Keyboards, MIDI & Synth: A Beginner’s Guide

From affordable piano alternatives to analog sonic explorers, this helpful primer outlines the keyboard basics.

There’s nothing like playing a real acoustic piano, but not everyone has the space or the budget to have the real thing at home. Fortunately, Music & Arts offers a wide variety of digital pianos, MIDI keyboards and synthesizers to suit any player’s needs. 

Whether you’re a piano student who needs a practice instrument, a performer looking for something portable, or a music-maker who wants to experiment with keyboards in general, this buyer’s guide will help you compare and contrast the various options and find the perfect instrument for you.

If you’re unfamiliar with the differences between digital pianos, MIDI keyboards and synthesizers, here’s a handy guide to the pros and cons of each.

All About Digital Pianos

If you’re primarily a pianist, a digital piano is the best way to get the sound and feel of an acoustic piano on a budget. To replicate the experience of playing a real piano, most digital pianos feature hammer-action keys weighted to respond to your playing dynamics, similar to the real thing. This allows your skills to translate naturally from practice to recital.

Each key on a digital piano triggers high-quality samples recorded from a real acoustic piano, including multiple layers of dynamics from pianississimo (ppp) to fortississimo (fff). The pedals (which may be attached or sold as an accessory) toggle samples that match the three pedals of an acoustic piano: sustain, sostenuto and una corda. Additionally, most models include multiple piano presets, such as grands, uprights and even electric pianos or other keyboard instruments. A major advantage of owning a digital piano over an acoustic piano is that it will never need to be professionally tuned.

Digital piano models range from streamlined, portable instruments with optional stands and plug-in pedals to digital grand pianos with integrated pedals, lids, music stands, benches and other comforts. Many digital pianos include helpful practice features like built-in metronomes, headphone jacks and recording and playback functionality. Some are even equipped with MIDI connectivity for recording and controlling software instruments.

Is a digital piano right for you?

If your main priority is to recreate the experience of playing an acoustic piano at home or on stage, digital pianos are your best option. They’re available at prices suitable for everyone from students to gigging musicians to professional pianists who want a beautiful instrument to play at home. Sound and feel are the main priorities of all digital pianos, but you can spend a little extra for features like a computer connection if you plan to record.

How to choose a digital piano

The Music & Arts online store is chock full of digital pianos at every price point. First, use the price filter to outline your budget. If you’re looking for a portable model, click “Stage Digital Pianos,” and if you’re looking for a full-sized model, click “Home Digital Pianos.” Once you’ve narrowed down the many options available, you can start filtering by features that are important to you. 

For most pianists, action will be the most important factor. For the most realistic feel, select Graded Hammer Action or Weighted Action. If you prefer the sound of a specific piano manufacturer, you can also filter by brand. Other features to consider include speakers, headphone jacks, recording capabilities and MIDI. 

All About MIDI Keyboards

MIDI keyboards don’t generate any sound on their own. Instead, they are used to control virtual instruments. They can be connected to a computer for recording with software instruments or plugged into a hardware instrument like a synthesizer. MIDI keyboards come in many shapes and sizes, from ultra-compact 25-key models with spring-action keys to full-sized 88-key models with realistic weighted action.

Every time you press a key on a MIDI keyboard, it sends a message telling the instrument which note you pressed, how hard you hit the key and when you released it. This triggers the appropriate sample at the right velocity level, sustains the sound while your finger is on the key, and cuts it off if you release it early. Many MIDI keyboards feature additional controllers like pedals, knobs, sliders, pads and wheels for pitch bending and modulation.

Is a MIDI keyboard right for you?

If you want the flexibility to play all kinds of virtual instruments on your computer or control hardware synthesizers, a MIDI keyboard is what you need. There are countless high-quality piano plugins to choose from, plus additional plugins for any other instrument you can imagine. Some models include a basic software package, although you may want to factor additional software and accessories into your budget to get the most out of your MIDI keyboard.

How to choose a MIDI keyboard

Our online store boasts a huge selection of MIDI keyboards, from desktop-sized controllers for music producers to full-range, piano-style keyboards for classical composers. Because the features can vary, we recommend starting your search by selecting integral features like the number of keys, action and velocity sensitivity. Then, you can filter by price and customer rating to find the best deals.

There are plenty of other features to consider depending on your needs. If you’re used to playing keyboards like piano, harpsichord or clavinet, you’ll want weighted keys and a sustain pedal. If you play organ, unweighted keys and an expression pedal to control volume would be a great choice. If you want to play synthesizers with your keyboard, look for models with pitch-bend and modulation wheels, assignable knobs and buttons, or MIDI Aftertouch capability.

All About Synthesizers

Synthesizers differ from digital pianos and MIDI controllers in that they generate their own sounds rather than playing pre-recorded samples or controlling external instruments. There are many types of synthesizers capable of producing an almost infinite range of sounds, from analog instruments that are great for retro psychedelic and funk music to digital synths that offer more contemporary pop sounds and versatile hybrid models.

Many synths feature built-in (usually unweighted) keyboards, but many do not include a keyboard and must be controlled by MIDI or analog control voltage (CV). Polyphonic synths allow you to play chords like a piano, while monophonic models are limited to playing one note at a time for lead melodies and bass parts. Some all-in-one synths feature onboard effects like reverb, delay and chorus, while others are entirely modular, allowing you to build your own custom instrument.

Is a synthesizer right for you?

A synthesizer is the right choice for players who want the maximum freedom to experiment with sound using a hands-on instrument rather than a computer. Hardware synthesizers allow you to get creative with your sound in a tactile way, using physical controls and expression devices like pitch and mod wheels. However, they generally don’t produce realistic piano sounds (think 1980s or ’90s pop).

How to choose a synthesizer

Our synthesizer selection runs the gamut from vintage-style analog keyboards to modular and semi-modular units and even standalone sound modules designed for use with MIDI controllers. Start your search by filtering the major categories you’re interested in, such as analog/digital, polyphonic/monophonic and standalone/modular. Then, filter by price to narrow down the most relevant results.

Depending on your musical style and priorities, you may be interested in features like arpeggiators and sequencers for programming loops and patterns, velocity and Aftertouch for more expressive playing, built-in effects for creative sound design, or portability for live performance. Many synths feature MIDI input and output for recording, and some even feature analog CV for interfacing with other analog synths and effects.

Which Keyboard Is Right for You?

Each keyboard option outlined above offers different benefits, so consider which aspects of playing and recording are most important to you. If you prioritize authentic piano feel and sound, a digital piano is your best bet. If you need a versatile tool for music production and virtual instruments, go for a MIDI keyboard controller. And if you want to explore the world of electronic music and sound design, a synthesizer will serve you well.

Whichever you choose, Music & Arts offers the best selection.

Visit our Keyboards & MIDI page to find the right instrument for you!