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February 15, 2024
Beginner's Gear Guide: Keyboards

Beginner's Gear Guides: Keyboards

With so many instruments to choose from, picking your first keyboard can seem complicated. Some beginner keyboardists want the closest thing to practicing on a real acoustic grand piano: an authentic-feeling digital piano. Others may get inspired by jamming along with built-in songs and rhythm patterns on an affordable personal keyboard.

Those more interested in making new sounds might enjoy a synthesizer with tons of tweakable tones and effects. For budding composers, workstation keyboards have tools for layering tracks and creating whole arrangements right within the keyboard, and arranger keyboards offer versatility for playing live, with vast sound libraries and sophisticated backing accompaniment.

Once you've chosen the perfect keyboard, you'll need a few extras: damper pedals, keyboard stands, cases and more. Need help finding the perfect keyboard or accessories? Just call 1-800-ZZOUNDS for expert gear advice and recommendations from musicians just like you.

See more Beginner Gear Guides »

Newbie Personal Keyboards
Personal keyboards offer lightweight portability at a price that's practical for those just dipping their toes in music. Many models can even run on batteries, with an optional AC adapter power cord. These affordable keyboards have built-in speakers, and they come loaded with a plethora of sounds, musical "styles", rhythmic patterns, and built-in songs to get your fingers moving.

Alesis Harmony 61 Pro Portable Keyboard

$259.00

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    6 x  
    $43.17
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    4 x  
    $64.75

Casio LK-S250 Casiotone Portable Electronic Keyboard with Lighted Keys

$179.00

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    6 x  
    $29.83
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    4 x  
    $44.75

Yamaha PSR-E373 Portable Keyboard

$179.99

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    6 x  
    $30.00
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    4 x  
    $45.00
ONLY 2 LEFT

Korg EK-50 Entertainer Keyboard

$499.99

  • 8 x  
    $62.50
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    6 x  
    $83.33
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    4 x  
    $125.00
Beginner Digital Pianos
Digital pianos offer realistic acoustic-piano sound in a sleek package, and higher-end models have fully weighted hammer-action keys that feel like the real deal. When portability is key, smaller "stage pianos" are the more practical choice. Larger "home" digital pianos deliver the look of a spinet piano without the cost and space requirement -- ideal for churches, performance spaces, or your living room.
PRICE DROP

Yamaha NP-32 Piaggero Portable Digital Piano, 76-Key

$249.99

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    6 x  
    $41.66
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    4 x  
    $62.50
ONLY 2 LEFT

Kurzweil SP1 Stage Piano, 88-Key

$899.00

  • 12 x  
    $74.92
  • 8 x  
    $112.38
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    6 x  
    $149.83
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    4 x  
    $224.75
ONLY 2 LEFT

Studiologic Numa Compact 2 Stage Piano, 88-Key

$499.95

  • 8 x  
    $62.49
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    6 x  
    $83.32
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    4 x  
    $124.99
BACK IN STOCK

Korg Liano Digital Piano, 88-Key

$349.99

  • 8 x  
    $43.75
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    6 x  
    $58.33
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    4 x  
    $87.50
Workstations and Arranger Keyboards
Workstations and arrangers are at the top of the keyboard food chain, with tons of sounds and effects, plus built-in sequencers or audio recorders that let you compose and produce music right on the instrument. While most workstations or arranger synths are often beyond a beginner's budget, these entry-level picks are a great place to start exploring the category.

Akai MPC Key 61 Music Production Keyboard

$1,499.00

  • 18 x  
  • 12 x  
    $124.92
  • 8 x  
    $187.38

Medeli AKX10 Arranger Workstation Keyboard, 61-Key

$849.00

  • 12 x  
    $70.75
  • 8 x  
    $106.13
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    6 x  
    $141.50
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    4 x  
    $212.25

Yamaha MX61 v2 Keyboard Synthesizer, 61-Key

$799.99

  • 12 x  
    $66.67
  • 8 x  
    $100.00
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    6 x  
    $133.33
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    4 x  
    $200.00
Powerful Performance Synthesizers
Want to add classic analog warmth to your music, create new sounds from scratch, or tweak existing samples beyond recognition? If so, a performance synth is the right keyboard for the job. Smaller, lighter, and more affordable than most workstations, performance synthesizers are suited for gigging bands that need pro-level keys and sounds for live shows.

Moog Mavis Desktop Analog Synthesizer

$299.00

  • 8 x  
    $37.38
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    6 x  
    $49.83
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    4 x  
    $74.75

Roland JD-Xi Analog/Digital Crossover Synthesizer, 37-Key

$599.99

  • 12 x  
    $50.00
  • 8 x  
    $75.00
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    6 x  
    $100.00
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    4 x  
    $150.00

Arturia MiniFreak Hybrid Keyboard Synthesizer, 37-Key

$599.00

  • 12 x  
    $49.92
  • 8 x  
    $74.88
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    6 x  
    $99.83
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    4 x  
    $149.75
SALE

Novation MiniNova Compact Keyboard Synthesizer, 37-Key

$399.99

  • 8 x  
    $50.00
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    6 x  
    $66.66
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    4 x  
    $100.00
Music Production MIDI Controllers
If you already have music-production software (such as Apple's GarageBand or FL Studio) on your computer, the most affordable way to start playing keyboards can be with a MIDI controller. These MIDI controller keyboards don't make any sound on their own -- they connect to your computer via USB, and trigger sounds stored in your recording software's virtual instruments. When choosing a MIDI controller, consider how many keys you'll need. For those who want to play pieces spanning the whole octave range, choose a full 88-key instrument. If your space is more limited, 25-, 37-, or 49-key controllers are just your bag for one-handed synth parts or bass lines. Many MIDI controllers offer more than just a keyboard -- some include drum pads and sliders that can help you take hands-on control of your DAW (digital audio workstation) software.
BACK IN STOCK

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 USB MIDI Keyboard

$219.00

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    6 x  
    $36.50
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    4 x  
    $54.75

Arturia MiniLab 3 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

$109.00

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    6 x  
    $18.17
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    4 x  
    $27.25

M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini USB Keyboard Controller

$119.00

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    6 x  
    $19.83
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    4 x  
    $29.75
Keyboard Stands, Amplifiers, and More
Every keyboardist needs a little something extra. We've got a wide selection of keyboard stands and benches, keyboard amplifiers and instrument cables, damper/sustain pedals, and bags and cases perfectly sized to fit your board. Need help finding the right cord, power adapter, or keyboard cover? Looking for that elusive MIDI Thru box? Give us a call at 1-800-ZZOUNDS for deeper expert advice.

On-Stage KS7350 Folding Keyboard Z-Stand

$149.95

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    6 x  
    $24.99
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    4 x  
    $37.49
LAST ONE

Mono M80 Keyboard 61 Case

$249.99

  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $41.66
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $62.50

On-Stage KS7150 Table Top Keyboard Stand

$134.95

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    6 x  
    $22.49
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    4 x  
    $33.74