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Feature Article
Piano Keyboard Reviews

How Can I Buy the Right Piano Keyboard?

Piano Player Style the Key to Buying a Digital Piano

Are you searching the Internet for a piano keyboard but not sure which of the many models and features are right for you? The key to buying the right keyboard lies in understanding the 5 power piano player types and the power piano player type that defines your playing style.

One of the 5 power player types will be instantly recognizable to you. It will resonate with you.. It describes you, your style of playing and evokes emotions that will urge you to yell out, "yes, yes... thats me!"

Want to learn more about the power piano player types, then you've got to read on!

Although there are a bewildering array of keyboards most can be classified into 5 pianist categories which I'll talk about throughoutt this site.

Once you know which of the 5 piano categories you belong to you

Dan on his Yamaha CP300 piano keyboard

Dan Plays David Foster - Click to see video.
Dan Plays Santana - Click to see video.

will be able to shop with confidence for the digital keyboard that is right for you.

If, by the way, you do know which keyboard you definitely want then I certainly recommend that you visit ZZounds because they are quite simply well...to be blunt, the best online digital piano retailer.

ZZound's customer service, free delivery on most items and lowest prices make them the most competitive keyboard retailer on the net. But don't take my word for it, just visit and read the customer reviews. If you are looking for a used keyboard you can Get it on Ebay

So why would you buy a keyboard online? Simply because ZZounds can supply a larger inventory of digital pianos and selection than any phsyical retail store can carry (there are no space limitations on the net) because it is online. That means lower prices on keyboards for you. Also ZZounds has been in the business for a long time and has a great reputation.

What Marketers Know About Your Buying Habits

Marketers are a savvy bunch. They know their markets and keyboard buyers. They have classified keyboard players into 5 market segments and these segments mirror exactly the 5 power piano player profiles we alluded to earlier. We will explore these segments and the type of digital piano products that are designed and manufactured to meet the needs of the 5 power player categories.

Where You Fit In

Once you understand the 5 distinct categories, it becomes much easier to find the right piano keyboard that meets your needs regardless of the myriad of keyboard features available.

We'll help demistify the process for you. Armed with this new found knowledge you will be able to find the right keyboard that is within your budget.

First of all you need to know which of the 5 categories your piano playing style fits into, this is the key to your purchase satisfaction.

So What Qualifies Me to Talk About Piano Marketing?

I've been a pianist for ove 42 years and have worked in piano sales. I also have a University degree in Marketing and have been working in International marketing and business development for large corporations and government for many years. And of course you're on my piano web site. My skill set lends itself well to help you gain insight into the piano marketing world. But before we begin talking about the 5 piano segments lets debunk a common myth that has been circulating for some time now. Which is better, an acoustic piano or digital piano?

Acoustic Piano vs Digital Piano Keyboard

Ah...the seemingly contestable debate rages on. But there really is no need for it quite frankly because both are equally good in their own right, it is a matter of which you prefer or what attributes are important to you. Without a doubt, digital pianos today perform very well but would never replace an acoustic piano. But the digital piano provides features that simply cannot be found on an acoustic piano. Features such as additional sampled instruments, midi sequencing and portability if you are on the road. Quite simply it is a matter of choice and you will need to make a decision as to which features and benefits are right for you.

 Benefits of Owning a Digital Piano or Midi Keyboard

There are, of course, many piano keyboards, prices and their value to choose from but despite that, you are bound to find one that meets your needs and personal taste.

When I was a young musician back in the early 1980's, choosing a keyboard was simply a matter of selecting either a Hammond organ (bulky and not very transportable), an electric piano for example, Wurlitzer and Fender Rhodes or Korg's analog synthesizer with its many varied patch cords and inputs that more resembled a telephone switch board than a keyboard.

One fine day in the mid 1980's I bought a Korg M1 workstation, which was a true revolution in digital sampling technology for its time.

Today, there are a bewildering array of digital pianos, workstations, midi keyboard and samplers to choose from not to mention the range of piano keys or piano notes size formats to choose from in each product category and brand.

Sizes are listed below:

But how do you know which is right for you? That depends on what you want to do with your keyboard. For example, if you are:

  • a pianist learning to hone your craft and require a weighted-key piano that takes little room, consider a digital piano. All digital pianos offer great sound and most offer a select group of instruments to choose from
  • if you are a studio or performing keyboard player or a one-man band playing the local scene you may want to consider a midi keyboard. Midi keyboards are great because they allow you to record an ensemble of musical instruments that make you sound like a complete band and orchestra.
  • If you are a composer then a workstation and sampler are your best bet.
Of course, these are only guidelines. Some keyboards are extremely versatile in that they combine many of the noted features (midi, workstation, sampler etc.) into one unit. There are so many keyboards out there that cater to every need not the least of which - 88 key portable pianos, mini keyboards with less than 61 notes and even an online piano keyboard that allows you to play virtually using software.

You've come to this web site because of your interest in researching digital pianos and other keyboards. I have done significant research on merchants and I highly recommend ZZounds because of the vast array of keyboards and other instruments. But you don't have to take my word for it, just go to their site and read the feedback and testimonials. ZZounds offers guaranteed lowest prices and free shipping on most piano keyboard instruments.

 

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