BEST Digital Pianos & Keyboards for Beginners in 2024
Getting your hands on a high quality digital piano or keyboard is going to make a huge difference in the music you’re playing. Whether you’re just starting your journey learning how to play piano or you’re an experienced player; your gear is what’s going to help you create some amazing sounds. Allowing you to replicate those desirable sounds of traditional pianos while also giving you a variety of options for getting creative with your compositions.
But getting the right keyboard with the features you need and still in your budget – it’s not always an easy task. So in this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the best digital pianos money can buy to take your piano playing skills to the next level.
Korg B2
The Korg B2 is one of the most popular entry-level digital pianos on the market, and for good reason. It comes in a stylish design, great piano sounds, an affordable price, and a bunch of added features since the release of the original B1.
The B2 is a Natural Weighted Hammer Action (NH) 88-Key Digital Piano with 12 sounds. Giving you a range of grand piano sounds from all over the world as well as organs and strings if you ever want to change up your sound.
With both USB MIDI and Audio In connections, the B2 really is a versatile keyboard. Hook your B2 up to your smartphone, tablet or computer; then use your keyboard to play external sound modules, or hook it straight up to your DAW. Record music data on your smartphone whilst enjoying the sound from the speakers of your B2. Additionally, with the Audio In connection, you can even output your favourite music to the speakers of your B2, and enjoy playing along or casual listening.
If it fits your budget, you can go all out with the B2SP. A version of the B2 Digital Piano that also includes a stand and three-pedal system. There’s also the Korg B2N which provides the same functionality as the B2 but with a lighter-touch keyboard. So if you’re on a budget, the B2N is a great option if the B2 is out of your price range. You can even get the Korg B2 White version if your space is going to accommodate that a bit more.
Roland FP10
Next up, we’ve got the latest entry-level, full-size digital piano from Roland. The FP10 is a beautiful digital piano that is headlined by the class-leading PHA-4 Keyboard. Incredibly responsive and excellent value for money, you’re getting exactly the same key action found on the more expensive FP30X Piano.
What’s more, all 88-Keys on the FP10 are individually weighted, just like an acoustic piano. So you’re getting one of the most authentic piano experiences in the price bracket. You also get some great features like Split Mode; giving you a four-octave piano at each end of the keyboard which is great for teaching. It also supports MIDI via both USB and Bluetooth so you can either connect directly to your DAW or record to your favourite smartphone apps.
Again, you have a couple of options whether you want to get the FP10 Piano on its own, or, in a bundle with a matching stand. You can always upgrade and buy a stand later if you don’t want to get the whole package at once!
If you do want to go for something a little higher up the ranks, but budget is still a factor; then the FP-30X is the sweet spot of the FP-X series. Remaining affordable while still offering superior performance, the FP30X gives you an enhanced sound engine, more powerful onboard speakers, and increased polyphony.
Alesis Recital Pro
Another great option for beginners and one currently on sale for just $599 at the time of writing; the Alesis Recital Pro is a full-featured, 88-key digital piano with full-sized keys. Sporting a hammer-action keyboard with an adjustable touch response; the Recital Pro feels almost identical to an acoustic piano.
With 12 onboard voices, you can split or layer them across your keys to spice up your performance. All while sounding great through the integrated 20-watt speakers. You can also divide the keyboard into separate zones with the same pitch and voice. Making it the ideal choice for piano lessons. Not to mention the in-built metronome and record mode for recording and playing back your performance. You also get onboard effects, a sustain pedal input, as well as a headphone output for those private practice sessions!
If you want to save some money, you can opt for the semi-weighted version of the Alesis Recital. However, the value of the Recital Pro is just too hard to pass up!
Taking it a step further, the newly announced line of Alesis Prestige Pianos offer even more features and voices, but it comes at a steeper price. Definitely worth looking into if you have the cash to splash.
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Can’t Afford a Digital Piano Just Yet?
There you have it, three great options if you’re looking for a digital piano to enhance your skills as a pianist. But what if you’ve never touched a piano in your life, and you’re not even sure if it’s the right instrument for you? Maybe you’re not ready to drop upwards of $500 on a new instrument? That’s where digital keyboards come into play. Granted, with the most affordable versions, you’re likely not going to get those authentic grand piano sounds, or even the hammer-action and individually weighted keys.
But, you are going to get quite a lot at a much lower price point. In particular, the MAX Electronic Keyboards offer great value for money and allow you to get your hands on a slightly smaller keyboard at prices starting at just $100.00.
For the purpose of this article, let’s take a look at the MAX KB4SET and see just what you can get without having to spend an arm and a leg.
MAX KB4SET $149
At just $149, the MAX KB4 features 61 full-sized piano keys with training functions to suit anyone looking to play the keyboard. Offering 5 full octaves, the KB4 is bigger than many of the smaller options on the market so you’re getting ample room to quickly grow your skills.
What’s more, with the KB4SET you’re also getting a keyboard stand, seat, and pair of headphones. As well as keynote stickers you can place on your keys to help you learn. So it really is a fantastic value for money option if you’re thinking of stepping up to the keys for the first time.
Alternatively, if you want to stick to a cheaper keyboard, but looking for some keys that are a bit higher class; then the Alesis Harmony 61 MK2 is going to be your next best bet!
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