Discussion Beginners Music Keyboard.

whm1974

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Jul 24, 2016
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I've been considering getting a Music Keyboard for learning to play music, even if it is only the basic stuff. However I'm not sure how much I'll get into that. I'm thinking that I want something that can be use at the intermediate level so it will last me awhile until or even if I reach advanced level. I also would want MIDI capability so I can hook it my computer.

Maybe I'll that is low cost but I could at least learn the basics, and just in case I bored with it. That if I do then I wouldn't have wasted a lot of money on one. I would like to learn both modern music and classical piano music, although for the last I will prefer the kind that doesn't require a full set of 88 keys.

I am looking at what Amazon has available.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=beginner...=c&hvqmt=e&tag=mh0b-20&ref=pd_sl_1prevk5ieu_e

I also read this.
https://musiccritic.com/equipment/keyboards/best-beginner-keyboard/

Maybe get something around ~$100?
 

whm1974

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Full size, weighted keys are optimal but maybe that's out of reach for what you what right now.
Thanks. I'm thinking 61 keys is what I'm looking for? From what I'm reading that should last me awhile and they are portable.
 

whm1974

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Wow, there really is a lot out there.

Look at this thing, includes everything you need:

https://www.amazon.com/Alesis-Melod...usic+keyboard&qid=1554014424&s=gateway&sr=8-2

I'm sure many different models would fit your needs if you're not specifically looking for a piano feel.
Again thanks. That seems to be what I'm looking for, and the price looks reasonable for what is included.

I'm also looking at this.
https://www.casio-music.com/euro/keyboards/standard/ctk-3500/
 

whm1974

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I have heard for years that Yamaha is one of the best if not the best keyboards to get for advance and professional level. Is this true?
 

dasherHampton

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Yamaha is top shelf.

What was so cool about the one I posted is that it had an included "drum machine".

If you look at the top of the keyboard you can see symbols over the keys. Those are basically percussion sounds. I would use them to emulate a drum set for demos and they worked surprisingly well.
 
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whm1974

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Yamaha is top shelf.

What was so cool about the one I posted is that it had an included "drum machine".

If you look at the top of the keyboard you can see symbols under the keys. Those are basically percussion sounds. I would use them to emulate a drum set for demos and they worked surprisingly well.
That is really nice. I wouldn't mind having that feature at all as I did somewhat wanted to learn drums.
 

dasherHampton

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My current axe is a chickering baby grand.

Beautiful soft feel. I love just sitting down and letting the music flow.
 
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dasherHampton

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So get yourself a keyboard, sit down, and play.

Nothing bad will happen, only good. Just hit keys and make beautiful sounds.

Start with triads. Left hand: Put down a finger, skip a key, put down another finger, skip another key, and put down one more.

Start on C - you've got a major chord.

Start on A - you've got a minor chord.

Just keep playing the chord until it sinks in. Hit whatever notes you feel like with your right hand. You'll find your voice soon enough.
 

whm1974

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So get yourself a keyboard, sit down, and play.

Nothing bad will happen, only good. Just hit keys and make beautiful sounds.

Start with triads. Left hand: Put down a finger, skip a key, put down another finger, skip another key, and put down one more.

Start on C - you've got a major chord.

Start on A - you've got a minor chord.

Just keep playing the chord until it sinks in. Hit whatever notes you feel like with your right hand. You'll find your voice soon enough.
Oh thank you very much and how long did it take you learn how to play a electronic music keyboard?
 

whm1974

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For now I'm thinking of getting the Casio CTK-3500 with the bundled package. About $180 on Amazon. And I'm of using Soundgarden for software since it available for Linux. Is that the application I need?
https://www.rosegardenmusic.com/
 

brianmanahan

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Sep 2, 2006
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For now I'm thinking of getting the Casio CTK-3500 with the bundled package. About $180 on Amazon. And I'm of using Soundgarden for software since it available for Linux. Is that the application I need?
https://www.rosegardenmusic.com/

are you going to be using the software to write sheet music or read it?

as far as the keyboard goes - 61 key is OK, especially if you are just playing around middle C. but once you start playing both hands further apart, 76 keys would be ideal. i know a guy who started to learn piano last year and a 61 unweighted key keyboard wasn't giving him all the keys he needed anymore. but it was a cheap way to see if he was interested in learning, and he recently upgraded to an 88 key weighted.

for learning, i've heard there are a number of good instructional channels on youtube.