Anyone here who play Keyboard?

[steve_gates]

My sister wants to learn piano and the music lesson people say that she must use a keyboard for the first 2 years and then move on to a real piano.

So I was wondering whats a good keyboard for ~200 dollars? Also, I think 88 key would be the best since pianos have 88 keys, right?
Thanks

Also, do you guys think she will need one that does not need to be plugged in a computer?

[steve_gates]

ah ffs, posted in wrong board. can some mod move it?

[moneyp]

Yes, getting a keyboard before getting a piano is a wise decision, and it should definitely be 88 keys. Most keyboards now, even the high-end ones, have computer connectivity. It's a good idea to get one that can interface with a computer as there are some great programs out there that can help you learn how to play.

What brand to get depends on how much you want to invest in it.

[steve_gates]

http://www.guitarcenter.com/M-Audio-Keystation-88es-USB-MIDI-Keyboard-Controller-102931664-i1154547.gc
thinking about getting that one

Does that need to be plugged in a computer to hear sound?

[steve_gates]

no one plays keyboard here :o ?

[AnarchyintheUK]

I play keyboard/piano and I never started on a keyboard. I started jesus oh about 6 or 7 years ago on a real grand piano at my teachers house and we have an electric piano here at my house, then about 2 years ago when started playing in bands at school I got a keyboard.

I don't know why they say you need to start on a keyboard, but whatever.

[jtrousd]

no one plays keyboard here :o ?

Afraid I don't, but I've always wanted to learn. I'll reply with this un-helpful statement just for the sake of a little bump. Maybe someone will see it.

[donkeyfly]

I play a bit.

If you just want to mess about and learn then get a keyboard. Piano's will cost more obviously so until your sure that it's something that your sister will keep doing then avoid getting one. I don't see how you need to start on a keyboard though. She should try saying to Bach or Chopin - Metaphorically of course is that statement.

Weighted Keys are best but cost more.

[Swivle]

I have been play piano for, I don't know, six years now? But I have always played on an actual piano. I couldn't give you any advice on what kind or for how much to buy (don't know much about it, I'm only 14). But I can tell you some of the differences she may want to consider.

On a keyboard (or at least on mine) it is not 'velocity sensitive', so she will not be able to learn the dynamics (forte, piano, accents, etc.) that she would with a piano. Also, there is no pedal (again, don't know if it's just my keyboard or not), and the keys are a bit easier to hit on a keyboard.
So, depending how old she is, it may be better to start her on a keyboard to get the basics, but there may be a bit of a learning curve for the transition to a piano.

[afterstasis]

i've been playing for a pretty long time. i've never been a "gear-head", but i'll try my best to help.

the link you posted earlier was to a midi controller. it makes no sound on it's own, i'm afraid. if you are fine with using your computer as a sound-source then it's a very good buy...
however, if you don't want to be tied to your pc or laptop, then you'll need to find a beginner's keyboard.

i would personally suggest the midi controller (and the one you posted is pretty good for the price). you can get a free program like reaper to use as a host and kvr-audio.com has an awesome search engine for finding free virtual instruments to use in the program with your new controller. you'll eventually want to upgrade to more professional sounds most likely, but that's probably pretty far down the road...
you can also start recording/songwriting very easily and inexpensively with a midi-controller and you'll have a wealth of resources available in the nearly endless supply of software that's out there.

if you need any more help, just let me know.

[steve_gates]

Don't think we can always tie it in with a computer.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Yamaha-PSR-E313-Portable-Keyboard-104388392-i1177633.gc
How about that portable one, though its only 61 key,

[Permanent Octavarium]

I've been playing for 16 years. She should really start off with a real piano, not a keyboard. Why?, because when she decides to play a real piano after 2years of playing keyboards, she's going to have trouble because the feel of a piano is totally different. She should start with a real piano for 2 years first and then get a keyboard.

[moneyp]

Don't think we can always tie it in with a computer.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Yamaha-PSR-E313-Portable-Keyboard-104388392-i1177633.gc
How about that portable one, though its only 61 key,

No, you'll want 88 keys. Within those first two years your sister will be reading sheet music and that's written for 88 keys, not 61.

[moneyp]

If you (or your parents) are serious about your sister learning the piano, a friend recommends a digital piano as opposed to a keyboard. First, it's 88 keys, so you'll get the full octave range of a regular piano, and the keys are weighted, so it will make the transition to a real piano easier (many people have trouble transitioning from electronic keyboards due to the heavier keys). Third, it has dampen pedals, which she'll need to learn how to use.

He recommends the Yamaha P85 or P85s (retails for roughly $600 plus stand and pedals):

http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/ContentDetail/ModelSeriesDetail/0,,CNTID%25253D565658%252526CTID%25253D205900,00.h tml

Tons of voices/accompaniment settings, PC interface, bells and whistles, etc. I have an earlier model, the Yamaha PF1000, and I think it's terrific.