Keyboard FAQs

What's the difference between weighted and unweighted keys?

Unweighted keys have a light, bouncy feel with minimal dynamic range. Great for beginners and kids. Semi-weighted keys add a little resistance and more dynamic control. Weighted keys mimic the feel of an acoustic piano, giving you the full range of soft to loud that brings music to life.

What's the difference in the amount of keys?

61 keys gives you about 5 octaves, which is enough for beginners. You'll be playing in the middle of the keyboard for the first year or two anyway. 88 keys is full size, just like an acoustic piano, and is a great choice at any level.

Why so many Yamahas?

What can I say? I love a good Yamaha 😄 The keys on other brands can sometimes feel sticky or clunky, and Yamaha just hits the sweet spot for me. Their sound banks are solid and realistic too, which makes playing a lot more fun. If you want to try them out for yourself, Guitar Center has all the top brands on display, so you can see if Roland, Casio, or Williams is your sweet spot.

What if I'm looking for an acoustic piano?

An acoustic piano is honestly the best choice if you want that classic touch and sound. I'd skip Facebook Marketplace. You never really know how the piano was cared for, and "hasn't been played in years" is a red flag. Look for local piano shops or reputable piano restorers, and always try to play it before you buy, even if you just plunk a few keys. If you're in the Denver area, here are my recommendations: