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Rockjam 61-key Keyboard Review

Yamaha P115 88-Key Piano Review
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Our website is divided into two main sections: Keyboard reviews, and Blogs. Let us help you find the best music keyboard for you, and teach you a bit of music history, (and how to practice!) along the way. Welcome!
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Piano Price
Pianos Under $100
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- A lot of functions for the price
- Good selection different sounds and on-board songs
- Good choice for children and early beginners
- Works with batteries
- Very lightweight
- Only 61 keys
- Unweighted keys
- No damper pedal connection
- Low polyphony
$150-300
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- It comes with everything you need to start playing today
- It is easy to use and comes with a large library of songs
- It has modern pairing technology
- It is very affordable
- It is portable
- Itâs an ideal gift for children or novices looking to dabble in music
- It has a great finish on the keys
- It has a clear button layout
- It has a Registration memory that saves sounds. It is not usual to find this feature in a keyboard that is so economical!
- The piano decay is realistic and pleasant
- The accompaniment track volume is easily adjustable
- The user manual isnât all-inclusive, but there are a lot of online tutorials
- The speaks are 24 watts. For reference, 20 Watts is ok for practice. You may want to consider investing in a piano with more powerful speakers if you want something crystal clean (think 50 watts)
- The headphones arenât crisp
- It is not touch-sensitive; All the notes will be the same volume
- There are no weighted or semi-weighted keys
- The stand doesnât have many points of contact, making it more likely to move around while youâre playing
- The keys tend to be a little stiff
- The speakers have some audio buzz
- The LCD is a very bright blue, which some pianists find distracting
- The music stand doesnât hold up to heavy books and music
- The seat is not adjustable and tends to run small
- It is not recommended for stage performances
- The polyphony is limited
- The xylophone, flute, and other non-keyboard sounds arenât realistic
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- lightweight and compact design
- 400 instrument voices and 100 accompaniment style.
- App
- No recording capabilityÂ
- Lightweight keys wouldnât satisfy more advanced playersÂ
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- You can practice anywhere with privacy by using headphones
- This piano allows you to record and listen back to your sessions
- This is a portable piece of equipment that you can carry from one place to another
- Itâs affordable
- Low speaker volume
- It does not have a full-sized keyboard
- Some of the presets need adjusting in order to sound realistic
$300-500
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- Extremely affordable for a full-size keyboard
- 88 weighted hammer-action keyboard - unusual in this price range
- At 26lbs, quite lightweight for a weighted keyboard
- Works with 6 X D batteries - also unusual for this type of keyboard
- In spite of weighted hammer-action, falls short of replicating a piano
- On-board sounds are not very high quality - (but you canât expect that at this price) but the speakers sound quite good.
- Limited choice of sounds (only 12)
- Limited recording capability (1 track)
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- The piano grand piano sound and feel is excellent. The piano has a controller App facilitates better usage of the piano
- Excellent value for the price point
- The pianist Styles makes playing a song quick and rich-sounding
- Recording is limited to one song, 2 tracks, and can easily be overwritten
- The 14 voice selection is good quality, but limited.
$500-1000
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- The piano grand piano sound and feel is excellent. The piano has a controller App facilitates better usage of the piano
- Excellent value for the price point
- The pianist Styles makes playing a song quick and rich-sounding
- Recording is limited to one song, 2 tracks, and can easily be overwritten
- The 14 voice selection is good quality, but limited.
$1000+
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- The RD 2000 is a high-quality instrument
- It has not one, but two sound enginesÂ
- This instrument is compatible with Rolandâs Live Sets
- It has controller features
- The RD 2000 has new Roland sounds, as well as classic ones
- The piano sounds simulate acoustic pianos extremely accuratelyÂ
- Its hybrid wood build makes it an extremely sturdy instrumentÂ
- It is fully weighted and has a full-sized keyboard
- The Roland RD 2000 does not have built-in speakers
- There donât appear to be any other color options for this model
- Camera: -
- Flight time (m): -
- This is a unique-looking vintage piano with a black matte finish
- This keyboard has many diverse sounds
- The panel of those vintage sounds that make the piano one of a kind
- It includes a reliable front panel for live, in-time adjustments
- It allows you to save custom sounds, easily
- It is super portable
- It is highly responsive
- It has touch-sensitive keys
- This piano is easy to use, even for beginners
- It comes with pre-programmed music
- It is fairly durable
- It has an intuitive panel
- The headphone output function is great for performers
- Unfortunately, this piano does not come with speakers. Depending on how you are planning on using it, it may not be the best option for an on-the-go, gigging musician who wants to travel light.
- You can only use one effect at once. That means no split or dual mode.
- Ultimately, it has a limited sound selection
- It is not currently being made
Piano Types
Digital Pianos
Digital pianos are instruments that are designed to be lighter than traditional pianos but have a heavy keybed (usually, graded hammer, or at least semi-weighted). Because they are designed to imitate acoustic pianos, they also typically have 88 full-sized keys. Though, it is common to find makes that are considered âslimlineâ which means that the piano itself is smaller, without compromising the width of the keys themselves. Slimline is usually in reference to the depth of the piano. Slimline digital pianos are highly sought-after, because they fit so well into small spaces like apartments, and sometimes, bigger dorms.
Side note: A lot of people think keyboards = digital pianos, but thatâs not exactly correct. While people often throw around the term âkeyboardâ and use it for any piano-like instrument, a keyboard is technically a portable piano that you would take around gigging. (Now, even I call digital pianos keyboards sometimes, so donât come for me! AnywaysâŠ).
There are three main types of digital pianos: Upright, Digital, and Stage. Digital uprights, like regular upright pianos, are designed to lean again the wall. This type of piano would traditionally stay stationary in a living room, so you wouldnât take it with you for a coffee shop gig. Weâd recommend the Yamaha YDP-144. Standard Digitals are (typically) economical pianos that have weighted keys and are designed to be more portable than acoustic pianos. Weâd recommend Yamahaâs P (portable) line or Casios PX Privia line.
The last large subsection of digital pianos are stage pianos. Stage pianos are digital pianos that are designed to be played on a stage (how fitting! ). We will cover more on-stage pianos later in this section.
Portable Pianos
As the name suggests, portable pianos are designed for musicians on the go. Oftentimes, portable pianos are smaller than standard digitals. They might have 61, 66, 72, and sometimes, 88 keys. Portable pianos are built with…You guessed it! Portability, in mind. Hence, the materials it will be made out of will be lighter (oftentimes, it is comprised of plastics). There are portable digital pianos, synthesizers, and other sub-types of keyboards that fall into this category. Weâd recommend the Yamaha P-45 for starters.
Stage Pianos
Stage pianos are digital pianos designed for stage performances. These keyboards are usually used in jazz and pop music performances. They are built extremely sturdy, so they can handle the wear and tear from going on the road. Most all stage pianos are full-sized, with 88 keys. We would recommend stage keyboards for gigging keyboards who are intermediate to pro.
Stage keyboards are mainly used live. They almost always have graded hammer action. If you need an instrument for live performances with a band, consider this type of keyboard. While some people call these âportable pianosâ stage pianos are usually of a higher caliber than just regular portable keyboards. And, as we mentioned earlier, weâd highly recommend the Nord Stage 3! Other great stage pianos include Yamaha CPs.
Keep in mind that stage pianos seldom have built-in speakers, which makes them pretty unideal for music newbies.
Syntesizers
According to Britannica.com, a synthesizer is a âmachine that electronically generates and modifies sounds, frequently with the use of a digital computer. Synthesizers are used for the composition of electronic music and in live performance.âÂ
Synthesizers, or synths, for short, can be found in music from post-punk to new wave, and rock to electronic music (and of course, synth-pop!). Theyâre versatile instruments that are frequently talked about in the world of music. There are many different types of synths, but of course, we will mostly be covering the ones that look (and feel) like pianos). One unusual feature that you will often find in synths and not digital pianos are sound engines with different timbres. These instrumentals are called âmulti-timbralâ. There are also two main types of synths: Analog, and digital
Analog
Analog technology means that there is a continuous (physical) signal. If something is analog, it is not digital. If you delve into synths, youâll also probably hear the term âAnalog modelingâ. Musicians also use the term VA for this, (or rather, virtual analog). According to Wikipedia.org  âAn analog modeling synthesizer is a synthesizer that generates the sounds of traditional analog synthesizers using DSP components and software algorithms. Analog modeling synthesizers simulate the behavior of the original electric and electronic circuitry in order to digitally replicate their tone.â So, an analog modeling synth is not a true analog synthesizer, but rather, a simulation of one! Now, more about digital synths.
Digital
Digital is a type of signal that is binary. Largely, the synthesizers that you will find on the market today. That being said, some synths do have both digital and analog capabilities. These ones are typically more expensive. I would personally recommend this synthesizer made by Korg, called the Nautilis. It is a digital synthesizer that has analog modeling, and a whopping 9 sound engines to keep you busy!
MIDI Keyboards
MIDI keyboards, by definition, are keyboards that have a MIDI output built inside of them. These are also known as controller keyboards, The biggest âproâ to this type of keyboard is that it can quickly and accurately send (musical) information over to other (digital) music devices, or computers. While some regular digital pianos have a MIDI out, others do not. If the main feature you want is a MIDI output, consider getting a MIDI keyboard. Some MIDI keyboards are only an octave because their main purpose is to help composers, producers, and arrangers get the notes into their computers. Other MIDI keyboards/controllers are more hybrid instruments, that work well in love performances as well. You can connect MIDI keyboards to DAWâs, or, digital audio workstations. One of the most basic (free!) DAWâs is Garageband. MIDI keyboards can be hooked up to pretty much any DAW, be it Logic, Reason, FL Studios, or Ableton!
Please note that many MIDI keyboards are only an octave or two, because their purpose is to help producers input music. While there are full-sized MIDI controller keyboards, the bigger they are, the morse expensive! Iâd recommend full-sized MIDI keyboards for those who are both looking to learn how to perform, and produce, whereas Iâd recommend little one-octave MIDI controllers for those looking for an easier way to input musical information. (Thereâs not much repertoire you can teach yourself on a one-octave keyboard!).
A Sidenote on the Term âKeyboardsâ: The term âkeyboardâ typically refers to an unweighted digital instrument. Whereas the term âkeyboard playerâ seems to refer to just about any pianist who plays outside of the classical genres (think pop, rock, blues, etc). The Rockjam models of keyboards are certainly keyboard keyboards- Small lightweight instruments with unweighted keyboards that are just enough to get you started.Â
Meet Your Writer

Hey there! Iâm Aleah. I am a writer here at BPK. I keep you up to date on things like the newest and hottest top ten piano keyboards and teach you what music terms like escapement and PHA mean. I am a licensed music educator based in the midwest US. I hold PK-12 teaching licensed in the state of Ohio. I have experience teaching elementary school music, concert band, and jazz band. The main two instruments that I perform on are flute and piano.Â
When Iâm not writing about music, I often jotting down new sonic ideas in my home recording studio. You can also listen to my classical flute covers and songwriting on Spotify!Â
You can listen to some of my projects here.
You can also find my other writing at Scanscore.com and Aleahfitzwater.com. When Iâm not doing something music-related, Iâm probably reading a fantasy novel, cooking, or gardening.

How to Select The Best Keyboard For You
The process of selecting the best piano for you can be a tricky one. But donât worry, weâre here to help. But keep in mind that the way we go about selecting the best portable keyboard greatly depends on what type of keyboard weâre looking at. Hereâs what to look for in a piano keyboard.Â
- Something that suits you or the player youâll be giving it to
- Something has the capabilities required of the genres youâre interested in
- An instrument that is within your budget
Now, itâs time to ask yourself some questions. Who, what, and where are good places to start.Â
- Who am I getting this instrument for?
- What am I using this keyboard for?
- Where am I (or the intended player) going to play the piano?
Other essential preliminary questions are:Â
- What type of genres am I interested in learning how to play?Â
- What is the best keyboard to buy for my current budget?
In the following section, I will go into greater detail regarding prices, deals, and how to decide what features you want in a piano, versus what you actually need. Get ready for some musical lingo, because Iâm about to teach you the ABCs of purchasing pianos, from aftertouch to PHA!Â
Price:
Speaking of price, be sure to live below your means. That is, buy the nicest you can afford, but not nicer than you afford. The addition of things like graded hammer action, more sound banks, and better speakers are all common reasons why the price of an instrument goes up
Consider what type of keybed you will want. Do you want to have your student learn a few basic pop or folk melodies, and thatâs it? Or, are you sure you are going to play Rachmaninov as your end goal? This will make all the difference in where your price range will fall. That being said, I do have a small tip that will help you save some of that hard-earned cash. You can strike a deal with one of our affiliates.Â
Striking a Deal at Sweetwater
We have partnered with Sweetwater, Guitar Center, and Amazon. While all of the following are great instrument dealers, I want to let you in on a little secret. If you are a loyal Sweetwater customer, you can actually call your respective Sweetwater representative and ask if there are any deals going on. While this probably wonât work if you havenât purchased from them before, itâs certainly worth a try. The last time I talked with my Sweetwater representative, he said that he could give me 10% off any saxophone. Remember- It can never hurt to ask!
Decide on Your Accessories
One way to decide what keyboard is best for you is to consider which accessories are essential, and which ones you just want. If the piano is for a student, included learning tools are probably at the top of your list.
Ask yourself- Do you need a stand? (or are you just going to play it on the table). Do you want external speakers and headphones in the package? Or do you have all the extras, and you just want to get the best base keyboard or piano that you can possibly get. This âaccessories firstâ approach seems a little backward, but I find it very helpful.
Consider Software and Built-in Extras
Also, be sure to consider software and built-in extras. Are you going to need a keyboard that you will be able to score movies on or overdub? Will light-up keys help you learn faster? All of the above are other great things to consider. Think about the bells and the whistles. Now, onto the technical stuff.Â
Types of Keybeds
- Unweighted
- Semi-weightedÂ
- Touch-sensitive
- Graded hammer action (GHA)
- Graded Hammer Standard (GHS)
- Progressive Hammer Action (PHA)
- Touch Sensitive
Unweighted keybeds have no heft to them. You simply press them down. All the keys will feel exactly the same. Unweighted keyboards arenât necessarily âcheapâ keyboards, but they can be. High-end MIDI keyboards and synths are usually also unweighted.Â
One example of a high-end keyboard instrument without full weight is the Nord Wave 2. It is semi-weighted.Â
According to Sweetwater.com, Semi-weighted was an action that was first developed by synth makers. Semi-weighted keyboards combine the spring-loaded mechanism of synth actions with the addition of light weights attached to each key, similar to those found in weighted action or hammer action keyboards. Now, onto hammer action!Â
Touch sensitivity is a feature that adds to the realism of a piano. The harder you press the key, the louder the sound, and the softer you press the key, the quieter the sound. Better unweighted keyboards almost always have touch sensitivity, because it helps add expression like more clear articulations and dynamics. Please note that touch sensitivity and weighted keys are two different things. All weighted keys are touch-sensitive, but not vice versa.Â
Touch-sensitive keyboards are responsive in a different way than weighted keyboards. Instruments can be unweighted but still have touch sensitivity. Adjustable touch sensitivity is ideal, especially if you are planning on sharing this piano with multiple people.Â
Another notable point to touch on is the number of sensors. The more sensors a digital piano has, the more accurately it will respond to your touch. By that I mean, with every note, you press down on the keys. Some keyboards are less responsive to the pressure that you put down, whereas others are more sensitive. The more sensors that are built into the keybed itself, the more accurately the technology can pick up on your slight dynamic difference. Thus, a three-senor keyboard is the most ideal.Â
Graded hammer action or GHA means that the lower notes have more resistance to them than the higher notes. This is how acoustic pianos feel. You may start seeing hybrid keys or wooden keys in pianos with this type of action and above. You can think of graded hammer action as the lowest common denominator when it comes to the hammer action.Â
The best action simulates how it feels for a real wooden key to bounce off the string in acoustic pianos. HA, or hammer action is what piano makers refer to when they are talking about the replication of the physical hammers hitting the strings. To me, the best music keyboard is one that has some weight to it.
According to Yamaha.com, Graded hammer standard is a great type of action for beginning players. It helps students get used to the weight, and build finger strength. Graded hammer standard is a type of hammer action that GH, GHS, and GH3 are all types of graded hammer action that are Yamaha-specific. As you learn more about the different brands with us, youâll pick up on the different names, and learn about the subtle differences between the feel of a Yamaha with graded hammer action, versus a Roland with graded hammer action.Â
PHA, or progressive hammer action, can be separated into the following subcategories:Â
- PHA
- PHA-2
- PHA-3
- PHA-4
- PHA-50Â
Progressive hammer action is a type of hammer action. The acronym PHA stands for progressive hammer action. If you see PHA with no number next to it, then that means that the piano has the most basic type of progressive hammer action. Please note that PHA and GHs are different.Â
Many experienced players say that PHA-4 is a fair bit better than graded hammer action. There are also many sub-categories of PHA4 that you may see, depending on the company. Please note that not all are made equal. For example, PHA-4 Standard is not as good as the PHA-4 Concert in Roland series pianos. All PHA actions are not better than graded hammer actions, so, be sure to try before you buy.
PHA5 is the newest type of action out there. The company Roland has been using this action for several years now.Â
Key Textures and Materials
- Synthetic ebony
- Synthetic Ivory (Ivory Feel)
- Wood keys
- Plastic keys
- Hybrid keys
Synthetic ebony and synthetic ivory aim to replicate the feeling of vintage pianos, which were made of ivory (from the tusks of elephants), and ebony (from a dense type of wood.) While no one makes new pianos with ivory anymore (at least, legally), you can find some instruments made with real ebony keys.Â
Some digital pianos have wooden keys which have been coated in plastic. Keys can also be double layered. It is common to find both double-layer wood and plastic, as well as double-layer plastic.
The feel of the instrument is also largely dependent on the materials it is made of. In my opinion, the best piano keyboards have wood built into the keys (but keep in mind that these types of instruments are not usually very portable!). Now that weâve talked about what to look for in a piano keyboard, letâs cover a few other piano terms you should know.
Other Terms You Should Know:
- Aftertouch
- Pivot Action
- Escapement
- Mechanical Noise Reduction
- VST
Aftertouch is a highly sought-after feature in MIDI controller keyboards in particular. This is because aftertouch has to do with how MIDI information is sent, after a player presses down the keys. You can ârouteâ this to a particular effect. You will primarily find aftertouch on unweighted, or semi-weighted keyboards
Pivot action has to do with the length of the key. Many digital pianos have what they call âshort pivot lengthsâ. These instruments are going to be hard to learn on if you are accustomed to playing acoustic pianos, as the high range on pianos with short pivot lengths often feels bizarre. . The longer the pivot, the more balanced the key feels, and thus, the easier (and more natural feeling) it is to play.Â
Escapement is the function that allows the hammer (which strikes the string) to come away from the string in a traditional piano. However, escapement in digital instruments is a little bit different. Escapement in digital pianos is the simulation of the feeling of that movement of what would be the hammer coming off the string. It might sound odd that players would want to feel that tiny little âpinkâ or âclunkâ vibration, but many players find the simulation to be satisfying, especially if they have recently switched over from acoustic to digital.Â
Mechanical Noise Reduction is a feature that helps reduce the noise that keys make. If youâve ever played on a cheap keyboard, you know how irritating and distracting that clicking noise can be. Roland is really great about adding mechanical noise reduction to their pianos.
Which Keyboard Will Suit Me?Â
We have given you a lot of music terms. Now, if youâre still not sure how the above features play into all of this, let me break it down a bit more. Here is a short guide on what keyboard generally suits what type of person, so that you can pick out some of the best piano keyboards for you.Â
Portable Keyboards
While many classical pianists want a full set of keys, this feature will weigh gigging musicians down. If you know youâll be taking your music on the go, a portable keyboard is a great place to start. For these models, I most value connections, and larger soundbanks, and take into account the sturdiness of the build. More economical, 66-key unweighted portable keyboards will also suit kids. If you arenât sure if the student will follow through with learning to read music, a little portable keyboard is a good way to get someone started without breaking the bank.
Workstation Keyboards
Workstation keyboards are powerful instruments that serve producers, performers, and composers alike. These instruments are usually decked out in effects, voices, and recording space. They best serve serious hobbyists up to professional players and are great for scoring movies.Â
Hybrid Keyboards
Hybrid keyboards seek to serve musicians who are looking for the best of both worlds. When I am looking at hybrid keyboards, I ask myself: Does it sound like an acoustic? Does it have the digital features I desire? Hybrid keyboards best serve classical musicians who are seeking the acousticsâ keyfeel.
Why go digital or hybrid?
By now, youâve probably noticed that almost all of the keyboards we review are digital / non-acoustic. Youâre probably asking yourself, âWhy not just get an acoustic?!â Acoustic instruments can be expensive, and difficult to move, thus making them inaccessible to most people. Hybrid pianos ofter offer players the best of both worlds when it comes to moveability, and quality. Not to mention, conventional pianos need professionally tuned every year. Digital pianos never go out of tune! Itâs one of the many reasons why I love my own Yamaha DGX.Â
Best Keyboard Brands
Some of the best keyboard brands that you will find out there are (in no particular order):Â
- Nord
- Roland
- Yamaha
- Casio
- Korg
- Kawai
While there are other good brands out there, these household names are some of the cream of the crop. Our top-rated piano keyboards fall into most of these brands.
Brands to avoid
These brands didnât make it to our top-rated piano keyboards lists:
- Rockjam
- Williams
While Rockjam keyboards are fun and cheap and a good way to get started, this brand produces a lot of low-quality instruments that we feel wonât list. Williams pianos are the best piano keyboard either if weâre being honest. Although there is one that we do recommend to beginners in one of our reviews on this site. As a general rule, these two brands arenât our go-toâs.
A Keyboard for Every Scenario
Here at Best Piano Keyboards, we believe we can find a keyboard for everyone, at every level, and, in every price range! I am going to walk you through the following scenarios, and how to pick out the best piano keyboards for each:
- I am a parent looking for a piano for my child
- I am an adult beginner looking for a pianoÂ
- I am a beginner to intermediate looking for a piano to just mess around on
- I am an intermediate looking for a piano
- I am a student going to school for music, looking for a piano
- I am a producer looking for a MIDI keyboard or synth
- I am a professional performer looking for a synth
I am a parent looking for a piano for my child
If you are a parent looking for a piano to purchase as a gift, your first task is to figure out how serious your student is going to be. If you arenât sure, start out with a piano in our lower price tiers (either Under $150, or $150-300).Â
If you know that you are going to be signing your student up for classical lessons, you need to be sure you get a full-sized, 88-key piano with fully weighted, GHS keys.Â
I am an adult beginner looking for a piano
Are you an adult beginner, or an adult who is looking to come back to piano? Then a full-sized digital piano with some weight of touch sensitivity, and many learning tools, is probably the best type of instrument for you.Â
I am a beginner to intermediate looking for a piano to just mess around on
Do you want an instrument âjust to play around on?â Well, no judgment here! If youâre looking for a keyboard to play around with, my best guess is that you are going to want a portable instrument wit all the fun bells and whistles (including a pitch-bend knob!).
I am an intermediate looking for a piano upgrade
If you are an intermediate in the market for a piano upgrade, consider getting a full-sized instrument with PHA-4 weight, and a bit stronger speakers. If you donât have a sustain pedal, now is a good time to consider one. Youâll need less in the way of learning tools, and more in the way of high-quality sounds, action, and larger speakers.Â
I am a student going to school for music, and I need a digital piano
Are you a student going to school for music education, conducting, music performance, or contemporary music? Then youâll probably want a piano to live in your home. Upright pianos or stage pianos are an excellent option. But if youâre a freshman, you probably donât need all that. Consider something in our $300-$500 tier, that is slimline.Â
I am a composer looking for a full-featured digital piano
If you are a composer looking for a piano, then youâre going to want an instrument with a lot of storage space, and layers upon layers of tracks in the record function.Â
With this keyboard, you can score films and overdub just about anything you like. Your DAW is built inside, which will save you a lot of time. The Kawaii CA-99 is one of my favorite instruments in this category. It is one of the best piano keyboards on the market when it comes to scoring and overdubbing.
I am a producer looking for a MIDI keyboard or synth
If you have got your heart set on the production side of things, that is vastly going to change what type of keyboard you need. Unlike many of these other scenarios, you will need something with aftertouch and a MIDI out, rather than a traditional digital piano that was designed to mimic an acoustic. The best piano keyboards in this category have a lot of connections.
I am a professional performer looking for an instrument for electronic music,
Are you ready to get your EDM on? Just kidding, thereâs a lot that you can do with synths (EDM included, of course!). If youâre a pro performing looking for a synth, youâll definitely need something with aftertouch, and touch sensitivity. Connectivity is going to be your best friend. And the more high-quality sound engines, the better. The Yamaha Genos (synth) is a great option, as well as some of the Casio CT (keyboards).
Iâm going to break down this guide to finding the best piano keyboards for performance even further.Â
I am a rock keyboardist looking for a keyboard instrument
A 76-key keyboard is a good balance between having enough keys and having a light enough instruments. A keyboard that is being used for rock isnât going to need to pass my so-called Rachmaninoff test (Or rather, ROCKmaninoff test, get it?! AnywhoâŠ) because you probably wonât be using the full range of the keyboard most of the time- Youâll more than likely be hovering closer to middle C. The best piano keyboards for you are also going to have a wide variety of sounds, such as strings, organs, and maybe even drum kits!
I am a jazz keyboardist looking for a keyboard instrument to take gigging
For both rock and jazz keyboards alike, the quality of sounds in an instrument is going to be integral.Â
I would highly recommend the Nord Stage 3, specifically because of its organ sounds. It is one of the best piano keyboards for organ simulations.
GHS or PHA weight is going to be a big must-have for you as well. Expression, expression, expression in soloing!Â
I am an experimental artist in need of a keyboardÂ
If you are an experimental artist youâre going to be in need of a digital instrument with a really diverse and large soundbank. A recording function, pedals, and a pitch bend wheel are also at the top of the list.Â
As for weight and size, that is a bit more up for debate. if you are performing out a lot, youâll probably want to go with something with aftertouch or touch sensitivity, rather than a fully-weighted, full-sized keyboard.Â
The more sounds, the better. Korg PA4X has excellent eastern sounds and has over 1800 total voices, hands down it is one of the best piano keyboards for experimental artists.
I am a classical pianist looking for a digital instrumentÂ
If you are a classical pianist looking for a digital instrument, youâre probably looking for a space saver because you canât fit a full-sized instrument inside of your living space. Also, digital pianos are usually more economical, so this is a win-win!Â
I would recommend a full-sized hybrid piano with GHA or PHA-4 (or 5), wooden keys, and as many acoustic simulations as possible (escapement,key-off, etc).
Best Piano Keyboards: Our Mission
Our mission with this project is to provide you with honest, down-to-earth piano reviews. If we donât care for a piano, we arenât afraid to tell you! Our goal is to teach you as much about pianos, and buying pianos, as we possibly can. We carefully check specs and formulate reviews on keyboards. Music is personalized, and so, be it your first piano, or third piano, we think your instrument should fit you!Â
Weâre here to answer questions such as âwhat is the best piano keyboard to buy for beginners?â, What is the best keyboard to buy for my budget?Â
We canât wait to help you decide what music keyboard to buy!