<keyword id="12668209" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="piano-keyboards" source="Orion">Piano keyboards</keyword> act as a good music system to explore different tunes and sounds, and even make tracks on them. They are also a good and more inexpensive option for people who can’t afford a piano. The best <keyword id="12668210" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="portable-piano-keyboards" source="Orion">portable piano keyboards</keyword> have multiple preset tunes and voices, songs, and even lesson functions. There are various options for piano keyboards depending on your budget that you can buy online. <br /><br />Here’s a list of some of the <keyword id="12668213" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="top-piano-keyboards" source="Orion">top piano keyboards</keyword> available online.<br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B07SVXTRDX" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07SVXTRDX_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Recommended" msid="87765477" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B07SVXTRDX</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07SVXTRDX_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07SVXTRDX_2490690008910921"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">YAMAHA PSR-I500 portable keyboard</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This is a 61-key portable keyboard from Yamaha designed for Indian music lovers. It has a collection of Indian musical instrument voices like the harmonium, sitar, dhol, tabla, sitar and veena. In total you get 801 instrument voices along with 40 Indian instruments, 282 types of auto accompaniment styles along with 50 Indian styles. The Yamaha keyboard is equipped with bass reflex speakers, and professional-quality DSP effects.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07SVXTRDX_5536490206833285"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The YAMAHA PSR-I500 portable keyboard also features a pitch bend wheel and lesson function.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B083BRZB42" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B083BRZB42_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Cheaper alternative" msid="87765500" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B083BRZB42</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B083BRZB42_body"><bulletContentRow name="B083BRZB42_5407312053816021"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Yamaha PSR-I400 61-Key Portable Keyboard</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This is a more affordable version from Yamaha’s PSR series of portable keyboards. It comes equipped with a total of 218 preset styles including 35 Indian styles. This keyboard too is designed for people who want to learn or play Indian music. It has an extensive library of Indian sounding instruments, and a traditional Indian rhythm section. There are also lesson functions for those who are interested in learning on this keyboard.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B083BRZB42_5300070668313272"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Yamaha PSR-I400 is also a 61-key portable keyboard that you can get to learn and play Indian music.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B07YPTSFMT" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07YPTSFMT_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Budget friendly" msid="87765511" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B07YPTSFMT</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07YPTSFMT_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07YPTSFMT_7247284178896008"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Casio CT-S200 Casiotone 61-Key Portable Keyboard</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Casio CT-S200 Casiotone is a budget-friendly 61-key portable. It features an LCD display along with intuitive controls. The keyboard is also compatible with Casio’s mobile app “Chordana Play” through which you can learn how to play different songs. The keyboard is equipped with 400 tones and 77 rhythms. It also has 13 Indian tones and 14 rhythms. There’s also a Dance Music mode that lets you create your own music composition.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07YPTSFMT_2528751139338885"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Casio CT-S200 Casiotone is ideal for those who are just starting out since the keyboard is beginner-friendly.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B06XWS1LLD" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B06XWS1LLD_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Pocket friendly" msid="87765521" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B06XWS1LLD</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B06XWS1LLD_body"><bulletContentRow name="B06XWS1LLD_2044183099064155"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Casio CTK-2550 61-Key Portable Keyboard</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Casio CTK-2550 is another 61-key budget-friendly keyboard that you can go for. It features an LCD display with a user-friendly interface. There are 30 user song banks and 60 song bank tunes along with 400 tones and 100 rhythms. It also has 13 Indian tones and 12 rhythms. This keyboard is also compatible with Casio’s Chordana Play app so you can use it to learn different songs.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B06XWS1LLD_0196388755409985"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Casio CTK-2550 comes with a free adaptor, and it can also be used with AA batteries.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B06XBZH1DZ" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B06XBZH1DZ_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Also consider" msid="87765537" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B06XBZH1DZ</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B06XBZH1DZ_body"><bulletContentRow name="B06XBZH1DZ_1006423904086919"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">RockJam RJ761 Electronic Interactive Teaching Piano Keyboard</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The RockJam RJ761 is a 61-key teaching piano keyboard that comes with a stand, stool, sustain pedal and headphones. It has a touch sensitive keypad and an LCD display. There’s a built-in teaching system on this keyboard. You also get access to 200 rhythms, tones and 50 songs. The keyboard also supports record and playback functionality. It also has a MIDI output that lets you connect your phone, iPad or laptop.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B06XBZH1DZ_1251871813409221"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The RockJam RJ761 is a budget-friendly keyboard that you can get to learn how to play the musical instrument.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B08GJVK5GX" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B08GJVK5GX_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Pocket friendly" msid="87765561" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B08GJVK5GX</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B08GJVK5GX_body"><bulletContentRow name="B08GJVK5GX_6711428922138997"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">JUAREZ Octavé JRK660 61-Key Electronic Teaching Keyboard Piano</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This is another teaching keyboard that you can get, and it’s very pocket friendly. It has 61 keys in total with full-range stereo speakers and a music sheet stand holder. The keyboard features 200 rhythms, 200 timbres, and 40 demo songs. There’s also a rhythm programming function and volume or tempo control on this keyboard. It has a one-key teaching function so you can select any demo song and learn it on the keyboard.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B08GJVK5GX_2218178199920201"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The JUAREZ Octavé JRK660 is a teaching keyboard you can consider if your budget is low.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br />

Best portable piano keyboards for beginners and professionals

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Chuck Leavell is the principal keyboardist for The <keyword id="11939753" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="rolling-stones" source="Orion">Rolling Stones</keyword> and has toured since 1982.</li><li>Besides being a <keyword id="12074859" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="musician" source="Orion">musician</keyword>, Leavell is also a tree farmer and owns land in Georgia with his wife.</li></ul><p>By 1982, at the age of 30, I'd already spent half of my life working my way up the ranks of the <keyword id="11898471" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="music" source="Orion">music</keyword> industry. </p><p>Music played an integral part in my life ever since my childhood days when I'd tug on my mother's skirt and beg her to play the piano for me. When I was 13 and saw Ray Charles perform live, I remember walking away thinking out of all the professions in the world, that's what I wanted to be. </p><h2><strong>I spent my teenage days performing at the local YMCA near my home in Tuscaloosa, Alabama</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="Chuck Leavell, photo Allen Farst" height="1997" width="2670" msid="88285338" hostid="261"></div><p>I joined The Allman Brothers Band in 1972 when I was 20 and played with them for four years until they temporarily disbanded in 1976. After the breakup, I formed the rock/jazz/blues fusion group Sea Level with Allman's drummer Jaimoe. We released five critically acclaimed albums and toured relentlessly. </p><p>But in 1982, for the first time in a long time, things were beginning to slow down and the phone was ringing less and less. </p><p>The year before, my wife Rose Lane had inherited Charlane Plantation, a 1,000-acre parcel of land in Dry Branch, Georgia, from her grandmother. Although we intended to keep the land, we didn't know exactly what we were going to do with it. </p><p>One afternoon, I came home frustrated and began venting about how the phone wasn't ringing and maybe it was time to just forget about music for a while. </p><p>When I was done ranting, my wife informed me that while I was out, the legendary rock concert promoter Bill Graham, known for his work with The Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane, had called to see if I'd be interested in auditioning as the principal keyboardist for The Rolling Stones. I've been recording albums and touring all over the world with the band ever since. </p><h2><strong>People are always surprised by how much downtime there is on <keyword id="11909227" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="tour" source="Orion">tour</keyword></strong></h2><div type="image" title="Chuck Leavell and his wife of 48 years, Rose Lane Lucy Hewitt Photography." height="975" width="1300" msid="88285340" hostid="261"></div><p>Before the pandemic, one of the things I loved most was that my wife would often travel with me and we'd have the chance to visit friends all over the world. </p><p>COVID-19 forced us to be more creative when it came to downtime on the tour since we were in a tight bubble. While I was able to enjoy the occasional meal out in a few cities, I spent most of the time in my hotel room on my computer preparing for our upcoming activities at <a href="https://www.charlane.com/">Charlane</a>, which is now a nature preserve and lodge. I even bought a vintage 1953 Willys M170 Jeep one day while browsing on Facebook. I plan to have it converted into a hunting vehicle with dog boxes and shotgun boxes.</p><p>I always have a portable full 88-key keyboard with built-in speakers with me so I get practice in. On tour, we always do sound checks the afternoon of a show and often practice certain songs then.</p><p>In addition to being the band's principal keyboardist, the guys have bestowed upon me the title "musical navigator," which comes from my practice of documenting most everything we do during rehearsals, from keeping set lists to setting the pace for songs through hand signals and conducting. </p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/charlie-watts-rolling-stones-drummer-dead-2021-8">Charlie Watts</a> often relied on my signals, so I grew used to looking across the stage and catching his eye while we played. Charlie and his wife owned a big horse farm in England, so we'd often talk about the outdoors and environmentalism during downtime. During the tour that we just wrapped up over Thanksgiving, it was hard looking across the stage and not seeing him anymore. </p><h2><strong>Over the last 10 years, our tours have become much shorter, so I'm home on our tree farm most of the year</strong></h2><div type="image" title="Chuck Leavell at home on a tractor, courtesy of Allen Farst" height="1997" width="2670" msid="88285342" hostid="261"></div><p>I'm usually out there on my tractor from sunrise to sundown, working the land. <a href="https://www.charlane.com/">Charlane Woodlands &amp; Reserve</a> has expanded to triple its original size, and in 1999 we were recognized as the National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year.</p><p>Throughout the year, we keep busy managing our various tracts of timber doing things like prescribed burns at the right time of year, maintaining our network of roads, and thinning and harvesting. </p><p>We also have a staff and run a lodge that accommodates overnight guests, small retreats, and events. We offer horseback trail rides, hunting experiences, and sometimes have children's groups that visit to learn about nature and sustainable forestry. </p><p>Now that The No Filter tour is over, I'm jumping right into our hunting season. Over the years, in addition to my work as a tree farmer, I've written three books about tree farming and conservation work, cofounded <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dotdash-acquires-mother-nature-network-and-treehugger-300998505.html">The Mother Nature Network</a>, was featured in a documentary called "<a href="https://www.allenfarst.com/news-1/2020/10/22/niche-productions-and-palmar-studios-release-chuck-leavell-the-tree-man-documentary-in-theaters-nationwide-november-6th-2020">The Tree Man</a>," and currently host a PBS show about sustainable forestry called "<a href="https://www.pbs.org/show/americas-forests-chuck-leavell/">America's Forests with Chuck Leavell</a>."</p><h2><strong>No one knows how much longer we'll be playing and going on tour</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="Mick Jagger and Chuck Leavell performing in Atlanta on the No Filter Tour in November 2021. Rick Diamond Photography" height="2025" width="2700" msid="88285343" hostid="261"></div><p>We're obviously toward the end of the journey, but it's not over yet. We don't take touring lightly — it isn't just a job to us. Each one of us is acutely aware of just how blessed we are to be able to do this as long as we have.  </p><p>Every time we hit the stage, we get up there and say, "Wow, can you believe we get to do this again night after night?"</p>

I've played keyboard for The Rolling Stones for 40 years — here's what my life is like on and off tour

<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MH391ZF/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_081919_roland-entry-level-digital-piano-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07MH391ZF&amp;linkId=66f119d1f538a995d2520d55cc730596" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5d5ad7b7cd9784363a17f8b2-2400/rolanddaughterplayingphotobysunnychanel.jpeg" border="0" alt="Roland Piano review" data-mce-source="Sunny Chanel/Business Insider" /><p class="source"><span>Sunny Chanel/Business Insider</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></strong></a></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>This <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MH391ZF/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_081919_roland-entry-level-digital-piano-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07MH391ZF&amp;linkId=66f119d1f538a995d2520d55cc730596" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roland Entry-Level Digital Piano</a> may be $499, but it's worth it to get your kid to practice.</strong></li><li><strong>The realistic sound quality and the feel of the keys create an authentic piano-like experience in a compact size. </strong></li><li><strong>This isn't just a keyboard. It has all sorts of added bells and whistles that make practice educational as well as entertaining. </strong></li><li><strong>Our favorite element is that the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MH391ZF/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_081919_roland-entry-level-digital-piano-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07MH391ZF&amp;linkId=66f119d1f538a995d2520d55cc730596" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roland FP-10</a> is also smart. Roland offers the Piano Partner 2 app that can be downloaded to an iPhone or iPad. </strong></li></ul><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I have a confession: When we enrolled our daughter in piano classes and needed to purchase a practice keyboard, we went cheap. In our defense, we weren't sure how long she'd stick with it and didn't want to invest more cash into something that could turn out to be a passing phase. In hindsight, this was a huge mistake.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While her music classes took place on a standard upright acoustic piano, she came home to practice on a tinny-sounding, 61-key entry-level keyboard that we bought for about $100. The sound of this off-brand keyboard did not inspire her to practice. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After trying out the </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MH391ZF/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_081919_roland-entry-level-digital-piano-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07MH391ZF&amp;linkId=66f119d1f538a995d2520d55cc730596" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Roland FP-10 Digital Piano</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, we not only heard the difference in sound quality, but our daughter was a far more engaged budding pianist as well.</span></p><h2><strong>The basics</strong></h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MH391ZF/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_081919_roland-entry-level-digital-piano-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07MH391ZF&amp;linkId=66f119d1f538a995d2520d55cc730596" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5d5ada4ccd97845c08456a0c-1200/roland piano 5.jpg" border="0" alt="Roland piano 5" data-mce-source="Roland" /></a><p class="source"><span>Roland</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Roland has been a trusted company in the digital music game since they came on to the scene back in 1972. You can hear their keyboards and synthesizers behind such big-name artists as Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Green Day. While their top-of-the-line pianos can run into the thousands, they also make entry-level keyboards like the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MH391ZF/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_081919_roland-entry-level-digital-piano-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07MH391ZF&amp;linkId=66f119d1f538a995d2520d55cc730596" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roland FP-10</a>. The particular model is currently available at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MH391ZF/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_081919_roland-entry-level-digital-piano-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07MH391ZF&amp;linkId=66f119d1f538a995d2520d55cc730596" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amazon for $499.99</a>.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MH391ZF/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_081919_roland-entry-level-digital-piano-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07MH391ZF&amp;linkId=66f119d1f538a995d2520d55cc730596" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roland FP-10</a> is ridiculously easy to set up. All we had to do was unpack the unit, plug it in, turn it on, and start playing. The keyboard doesn't come with a stand, but you can buy one separately, whether a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B15JPCQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_081919_roland-entry-level-digital-piano-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B01B15JPCQ&amp;linkId=560a69b7bb52c5df3fa1d801e85091e0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">simple stand</a> or a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MRGSCKQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_081919_roland-entry-level-digital-piano-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07MRGSCKQ&amp;linkId=be6750478f95a8970c679eb876de0eca" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dedicated stand</a> that's more sturdy and mimics a more traditional piano setup. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It's also an ideal scenario for a piano student to have a practice keyboard that has all the keys, not just some. The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MH391ZF/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_081919_roland-entry-level-digital-piano-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07MH391ZF&amp;linkId=66f119d1f538a995d2520d55cc730596" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roland FP-10</a> has all 88 keys, not 61 or 54 like some other practice keyboards, and it comes in a compact form, measuring about 50 inches by 10 inches. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This piano is lightweight enough (approximately 20 pounds) that it can be moved wherever you need it for practice. My daughter practiced in bed, on the living room floor, and during a particularly lovely afternoon, in our backyard. Having that kind of flexibility is a big plus and helps keep a young student - like mine - interested. If you're planning an extended family road trip, your child can bring the keyboard with them so they don't fall behind in their progress. And when I say road trip, I mean in a car. The unit is far too big to bring on the plane. </span></p><h2><strong>What makes it stand out</strong></h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MH391ZF/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_081919_roland-entry-level-digital-piano-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07MH391ZF&amp;linkId=66f119d1f538a995d2520d55cc730596" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5d5ad986cd97845e341ebf94-1200/roland piano 4.jpg" border="0" alt="Roland piano 4" data-mce-source="Sunny Chanel/Business Insider" /></a><p class="source"><span>Sunny Chanel/Business Insider</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of the first things my daughter noticed was the feel of the keys. The hammer action feels like a real piano. There is less of a disconnect when switching between an acoustic piano and this digital one. Our last keyboard had a more toy-like quality to it; it didn't possess that full key quality and action. The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MH391ZF/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_081919_roland-entry-level-digital-piano-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07MH391ZF&amp;linkId=66f119d1f538a995d2520d55cc730596" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roland FP-10</a> keys are responsive whether she plays hard or soft and feel similar to those of a standard piano, with the same tactile sensation. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While my daughter noticed the quality of the keys, I keyed into the quality of the audio. It sounds like a piano should, although it doesn't have the depth of sound a grand piano or quality upright has, it is pretty darn close. Roland uses what they call the SuperNATURAL piano sound engine. If one were to close their eyes, they likely wouldn't realize that it is merely a keyboard rather than a standard piano. </span> </p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of my favorite aspects of the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MH391ZF/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_081919_roland-entry-level-digital-piano-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07MH391ZF&amp;linkId=66f119d1f538a995d2520d55cc730596" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roland FP-10</a> is that there is an output for headphones. Not to disparage my daughter's playing, but you probably understand if you happen to have a piano student in your home, too. Yes, we love that our children are learning and practicing, but the learning curve can strain the ears. If you do choose to listen to the dulcet sounds of your child tickling the ivories, the onboard speakers are quite impressive with a clear and crisp sound quality.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My daughter, always one for experimentation, really enjoys the additional tones you can select. If she wants to change it up from the classic piano style, there's an array of different sound genres she can choose from, such as church organ, jazz organ, and vibraphone. Selecting these different tones is as easy as pressing the "piano" key with one of the designated keyboard keys. She also had a grand time dancing around to the internal songs programmed into the keyboard.</span></p><h2><strong>High-tech additions with Bluetooth </strong></h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MH391ZF/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_081919_roland-entry-level-digital-piano-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07MH391ZF&amp;linkId=66f119d1f538a995d2520d55cc730596" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5d5ad7f5cd978454281a3ba7-1200/roland piano 2.jpg" border="0" alt="Roland piano 2" data-mce-source="Amazon/Business Insider" /></a><p class="source"><span>Amazon/Business Insider</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Besides the feel, perks, and quality of sound, our favorite element is that the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MH391ZF/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_081919_roland-entry-level-digital-piano-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07MH391ZF&amp;linkId=66f119d1f538a995d2520d55cc730596" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roland FP-10</a> is also smart. Roland offers the Piano Partner 2 app that can be downloaded to an iPhone or iPad. It was very simple to pair the Bluetooth on my phone to the keyboard, and the setup was completed in just a couple of steps. The app itself is very intuitive with a variety of options. Along with the Bluetooth connectivity, there's also a USB MIDI output for a one-cable connection to a computer or mobile device. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Beginners can benefit from the Flash Card option on the app that gives cues to match sounds and read notations. More seasoned players can find a more challenging experience with the average and expert levels.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The DigiScore tool on the Piano Partner 2 displays the score and plays classical pieces by Chopin, Liszt, and Debussy so that pianists in training can play along (and learn while they're at it). There's even a remote control to set the volume, tone, and brilliance of sound and a metronome to keep the beat on track. For more options, users can connect with Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) and a variety of other apps like Apple GarageBand. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Beyond all these bells and whistles, the tool my daughter had the most fun with was the Recorder function. With one touch, she could record anything that she played on the piano. The Recorder is a useful bonus for those who write their own music or want to give a listen, more objectively, to what has just been played.</span></p><h2><strong>The bottom line</strong></h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you're looking for a practice keyboard for yourself or your family, this portable piano is an excellent option. While the price may be a bit daunting, the additional bells and whistles justify it, especially the recording function. I found that it's a good investment that can help encourage my daughter to practice.</span></p><p><strong>Pros:</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> The sound is fantastic and clear. Different musical styles options, Bluetooth connectivity, and recording function are all useful extras.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p><p><strong>Cons:</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> The piano, with its full set of keys, could be a bit too large to lug around depending on where you're headed. Pricier than other entry-level pianos.</span></p><h3><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MH391ZF/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_081919_roland-entry-level-digital-piano-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07MH391ZF&amp;linkId=66f119d1f538a995d2520d55cc730596" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy the Roland 88-Key Entry-Level Digital Piano for $499.99 at Amazon</a></h3><p class="tagline"><p><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a><br><br>Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>.<br><br>Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.</br></br></br></br></p></p>

This Roland Entry-Level Digital Piano inspired my daughter to practice and play way more than ever before

<p class="p1"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/569661d2c08a8081028b91e4-4032-3024/img_3796.jpg" alt="seaboard rise and grand" data-mce-source="Nathan McAlone" /><p class="source"><span>Nathan McAlone</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p class="p1">As the technology for making music gets more advanced, it presents a strange tradeoff for musicians.</p><p class="p1">The act of playing a physical instrument contains a certain emotion, something that's hard to match when you're moving snippets of sound around on a computer. Conversely, a computer provides such a wide variation of tone and sound that it can unlock a creative energy that traditional instruments, like a piano, can stifle.</p><p class="p1">Roli, a London-based company, is trying to bridge the gap between these two factors, and has created a remarkable new type of instrument to do so. The instrument is called a "Seaboard," and it looks a bit like a piano you would find on an alien spaceship. It is made out of ridged silicone, which is fashioned into a keyboard that flows from one side to the other, with keys that are almost defined - but not quite.</p><p class="p1">Here is what it the Seaboard Rise - the cheaper and more portable of two versions - looks like:</p><p class="p1"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56965f93c08a8037018b91e8-4032-3024/img_3789.jpg" alt="Seaboard Rise 1" data-mce-source="Nathan McAlone" /><p class="source"><span>Nathan McAlone</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p class="p1">The point of this design is simple. Roli wants to bring the "soul" of acoustic instruments to a keyboard, and in doing so, allow some of the boundless variation of a computer program.</p><p class="p1">"Plotting lines on a computer can feel clinical," a representative of Roli told me. Roli wants to take a computer and put it back at your fingertips.</p><p class="p1">With a Seaboard Rise, you can play the keys like a piano, but you can also "bend" the sound by moving your finger on the surface as if it were a violin. </p><p class="p1">In fact, the Seaboard Rise has five prime ways you can modify the sounds you are bringing forth:</p><ol><li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Strike: How hard you hit a key</span></li><li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Press: How much pressure you apply after the initial hit</span></li><li><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Glide: The back and forth movement of your fingers on the keys</span></li><li>Slide: The up and down movement of your fingers on the keys</li><li>Lift: How fast you lift your finger off the key</li></ol><p class="p1">These elements can be customized to do most everything using Roli's software - from reverb, to pitch, to different filters. You can also make the keys sound like anything you want: strings, organ, or an instrument conjured out of someone's imagination.</p><h3 class="p1">What is playing a Seaboard Rise like?</h3><p class="p1">I got to try out the instrument at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, and its potential is immediately apparent.</p><p class="p1">I play a bit of both piano and guitar, but my first touch on the Seaboard Rise felt foreign. The keys aren't defined, and adjusting to making music on it was a bit like switching from a keyboard to a touchscreen. But once I got the hang of it, it made me wish both that I had hours to play on it, and that I was more adept as a musician. It seemed to be particularly good at capturing mood, lending itself to improvisation off of a theme by switching between different "instruments" and warping the sound in various ways. </p><p class="p1">There are two versions of the Seaboard currently in production: the Rise and the Grand. The Seaboard Grand was Roli's first product, and it is beautiful, large, and expensive. At $2,000, it is beyond the reach of many budgets.</p><p class="p1"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5696622dc08a8036008b921b-4032-3024/img_3795.jpg" alt="seaboard grand" data-mce-source="Nathan McAlone" /><p class="source"><span>Nathan McAlone</span></p><p class="caption">The Seaboard Grand.</p></div><p></p></div></div><a href="https://www.roli.com/products/seaboard-rise">The Seaboard Rise</a>, however, retails for a more affordable $799. This comes with tradeoffs. The biggest drawback of the Rise is that it is much smaller (25 "Keywaves"), although there are shifters on the side for you to move up and down octaves.</p><h3 class="p1">Try it</h3><p class="p1">But there's a way to get a taste of what playing a Seaboard Rise is like without paying anything. A month ago, the company released an app that uses 3D touch on the iPhone 6S to mimic the functionality of the keyboard. T<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/noise-5d/id1011132019?mt=8">he app is called Noise</a> and basically turns your phone into a miniature version of the Seaboard Rise, allowing you to experience a version of the five tactile "dimensions" that are Roli's main innovation. Roli says that the app saw over 100,000 downloads in its first three weeks.</p><p class="p1">This is what the app looks like:</p><p class="p1"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/569662bac08a806f008b9194-1404-719/screen shot 2016-01-13 at 9.43.32 am.png" alt="Seaboard Rise" data-mce-source="Roli" /><p class="source"><span>Roli</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p class="p1">Here are some more pictures of my experience with the Seaboard at CES:</p>

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