When it comes to finding the perfect keyboard, experienced musicians and beginners alike want a combination of quality, affordability, and features that meet their unique needs. Whether you’re a professional, a hobbyist, or a newcomer to the music world, there’s something on the market for everyone. Here’s a roundup of some of the best keyboards of 2024, all of which are available here at The Music Depot.
The Yamaha P525 tops the list for professional use, with authentic piano quality and functionality that will satisfy even experienced pianists. The P-525 is the flagship model of the world-renowned offering authentic feel, exquisite sound, and further enhanced keyed instrument voices, providing the feel of an acoustic piano without the weight and size.
The Yamaha P525 also employs Grand Expression Modeling technology, which captures nuanced tonal variations, allowing precise musical expression. Whether playing delicate passages or powerful chords, the piano responds with exceptional sensitivity and authenticity for truly expressive performances.
The Yamaha P525 caters to musicians needing realistic performance and versatility, especially those who often entertain in cosy environments like cafes, bars, or smaller venues, all thanks to its Registration Memory function. This feature permits you to save and retrieve your favoured settings, enabling swift access to preferred sounds and configurations.
While it comes with a higher price tag, its build and performance quality justify the investment for serious musicians.
The Casio CT-S1 strikes an excellent balance between features and affordability, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a high-quality keyboard without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for beginners and intermediate players, offering 61 touch-sensitive keys that allow for expressive playing. Casio’s AiX sound source technology brings a surprising level of depth to its sound, offering up to 61 different tones.
In addition to its strong audio capabilities, the CTS1 is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for home practice and small performances. With battery operation and built-in speakers, the CTS1 is a convenient, budget-friendly choice for learners and casual players alike.
Key Features:
The Yamaha NP15B is designed with beginners in mind, making it a user-friendly option that still delivers on sound quality. Featuring Yamaha’s classic design, the NP15B provides 61 non-weighted keys, keeping things simple for those just starting out. The keyboard includes a variety of voices, ranging from pianos to strings, allowing beginners to explore different sounds and develop a taste for their own musical style.
Another bonus is Yamaha’s Smart Pianist app compatibility, which helps beginners follow along with built-in tutorials and lessons. This keyboard is perfect for new musicians or hobbyists looking for a reliable, easy-to-use keyboard.
Key Features:
For those seeking a keyboard packed with features, the Yamaha PSR-E473 is an excellent choice. This model offers 61 keys and an impressive 820 built-in instrument sounds, providing nearly unlimited sound options. With 290 different automatic accompaniment styles and a 6-track recording function, the PSR-E473 is a fantastic tool for those interested in composing and experimenting with various music genres.
The keyboard also includes advanced features such as a quick sampling function, motion effect, and pitch bend, giving players the ability to add dynamic effects to their sound. The PSR-E473 is an excellent choice for musicians looking for a versatile, feature-rich keyboard at a reasonable price.
Key Features:
Rounding out our list is the Casio CDP-S110, which stands out for its performance capabilities. This 88-key digital piano offers Casio’s Scaled Hammer Action II, delivering a realistic feel and sound response for serious players.
The CDP-S110 can be seamlessly controlled from the free Chordana Play for Piano app for smartphone and tablet. You can quickly and easily change settings such as tone, touch response and metronome.
The model’s slim, compact frame makes it portable without sacrificing the feel of a full keyboard, making it ideal for stage and studio use alike.
Key Features:
The Yamaha P145 is an 88-key digital piano that combines portability with quality sound and a realistic playing experience. It features Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action for a satisfying, weighted feel similar to an acoustic piano. With its compact design, the P145 is perfect for musicians with limited space or those needing a travel-friendly option without compromising quality.
This keyboard features the sound of a Yamaha full concert grand, the CFIIIS: the origin of Yamaha’s premier concert grand pianos, the CFX. The sound was sampled from a piano with a bright, transparent tone with a spacious treble and an overall solid sonic feel, making it an excellent choice for players seeking a portable yet authentic piano experience.
Key Features:
In 2024, the market for keyboards offers a wide range of options for all levels of players. Whether you’re a professional musician, a beginner, or somewhere in between, there’s a model that can meet your specific needs.
Yamaha and Casio continue to lead the industry with their commitment to quality and innovation, and these keyboards showcase the best each brand has to offer.
You can browse all these models as well as our full keyboard and workstation range here.
FAQs
What is the difference between weighted and non-weighted keys?
Weighted keys mimic the feel of an acoustic piano, requiring more force to play and providing a more realistic experience, while non-weighted keys are lighter and easier for beginners.
Which keyboard is best for beginners?
The Yamaha NP15B is highly recommended for beginners due to its user-friendly design and compatibility with Yamaha’s learning apps. The Casio CDP-S110 is also a great option for new players.
Are there portable options among these keyboards?
Yes, the Yamaha P145 and Casio CTS1, and Casio CDP-S110 are compact and lightweight, making them great options for those who need a portable keyboard.
Can I record music with any of these keyboards?
The Yamaha PSR-E473 includes a 6-track recording feature, perfect for those looking to compose and experiment with their music.
Which keyboard has the most sound options?
The Yamaha PSR-E473 offers an extensive range of sounds with 820 voices, giving users almost unlimited options for sound customisation.
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