Practicing on a keyboard?

Question

I have an upright piano, but my mom just had babies so I have to keep quiet a lot and pianos are loud, so I've been thinking of buying a cheapish keyboard to practice on since I can use headphones. Is this a good idea and worth the $150 I'd pay for the keyboard? I'm sure I'd practice a lot more, I'm just afraid that playing on a cheap keyboard may ruin my technique or musical ear or something. I'm a beginner, I know very little and don't play well yet, so I haven't really developed technique or an ear. That's why I'm so worried.

I'm considering the casio ctk-4000 because it's within my budget and has graded keys or whatever. I've played with it at the store and it feels good to me, not quite like a real piano, but not bad either.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

If you're going to buy a keyboard, make sure it has these features:

- 88 keys.  Even if what you play right now doesn't use all of the keys, you'll probably keep the keyboard for a good while and you'll want the full range eventually.

- Velocity/Touch sensitive keys.  This just means that you can play different dynamics (without having to adjust the volume of the whole keyboard!).

- Weighted keys, preferably hammer action.  This isn't an absolute must, but it is highly recommended.

Here is the cheapest keyboard I know that has these features: 

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Williams-Allegro-88-Key-Digital-Piano-106063399-i1551911.gc

It's about twice the price of the keyboard you're looking at, but definitely worth it in the long run.  If you can't afford it, your parents might be willing to help you out so that you can keep up with your practicing without waking the babies.

Anonymous · Answer

hi there :)
im a keyboard player, i would suggest a yamaha keyboard if you want a realistic piano sound, plus theyre just better allround,, i think the price of that casio is too much if just practicing on a piano voice is all your looking to do,

i would look for a second hand full size keyboard and save money, but if your after something brand new you shouldnt need to spend over £100 pound to get what you want

check this out - its cheaper and designed for a more realistic piano performance
 
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Yamaha-YPT210-Silver-Keyboard-Piano-Kit-Inc-Adaptor-/180688093149?pt=UK_MusicalInstr_Keyboard_RL&hash=item2a11d97fdd#ht_2829wt_754

also you should check with the seller or the company who makes the keyboard that the keyboard can take a sustain pedal, this is just a small pedal that plugs into the back of the keyboard and when you press the pedal down with your foot you can get the notes to hold on just like a piano pedal does. and you can get these really cheap

hope that helps! :)

Ash · Answer

I only practise on a keyboard and my teacher is very experienced and doesn't have a problem with it. If you reckon it sounds alright I don't think it will affect you as a beginner except the sound may not be as nicer. Hope I helped :-)

? · Answer

Hold down the Sustain Pedal all the time and play real softly.

Anonymous · Answer

You couldn't have worded that question any worse. What does that mean?

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Practicing on a keyboard?

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