GINA GRANIER

ELECTRIC KEYBOARD (DIGITAL PIANO) INFO:

 

A quality keyboard will be quite heavy, but not too heavy for one adult to move and load in a car. My weighted keyboard easily slides into the backseat of my sedan, so getting it home (or to and from gigs!) shouldn't be a problem. 

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ESSENTIAL FEATURES FOR A KEYBOARD:

 

1. Full-size keys.  The keyboard or piano does not need to have the entire 88 keys if size is a consideration, but the keys it does have need to be full-size (like those of an acoustic piano). Ask for or look for the words 'full-sized keys' on the list of features.

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2. Weighted keys.  This is the most important feature because motor memory plays such an important role in learning piano. Weighted keys mean that the keys will be touch-sensitive like a real piano, an important consideration when switching back and forth from keyboard to piano, and when learning to play without looking at your hands. This also means that the volume will increase the harder you hit each key, allowing for dynamics in the music. This enables the keyboard to be played as it was intended, as a percussion instrument. Ask or look for the words 'weighted keys'. Some keyboards have touch-sensitive keys that are NOT weighted. I do not recommend these, but we can make it work.

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3. Accessories.  You absolutely must have a stand for the keyboard and a bench. The very best option is a keyboard with a built-in "cabinet"-style stand. Sometimes you put these together yourself, but it is SO WORTH IT. This makes one of the biggest differences in the feel of the keyboard. (There are some companies now that will build custom stands for your existing keyboard. I haven't tried these myself, but a quick web search can tell you more.) The bench can be adjustable, or we can use a footstool to help the feet reach the floor (to maintain posture).  Eventually we will also need a pedal, but the imperatives are the keyboard, stand, and bench. If buying a keyboard, you may also want to consider headphones so that you will have more flexibility about when/where you can practice. 

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WHERE TO SHOP

 

Always look online, even on Craigslist, ebay, etc. Sometimes you can find someone giving their piano away "to a good home" when they don't have space for it any more, or selling their used keyboard when their little one decided to try electric guitar instead. I scan these sites from time to time and can notify you if I see something good (just tell me what you're looking for.) If you buy a used piano, you need to have a tuner check it out; some pianos are damaged beyond reasonable repair. But seriously, let me help you search. Shoot me an e-mail with your budget, and I will send you some good deals I find scouring these sites.

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I have heard that Costco has nice weighted keyboards at a good price. Guitar Center or any music store will have a good selection of quality keyboards, and usually a knowledgeable staff. Wait for sales at these shops, and you can get great deals. Piano stores will have nice brand-new and used instruments, and will likely have partnerships with movers and tuners so everything can be taken care of in one place. Feel free to try out the instruments in the store, and ask a lot of questions. I've gotten great deals on keyboards during sales at these brick-and-mortar stores, and it was fun playing all the keyboards.

 

Also, you can rent a piano for a very reasonable price, and delivery and tuning are usually included in the rental fee. I have not tried this myself in San Diego, but know there are many options out there (just search for piano rentals in San Diego). This option has been recommended to me, and I trust that it is a good route if you're looking for an actual piano with little commitment.

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MORE SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS (WHAT I LIKE):

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A great starter keyboard with all the features is Casio CDP-130. This is a bare-bones model, but it feels just like a real piano. I have two in my studio and one at home. (I found it on sale for $299 plus another $100 for the stand.) I use it for gigs because it's so much easier to lug around than my highly-recommended Casio Privia (which admittedly has a much richer sound, and is more than 3x the price). The less expensive keyboards will have lower sound quality, but that can easily be remedied by using headphones or even an amp. It is perfect for a starter piano, and very easy to sell if you decide to trade up. Contact me for help if you need it; I sometimes buy these or can connect you with someone who is searching. : ) You likely will NOT find a brand-new keyboard with all of the necessary features (weighted keys, etc.) for less than about $400, so if you need to spend less, look for a used instrument. For a nice keyboard with decent sound quality and volume (without needing an amp), expect to spend $500- $1000.

 

Whatever you buy, make sure to get the stand with it so it holds steady. You will also want the pedal with it eventually, but don't worry about that right away. The Casio CDP and Casio Privia both come with a built-in stand as an option, so definitely order that--it makes all the difference. I love the feel of the low, mid and high-range Casios, specifically the weighted, hammer-action keys like that of a real piano. In my opinion Casio feels most real. The Yamahas I've tried don't have the same real feel, but they do have a nicer sound. Rolands tend to be feature-rich and great for music production and recording, but those features can feel overwhelming for a first keyboard. These generalizations are not across the board, just what I've noticed in my own career. Most people will probably not notice a difference, so don't fret about the details too much. I can give you a more specific recommendation if you get in touch and let me know what you're looking for. There isn't really a keyboard that I would say "Don't buy that; it's awful!" except one with "toy" (non-weighted) keys. Those are awful. And you will have a hard time re-selling.

 

I hope this helps!