Beginner musical keyboard

I would consider touch senstive keys, which starts to put your price up.

Yamaha PSR-E343 which is about 160
 
Last edited:
I would need a keyboard as I have limited space and just starting out.
Looking to achieve just being able to play at home nothing other then that.

I was looking at the Yamaha PSR-E343 but not sure if it was worth it for a Beginner.

Thanks.
 
What sort of stuff do you want to play? As above, touch sensitive keys are a must because your ears will bleed without any dynamics.

If you want to play pop music with accompaniment for example, then fine, but if you're looking to play more classical stuff then you're wasting your time with a keyboard. :)
 
You could look at a Yamaha NP-11 if you don't want to stretch budget but it's quite small and basic.

If you really want a mix with accompaniments and touch sensitive keys then you're looking at a fair bit of wedge for a keyboard. Something like a Yamaha NP-V80 may suit but the keys aren't weighted. You may as well get something with a sustain pedal. :)

How much do you want to spend? :p
 
Both are crap to be honest, as a learner you want something at least semi weighed and sensitive to touch.

I picked up a midi keyboard, an M-audio one for about £100 a few months back, it'd fit the bill for you perfectly if you combined it with a decent bit of software and some speakers. I use Cubase but there's likely lots of free software out there which would be compatible to allow you to make some noise.

http://www.gear4music.com/Keyboards...h__&gclid=CKyqlveRncECFVGWtAod9G0AFw#full-des

Something like that plugged into your pc.

That's assuming you don't have room for a piano - even an electric one. I've had electric pianos before and they are very good, not as good as a proper piano but they're bloody good a lot of them.

On the subject though - I would suggest ravenspiral's music theory guide to anyone wanting to pick up an instrument.
 
The M-audio Keystation looks good but I would like to spend bit extra thanks though.

Narj my original budget was around £100 but if I can get something a lot better for little bit more then I would up it.

I don't want to go super high as it's something new and I am complete newbie.

The main reason I was looking at the Yamaha YPT-230 & PSR-E243 is the training software built into the keyboard, but I don't know how good that is.

If I went higher I would be looking at the PSR-E343 or Yamaha NP-11 I think.

@pitchfork I have 165cm pc desk so anything that can fit on that is good really.
 
Last edited:
How serious are you about it and getting into it? Because if the answer is anything other than "extremely casual" then you'll definitely want to get one with weighted keys. It may cost you more up front but a lot of playing the piano / keyboard is about the weight with which you hit the keys and the volume that corresponds to.
 
I would really like to get good I know that can take many years so better to start now then later.

Just looking a good starter one just so many options.

Yamaha PSRE343
Has touch response but not weighted.

M-Audio Keystation.
Semi-Weighted but does not have touch response.

Yamaha NP-11.
From what I can tell it does not have Weighted or touch response keys.
 
What one did you get Vonhelmet?

Also if anyone could tell me if the Yamaha PSRE343 built in training software is any good or should just buy a dvd/book to help me learn?

The Yamaha NP-11 does have touch response keys so back on the short list lol.

Thanks.


(update)

I like the look of this one it's the updated version to the one pitchfork linked.
http://www.gear4music.com/Keyboards-and-Pianos/M-Audio-Keystation-88-USB-Controller/ZNM

It has touch response & semi weighted keys for £139.
 
Last edited:
pitchfork said:
Both are crap to be honest, as a learner you want something at least semi weighed and sensitive to touch.

I picked up a midi keyboard, an M-audio one for about £100 a few months back, it'd fit the bill for you perfectly if you combined it with a decent bit of software and some speakers. I use Cubase but there's likely lots of free software out there which would be compatible to allow you to make some noise.

.
Click to expand...

Not the M-audio Keystation 32 Mini was it? Got mine for forty five quid from Clas Ohlson and it's compatible with Magix Music Maker 2013
 
I was also thinking the 32 key if I wanted to test the waters before spending £100+ but I don't if that a good or bad idea lol.

But if I did spend £100+ I am looking at the M-audio Keystation 88 mk2 a bit more.

Seems to tick all the boxes and only negative is it needs to be connected to a pc/speakers.
 
Last edited:
GothicGhost said:
What one did you get Vonhelmet?

Also if anyone could tell me if the Yamaha PSRE343 built in training software is any good or should just buy a dvd/book to help me learn?

The Yamaha NP-11 does have touch response keys so back on the short list lol.

Thanks.


(update)

I like the look of this one it's the updated version to the one pitchfork linked.
http://www.gear4music.com/Keyboards-and-Pianos/M-Audio-Keystation-88-USB-Controller/ZNM

It has touch response & semi weighted keys for £139.
Click to expand...

I got something called an mp8800, not sure who it's made by! I got it for £130 in an auction on eBay but the seller said he usually gets closer to £300 for them so he was a bit peeved at how cheap it went :D
 
Nice looks like you got a good deal.

I have been looking but not second hand as I am not sure on the prices and what is worth it yet.

I will take another look tonight see what is on there.
Thanks.
 
GothicGhost said:
I was also thinking the 32 key if I wanted to test the waters before spending £100+ but I don't if that a good or bad idea lol.

But if I did spend £100+ I am looking at the M-audio Keystation 88 mk2 a bit more.

Seems to tick all the boxes and only negative is it needs to be connected to a pc/speakers.
Click to expand...

It also fits into a laptop bag but if you want software to use it with I strongly recommend Magix Musiic Maker 2013 and it's good for somebody at my level and doesn't weigh much either.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom