When it comes to finding the perfect gift for a keyboardist, it’s not all black and white. Luckily we’ve put together some top-notch products that will delight anyone who spends time behind a keyboard. Here’s our gift guide of pianos, workstations and synthesisers.
Roland KC-80 – 50W 10″ Keyboard Amp
Not all keyboards have inbuilt speakers and that’s where a Keyboard Amp comes in. The Roland KC-80 – 50W 10” Keyboard amp has three line input channels, alongside a dedicated aux input and support for XLR vocal microphones. This small amp booms with full-range audio reproduction, featuring patented twin bass-reflex designs for extended low-frequency response with minimal distortion. It’ll take your sound to the next level.
Roland Fantom 8 Professional 88-key Weighted Workstation (Flagship Series)
Bigger can be better with the Roland FANTOM 8 – an 88-key powerhouse that combines performance with production. Its weighted action keys provide just the right amount of resistance to feel like you’re playing a traditional piano. That is, until you remember the onboard 16-part multitimbral sound engine that sets you up for digital modelling, sampling, and analogue synthesis. Sculpt sounds through polyphonic or pattern sequencing, or add motion to static sounds via the low-frequency oscillators.
Akai MPC Key 61 – Music Production Centre (MPC) Synthesizer Keyboard
The Akai MPC Key 61 is a crossover between a MPC platform and a keyboard workstation. With pressure-sensitive velocity pads, function buttons, and an onboard LED display with an integrated touchscreen, this keyboard is jam-packed with standalone production tools. Use it as a workstation, sampler, and even a controller for MIDI devices and DAWs. Its 16GB flash storage, expandable through in-built USB 3.0 slots, comes separate from 10GB of preloaded Akai samples and sounds – perfect for the endless creation.
Alesis Prestige Artist 88-Key Digital Piano with Graded Hammer Action Keys
Hoping to master the keyboard in record time? The Alesis Prestige Artist 88-Key Digital Piano is here to help. Lesson Mode gives teacher and pupil simultaneous access to keys by splitting the playing field into two identical zones. Once you’ve mastered your piece, play it back with Record Mode to see how well you measure up. There are 30 onboard voices to split and layer, along with 256-voice polyphony, so practice time is never boring.
Alesis Recital Pro 88-key Hammer Action Digital Piano
When you want a full range of motion from your keyboard, opt for an 88-key model like the Alesis Recital Pro. Its premium hammer-action keyboard has adjustable touch response, so even veteran pianists will find it a comfortable playing experience. Jazz up your music with Split mode and play two voices separately, or use Layer mode to combine them for a fun effect. There are 12 onboard voices to choose from, so expect to be experimenting for a while.
Nord Piano 5 88-key Stage Piano
Nord digital pianos are hard to rival, and the 88-Key Piano 5 takes the top spot. With two powerful Piano Engines that work concurrently as a layer or split, you can play any number of sound combinations. The Nord trademark Effect section provides a massive range of instantly modifiable studio-grade stereo effects borrowed from classic pedals. Tremolo, Chorus, Pan, Wah, Flanger, and Reverb are just a few of the many on offer. That last one even comes with its own five divisions, because you can never have too much ambience in your soundscape.
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