Alternative to a Piano - 88 Key Keyboard!

Why should anybody look for a keyboard with 88 keys? On first instance, the obvious reason that comes out is that one may not be able to afford a piano with the traditional looks – be it acoustic or digital.

Cost, and to some extent the fact that it needs more space are the primary reasons for someone choosing a keyboard which has 88 keys. Somebody who has started to learn keyboards on 61 keys, and is inclined to go to the advanced level, will need a keyboard with 88 keys. Whatever is the style of music that you want to learn – classical, jazz, blues, etc. you will need 88 keys to play the advanced pieces.

But moving to a digital piano is a costlier option than may be getting your 61-key exchanged for a keyboard which has 88 keys, if budget is of high consideration. If you add the advantage of portability to it, it seems even more rational to go in for that since you can even take it along with you if you need to perform.

If you are worried about what sort of keys these keyboards will have, then relax. You get keyboards that have graded hammer action as well, similar to that on acoustic grand pianos. So the touch and feel of your keyboard is not going to change. You also have the option of attaching sustain pedals to these keyboards.

There are a lot of manufacturers out there who make music keyboards that have more than 61 keys. You can explore Yamaha, Roland, and Korg keyboards if you are looking for 88 key keyboards.

Greatest Rock Keyboard Players

5. Jordan Rudess, Dream Theater- Its really difficult to search songs having keyboard solo's with the real punch of rock and thats why I have ranked Jordan in this list. After listening several keyboard players I found him very impressive and who can actually rock the Audience with his playing. His playing was original and creative and rocking. His solo's were not peppy which is the main problem I have faced while creating this list. Very few bands are there where you get to listen a dominating, rocking keyboard solo and Dream Theater is one of them.



4. Ray Manzarek, (The Doors)- He was the man during the late 60's who came up with his outstanding keyboard solo of "Light My Fire" and made people realize that its not only the guitar, even keyboards are well for solo purpose in the rock genre. His keyboard works are very creative. His solo's sounds peppy but if you want to learn keyboard then you must go through with his solo's. Must try to play his pieces. Some of his greatest works are Light My Fire, Riders On The Storm, Yes The River Knows, The End and Crystal Ship.



3. Rick Wakeman, (Yes)- Well I dont prefer to listen his tracks as I'm not that much interested in keyboards. Their songs dont have the charm of hard rock. Their keyboard solo's basically sounds peppy but I think its only his skills and creativity that he applied on his instrument for which I have ranked him at 3rd position. Well definitely this man deserves to be at the top because of his great expressions in his playing and I dont think there can be another keyboardist like him who can create such kind of masterpieces. Some of his greatest achievements were Close To The Edge, South Side Of The Sky, Roundabout, Siberian Khatru etc.



2. Keith Emerson, (ELP)- For me he is the best keyboard player!!!. If I remove the word rock from my mind then I would definitely rank him as the greatest keyboardist of all time but If I rank him according to the rock genre then I'll have to give him the 2nd place as he doesnt deserve to be the greatest in the rock genre. Though he belonged from the classic rock genre but his songs sounded very modern, like that of the space age. The only reason for which I have ranked Keith on 2nd position is because of his never ending originality. Greatest works- Tarkus, Karn Evil 9, Toccata, Take A Pebble etc.



1. John Lord, (Deep Purple)- The king of rock!!! The most unique rock keyboardist till date. The only rocker whose keyboard playing I can consider rock. His great skills and the sound that he used to create is outstanding and no other band is there who has created songs like Deep Purple. Very original very tough to cover. Players like Emerson, Wakeman, Manzarek had some kind of similarity but Lord is totaly different. He is actually the Lord of Keyboard. From child in time to Lazy, all the songs had different charm and if you are aspiring to become a great keyboard player then must listen Deep Purple. The most versatile, skillful and the most original keyboard player of all time and my Favourite too.

MIDI Controller Keyboard - Apt for Recording using Soft-Synths!

A midi controller keyboard does not have a sound generating module in it and is used only for sending midi messages to external software / hardware.

So how is it useful if it cannot generate sounds on its own? It is useful if you have a predominantly software based recording setup. If you use a software sequencer for sequencing the tracks, and if all your instrument sounds are generated using soft-synths and VSTs, then you only need a controller keyboard. You just have to connect the keyboard controller to a computer or a laptop, which will have all the necessary software programs.

There is no need for you to go in for a full fledged digital keyboard. A midi controller keyboard will be able to send all the performance related messages to the software programs. The controller keyboard will send midi messages to capture all of the performance related parameters. It can send messages which indicate which note is to be played, how hard or soft it is to be played, any effect like pitch bend or modulation was used, etc. Some keyboard models will also have knobs, and sliders in addition to pitch bend and modulation wheels, so that you can easily add effects.

You will find controller keyboards that have less than 61 keys as well. Many users actually record one track at a time, so they really do not need sixty-one keys since they will not use both the hands together. Besides, a smaller controller keyboard will take less space as well. A smaller keyboard will help you easily demonstrate your recording capability to others. Whenever required, just dump your laptop, soundcard and the MIDI controller keyboard in a bag and carry your portable recording studio with you.

MIDI Keyboard Controller Reviews

Common Keyboard Problems ? Easy Steps to Repair Them

Keyboard problems frequently bother us and make our work inconvenient, so if your keyboard acts up, take the time to fix it. Here I will list some common keyboard problems and their solutions.

One, the keyboard can not work completely.

Step 1 Make sure you have inserted your keyboard into the computer correctly. If it is a USB device, try to unplug it from the current port and plug it to other USB ports.

Step 2 Many wireless keyboards need special drivers to drive them work regularly. So confirm that you have installed the proper driver for your device, to check it you can download a driver tool like Driver Checker for a free scan. Besides, for a Bluetooth device, you need to refer to the Bluetooth settings.

Step 3 Install your keyboard onto another computer. If it is still not working, maybe the device is defective, then consider to buy a new one or change one from the manufacturer if it is in the warranty time.

Note that if your keyboard is connected to a PS/2 connector, remember to shut down the computer before you connect or unplug this device.

Two, Windows is unable to recognize the keyboard or some keys.

Probably your keyboard driver is missing or needs to be updated. To check it you can download Driver Checker or click the link at the end of this article for a free scan.

Three, some keys are stuck or can not be pressed down.

Turn your keyboard upside down and shake it gently. This method can help to remove the obstructions that possibly generate this failure. Or you can use a can of compressed air to clean the dirt in the keyboard.

Click here for a FREE SCAN to see what problems your keyboard has and how to fix them quickly!

Tips to Buy Electronic Keyboards

The most commonly used and quite popular input device of any of the computers is its keyboard. A keyboard is an indispensable piece of equipment that enables one to master complete control over the functioning and use of any of electronic gadget one possesses.

The keyboard for this reason has always demanded to be of quality selection for the users. When we talk about electronic keyboards, there are many things that one has to bear in mind before actually putting hands on any of those available in market.

Here we have few tips that are surely going help you to make smart selection with your electronic keyboards. Here it goes for those who are beginners and crave for all type of assistance in their musical training and classes.

` 1) Know what all you want. Prior putting your hands on any of the electronic keyboard one has to be sure as to what one need to have. Never move with the notion that an expensive keyboard is going to lead you in a better way than the one boasts of being equally good but is relatively cheap. At the same time considering that you are buying an inexpensive keyboard, inspect it completely and consider each of the aspect that hold great importance. Make sure that it does not deliver inferior quality of sound.

2) Be attentive about the feel and sound: This tip goes to consider minor things that deal with selection of keyboards like different numbers of keys, where one keyboard may have 66 key other with 88 keys that stand a better choice. Consider the amount of sensitivity offered by the electronic keyboards when you press the key which ultimately decides the quality of musical sound it will exhibit.

3) Learn more about the quality of speaker sound and make sure that it does not sound screechy or unclear due to one or any other reason. Look who is going to use it. If it is for professional use and shows may be demand for features stands more, where as for beginner the basic feature to learn it at the initial stages.

4) Go for the keyboard that bundle up some of the extra like a stand, speakers and foot pedal which is going to be of great use to you.


Heed these tips and add quality to your selection in purchasing your electronic keyboards.

Simple Steps to Choose the Best Keyboard

There are various keyboards in the market, cheap or expensive, the brand-names and the unknowns. Facing so many choices, do you feel difficult to make your decision that which is the most suitable one for you to buy? The following four tips may help you.

One, nice touch

The reason I put this factor in the first place is that it is related to your study and working efficiency closely. A keyboard with a nice touch not only can improve your study and working efficiency but also can avoid your fingers too fatigued when using. In general, a good keyboard should be flexible enough, not shaking when pressing the keys, quick to reset and highly sensitive.

Tow, excellent quality

As one of the computer devices being used frequently, the quality directly affects a keyboard’s service life. A good keyboard should be made of refined materials and designed particularly. The characters on its key caps should be clear and wearable. Some keyboards even have water chutes to keep water from damaging their components, so you can pay attention to some of its special features when purchasing.

Three, USB ports

Though a lot of users have PS/2 keyboards, there are also many people prefer to USB keyboards. The plug-and-play USB port is much more convenient and it can be converted to a PS/2 port easily through a USB to PS/2 adapter converter, so a USB keyboard is highly recommended.

Four, special design

In this era awash with fashion and personality, people are not only satisfied to have a good keyboard, and they begin to care about its appearance. According to their personal favors, they would like to choose a keyboard in special color or shape. If you have a keyboard that perfectly matches the conditions around very well, I bet you will feel more comfortable.

Want to see what problems your current keyboard has? Click here for a FREE SCAN!

long-term use is possible to hang a bad Dell Latitude E5500 Keyboard

Maintenance of notebook Dell Latitude E5500 Keyboard 

1, when the accumulated dust can be used a small brush to clean the cracks, or use the camera lens is usually in the high-pressure jet cleaning tank, blow the dust, or use a handheld vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris on the keyboard;

2, clean the surface can be coated with a soft cloth on a little cleaner, in the case of off gently wipe the keyboard surface;

3, is strictly prohibited in the computer eating or drinking, in particular, can not eat or drink while working on the computer side, it is neither hygienic and damage the computer;



4, so as not to stay long fingernails, long-term use is possible to hang a bad   Dell Latitude E6500 Keyboard  Dell Latitude E6400 Keyboardkeyboard;

5, if playing the game, please note that the intensity button, do not go too far, given the life of the issue with some of the games key to rotate a high frequency of use is set to a different location on the keys;

6, notebook and desktop keyboards different keyboard, after all, need to love to use and maintain, if that individual keys can not use, you can use the keys to another key feature set is set above;

7, if you need to replace them or keycap keyboard, not sure of the circumstances, the better if professional assistance;

8, replacement keyboard, buy a new keyboard is best able to provide your original keyboard behind the MODEL and the P / N number, making the keyboard conditional positive and negative images to the seller confirmed that the seller can obtain a copy of the physical pictures to confirm, or selling mistakes, if any trouble. Contrast Method: Keyboard Contour Shape - Card-bit position and size - the location and shape of wiring - Stud distribution - the keyboard size - the keyboard alphabetical. Please be sure to shut down the keyboard disassembly.