It’s safe to say that everyone knows what a Piano/Keyboard is. But when it comes to distinguishing between a keyboard, a piano, and a synthesizer, not many are aware of the features. However, in reality, it’s quite easy.
This blog will help you discover all the different types of piano/ keyboard.
What is a musical keyboard?
A musical keyboard consists of a set of adjoining depressible layers on a musical instrument where the keyboards typically contain keys for playing the twelve notes of the Western music scale. The instrument comprises a combination of larger, smaller, and longer keys that repeats at the interval of an octave.
However, the digital piano comes in various sizes and it could get quite confusing for beginners to pick up the perfect model. They are usually presented with a wide array of choices and this is one of the many reasons, why professional artists are seen with several keyboards when performing on the stage.
Knowing which type to buy is crucial. For a professional musician, having more information comes as an added advantage as they can easily explore all the options before buying. But for beginners, it is difficult. Aside from all these, there are two main reasons why people tend to use an electronic or digital keyboard over a traditional acoustic piano. The reasons are:
- Cost
- Convenience
The versatility of an electronic keyboard is much more than a traditional one that certainly adds to its popularity in the market. Having access to hundreds and thousands of sounds is certainly beneficial, particularly for those who want to write and compose music. It is easy to carry because of the lightweight and cost-wise is much affordable.
So, before you splurge on one, it’s important to have a detailed understanding of the various types of piano/ keyboards for you to choose the best one! Even though most digital keyboards appear more or less similar, but some strict features differentiate them.
Types of Digital Keyboards are:
- DIGITAL PIANO
A proper digital piano is much close to an upright acoustic piano and comes in three variations, namely upright, portable, and grand. However, the most popular one is the portable digital piano. This model offers something to everyone. Be it a beginner, intermediate, or professional pianist, the portable piano can be easily put on a table or any other surface. The retractable metal stand makes it convenient to set it up.
On the other hand, the digital and acoustic versions of the upright piano and the grand piano have similar lacquered finish and silhouettes. They are lighter in weight, easier to carry. Depending on the brand of the digital piano, the features vary. Some come equipped with 128 voice polyphony, midi recorder, demo songs, lesson function, and various other connectivity features.
- STAGE PIANO
The stage piano is a more portable version of the digital keyboard that is being used mainly by professional musicians. While this model shares the same portability feature as the digital home piano, the main difference lies in the quality of the materials that are being to make them. The sturdy nature of the stage piano makes it perfect for live stage performances. They are designed to withstand the rigors of regular professional usage.
Depending on the brand of the stage piano, the features differ. However, it has lesser functions as compared to an arranger keyboard.
- ORGAN DIGITAL KEYBOARD
The original organ digital piano uses pipes to create a distinctive sound. Also, most of the old churches use this one-of-a-kind majestic instrument for their special rites. Users can still produce vintage organ music from a compact and smaller version of the electronic organ. There is no need for thousands of pipes to emit the grand sound as some of the modern organs can easily produce a massive-sized sound.
- ARRANGER KEYBOARDS
The arranger keyboard is the most popular one amongst them all and is most widely used by professional musicians who often called it a one-man band. It is mostly used by solo artists who like to perform on stage with various types of instruments at hand. Instead of having a whole band surrounding him, the solo artists can themselves press a few buttons and do the magic. All the sounds are easily available on the arranger keyboard and the model comes equipped with a built-in auto-accompaniment.
The arranger keyboard has a drum, bass, and other additional features that make it perfect for solo performances and especially for those artists who want to compose music/ songs anytime. The recording capability of this instrument with the help of USB makes it more attractive to professional songwriters.
- WORKSTATIONS
The digital workstation is typically an upgrade to the arranger keyboard. The model looks more like a computer with a keyboard. It comprises all the necessary components that a music producer might need to manipulate every element of a song. Be it sampling, sequencing, adding layers of effects, filtering, editing, or recording, the workstation allows it all. You just have to name and the digital workstation is ready to help you with everything!
Additionally, some models come with built-in synthesizers which makes it a total package that every songwriter, record producer, and musical arranger must own!
- SYNTHESIZERS
Are you working on a collection of new sounds and intend to create unique music, or maybe just want to add some more layers of effects to the music? Then the synthesizer keyboard is what you need right away. The model comes with a library of filters, effects, and tones that a user can easily manipulate. Also, manipulating the waveforms comes with many presets that allow the mixing of various sounds much easier.
Depending on the brand you choose to buy, the features and the function of the synthesizer vary. The synthesizer keyboards are useful for creating special effects, beats, and sound which remain inaccessible on the standard keyboards.