Keyboard Types:

• Digital Pianos:
• Description: Designed to replicate the feel and sound of an acoustic piano as closely as possible.
• Pros: Usually weighted keys for realistic playing experience, high-quality piano sounds, some have features like headphone jacks for silent practice, and some have built in speakers.
• Cons: Can be bulky and heavy, limited sound options beyond piano sounds, some lack built-in speakers.
• Price: Generally more expensive than other keyboard types.
• Applications: Ideal for classical pianists, learning piano, gigging pianists who need a portable piano substitute.
• Synthesizers (Synths):
• Description: Electronic instruments that generate sound electronically using oscillators, filters, and envelopes. They are known for their wide range of sounds beyond traditional instruments.
• Pros: Highly versatile with ability to create a vast array of sounds, some have built-in sequencers and recording capabilities for music production.
• Cons: Can have a steeper learning curve due to complex sound creation process, some lack weighted keys which may not be ideal for piano-based playing.
• Price: Can range from very affordable to high-end depending on features.
• Applications: Electronic music production, creating unique soundscapes, performing electronic music live.
• Workstations:
• Description: Essentially a combination of a synthesizer and a digital sampler (records and plays back sounds). Offers a massive library of sounds and features for music production and performance.
• Pros: Most versatile keyboard type, ideal for creating entire songs with built-in sequencers, drum machines, and a vast array of sounds.
• Cons: Can be complex and overwhelming for beginners, bulky and heavy due to the extensive features.
• Price: Generally the most expensive keyboard type though prices have come down in recent years.
• Applications: Professional music production studios, live performance for electronic music or bands needing a backing band sound.
• Stage Pianos:
• Description: Focus on delivering high-quality piano sounds and a realistic playing experience for live performance. Often have a sleek, portable design.
• Pros: Good balance between portability and sound quality, some have features specifically designed for live performance like layer/split functions for combining sounds.
• Cons: Normally has fewer sound options compared to workstations or synths
• Price: Can range from mid-priced to expensive depending on features and brand.
• Applications: Ideal for gigging pianists who need a portable piano substitute with some additional features for live performance.
• Arranger Keyboards
• Description: Designed to be user-friendly and often have built-in automatic rhythm accompaniments, lesson features, and large sound libraries.
• Pros: Easy to learn and play for beginners, automatic accompaniments allow users to play along with backing tracks in various styles, often have built-in speakers and learning aids.
• Cons: Sound quality may not be as high-end as other keyboard types, limited sound creation capabilities compared to synths or workstations.
• Price: Generally affordable, good value for beginners.
• Applications: Beginners who are learning to play keyboards, hobbyists who enjoy playing along with backing tracks, budget-minded musicians.
• MIDI Keyboards:
• Description: Unlike the keyboard types mentioned previously, MIDI keyboards don't generate their own sound. Instead, they act as controllers that send MIDI messages (data about notes played, velocity, etc.) to a sound source like a computer, synthesizer, or sound module. They typically have keys, drum pads, knobs, and faders that can be used to control virtual instruments and software.
• Pros:
• Versatility: Can be used with a wide range of virtual instruments and software, offering a vast array of sounds.
• Compact and Portable: Generally lightweight and take up less space than other keyboard types.
• Affordable: Typically the most affordable keyboard option.
• Expandability: Can be used to control multiple sound sources at once.
• Cons:
• No sound generation: Relies on a separate sound source to produce audio.
• Reliance on computer/software: Requires a computer or compatible device to function.
• Limited standalone functionality: Can't be used to create music on their own without a sound source.
• Features to Consider:
• Number of Keys: Full-size keyboards (88 keys) are common, but there are also compact versions with fewer keys.
• Weighted Keys: Some MIDI keyboards have weighted keys that simulate the feel of an acoustic piano, while others have unweighted keys which are lighter and faster to play.
• Pads and Controls: Pads can be used for triggering drum sounds or samples, while knobs and faders can be used to control parameters like volume, filter cutoff, and effects.
• Connectivity: Most MIDI keyboards connect to computers or devices via USB, but some may offer MIDI In/Out ports for older equipment.
• Price: Very affordable to moderately priced depending on features and number of keys.
• Applications:
• Music Production: Ideal for controlling virtual instruments and software in a recording studio setting.
• Live Performance: Can be used by musicians to control sounds and virtual instruments onstage.
• Learning Keyboard Skills: Can be a good option for beginners to learn piano technique without the cost of a digital piano.

Remember, these are general categories, and there can be some overlap between them. For example, some digital pianos may have built-in rhythm accompaniments, and some workstations may have features specifically designed for live performance. However, this breakdown provides a good foundation for your staff to understand the core strengths and target audience for each keyboard type.

Demystifying Keyboard Features:

• Weighted Keys: This feature simulates the feel of an acoustic piano by adding weights to the keys. Weighted keys provide a more natural playing experience for pianists who are accustomed to the resistance of acoustic piano keys. They can also be beneficial for those who want to develop proper finger strength and technique. However, weighted keys can add significant weight and bulk to the instrument.
• Touch Sensitivity: Also known as "velocity sensitivity," this feature allows the keyboard to detect how hard you press a key. The harder you press, the louder the sound will be. This allows for more expressive playing with dynamics, mimicking how playing softer or harder on an acoustic piano creates softer or louder notes.
• Polyphony: This refers to the number of notes a keyboard can play simultaneously. When you press multiple keys at once, each note uses up some of the available polyphony. If you exceed the limit, some notes may get cut off or dropped out. A higher polyphony count (often seen as "polyphony 64," "polyphony 128," etc.) is better for playing complex pieces with many overlapping notes. Synthesizers typically require more polyphony than digital pianos because they are often used for creating thick, layered sounds.
• Sound Libraries: These are collections of digital instrument sounds stored in the keyboard's memory. A keyboard may have hundreds or even thousands of sounds, including pianos, guitars, organs, drums, strings, and more. The quality and variety of sounds will vary depending on the keyboard model. Some keyboards allow you to load your own custom sound libraries for even more sonic possibilities.
• Rhythm Accompaniments: This feature is commonly found on keyboards designed for beginners or hobbyists. It allows the keyboard to automatically generate drum beats, bass lines, and other backing tracks in various musical styles (pop, rock, jazz, etc.) You can simply play the melody with your right hand while the keyboard provides the accompaniment, allowing you to play along with a full band sound. Rhythm accompaniments can be a great way for beginners to get started playing and practicing with a backing band.
• Sequencers: A sequencer is a built-in recorder that allows you to record your musical performances on the keyboard. You can record notes, rhythms, and even control changes (adjustments to things like volume or effects) The sequencer can then play back your recordings, allowing you to layer multiple parts, create song ideas, or practice specific sections.
• Recording Capabilities: Some higher-end keyboards may have built-in recording capabilities that go beyond just the sequencer. This might allow you to record directly to a USB flash drive or SD card, capture audio performances along with MIDI data, or even offer basic editing tools. These features can be helpful for musicians who want to record their ideas quickly and easily without needing a computer.

Connecting Your Keyboard:

• Keyboards offer various connectivity options depending on their functionality and target audience. Here's a breakdown of the most common connections:
• To Speakers:
• Audio Jacks (1/4" TRS): These standard jacks are used to connect the keyboard's audio output to amplified speakers. This is ideal for live performance or situations where you want to hear the sound from external speakers. Some keyboards may have stereo outputs for a wider soundstage.
• Headphone Jacks (1/4" or 1/8" TRS): Most keyboards have a headphone jack for private practice. You can connect headphones directly to the keyboard to monitor the sound without disturbing others.
• To Computers and Tablets:
• USB: This is the most common and versatile connection method for keyboards. A single USB cable provides both power and data transfer between the keyboard and your device (for midi keyboards normally). This allows the keyboard to send MIDI data to control virtual instruments in software or function as a standard computer keyboard for typing.
• MIDI In/Out Ports (5-Pin DIN): These are the traditional MIDI ports found on older keyboards and sound modules. They require separate MIDI cables for data transmission. While not as common on modern keyboards, some MIDI controllers or digital pianos may still have these ports. To connect them to a computer, you might need an additional MIDI interface.  They also allow for syncing multiple devices at once.
• To Other Instruments:
• MIDI In/Out Ports (5-Pin DIN): As mentioned above, these traditional MIDI ports allow you to connect your keyboard to other MIDI-equipped instruments or sound modules. This enables you to control external sounds with your keyboard or trigger sounds on your keyboard from another instrument.