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Explore our full range of Pianos and Keyboards. Browse iconic names including Yamaha, Casio and Roland, as well as our exceptional value Gear4music keyboards.
Explore our full range of Pianos and Keyboards. Browse iconic names including Yamaha, Casio and Roland, as well as our exceptional value Gear4music keyboards.
We stock hundreds of upright pianos, stage pianos, keyboards, and grand pianos along with children's pianos and packages. With a massive selection of accessories and equipment, there’s everything you could want!Every instrument can be difficult in the beginning, and due to all the different types of keyboard there is no clear cut answer. A keyboard can refer to multiple different items - if you want to play a digital piano, it would take the same amount of time and care as with an acoustic. If you are looking to use a MIDI controller to produce music, this can take less time and be easier dependent on how skilled you want to be. There are also other options. As with any musical instrument, it takes practise!
The difference between keyboards and pianos can change depending on the use of the words. Historically a keyboard was any instrument operated by pressing keys. This includes clavichords, harpsichords and pianos. In current usage, however, it is applied to electronic keyboards.
For us the difference between a digital piano and an electronic keyboard is the purpose of the instrument. A digital piano is intended to sound and feel as similar to an acoustic piano as possible, whereas a keyboard can be used for a variety of purposes. A higher spec keyboard can sometimes mimic and build on the attributes of an acoustic piano, but others can be used as an arranger, a MIDI controller or a workstation. The possibilities are endless!
Beginners wanting to learn the piano should purchase a digital piano. While some models of keyboard may have more voices or different features, they often do not replicate the sound or feel of a traditional acoustic which is needed for lessons. Children's keyboards are great for developing interest but are not a suitable alternative for long term use. As any skills progress, you would need to purchase a piano with the necessary features to continue improving and pass music exams.
It should also be noted that the different keyboards' functions may be unsuitable for a beginner. A MIDI keyboard is used alongside software on a computer, and models often do not have speakers. A portable keyboard can be a fun introduction to music, but beginners wanting to learn should look into digital pianos.