The ONE Keyboard 61 Key Piano Review

What kind of piano can you get for $280 on Amazon? As it turns out, it is one (get it, one?!) that can integrate quite well with your devices! The ONE is a light 61-key instrument/ smart piano that gets the job done. 

The only reason why we ended up giving it a C+ really is for the way it is advertised. If it had been advertised as a children’s keyboard we might have given it an 8, but there is no way a pro would get by with this. So, the fact that the listing says this instrument is for beginners/ professionals doesn’t quite jive right with us. Other than that, we think The ONE is a fun place to get you started with music- as long as you aren’t planning on playing Carnegie Hall anytime soon. 

The ONE Keyboard Piano: Overview

This the “ONE” keyboard piano is a small and light 61-key digital smart piano. The instrument has device compatibility, LED lights, touch-sensitive keys, and a USB to MIDI output- all for under $300. So what’s the catch? 

Keep reading to find out if this little keyboard is worth it. 

A Note About the Company

According to the makers’ Linkedin, the ONE Music Group is an “Innovative company in music instrument & music education” and are based in Beijing, China, and San Francisco, USA. They have been active since 2013. I think the company does a great job at making economical/ accessible instruments for folks who might not be able to afford them otherwise. However, I do have some beef with some of the groups’ advertising methods.  For example, they state that this 61-key instrument we’re reviewing today “Comes very close to an acoustic piano but at a low cost, making it ideal for beginners, students, and practice”. As a former public music teacher, I wish companies were at least transparent about the level of players their instruments can accommodate. 

Features

The one piano keyboard has more features than you might anticipate- including a microphone input. Let’s dive in to see what this little-known brand can offer us. 

61-Keys with Touch Response

While this instrument is clearly more for children and absolute beginners, I have to appreciate the fact that they added touch sensitivity and some weight. However, the fact that the maker also calls this feature “force-sensitive keys” is raising a bit of a red flag. 

The One App Integration

With the makers’ app, you can gain access to over 4,000 (free) pieces of sheet music, along with 100 instructional videos and educational music games. From what I can tell, the app is very easy to use, and your ipad or other tablet can act as a LCD screen, basically. 

4 Built-In Speakers

Surprisingly, this model has both tweeters and subwoofers. While they are quite small (With the tweeters measuring 1.5 inches and the subwoofers being 5 inches) it’s better than what many other beginner keyboards offer. I won’t say “The ONE” isn’t at all toyish- but I will tell you that it’s not as bad as others out there. 

Loads of Tones

Variety is the spice of life, and boy does this little instrument have tones. The ONE keyboard piano includes 417 different voices to play with. 

Extras

The ONE includes a sustain pedal and music rest. 

Specifications

• Weight: 11 pounds
• Dimensions: ‎36 x 13 x 4 inches
• Effects: None (at least that I could find)

Who is it suitable for?

The ONE keyboard piano is best suited for children and complete newbies– I think this maker creates engaging features that would be helpful to elementary school teachers. Plus, for the price, it would be easy to get more than one. 

The model isn’t suitable for teens or serious instrumentalists, though it might prove fun for them as well. 

In Action

Check out this video by Ross Ishima to see how the piano unpacks, plays and so on! 

Pros and Cons

Pros

• The most basic piano tone sounds good, no… great for the price!
• The keys are sensitive
• There are enough keys to play some actual rep (unlike smaller toy pianos)
• The price is right

Cons

• The speakers aren’t very big
• It simply won’t suit pros!

Comparable Instruments

Other instruments you may want to consider include the Yamaha DGX650 (though keep in mind it is 2x the price), or something along the lines of the Casio Casiotone.

Quick View 

Specs sourced from the manufacturer’s site.

The ONE 61 Key: Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are a parent looking for a smart piano to test the musical waters with your child, I think the ONE 61-key keyboard makes for a great contender. Music educators who are teaching littles will also likely find some great uses for these little instruments. But if you’re anything close to intermediate, stick to a bigger household name!

Music quote of the week: “ I don’t make music for eyes. I make music for ears. My life is full of drama, and I don’t have time to worry about something as petty as what I look like. I don’t write songs about a specific, elusive thing.” -Adele

7.5Expert Score

What kind of piano can you get for $280 on Amazon? As it turns out, it is one (get it, one?!) that can integrate quite well with your devices! The ONE is a light 61-key instrument/ smart piano that gets the job done. The only reason why we ended up giving it a C+ really is for the way it is advertised. If it had been advertised as a children's keyboard we might have given it an 8, but there is no way a pro would get by with this. So, the fact that the listing says this instrument is for beginners/ professionals doesn’t quite jive right with us. Other than that, we think The ONE is a fun place to get you started with music- as long as you aren’t planning on playing Carnegie Hall anytime soon.

PROS

• The most basic piano tone sounds good, no… great for the price!
• The keys are sensitive
• There are enough keys to play some actual rep (unlike smaller toy pianos)
• The price is right

CONS

• The speakers aren’t very big
• It simply won’t suit pros!