I've been think about this for a while and I've pretty much decided I'd like to learn to play the piano. I'd have to have a keyboard due to space and cost but other than that I'm not sure what to look for. A bit of reading leads me to think that there's little point in not getting one with 88 keys and I also gather that there are different types of weighted keys just not sure of the differences or how important it is.
The Yamaha P45 seems to come up a lot as a decent starter keyboard. Anyone know if there's anything else worth looking at?
Also not sure how much of an undertaking it will be to be half decent. I'm assuming having some basis of musical knowledge will accelerate the beginning stages so I'm thinking that my main struggles will be technique and coordination but there might be something I'm missing or I might be over simplifying things.
Comments
Half a lifetime.
Independence between the two hands is fundamental. I have never mastered it. (Lack of application!) Consequently, my keyboard playing is restricted to lead/bass monosynths or organ/pad chords. One-handed stuff. The second hand tweaks the synthesizer controls in real time.
It cost £25 used and has every instrument known to man on it.
Really useful and fun thing to have knocking around though.
But I kinda know that after about 3 months it will be collecting dust..just like the guitar, mandolin, uke, harmonica, squeezebox, trombone (donated to me....not bought) bass guitar, banjolele and tuba.
I will say a couple of things:
1) aptitude helps - oldest daughter had some good latent ability, younger daughter wants to play but doesn't have the same natural ability
2) practice helps - oldest daughter plays a lot, younger daughter way less motivated
For me, in my old age I struggle to memorise anything at all, but I have developed a different way of playing that is great fun. I basically learned chord shapes and I can put up pretty much any set of chords and bash out a good backing for a song and sing along with the melody (except no-one ever wants to hear a voice like mine!). The interesting thing about this is that, in my youth I struggled with sharps and flats, but now I can sail through any key signature with ease. This method is definitely Piano lite, but I'm quite amazed at how well it works for me and it is a joy to do
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
I find it's a much more rewarding instrument though, on all levels. Whether I'm playing classical or Bowie it's instantly fun whereas with guitar by the time I've got the instrument out, reached for the plugs, weird everything up, adjuated the tone knob a million tonne whilst playing an A chord... It's a bit of a mood killer.
Get an idea in your head what you want to get to, fairly specific if possible, and then work a bit at a time towards that.
One thing that bugs me when I see clear beginners play the ones they leave in train stations and doingsho centres is the complete disregard for accent add dynamics with the touch. If you learn, concentrate on that and you'll be like night and day with the average learner. Eg, Beat 1 loudest, best 3 slightly less, beats 2 and 4 quieter.
And don't learn Sam bloody Smith or Titanic for the love of God
soundcloud.com/thecolourbox-1
youtube.com/@TheColourboxMusic
It's really hot my music flowing again, but it's cost me. 8i note weights board, then a 76 note semi for organs, and today a proper synth module. £4k in a year, and I don't regret a penny.
A few things to keep in mind:
1. Get a good keyboard stand. Thomann have lots in stock.
2. An adjustable seat is an absolute Godsend. Lots of online vendors.
3. Get a keyboard cover. Keyboards attract dust. Again Thomann is a good place to look.
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
General keyboard playing like in a band and I'm not bothered with either of those things, in fact I'd prefer something that has no resistance probably.