JPF Home Page Forums Musician Gear and Techniques Keyboard and Piano Forum Keyboard for Beginner

I want to get a keyboard or keyboard synthesizer to add to my audio. I played piano from about the age of 10 to 15 and have not played since, so obviously for me it's almost like I never played. I have a budget of about $400.00 bucks. I would like something that sounds good, maybe has a few effects, but would easy for a beginner. Any thoughts on this? Also, any recommendations for a good "how to" or "for dummies" book to work with would be appreciated as well.

Thanks!

Yamaha have several models that fit the bill. Try to get one with midi in and out then it can be hooked directly into a PC to record and edit midi using something like Reaper or Cubase etc. There are many books to choose from but Yams have tutorials and specific software to accompany their products THAT ARE VERY USER FRIENDLY. They are also a very good stand alone piano synth with accompaniments and drums etc. Roland and Korg are also great but perhaps outside your budget.

I own a Yamaha PSR 3000 cost new about $1500..its has everything you could want on a board..midi in/out..16 track sequencer for multi track recording and literally hundreds of voices and rhythms you can play with your left hand as simple 2 or 3 note chords or regular 5 finger chords. There are used Yamahas around even though this one is out of your budget.
Go to http.//www.psrtutorial.com its a website devoted to Yamaha keyboard owners , players, fanatics like me. Some times you'll see some boards for sale there and you know you'll be getting a quality product that will last a while

if you want to turn to piano later you could use a cheap keyboard with already weighted keys like the ones from m-audio that are inexpensive, around that price you say. Or any midi controller (from 100 dollars up) connected to your computer.I recommend to avoid the models with light keys, opt at least for a semi-weighted key model, and with octaves enough not to break your head if you want to flow freely on the keys. then the basics to start to play are easily found in youtube (I recommend Lypur's channel, a guy that instructs free piano lessons), the good thing about piano and keyboards is that the key is tuned and there are no frets or anything so give a try to your ear first, you might be surprised

Hi Wendy!

There are so many keyboards today. I'd recommend going to the nearest music store and try out a few.

Also, if you're thinking piano, 88 keys are very important (with weighted or semi-weighted keys). If you can't afford the "88", don't settle for any less than 78.

A controller keyboard is really the way to go. There are a lot of “sample” packages that aren’t expensive, but sound great.

Good luck, John

Yamaha MO8 seems like the best deal under 1000.

I am like you - not really a keyboard player but needed sounds for recordings. I bought a Yamaha PSRe213 for under $100 from Guitar Center (on sale). It meets your requirements and has MIDI in and out.

A real keyboard player would probably laugh at it but it works for me.

Demo

My keyboard player just bought a Roland G8 Workstation. Fantastic piece of kit.

http://www.bonnersmusic.co.uk/buy/Roland/Fantom_G8?gclid=COmsnIC375sCFUQA4wod7Arw-A

This is the Rolls Royce of keyboards.