, you get a lighter, springy key action. In general, they’re lighter, cheaper, have a variety of sounds to use, sometimes with built in drum machines etc. Nothing a pro needs, but good fun and engaging for a youngster.
I would say that *full size keys* are important, as should your granddaughter transition to a piano, she won’t have to adjust all her learnt hand shapes and muscle memory. Also, I’d suggest *touch sensitive* keys are Important. This simply means that the keyboard can detect how hard you press the key, and it produces a correspondingly louder sound.
Casio always were the king of the electric keyboard, and they seem to have a variety of models on their website around the £100 mark. This should get you something with both of the above qualities.
Thanks very much to both for this really helpful information. I have been looking at Casios and they do have a good range of keyboards but I was beginning to realise that I was getting out of my depth so this info about touch sensitivity and key size is incredibly useful. Thanks again.
My son's been learning Keyboard for about 5 years now. His tutor recommended the Yamaha PSR-E463 (Now superseded by the 473) which seems to be a very common choice if you ever intend to do grading exams with LCME or Trinity, it's suitable for all grades up to level 8.
It sounds great, pretty straightforward to use and has been faultless in that time.
It sounds great, pretty straightforward to use and has been faultless in that time.
paul99 said:
My son's been learning Keyboard for about 5 years now. His tutor recommended the Yamaha PSR-E463 (Now superseded by the 473) which seems to be a very common choice if you ever intend to do grading exams with LCME or Trinity, it's suitable for all grades up to level 8.
It sounds great, pretty straightforward to use and has been faultless in that time.
Thanks Paul I'll take a look at that. It sounds great, pretty straightforward to use and has been faultless in that time.
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