Electronic keyboard instruments: characteristics, types

 String and wind instruments are the most ancient on our planet. But a piano or grand piano also belongs to the strings, but an organ belongs to the winds, although they cannot be called ancient (except perhaps the organ, since it is believed that it was invented by a Greek before our era). The fact is that the first piano appeared only at the beginning of the 18th century.

The predecessor of one of the most popular instruments was the harpsichord, which has long been forgotten. Nowadays even the piano fades into the background. It was replaced by digital pianos and electronic synthesizers. Nowadays you can buy a musical synthesizer in almost any hardware store, not to mention music stores. In addition, there are a number of other keyboard instruments, the basis of which are keyboard synthesizers.

Nowadays, keyboard instruments (we are talking mainly about the piano) are found in almost every secondary school, as well as in some educational institutions of secondary and higher levels. Not only representatives of the administration of educational institutions, but also the authorities are interested in this.

Moreover, the price range of keyboard synthesizers is quite wide: from the cheapest ones intended for home use to the most expensive workstations for professional musicians. You can order a synthesizer at any musical instrument store, where you can find the option that suits you.

Types of keyboard instruments

In addition to the classic types, the range of modern keyboard instruments is expanding every year (one of the main roles in this is played by the popularity of electronic and club music), including synthesizers, midi keyboards, digital pianos, vocoders, and various keyboard combos.

The list goes on and on. This trend is not accidental, as the music industry demands innovation in the musical field, and keyboard instruments have succeeded in innovation more than all others. In addition, many performers are increasingly beginning to use various synthesizers and their derivatives in their work.

Keyboard synthesizers

Keyboard synthesizers are a type of electronic musical instrument that can imitate the sounds that other instruments make, synthesize new sounds, and create unique sounds. Keyboard synthesizers gained great popularity in the 70s and 80s, during the development of pop music.

Modern models of keyboard synthesizers that have a sequencer are a kind of workstation. They are divided into digital, analog and virtual-analog (how to choose a synthesizer). The most popular companies: Casio (WK synthesizer), as well as multifunctional workstations. Such devices include synthesizers Korg, Roland, Yamaha, etc.

Midi keyboard

A midi keyboard is a type of midi controller that is a regular piano keyboard with additional buttons and faders. These devices, as a rule, do not have speakers and work only with an amplifier, which is usually a computer.

Such keyboards are very convenient, so they are most often used in recording studios, especially at home. Therefore, if you are planning to set up a recording studio, you can always buy yourself a midi keyboard.

Digital pianos

A digital piano is almost a complete analogue of an acoustic instrument, the only difference being that it can reproduce the sounds of not only a piano, but also some other instruments. Good quality digital pianos are almost as natural as acoustic pianos in sound, but have the huge advantage of being much smaller in size. In addition, the tactile effect is the same as that of playing the piano.

It is not surprising that now more and more professional musicians prefer electronic instruments to classical ones. Another plus is that digital pianos have become more affordable than their predecessor.

Keyboard amplifiers

A combo amplifier is an electronic amplifier with a speaker. Such devices are intended for use in conjunction with electronic instruments. Accordingly, the keyboard combo amplifier is designed for use with electronic keyboards. It is usually used as a monitor at concert performances or at rehearsals. Also used with midi keyboards.