Best Keyboard Instruments

The Yamaha Corporation is known worldwide for quite an interesting variety of products including motor cycles, home appliances, electronics, auto pieces, I.T. materials, and musical instruments! When I first tried Yamaha instruments, I was a little leary. Think about it, a motor cycle company making my instrument on which I make my livelyhood? Then I did some research.

The company started with musical instruments all the way back in 1887 with a gentleman from Japan named Torakusu Yamaha who began by making repairs to a reed organ. As the company developed, it came out with improved organs and Japan's first piano in the late 1800's. Yamaha spread into the world by winning an Honarary Grand Prize at St. Louis World's Fair in 1904 for its newest keyboard of the time. Since then, Yamaha has "grown to become one of the best-loved manufacturers of musical instruments in the world", and has "grown to become the world's largest manufacturer of musical instruments".

Yamaha continues to follow their policy of "kando" that they started so long ago. "Kando is a Japanese word for the simultaneous feeling of deep satisfaction and intense excitement that people experience when they encounter something of exceptional value." I know that is what they have given to me. The four Yamaha instruments in our home are our favorites due to sound quality, precision, and quality! I think you'll enjoy them, too!

Yamaha P-140 Contemporary Digital Electronic Piano Black
"As the newest member of Yamaha's P series line, the P-140 delivers incredible sound performance at an incredibly sound price. Featuring Yamaha's highly acclaimed Graded Hammer Effect keyboard as well as realistic piano and instrumental voices, the P-140 offers both the authentic feel of an acoustic piano and the advanced features of today's digitals. Whether you are an accomplished or aspiring musician, the P-140 has the simple operation and superior style you need to showcase your abilities." (All of the "quoted" text has come from The Woodwind / Brasswind Company description pages.)

My keyboard is a slightly different model being older, but it is very similar. In fact, the P-140 has more features than mine does! It is amazing! With its touch sensibility, I feel like I'm playing a real piano, more so than on any other keyboard I've played. The sound can be breathtaking, and although I prefer the actual piano tone color, other sound options are included for you to use. The dynamic range is broad, and the front speakers carry my sound out to my audiences.

I have another Yamaha keyboard in my music studio that is about 25 years old. I've enjoyed it all these years without any problems or the need for repair. In fact, the only reason I purchased the new keyboard was to have an 88 key instrument instead of just 60.

Parents will only need to purchase this one instrument to be able to take their child from beginner to professional with Yamaha keyboard quality and durability. (Unquoted text is my personnal reviews!)

Yamaha Stand for P-140 Black
I use a portable, foldable stand when I am performing on my keyboard, but at home I use a much more solid wood stand because it is durable and attractive. The one I have is black. It has a solid back and two side panels which easily screw together and apart. The pieces attach under the keyboard to create a very beautiful structure to hold your keyboard. When I need to take it with me, I simply unscrew the keyboard from the stand and pack. The wooden frame stays together.

Gator GK-88 88-Key Lightweight Keyboard Case on Wheels Standard
"The Gator GK88 semi-hard keyboard case is the 88 Key version of gator cases that are becoming a favorite of musicians worldwide. Constructed of 600-denier ballistic material, the exterior is ready to go to battle. The interior is lined with a soft plush and foam to create rigidity around the keyboard. For 88 key keyboards. Includes wheels and pull handle."

This carrying case has been a lifesaver! The inside is thickly padded to prevent damage when traveling. It has outside pockets for the music rest, cords, and pedal. I just slide it into the backseat of my mini van. A friend of mine sticks hers into her truck! Two handles are provided ~ one for regular carrying, and another for over the shoulder (makes it easier when you have to carry other equipment at the same time). The wheels give great relief to take some of the weight off of you. I can't imagine going back and forth to places without a case llike this! I know I can transport it without any fear of damage!

Yamaha PKBB1 Keyboard Bench Standard
"The PKBB1 offers lasting comfort and a reputation as one of Yamaha's top-selling benches. Its ultra-thick padding and extra-wide single seat assures the utmost comfort for hours of music enjoyment. With a definitive black finish and a soft padded seat, this bench is fully adjustable for individual comfort and folds up for your traveling convenience. Height: 17.5" - 19.5" "

This seat is so comfy for many hours of practice! It is light weight but very sturdy. The height may be adjusted to fit the size of the player. (My young piano students love when I adjust it higher for them to reach the keys better!) The bench is easy to transport, also. The legs and seat section fold flat to store, carry, or fit in your vehicle with ease.

Yamaha YGS70 X Style Bell Or Keyboard Stand Standard
"The YGS-70 is simple, yet reliable offering stability from a lightweight compact design."

Portable stands are very useful! They may be used at home to help you adjust to proper height. Their light weight and foldability makes them more convenient to carry to gigs than the wood ones.

Yamaha RH5MA Headphones Standard
"Stereo Monitor Headphone, the choice for studio monitoring comfort with urethane leather earpads. One year limited warranty."

Headphones are helpful for practice time. Although my family is very patient with all the music in our house, there are times when they would prefer quiet. Headphones are also beneficial when I want to practice early before the children awake, or after they are asleep. I can practice to my heart's content without waking anyone!

The Woodwind ~ Brasswind Company (yes, they specialize in keyboards, too) has over 30 years of exceptional service! I personally have purchased most of my instruments from them as have many students and fellow music teachers. I have yet to hear a negative comment made about them! All of the above products and tons more music items may be found here at the Woodwind ~ Brasswind!!

Hopefully you've found a keyboard that you like. What do you do next? If you have never played before, I would suggest locating a piano / keyboard teacher at least to get started. There are many good habits to start that will aid you after playing awhile and bad habits that should be avoided right from the start. A good teacher can get you going on the right track.

You can check with local music stores or music departments of colleges, but I think the best way to find an excellent teacher is to discuss it with friends and relatives who already take lessons. They can give you a review of the types of books, styles, personality, expectations, and requirements their teacher uses in order to help you pick the right teacher for you.

You may even want to talk with the person over the phone or meet them before starting. Finding the right teacher is definately a huge plus. There are several excellent teachers, but sometimes styles and disciplines are more fitting to one person than another.

When a potential student calls me, we usually have a long conversation including my qualifications and goals for each of us. I try to find what it is that they want to accomplish by taking lessons, and I inform them of the ways I will guide them. We usually then meet for one sample lesson before making a commitment. Most of the time it works out, but other times I have to admit that there is another teacher better suited for their needs and personality.