Arranger keyboards are ideal for musicians who want an arrangement of audio styles in one instrument. This device allows you to change the tone by following chord changes, such as adding a drumbeat to back up the band. But, not all arranger keyboards are the same.
Here are five tips to help you choose the best arranger keyboard for your specific needs:
Consider The Number Of Built-In Styles
Several musicians like to be flexible with their audio performances. The ability to shift from one style to another in one musical instrument is a trait that’s being sought after by many music enthusiasts.
With arranger keyboards, you can take advantage of hundreds of built-in styles out of the box. Some models may also let you record and save your unique audio style from implementing the media in specific tracks.
Consider choosing an arranger keyboard that offers a lot of built-in sound styles. You might find one keyboard with 250 styles, but continue searching the market, and you may find another unit with over 600 built-in audio styles.
Check out SoundHalo if you want to see different high-quality arranger keyboards and the number of built-in styles they possess.
Consider The Number Of Keys
Arranger keyboards tend to come in 61, 73, 76, and 88 keys. If it’s going to be your first time buying an electronic keyboard, consider choosing a 61-key model first.
Many 61-key arranger keyboards have unweighted keys, which means that you don’t have to apply a lot of pressure for the keys to emit sounds. You may also find some models with less than 61 keys if you don’t want to invest in a 61-key keyboard. But, the limitations of playing a less-than-61-key arranger keyboard will become apparent as soon as you start playing the instrument.
If you already know how to play the piano or a keyboard, consider selecting a 73-, 76-, or 88-key arranger keyboard. Think about procuring a 76-key unit as it should be relatively less expensive than 88-key models. However, if you want an electronic alternative to a real piano, invest in and purchase the 88-key keyboard.
Consider The Display
You’d want complete control over the different functions of your arranger keyboard. Sometimes, however, it’s challenging to keep track of the various features. A bright and clear display will help you view all the settings you need so you can play the instrument correctly and efficiently.
Select an arranger keyboard that won’t let you squint your eyes before seeing the text written on the screen. Some built-in displays will also have extra features, such as displaying lyrics to songs and multi-language inputs.
Choose the model with a display that aligns with your specific needs. A keyboard may display different bells and whistles, but these extra functions might be gimmicky at best and aren’t worth the additional price.
Consider The Size And Weight
Many arranger keyboards are relatively compact and lightweight, helping musicians carry these instruments to their different gigs. But, some models tend to be heavier than others.
Think about buying a keyboard that’s both lightweight and compact, while still delivering the necessities that allow you to play music properly. Lightweight models enable you to lift and carry them without pulling an extra muscle.
Consider The Cost And Quality
Arranger keyboards aren’t cheap, but some models are less expensive than others. You can get a unit at about $200 or spend over $4,000 for a high-end instrument.
Always consolidate with your budget when shopping for the best arranger keyboard. If you’re a beginner, perhaps, an inexpensive model should be an excellent choice to start. But, if you’re going to play music for a living, think about buying a premium arranger keyboard.
Keyboards made for beginners tend to be in the lower price range bracket because these devices tend to focus on the fundamentals. Beginner models are excellent for learners who are willing to spend more time honing their skills instead of playing in front of a large crowd.
Arranger keyboards in the higher price range are ideal for professionals, most especially veterans. Expert keyboard musicians need better gear to perform on stage. Furthermore, it pays using a premium model when your goal is to record high-quality audio.
Conclusion
Different arranger keyboards exist on the market, and it can be quite challenging to look for the best unit. Remember to consider the quality, size, weight, and features to ensure that you’re going to invest in the best model based on your current skill level. Also, don’t forget to consolidate with your budget to ensure that you don’t deplete your spending allowance in purchasing one instrument.
Excellent information. I have been playing arranger keyboards for over 25 years. Sometimes you need to consider being a musician vs investing time into becoming an electronic geek. The tweaking of knob turning, tone adjusting vs basic musicians interest of enjoyment. Whatever’s your enjoyment and interest are that makes your choice. Started playing piano in 1963 when I was 13. Having said this my experience, opinion is for the geeks you would favor Korg. For price you would favor Casio, but the pay for what you get is a major factor in comparison to other brands. The widest selection in price levels and best bang for the buck has been Yamaha for decades. Best playable out of the box is Yamaha. Korg is high quality and competing with Yamaha. That’s the geek factor with Korg vs easier to tweak with Yamaha. Casio is good priced but tone quality in comparison to others is slightly less. Price is a major point of difference.