Buying Guide: Keyboards

We get a lot of questions here about how to pick and purchase keyboards or pianos, especially from beginner students (or their caretakers). Buying your first keyboard can be like walking into a diner with a 20-page menu: exciting at first, but overwhelming the longer you stare at it. Digital or acoustic? Weighted or not? 61 keys or the whole 88? Don’t worry—we’ll help you cut through the noise and pick an instrument that’s just right for you (or your budding musician).

Step 1: Acoustic vs. Digital

We've all seen the images of children sitting diligently at a piano bench, practicing scales and sonatas at a beautiful wooden piano. While nothing beats the sound of an acoustic piano, the fact is that such an instrument is a real investment and not everyone is ready or in the position to make such a purchase. So what are the pros and cons of each?

Acoustic Pianos

• Unbeatable sound and feel—the original article.

• No plugs, no screens, no settings. Just wood, strings, and hammers.

• Cons: hard to move, expensive, and requires regular tuning.

Digital Keyboards/Pianos

• Portable, more affordable, and never need tuning.

• Headphone jack = quieter practice sessions

• Many come with built-in features like metronomes and different sounds and can be connected to music production software (GarageBand, Logic Pro, Live, ProTools, etc.).

• Weighted keys matter—these simulate the feel of an acoustic piano and are important if your child sticks with lessons long term.

• Cons: Won't sound the same or be as expressive as an acoustic piano.

Our recommendation: Younger beginners are fine starting on a 61- or 76-key digital keyboard. If your child is older or serious about piano, go straight to an 88-key digital with weighted keys.

If you're still interested in an acoustic piano, we would recommend scanning Facebook Marketplace and the like, as there are always people looking to sell (or give away!) old pianos. If you'd rather buy new, please give our friend Tyler at Westchester Piano a shout and he'd be happy to walk you through his showroom full of beautiful acoustic pianos.

Step 2: Size & Number of Keys

Unlike guitars, keyboards don’t come in “half-size” or “three-quarter” models. Instead, it’s all about the number of keys, the action, and the sound:

• Beginners: A 61-key keyboard is plenty. Small, light, and still covers all the notes they’ll need for early lessons.

• Advanced beginner: A 76-key keyboard adds extra range without taking over your living room. You'll want something with action that simulates an acoustic piano.

• Committed students: Go for the full 88 keys. If your student sticks with it, they’ll eventually want the whole keyboard anyway. Action should closely resemble an acoustic piano.

Pro tip: Make sure your setup (stand and bench) puts your student in a comfortable position. No one practices well if their feet are dangling like they’re riding the world’s least fun swing set.

Step 3: Product Options

Like guitars, you’ll find options for every stage and budget. Here are some solid picks:

Entry Level (ages 0-4):

• Donner 61-Key Folding Piano – $99.99

  • Foldable/portable, rechargeable

Beginner:

• Yamaha Piaggero NP-15 61-key Piano – $269.99

Mid-Tier:

• Yamaha P143B 88-Key Digital Piano – $449.99

  • Better piano sound

Splurge Tier (for the committed player):

• Yamaha P225B, 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano - $749.99

  • Improved keyboard action, more sounds

• Yamaha, 88-Weighted Wooden Key Digital Piano - $1,699.99

  • Wooden keys for action closer to acoustic pianos, more sounds, options, etc.

Other Options:

• Used Pianos: A great way to save—just have a technician check it before you buy.

• Digital Hybrids: High-end digitals that look and feel almost identical to uprights.

(Note: All prices listed are based on the date of publishing of this post.)

Step 4: Don’t Forget the Accessories

Every instrument needs some sidekicks. For pianos and keyboards, these are the must-haves:

• A proper stand (please, not the dining room table).

• A bench—height matters more than you think.

• Headphones for quiet practice.

• A sustain pedal (essential for digital pianos; not always included).

• A metronome (built into many keyboards, but a physical one works too).

• For acoustic pianos: tuning and maintenance—they don’t tune themselves!

Good Luck!

Picking the right keyboard or piano is the first step in a life-long musical journey. Whether your student is plunking out “Mary Had a Little Lamb”, learning Coldplay, or eyeing Beethoven sonatas, the right instrument makes practice way more fun. Still not sure? Reach out—we’re always happy to help!