How to buy a synthesiser at a good price: for a child, beginner or stage
What people mean by a synthesiser
In everyday speech the word covers several different instruments. A home keyboard with auto-accompaniment has ready-made rhythm and chord styles; it is chosen for fun and early learning. A digital piano reproduces the sound of grand pianos and has a weighted keyboard. Workstations and analogue synthesisers are for musicians and producers who need sounds, presets and recording.
So first decide your purpose: learning, singing along to accompaniment, performing or making music.
The keyboard matters more than the number of sounds
For learning, look for touch-sensitive keys (they respond to how hard you press). Number of keys: 61 is enough for a child and home practice, 76 or 88 are needed for serious piano playing. A keyboard without touch response teaches you to ignore dynamics, so it is worse for learning.
Also look at polyphony (how many notes at once), a headphone output, USB MIDI for connecting to a computer and built-in speakers.
Stand, pedal and headphones
A keyboard rarely works on its own. A stand holds the instrument steady at the right height, a sustain pedal makes notes last longer, and headphones let you practise without noise. A child will find an adjustable-height bench useful. Ask whether these items are part of the offer, because they are easy to underestimate when bought separately.
What to put in your request
- type of instrument — with auto-accompaniment, digital piano, workstation;
- keyboard — number of keys, touch response;
- model, for example Yamaha PSR-E473;
- player level — a child of 8, beginner, professional;
- condition — new or used;
- package — stand, pedal, power adapter;
- budget and delivery city.
Example: “Looking for a new keyboard for a child of 8: 61 touch-sensitive keys, Yamaha PSR-E473 or similar. With a stand and pedal. Vancouver, courier delivery, budget up to $420.”
What to compare in offers
Check what is in the box: power adapter, music stand, sustain pedal, stand, bench. Some shops include them, some sell them separately. For used ones, check that all keys work, that there is no noise at the output and that no buttons stick. Also ask about the warranty and whether the speakers play without rattling at high volume. Check the size too: a 61-key instrument still fits on a table, an 88-key one does not.
How BlaBlaPrice helps
Create a request on the home page and music shops and private sellers reply in the chat: price, package, delivery. They can see where they stand among the other offers and compete for your request. Contacts are hidden and the service is free for buyers. See also “How it works”.
For bigger sound you will need combo amplifiers, and for piano playing, pianos, digital pianos and grand pianos.
