Keyboard

What is a keyboard?

An electronic keyboard is an electronic keyboard instrument. keyboard instrument. It is smaller and easier to handle than a piano or an organ and can therefore be easily taken along. The name comes from the English term “portable keyboard”, which means portable keyboard. It usually has 61 keys like an organ keyboard. A piano is equipped with 88 keys.

The keyboard is operated electrically. Therefore, less force is needed to play than with a piano. In the 1970s, the American Robert Moog built an electric instrument that was the prerequisite for the development of keyboards in the 1980s.

Keyboards, which are particularly popular in the home, are widely used in music education and in recording studios. recording studios. High-quality models with extensive programming options are in demand among solo entertainers, especially in dance and light music. Advanced MIDI functions allow a whole band to be simulated and musicians can create or buy MIDI arrangements themselves.

History

Closely linked to the development of the electronic organ and the synthesizer is the history of keyboards. The first synthesizer, the dynamophone, was introduced by Thaddeus Cahill at the end of the 19th century. Friedrich Trautwein then invented the trautonium in 1924, which had no keyboard but could be played in whole tones. In 1934 Laurens Hammond created the first electric organ, the Hammond organ. Its sound synthesis is also based on sine tones, but these are mixed in different foot positions, enabling a complex sound on each key. The Leslie cabinet, which was added later, was an important sound effect. In the GDR, the electronic sound generator Subharchord, also equipped with a classical keyboard, was developed on the basis of the Trautonium from the 1960s onwards.

The first purely electronic synthesizer of today’s design was developed by Robert Moog based on the work of Peter Mauzey. In contrast to Don Buchla’s devices, which were developed at the same time, his also had a keyboard. Other similar developments in the 1970s were the Synclavier and the GX-1 synthesizer organ.

The keyboard commonly used today became established in the 1980s thanks to the new possibilities of digital sound generation. With the spread of sampling technology in the 1990s, digital pianos became popular. One particular development was the Böhm organ.

Structure

The main criterion and special advantage of keyboards compared to other instruments such as the electronic organ is their excellent portability and compactness. The keyboard of the keyboard is similar to that of a piano, but differs in touch and feel, which makes for a unique playing experience.

The number of keys varies greatly and ranges from 76 to 25 or 61 keys. The key width is often based on the standard keyboard (16.5 cm per octave), with variants ranging from 16 mm to narrower options such as 14 cm per octave and micro keys for compact devices.

Keyboards are equipped with a variety of controls such as switches, buttons, knobs and sliders, which are often inspired by the classic organ. Most models have displays that are realized by segment displays, extended LC displays or TFT screens to clearly display settings.

Innovative designs in the home keyboard sector often integrate built-in speakers that make external amplification superfluous. In addition to the power connections, audio, MIDI and pedal connections are also located on the back of the keyboards. Modern models have floppy disk, CD or memory card drives to load additional sound options, accompaniment styles or MIDI songs as presets. Many keyboards also offer the flexible option of being powered by batteries or rechargeable batteries.

Sound or sound generation

Pressing a key on the keyboard produces a sound. This sound has a specific pitch and can be influenced by the velocity of the keystroke, the movement of the key after it is pressed and the duration of the keystroke. As a rule, a sample is used as the sound source, or an oscillator circuit in the case of synthesizer-like systems. The sound can also be influenced by programmable ADSR envelopes and integrated effects.

Connection to a computer

Originally, almost all keyboards had a MIDI interface via which they could be connected to PCs and other electronic sound generators. However, the interface does not transmit music, but MIDI commands such as note-on, note-off and program change. These commands are converted into sounds on the PC side by corresponding sequencer or synthesizer programs. The original connection is made via a special plug. Nowadays, however, this is realized via the computer’s USB input.

Connecting a keyboard to a PC offers two key advantages. Firstly, it allows you to record your own games as a MIDI note sequence that can be saved and reused. This enables the creation of multi-track MIDI files and the simulation of a complete orchestra. In addition, the integration of a software synthesizer such as Cubase, Studio One or Ableton opens up extended sound and effect possibilities. The generated MIDI files can also be converted into sheet music for other musical applications.

Functions of modern keyboards

Modern keyboards offer an impressive range of additional functions compared to the traditional piano. These functions vary depending on the needs of the user and the specific price range of the instrument. Among the outstanding features are the synthetic generation of real instrument sounds as well as selected electronic synthesizer sounds. This capability gives the keyboard enormous versatility. It enables the creation of a wide range of sound experiences.

Controllable accompaniment functions also make it possible to control the dynamic drum and instrument sounds of a combo. This allows the player to enjoy a multi-faceted accompaniment while playing. The internal storage and playback of music data adds an extra dimension to musical performances.

In addition, innovative functions such as the creation of arpeggios from played chords expand the tonal possibilities. Programmable light keys make it easier to learn songs effectively. The playback function of MIDI files and the storage of configurations for sound and accompaniment allow flexible adaptation to individual preferences. Keyboards are versatile musical instruments that not only imitate the keyboard of a piano, but also offer a wide range of digital functions for creative music creation.

List of famous keyboard players

Adam Holzman
Alan Fitzgerald
Alan Pasqua
Alan Price
Al Greenwood
Al Kooper
Allan Zavod
Allen Lanier
Allen Ravenstine
Amos Milburn
André Brasseur
Andrew Fletcher
Andy Bown
Barbara Dennerlein
Barry Goldberg
Benmont Tench
Bernhard Lloyd
Bernhard Wittmann
Billy Joel
Billy Powell
Billy Preston
Bob James
Bob Mayo
Booker T. Jones
Brandon Flowers
Brent Mydland
Brian Auger
Brian Eno
Burton Cummings
Carlo de Wijs
Carsten Meyer
Cary Kim
Chuck Leavell
Chris Stainton
Christian Lorenz
Claudio Simonetti
David Bryan
David Greenfield
David Paich
David Plüss
David Rosenthal
David Sancious
Dennis DeYoung
Derek Sherinian
Dieter Falk
Dieter Reith
Dizzy Reed
Donald Fagen
Don Airey
Doug Ingle
Edgar Winter
Eddie Jobson
Eddie Van Halen
Elton John
Eric Drew Feldman
Ethel Smith
Felix Cavaliere
Frank Mertens
Franz Lambert
Garth Hudson
Gary Wright
Geddy Lee
Geoff Downes
Geoffrey Peacey
George Duke
Greg Hawkes
Gregg Allman
Gregg Rolie
Greg Phillinganes
Howard Jones
Hugh McKenna
Ian McDonald
Ian McLagan
Ian Underwood
Ingo Bishop
Irmin Schmidt
Isaac Hayes
Jasper van’t Hof
Jan Hammer
Janne Wirman
Jason Freese
Jean-Jacques Kravetz
Jean-Philippe Rykiel
Jeff Chimenti
Jens Johansen
Jens Skwirblies
Jerry Corbetta
Jimmy Greenspoon
Jimmy Smith
John Bundrick
John Evan
John Hermann
John Medeski
John Novello
Jon Carin
Jon Lord
Jonathan Cain
Jools Holland
Jordan Rudess
Keith Emerson
Keith Godchaux
Keith Tippett
Ken Hensley
Kenny Kirkland
Kerry Livgren
Kerry Minnear
Kevin Moore
Klaus Wunderlich
Larry Knechtel
Larry Young
Lee Michaels
Leena Peisa
Leon Russell
Martin Gore
Manfred Mann
Marco Grasshoff
Mark Kelly
Mark Mancina
Mark Robertson
Mark Stein
Mark Wirtz
Matthew Bellamy
Matthew Fisher
Matthias Bublath
Max Middleton
Michael MacNeil
Michael McDonald
Michael Pinnella
Michael Rother
Mike Finnigan
Mike Garson
Mike Harrison
Mike Pinder
Mike Shinoda
Morgan Fisher
Neal Doughty
Neal Morse
Nick Rhodes
Nicky Hopkins
Paul Carrack
Paul Halley
Paul Raymond
Paul Wickens
Peter Bardens
Peter Wolf
Ralf Mähnhöfer
Ray Manzarek
Richard Tandy
Richard Tee
Rick Davies
Rick Wakeman
Ricky Echolette
Rob Hyman
Rod Argent
Roddy Bottum
Roger O’Donnell
Roger Powell
Roy Bittan
Steve Nieve
Rick van der Linden
Steve Porcaro
Steve Walsh
Stevie Wonder
Tom Coster
Tom Schuman
Tommy Eyre
Tony Ashton
Tony Banks
Tony Carey
Tony Hymas
Trent Reznor
Tuomas Holopainen
Tyrone Downie
Vangelis
Vincent Crane
Vince Clarke
Volker Kahrs
Wendy Haas
Woolly Wolstenholme
Zeus B. Held

Keyboard manufacturer

Casio
Frame
Ketron
Korg
Medeli Electronics
Roland
Wersi
Yamaha

What does a keyboard cost?

Keyboards are available in various price categories, which differ in terms of features, brand and target group. Particularly inexpensive models are available from as little as EUR 50 and are particularly suitable for children or absolute beginners who want to take their first musical steps. Good entry-level keyboards are available from around EUR 100. These usually offer more functions and better sound quality, which makes playing and learning more enjoyable. For advanced players who want a greater variety of sounds and additional functions, prices range from 200 to 500 euros.

These keyboards are often equipped with high-quality keys, better speakers and advanced settings. Professional musicians and ambitious amateur players usually invest in professional keyboards that cost from 500 euros and set no limits to creativity. These models offer first-class sound, robust workmanship and numerous customization options. So there is a keyboard to suit every budget and requirement.