Piano Equipment
Types of acoustic & electronic pianos, accessories and recommendations.
Introduction:
Unlike acoustic pianos, digital pianos have no hammers, strings or soundboard. The sound you hear is produced from a digitally sampled grand piano (and other sounds) captured on computer chips and delivered to your ears through speakers. Below are advantages and disadvantages to electronic pianos:
Advantages of an Electronic Keyboard:
- Far less expensive: Decent digitals cost from $500.00.
- Easier to move: Digital pianos are not meant to be portable, but if and when they need to be moved they are able to disassemble and are easy to move. Acoustic pianos require costly piano movers because they cannot be jostled around. The tension on the strings put thousands of pounds of pressure on the soundboard. A little too much activity and the soundboard will crack rendering the piano useless.
- Never needs tuning: Acoustic pianos need tuning every time the weather changes, about every 6 months at a cost of $100 per tuning or about $200-a-year. Skip tunings and it will sound like a saloon piano.
- Virtually Maintenance free: Barring manufacturing defect, digital pianos are maintenance free (except for a little dusting). Acoustic pianos have lots of moving parts that require costly regular maintenance after a five (or so) years of use.
- Silent play with headphones. You can't plug headphones into an acoustic piano.
- Enhanced features:
- Multiple instrument sounds (types of pianos, harpsichord, organ, strings, etc.)
- Different rhythm sounds for accompaniment
- Digital recording capability
- Interaction with other electronic music devices (MIDI)
- Computer interfacing.
Disadvantages of an Electronic Keyboard:
- The digital sound is only as good as the speakers.
- Digital sampling is done with individual tones: the sound of different tones interacting together cannot be perfectly reproduced. Those complex harmonics are lost. Supposedly, Roland claims to have may have solved this problem with their "V-Piano."
- Electronic pianos can only simulate the touch (feel) of a real piano by weighting the keys. Advancements in technology have improved the simulation of a real piano feel. Kawai comes the closest with their wooden keys and lever action on their better models.
- Loudness and softness can only be simulated on a digital piano. Better digitals will have had many more samples of a single tone. Knockoffs will have less sampling and therefore lack the gradual dynamics of a better digital. Again, advancements in technology have improved the reproduction of real piano dynamics to where only aficionados or professionals can tell the difference.
Recommendation: Unless you are a purist and must have an acoustic piano, the electronic digital piano has far too many advantages over the traditional acoustic piano to pass up, especially for the needs of today's 21st-Century student.
There are two types of pianos: acoustic and electronic.
Acoustic Pianos:
Acoustic pianos have two basic categories: vertical and horizontal piano.:
Vertical Pianos:
Vertical pianos get their name from the placement of their strings and soundboard in a vertical position. All vertical pianos are 58 inches in width. They differ in size by their height. The distance from floor to keyboard is basically the same for all these keyboards. Here are the four types from smallest to largest:
Spinet
Spinet pianos are the smallest acoustic pianos. They produce an acceptable sound quality;
a common rental piano.
Height: 36 - 38 inches
Console
Console pianos are the next step up from spinets. They produce a good sound quality; a common rental piano.
Height: 40 - 43 inches
Studio
Studio pianos are the type found in most schools, churches and music stores.
The are durable and generally produce a very good quality sound; a common rental piano.
Height: 45 - 48 inches
Upright
The tallest of the vertical pianos. It is sometimes called the Upright Grand. With the largest soundboard
of all vertical pianos, they produce a sound quality closest to grand pianos.
Height: 50 - 60 inches
Final notes on vertical acoustics: Tone quality will differ depending on size and brands. However, all other things being equal, the tone quality improves as the string length increases and the soundboard grows.
Horizontal pianos get their name from the placement of their strings and soundboard in a horizontal position. They are more commonly known as "grand" pianos. Generally, grand pianos are relatively the same height and width (58"). However they vary in length. Here are the six sizes from smallest to largest:
Petite Grand
The smallest of the horizontal pianos.
Length: 4' 5" - 4' 10" inches.
Baby Grand
The most popular type of grand piano.
Length: 4' 11" - 5' 6"
Medium Grand
UNPICTURED
Length: 5' 7"
Parlor Grand
Also called the Living Room Grand.
Length: 5' 9" - 6' 1"
Semiconcert or Ballroom
Also called the Living Room Grand.
Length: 6'2" - 7'
Concert Grand
The largest of all the grand pianos; also called the Nine Foot Grand.
Length: 9 feet
Final notes on horizontal acoustics: Just as with the vertical pianos, tone quality will differ depending on size and brands. However, all other things being equal, the tone quality improves as the string length increases and the soundboard grows. That is why the concert grand sounds better than the petite grand.
Unlike acoustic pianos, electronic (digital) pianos have no hammers, strings or soundboard. The sound you hear is from a digitally sampled acoustic grand piano (and other instrument sounds) captured on computer chips and delivered to your ears through speakers.
Advancements in technology have created models that now rival acoustic pianos in tone quality, touch, feel, and appearance. Only purists care about the difference. They have surpassed acoustic pianos in their multi-feature capabilities (other instrument sounds, rhythmic accompaniment, silent play, recording, communication with other electronic music devices, etc...) The future possibilities are endless.
As discussed above, electronic pianos never need tuning and almost never needs maintenance, eliminating $200 a year in costs.
Note: Some electronic keyboards have many more features (like wheels and knobs, synchronization, etc...) which we won't be emphasizing for our purposes. Also, models like Arrangers, Synthesizers, Digital Workstations, or Organs also will not be discussed.
Vocabulary you'll need:
Touch sensitivity describes whether the keyboard responds to how the key is depressed. If it is pushed down with more weight the sound will be louder; pushed down softly the sound will be softer. Cheaper models do not have touch sensitivity.
Polyphony describes how many tones sound at the same time. The cheapest models can only sound one tone at a time. You will want at least 128-note polyphony.
Response describes whether the keys are weighted (or some technology) that makes the keyboard feel like that of a real piano. The keys of cheaper models feel spongy and push down too easily.
Necessary Features:
For our purposes, an electronic piano must have these features to be suitable for the proper development of a student:
- Range: 88 keys
- Width: ~58 inches
- Touch Sensitivity: Yes
- Polyphony: Minimum 128-note
- Response: Weighted Keys
- Sounds: Multiple
- 3-Pedal System: Yes
- Stand or legs: Yes
- Bench: Yes
- Headphones: Yes
It is possible to find suitable keyboards that do not have the external features (stand, bench, pedal...) however, to be suitable for proper development of the student it is necessary that the keyboard can be upgraded to add these features.
These keyboards are popular because they are far less expensive than the other models. For the parent of a previously fickle child, it would seemingly make no sense to purchase a costly instrument and then have the child turn around and want to quit lessons after a month or two. I cannot blame parents for beginning with a "try-and-see" approach but these keyboards are designed for novice beginners who are not going to be taking serious lessons. This type of keyboard will be, in the end, a hindrance to long term progress. It will give the beginner a false impression of what a piano feels like and how it responds to touch. Initial development of sensitivity will be lost. Playing at a real piano will be a frustration. Seemingly successful home practice will lead to unsuccessful play for the teacher on a real instrument. This seeming initial "failure" in a student's own mind can setup negative feelings and can hinder the desire to learn in the future. If and when your is ready for a proper instrument, what will you do with this one?
- 3-Pedal System: No
- Stand or legs: No
- Bench: No
- Range: 61 keys
- Width: 38 inches
- Touch Sensitivity: No
- Response: Un-weighted
Bottom line: I do not recommend you buy one of these.
I highly recommend purchasing a digital piano. They never need to be tuned and need little to no maintenance. Today's digitals are being made to feel as near to the real thing as possible. Most come with many different instrument sounds and many with recording capability. Higher end models include many options like stored music. The digital piano at left has a built-in computer screen that has many educational and functional applications. Digitals are a logical choice. Bundled as a kit, even some portable models meet all the requirements we established in Necessary Features discussed above.
Cheap knockoffs: Buying a digital piano is mostly you get what you pay for but, beware the cheaply made knockoffs that look beautiful on the outside, but are functionally inferior. I've tried to create a complete list of "Not Recommended" digitals below -- use the manufacturers on the list to get a general idea of which to steer clear.
Discontinued models: Some models have been discontinued and replaced by newer technology. This gives you two options: 1) buy the replacement technology as noted for better sound and feel 2) buy the older discontinued instrument at a discount.
3-pedal system: Though beginning students don't need a 3-pedal system (they commonly only use the far right damper pedal), it is a much better choice to choose the 3-pedal system as part of the digital piano structure, rather than a single-pedal. These single-pedals are a frustration to use because they notoriously skate across the floor with each push-down with the foot. Having the instrument against a wall may seem a solution, but the chords that attach to the single-pedals come out the back end and prevent it from being used against a back wall. Eventually, after continued use, against a wall, the connection will eventually short out. Buy the 3-pedal system. It is a far more realistic experience for students to learn pedalling.
Recommended Portables
Casio PX160 Privia (Keyboard): ~$500 Amazon, Kraft Music, Austin Bazaar
Casio PX160 Privia (Bundle) ~$641 Amazon, Kraft Music, Austin Bazaar
Casio PX350 (Keyboard): ~$700 Amazon, Kraft Music, Guitar Center Austin Bazaar
Casio PX350 (Bundle): Amazon, Kraft Music Austin Bazaar
Kawai ES100 (Bundle): ~$800 Amazon,
Yamaha P105 (Bundle), Black: Amazon, Kraft Music, Guitar Center
Yamaha DGX650 (Keyboard Only): ~$800 Amazon,
Yamaha DGX650 (Bundle):~$800 Amazon, Kraft Music,
Yamaha P255: (Keyboard Only) ~$1300 Amazon, Kraft Music,
Yamaha P255: (Bundle) ~$1500 Amazon, Kraft Music,
Discontinued/Older Portables
Casio AP420 Celviano:(replaced by AP250)
Casio AP620 Celviano:(replaced by AP250)
Casio CDP120:
Casio PX150 Privia(Keyboard,Black):(replaced by PX160): ~$480 Amazon
Kawai EP3: (replaced by ES100)
Yamaha DGX640: (replaced by DGX650)
Not Recommended Portables
Casio PX350: (Good keyboard, bad bundle, see above) Amazon
Korg SP170S: (action issues) Amazon
Korg SP250: (older technology) Amazon
Korg SP280: (action issues) Amazon
Korg LP380 (Piano Only): (better pianos above for the same $) Amazon,
Korg LP380 (Bundle): (better pianos above for the same $) Amazon,
Roland F20: (action issues, no 3-pedal system) Amazon
Roland MFP1: (action issues, no 3-pedal system)
Roland FP80: ~$2000 (good keyboard; bad stand and 3-pedal system) Amazon
Suzuki DP1000: ~$1000 (inferior piano maker paying to use the Suzuki name)
Williams Allegro: ~$400 (a low quality knockoff) Amazon
Yamaha P35: (good keyboard, bad stand and pedal system) Amazon
Yamaha Piaggero NPV80, NPV60, NP31, NP11: (less than 88-key keyboards)
Yamaha P155: ~$1000 (good keyboard, unable to find with proper pedal system)
Recommended Digital Consoles
Casio PX750 Privia (Bundle), Black: Amazon,
Casio PX780 Privia (Piano Only): Amazon, Kraft Music, Guitar Center
Casio PX780 Privia (Bundle): Amazon, Kraft Music,
Casio PXA800P Privia, Natural Oak Tone: Amazon, Kraft Music
Casio PX850 Privia (Piano Only): Amazon, Kraft Music, Guitar Center
Casio PX850 Privia (Bundle): Amazon, Kraft Music,
Casio AP250 Celviano, Oak Brown: Amazon, Kraft Music, Guitar Center
Kawai KDP90 (Piano Only), Black: Amazon,
Kawai KDP90 (Bundle), Black: Amazon,
Kawai CE220: Amazon, Kraft Music, Guitar Center
Kawai CN24 Digital Piano:
Kawai CN34 Digital Piano:
Kawai CA65 Digital Piano:
Kawai CA95 Digital Piano:
Kawai ES7 (Piano Only): Amazon,
Kawai ES7 (Bundle): Kraft Music,
Roland F120 - White: Amazon, Kraft Music
Roland RP-301: Amazon, Kraft Music
Roland DP90e (Piano Only): Black
Roland DP90e (Bundle): Black
Roland DP90Se (Piano): Ebony, White,
Roland DP90Se (Bundle): Ebony, White,
Roland HP504:
Roland HP506:
Roland HP508:
Roland LX15e:
Roland HPi50e: Interactive computer screen
Roland RP401R:
Roland F130R:
Yamaha YDP142 Arius: ~$1000 Las Vegas Pianos, Amazon, Kraft Music, Guitar Center
Yamaha YDP162 Arius: ~$1500 Amazon, Kraft Music, Guitar Center
Yamaha YDP181 Arius: ~$1700 (stiff action) Amazon, Kraft Music, Guitar Center
Yamaha YDPS51 Arius: ~$1350 Amazon, Kraft Music, Guitar Center
Yamaha YDPV240 Arius: Amazon, Kraft Music, Guitar Center
Yamaha CLP430 Clavinova: ~$3000 Las Vegas Pianos
Yamaha CLP440 Clavinova: ~$3900 Las Vegas Pianos
Yamaha CLP470 Clavinova: ~$4800 Las Vegas Pianos
Yamaha CLP480 Clavinova: ~$7000 Las Vegas Pianos
Yamaha CLP525: ~$2500 Las Vegas Pianos
Yamaha CVP601: ~$4000-$5400 Las Vegas Pianos
Yamaha CVP605: ~$6000 (good action, lots of functionality) Las Vegas Pianos
Yamaha CVP609: -$12000 (good action, wood keys, functionality) Las Vegas Pianos
Yamaha NU1: ~$5000 (Excellent action!). Las Vegas Pianos
Discontinued Digital Consoles
Medium Cherry, Satin Black,
Roland HP503 & HP505: (good, but discontinued; replaced by HP504 & HP506)
Roland HP507 & LX15: (good, but discontinued; replaced by HP508 & LX15e)
Roland HPi50: (great but discontinued and replaced by HPi50e)
Yamaha YDP141: ~$1000 (good, discontinued model replaced by YDP142)
Yamaha YDP161 Arius: (good, discontinued model replaced by YDP162)
Yamaha CLP330 Clavinova: (good, discontinued model replaced by the CLP430)
Yamaha CVP501 Clavinova: (good, discontinued model replaced by the CVP601)
Yamaha CVP503 Clavinova: (good, discontinued model replaced by the CVP603)
Yamaha CVP505 Clavinova: (good, discontinued model replaced by the CVP605)
Yamaha CVP509 Clavinova: (good, discontinued model replaced by the CVP609)
Not Recommended Digital Consoles
Adagio XDP400: ~$800 at Costco (looks nicer than plays)
Adagio KDP8826: ~$1000 at Costco (looks nicer than plays)
Artesia AP8: ~$1000at Costco; looks nicer than plays.
Benjamin Adams DP400: ~$600 at Sam Ashe; low quality knockoff.
Classenti CDP1, CDP2, CDP3: (low quality knockoffs)
Kurzweil SPS4-8: (good keyboard but no 3-pedal system) Kraft Music
Kurzweil CUP2: (only 64-note polyphony) Amazon
Kurzweil MP10: (bad key action) Amazon
Roland F120: ~$1300 (action issues) Amazon
Roland RP301: ~$1700 (action issues) Amazon
Roland RP301R: ~$2000 (action issues) Amazon
Suzuki SD10: ~$800 (inferior to other brands at same prices.)
Suzuki SL1: ~$599 (inferior to other brands at same prices.)
Suzuki HP-99: ~$1800 (inferior to other brands at same prices.)
Suzuki TSI-1ei: (inferior piano maker paying to use the Suzuki name)
Williams Rhapsody: ~$450; a low quality knockoff. Amazon, Guitar Center
Williams Overture: ~$450; a low quality knockoff. Amazon, Guitar Center
Yamaha YDP135R: ~$1000 (good, but older model)
Yamaha YDPC71: ~$1500 (good, but older technology)
Recommended Digital Grands
Samick SG310:
Samick SG450:
Yamaha CLP465GP: ~$4500-$5000
Yamaha AvantGrand N1: ~$6500-$7000
Yamaha AvantGrand N2: ~$9500-$10,000
Yamaha AvantGrand N3: ~$14000-$15000
Yamaha CVP609GP:
Discontinued Digital Grands
Not Recommended Digital Grands
Classenti GR1: ~$4950 (looks nice, but better pianos are available for less.)
Suzuki MDG200: (inferior piano maker paying to use the Suzuki name) Amazon,
Suzuki DG10: ~$1500 (inferior piano maker paying to use the Suzuki name)
Suzuki S350: ~$2500 (inferior piano maker paying to use the Suzuki name) Amazon,
Suzuki MG350: (inferior piano maker paying to use the Suzuki name)
Williams WGB: ~$1300 (a low quality knockoff)
Final Notes on Digital Pianos:
What I have listed here are suggestions to meet bare-minimum standards for practicing. With a trip to a music store or a spin around the internet, you will find brands and models not mentioned here. It doesn't mean they won't be suitable. Just look for the Necessary Features.
Technology, prices, locations, and links will change. What I have listed here I believe to be the best deals. I'd like to keep this information up-to-date for my students and parents. If you know of better deals, please let me know.
Let me know if any of the links above are broken or out-dated. Thanks for your help!
I recommend that you purchase your piano with all the accessories bundled. If you did, you probably just need a metronome (if your instrument doesn't already have one).
If you didn't then, I recommend that you get help when adding accessories to a keyboard or be very careful with your choices; compatibility is the issue.
Piano Accessories Menu:
Musicians use metronomes for practice; however, they are not for everybody. These days you have many options: free phone apps, internet metronome sites, electronic, or mechanical (old school, but elegant). Metronomes tend to be a value to musicians, however they can be a great annoyance to the rest of the family. Click - click- click! Consider one that can be made personal by the use of an ear plug and/or volume adjustment.
Modern electronic metronomes come with tuners and an ambient mic that is acceptable in quiet solitude. Consider a contact mic if you it use as a tuner (see below). Again, you'll want one that comes with an ear plug input and volume adjustment capability.
Mechanical Metronomes must be on a level surface to work properly. Wood metronomes are much preferred to plastic.
Wittner 803 Wood Case Metronome without Bell, Gloss Walnut: AmazonWittner 813M Wood Case Metronome with Bell, Matte Walnut: Amazon
Wittner 803M Wood Case Metronome without Bell, Walnut: Amazon
Wittner 801 Wood Case Metronome without Bell, Gloss Mahogany : Amazon
Wittner 811M Wood Case Metronome with Bell, Mahogany: Amazon
Wittner 801M Wood Case Metronome without Bell, Mahogany: Amazon
Wittner 816M Wood Case Metronome with Bell, Black: Amazon
Wittner 806M Wood Case Metronome without Bell, Matte Black: Amazon
Mechanical Metronomes must be on a level surface to work properly. Wood metronomes are much preferred to plastic.
Wittner Wood Case Taktell Super-Mini Metronome, Black Matte: AmazonWittner Wood Case Taktell Super-Mini Metronome, Mahogany: Amazon
Wittner 886051 Taktell Super-Mini Metronome, Black Plastic: Amazon
Wittner 884051 Taktell Super-Mini Metronome, Ruby Plastic: Amazon
Wittner 882051 Taktell Super-Mini Metronome, Ivory Plastic: Amazon
Wittner 834 Taktell Piccolo Metronome, Ruby Plastic: Amazon
Wittner 836 Taktell Piccolo Metronome, Black Plastic: Amazon
You're going to thank me for this suggestion! This is an essential accessory for silent play. The headphone input jacks on electronic keyboards are commonly 1/4" female. The headphones below work perfectly. If you have headphones with a stereo micro plug you will need an adapter. Stereo headphones are the basic models . You might want noise-canceling or wireless or ear bud models. Sound quality ratings are from consumer reports.
Grado Prestige Series SR325e Headphones (Replaces SR325is): Amazon
Bowers & Wilkins P7 Mobile Headphones: Amazon
Grado Prestige Series SR80i Headphones (Discontinued): Amazon
Grado Prestige Series SR80e Headphones (Replaces SR80i): Amazon
HiFiMan - HE-400 Headphones: Amazon
Shure SRH1440 Professional Open Back Headphones: Amazon
Beats by dre Beats Executive (noise-cancelling): Amazon
So, you have headphones or ear buds, with a male plug that doesn't fit the female of your piano? You need a stereo adapter. Micro-plugs (or Mini-plugs) are 1/8-inch (6.3mm). 1/4-inch is 3.5mm. Gold plating is preferred to other metals with regards to sound quality.
1/8" Female to 1/4" Male Stereo Adapters:
1/4" Female to 1/8" Male Stereo Adapters:
Assume that standard T10 incandescent bulbs will not be included with the lamp. LED lamps, with their specialty bulbs, will be included with the lamp.
Cocoweb 4" Height, 19" Shade, LED for Console Piano, Black: Amazon
Cocoweb 4" Height, 19" Shade, LED for Console Piano, Wood Color: Amazon
Cocoweb Satin Nickel LED: Amazon
Cocoweb Mahogany Bronze LED : Amazon
Cocoweb Mahogany Bronze LED : Amazon
Cocoweb Oil Rubbed Bronze LED : Amazon
Cocoweb 14" LED - Antique Brass: Amazon
House Of Troy 11-1/2" Gooseneck, Black, 1(T10-40): Amazon
House of Troy , Black Finish, 1(T10-40): Amazon
House of Troy 12", Black Finish, 2(T10-40): Amazon
House of Troy 12" Round Base Upright Antique Brass, 2(T10-40): Amazon
House Of Troy 12", Oil Rubbed Bronze, 2(T10-40): Amazon
House of Troy 12", Mahogany Bronze / Black & Tan Marble 2(T10-60): Amazon
House Of Troy 13", Mahogany Bronze 2(T10-60): Amazon
House of Troy 14", Mahogany Bronze, 2(T10-60): Amazon
House of Troy 16-1/2", Antique Brass/Chestnut Bronze, 2(T10-60): Amazon
House of Troy 17", Polished Brass/Black Marble, 2(T10-40): Amazon
House Of Troy 18" Portable, Satin Brass 2(T10-40): Amazon
Lite Source 13", Dark Bronze. 2(T10-40): Amazon
Universal Lighting, Antique Brass 12" With Marble Base, 1(T10-40): Amazon
(T10-40) GE 40-Watt Tubular, Soft White, T10 (5-Pack): Amazon
(T10-40) GE 16778 60-Watt Halogen Tubular T10, 1-Pack: Amazon
(T10-60) 60-Watt T10 Tubular Medium (E26) Base, Clear (6 Pack): Amazon
(T10-60) Sylvania 18712 60-Watt Tubular T10, Clear: Amazon
(T10-60) Satco S3896 120V 60 Watt T10 Medium Base, Clear (5 Pack): Amazon
(T10-60) 40-Watt T10 Tubular Medium (E26) Base (6 Pack): Amazon
Clamp base lamps have an adjustable felt-lined clamp that attaches to the music rack of your piano.
Cocoweb 19", LED Piano Lamp, Black w/Brass Accent: Amazon
Cocoweb 19", LED Adjustable, Black/Flower plated : Amazon
Cocoweb 22", LED Grand, Black/Brass Accents: Amazon
Cocoweb 22", LED Adjustable Black w/Satin Nickel Accents: Amazon
Cocoweb 22", LED, Mahogany Cherry Wood: Amazon
Cocoweb 22", LED, Black/Mahogany Cherry Wood: Amazon
House Of Troy 14", Lamp, Black: Amazon
House Of Troy 19", LED, Black: Amazon
Plastic clip-on lights are far less expensive. Choose one with the AC Adapter included.
KlipsLite Led Light Clip On Lamp, Book Light: Amazon
LED Piano Orchestra Lamp: Amazon
Mighty Bright Orchestra Light, with Adapter and Bag: Amazon
Mighty Bright 54810 Hammerhead LED Book Light: Amazon
Mighty Bright 54910 Encore LED Music Light: Amazon
Mighty Bright 50810 Duet Music Stand Light: Amazon
Mighty Bright 51810 Duet2 Music Light: Amazon
ECVISION® Smart Flexible Warm LED, Clip-On Clamp, Green: Amazon
House of Troy G350-BLK 11" to 22", Adjustable LED, Black: Amazon
Ikea 201.696.58 Jansjo Desk Work LED Lamp Light, Black: Amazon
LEDmusic, LED, 3 Power Options, Black: Amazon
LEDmusic, LED, 3 Power Options, Polished Gold/Brass : Amazon
LEDwholesalers 2403WH LED Desk Lamp 7 Watt: Amazon
LighTunes LED Apple Docking Speaker Lamp, USB Port, Black: Amazon
MarsLG 2404WH Elegant LED 7 Watt, White: Amazon
Normande Lighting 13-1/2", 13-Watt Daylight-Spectrum, Black: Amazon
Naturebright L6060 Per2 Led Daylight Lamp: Amazon
OxyLED T10 LED, Adjustablet Gooseneck, Piano Black: Amazon
OxyLED Smart L120 LED, USB Charging Port, Safe Touch Panel, Black: Amazon
OxyLED T100 LED, Flexible Gooseneck, Black: Amazon
Saicoo™ LED includes 2 usb ports wall charger, White: Amazon
Saicoo™ 10W LED, Aluminum alloy light head, White: Amazon
Stagg SPLED 10-1 BK LED, Black: Amazon
Sunlight 150W Output/27W Use, Quad Tube Compact Fluorescent Bulb: Amazon
TaoTronics® Elune TT-DL01 LED, USB Charging Port, Piano Black: Amazon
TaoTronics® Elune TT-DL05 LED 9W, Flexible Neck, Matte Pink): Amazon
You'll want to have a proper piano bench or seat to sit at your piano or keyboard. These place the arm position of an adult or older child at the correct position for play. For a younger child, consider an adjustable bench or seat.
Fixed-height benches vary as simple, flip-top for storage of books and/or duet models.
Casio CB7 Digital Piano Bench with Padded Seat, Brown: Amazon
CPS Walnut Wood Top Grand Piano Bench with Music Storage : Amazon
CPS Walnut Leather Concert Grand Duet Piano Bench: Amazon
CPS Ebony Leather Concert Grand Duet Piano Bench: Amazon
CPS Ebony Digital Piano Bench with Music Storage: Amazon
CPS Walnut Grand Piano Bench with Music Storage: Amazon
CPS Walnut Digital Piano Bench with Music Storage: Amazon
CPS Walnut Wood Top Grand Piano Bench with Music Storage: Amazon
CPS Ebony Grand Piano Bench with Music Storage: Amazon
Gearlux Black Piano Bench with Padded Flip-Top Seat and Storage: Amazon
Griffin Ebony Black Leather Piano Bench Wood Duet Seat with Storage: Amazon
Griffin Brown Leather Piano Bench Wood Duet Seat with Storage: Amazon
Music People On Stage WPB Walnut Wood Piano Keyboard Bench: Amazon
On Stage KB8802R Rosewood Keyboard and Piano Bench: Amazon
On Stage KB8802B Black Keyboard and Piano Bench: Amazon
On Stage KB8902 Black Flip Top Keyboard Bench: Amazon
Palatino BP-090-BK Black Leather Padded Piano Bench: Amazon
TMS Black Ebony Wood Leather Piano Bench Padded Duet Seat Storage : Amazon
Williams Matching Padded Bench for Symphony Digital Piano: Amazon, Guitar Center
Yamaha WB2 Natural Finish Padded Wooden Bench: Amazon
Yamaha BB1 Padded Wooden Piano Bench - Black: Amazon
I highly recommend adjustable benches for children. After trying pillows and phone books to prop up your little one, you'll understand why this is a better solution.
CPS Adjustable Genuine Leather Artist Piano Bench in Walnut: Amazon
CPS Adjustable Genuine Leather Classic Piano Bench in Walnut: Amazon
CPS Adjustable Deluxe Duet Two Seated Double Piano Bench in Ebony: Amazon
CPS Ebony Adjustable Artist Piano Bench : Amazon
CPS Ebony Duet Size Leather Adjustable Artist Piano Bench: Amazon
CPS Ebony Leather Pillow Top Adjustable Artist Piano Bench: Amazon
CPS Ebony Leather Adjustable Artist Piano Bench: Amazon
CPS Walnut Adjustable Artist Piano Bench: Amazon
CPS Walnut Duet Size Leather Adjustable Artist Piano Bench: Amazon
Griffin Ebony Black Leather Piano Bench Wood Adjustable with Storage: Amazon
Palatino BP-120-BK Deluxe Padded Bench, Black: Amazon
Palatino BP-110-BR Plush Padded Piano Bench, Brown: Amazon
Stageline PBK12 Piano Bench: Amazon
Stageline PBK11 Adjustable Piano Bench: Amazon
X-Style Seats are less expensive, adjustable, foldable and portable, but they are less stable.
Casio ARBENCH X-Style Adjustable Padded Keyboard Bench: Amazon
ChromaCast Padded Keyboard Bench: Amazon
Gearlux Adjustable Padded Keyboard Bench - Black: Amazon
Musician's Gear Deluxe Keyboard Bench: Amazon
On Stage KT7800 Plus Padded Keyboard Bench : Amazon
Spectrum AIL KYBN Heavy Duty Height-Adjustable Keyboard Bench: Amazon
TMS Adjustable Leather Padded Piano Keyboard Bench Seat: Amazon
Ultimate Support JSMB100 Medium Keyboard Bench: Amazon
World Tour Deluxe Padded Keyboard Bench: Amazon
Yamaha PKBB1 Keyboard Bench : Amazon
Yamaha PKBB1 Single Braced Adjustable X-Style Keyboard Bench: Amazon
"Portable" keyboards are purchaseable without stand or pedals. A proper stand will place the keyboard at the correct height above the ground for play with a bench.
I recommend an "H-frame" or furniture-style keyboard stand. They are more stable and can hold a 3-pedal system. IMPORTANT: You must match the stand with keyboard. When in doubt, ask for help.
Kawai HML-1 Stand For ES100 Keyboard: Amazon
Yamaha L85 Furniture-Style Stand for P105 Keyboard: Guitar Center
Yamaha L255B Furniture Style Stand for P255 (Bundle): Amazon
Tubular X-frame keyboard stands are popular because they are cheaper and universal (typically not made to match a specific keyboard), especially among stage performers who like to stand and play. I DO NOT recommend X-frame for home use; they are less stable and do not correctly position keyboards at the standard height for use with a proper bench.
Casio ARDX Double X Keyboard Stand: Amazon
ChromaCast Double Braced X-style Keyboard Stand with Locking Straps: Amazon
Duronic Height Adjustable High Quality Twin X Frame Keyboard Stand: Amazon
Gearlux Adjustable Single-Braced Keyboard Stand: Amazon
Gearlux Adjustable Double-Braced Keyboard Stand: Amazon
Hamilton KB860K Stands Single X Bolt Together Keyboard Stand: Amazon
Hamilton Stage Rocker SR524200 Double X Style Keyboard Stand: Amazon
On Stage Classic Single-X Keyboard Stand: Amazon
On Stage KS8190 Lok-Tight Classic Single-X Keyboard Stand: Amazon
On Stage KS8291XX Pro Double X Keyboard Stand: Amazon
Stagg KXS-A6 Dual X Style Keyboard Stand: Amazon
Ultimate Support IQ-1000 - IQ Series X-style Keyboard Stand: Amazon
World Tour Single X Keyboard Stand: Amazon
World Tour Single X Keyboard Stand Deluxe Bench Packag: Amazon
World Tour Double X Keyboard Stand: Amazon
Yamaha PKBS1 Single Braced Adjustable X-Style Keyboard Stand: Amazon
Yamaha PKBX2 Double X Portable Keyboard Stand: Amazon
Yamaha YKA-6000 X-Style Keyboard Stand With Telescoping Arms: Amazon
Yamaha YKA7500 Professional Double X Style Keyboard Stand: Amazon
Three-pedal systems are made to attach to the stand of a portable piano. I recommend these to floor pedals (below)
I do NOT recommend floor pedals. They have a tendency to skid across floor surfaces during use (a kludge solution might be double stick tape). These have a standard 1/4 inch male jack plug that goes into the female input in the back of your keyboard. If you must, here are some better models:
Casio SP20 Piano Style Sustain Pedal: Amazon
Korg DS1H: Amazon
M-Audio SP-2 Sustain Pedal with Piano Style Action for Keyboards: Amazon
On Stage KSP100 Universal Sustain Pedal : Amazon
Roland DP-10 Real-Feel Pedal with Non-Slip Rubber Plate: Amazon
Yamaha FC3 Dual Zone Piano Style Sustain Pedal: Amazon
Yamaha FC4 Piano Style Sustain Pedal: Amazon
BEWARE: Avoid the cheaper little sandwich-box-type pedals (at left); they are the furthest from representing the use of an actual piano damper pedal. These usually come with keyboard purchases, but these are not satisfactory solutions.
I hope these recommendations are helpful.
I appreciate your input. Let me know what you think.
Also, if you find any broken or out-dated links, let me know. Thanks for your help.