It’s not all black and white when it comes to finding the perfect gift for a keyboardist. 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 for 2023.
Nord Piano 5
The Nord Piano 5 is the latest evolution in Nord’s acclaimed piano series, offering musicians an exceptional blend of sound quality, innovative technology, and intuitive playability. Designed for both stage and studio use, this 88-key digital piano is perfect for pianists who demand the best from their instruments.
- Dual Piano Engines: The Piano 5 features two independent piano engines that allow you to layer and split sounds effortlessly. With six different piano types – including Grand, Upright, Electric Pianos, Digital, Layer, Clavinet, and Harpsichord – musicians can explore a vast tonal palette to suit any musical style.
- Premium Keybed: Equipped with an 88-note Triple Sensor keybed featuring grand weighted action, the Nord Piano 5 provides an authentic playing experience. The Virtual Hammer Action Technology ensures that every keystroke is captured accurately, allowing for expressive dynamics and nuanced performances.
- Extensive Memory: With 2 GB dedicated to the Nord Piano Library and 1 GB for the Nord Sample Library, the Piano 5 offers ample storage for your favourite sounds. This extensive memory allows you to load a wide variety of high-quality samples, ensuring that you have the perfect sound at your fingertips.
Arturia KeyLab Essential MK3 Keyboard Controller
The Arturia KeyLab Essential MK3 is a versatile MIDI keyboard controller designed to enhance your music production experience. With its sleek white finish and robust features, this controller is perfect for musicians looking to integrate seamlessly with their favourite music software while enjoying a responsive playing experience.
- Intuitive Control Layout: The controller includes eight backlit performance pads that are velocity and pressure-sensitive, allowing for dynamic finger drumming and clip launching. With two pad banks available, you can access up to 16 different sounds or MIDI notes, giving you the flexibility to create complex rhythms on the fly.
- Comprehensive DAW Integration: Designed for seamless compatibility with major DAWs like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio, the KeyLab Essential MK3 features dedicated transport controls and customizable mappings. This integration allows you to control your software without needing to switch between your keyboard and mouse, streamlining your workflow.
- Hands-On Sound Control: Equipped with nine touch-sensitive rotary encoders and nine faders, the KeyLab Essential MK3 allows you to tweak parameters with precision. These controls are pre-mapped for Arturia’s virtual instruments but can also be customized for other software, giving you full control over your sound design.
Roland LX-9 Digital Piano
The Roland LX-9 Digital Piano is the flagship model in Roland’s premium LX lineup, designed to deliver the authentic sound and feel of a high-end concert grand piano. With its elegant design and advanced features, the LX-9 is perfect for both aspiring pianists and seasoned performers seeking an immersive musical experience.
- Piano Reality Modeling: At the heart of the LX-9 is Roland’s innovative Piano Reality Modeling technology, which provides rich, full sound with complex overtones and harmonics. This advanced sound engine captures the nuances of acoustic pianos, allowing you to express a wide dynamic range from delicate pianissimo to powerful fortissimo.
- Responsive Touch: The LX-9 features a hybrid grand keyboard with progressive hammer action and escapement, offering an organic playing experience that responds naturally to your touch. The long hybrid keys ensure a consistent weighted feel, reducing strain during extended practice sessions and allowing for precise control over every note.
- Extensive Sound Selection: With a total of 324 tones—including various grand pianos, upright pianos, electric pianos, organs, and more—the LX-9 provides an extensive palette for musical exploration. Each tone can be customized further with the Piano Designer feature, allowing you to adjust string tuning, temperament, and resonance to suit your preferences.
Roland GO:KEYS 5 Keyboard
The Roland GO:KEYS 5 Keyboard is an excellent choice for musicians looking to unlock their creative potential in a portable format. With its extensive sound library, intuitive features, and modern connectivity options, this keyboard makes it easy to create music anytime, anywhere—perfect for both aspiring artists and seasoned performers.
- Powerful Sound Engine: The keyboard is powered by Roland’s advanced ZEN-Core sound engine, offering over 1,000 high-quality sounds that span various genres. With 128-voice polyphony, you can layer sounds and create rich arrangements without worrying about dropped notes.
- Connectivity Galore: The keyboard supports Bluetooth audio and MIDI, enabling you to connect wirelessly to your mobile devices for streaming music or controlling music apps. This feature enhances your creative possibilities and makes it easy to play along with your favourite tracks.
- Built-In Speakers and Mic Input: The GO:KEYS 5 features powerful built-in stereo speakers that deliver clear sound for practice or casual performances. Additionally, the microphone input allows you to incorporate vocal effects into your music, adding another layer of creativity to your performances.
Roland F701 Digital Piano
The Roland F701 Digital Piano is an exceptional choice for anyone looking to enhance their musical journey. With its combination of advanced sound technology, authentic feel, and modern design, this digital piano not only looks great in any room but also inspires creativity and expression in every performance.
- SuperNATURAL Sound Engine: At the heart of the F701 lies Roland’s acclaimed SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine, which provides a dynamic and expressive sound that closely mimics an acoustic piano.
- Powerful Speaker System: The built-in 24-watt stereo amplifier powers dual speakers that deliver rich, immersive sound. Additionally, Roland’s Headphones 3D Ambience effect creates a spacious sound field when using headphones – allowing for an engaging practice experience without disturbing others.
- User-Friendly Features: The F701 includes a variety of convenient functions such as a metronome, dual and split modes for playing duets or layering sounds, and a recording function to evaluate your performances. Its intuitive controls and easy-to-read display make navigating settings straightforward and enjoyable.
Behringer ODYSSEY 37-Key Analog Synthesizer
The Behringer ODYSSEY 37-Key Analog Synthesizer is an excellent choice for musicians seeking a powerful analogue synthesiser that combines classic sound with modern functionality. Whether you’re crafting lush pads, punchy bass lines, or experimental soundscapes, the ODYSSEY provides the tools you need to unleash your creativity and explore new sonic territories.
- Authentic Analog Sound: Featuring dual Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCOs), the ODYSSEY delivers a wide range of classic sounds, from deep basses to soaring leads. The oscillators provide sawtooth, square/pulse with pulse-width modulation, and sine/square wave LFO options, allowing for extensive sound design possibilities.
- Flexible Filter Options: The synthesiser includes a highly flexible Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF) with three distinct modes: 2-pole MKI, 4-pole MKII, and 4-pole MKIII. This versatility lets you sculpt your sounds with precision, whether you’re looking for smooth, mellow tones or aggressive, biting textures.
- Built-In Sequencer and Arpeggiator: The 32-step sequencer allows you to create intricate patterns and sequences effortlessly. Coupled with the arpeggiator, you can explore rhythmic variations and melodic ideas, adding depth to your compositions.
Behringer TD-3-BB Analog Bass Line Synthesizer
The Behringer TD-3-BB Analog Bass Line Synthesizer is a modern homage to the legendary bass synthesisers that defined electronic music. With its authentic analogue circuitry and intuitive controls, the TD-3-BB is perfect for producers and performers looking to create deep, punchy bass lines with classic character.
- Classic Analog Sound: The TD-3-BB features a true analogue signal path with a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) that delivers rich, warm tones. Choose between sawtooth and square waveforms to craft your ideal bass sound, whether you’re aiming for gritty acid lines or smooth, rounded tones.
- 16-Step Sequencer: The built-in 16-step sequencer enables you to program intricate bass patterns effortlessly. With the ability to store up to 250 user patterns, you can easily recall your favourite sequences during live performances or studio sessions, enhancing your creative workflow.
- MIDI and CV Connectivity: Designed for integration into any setup, the TD-3-BB includes MIDI In/Out for easy connection to other gear. Additionally, the CV/Gate inputs and outputs allow you to sync with modular systems or other synthesizers, expanding your sonic possibilities.
