Playing musical instruments helps you relax, take a break from the daily routine, and engage in creativity by selecting and processing your favorite melodies to suit your taste. A synthesizer is exactly what is best suited for this. Compact and lightweight, it will not take up much space in the apartment, and will sound no worse than a piano or guitar. Its appearance will decorate any interior. It will be useful for children studying at a music school, professional musicians and simply creative individuals who want to try themselves as a DJ or arranger.
Criterias of choice
To buy the right synthesizer for a beginner, you can’t focus only on cost. First of all, you need to study the main characteristics.
Number of keys. The number of octaves and range depend on this parameter. The keys can be:
- 88 - 7 octaves, like a regular piano;
- 76 - 6 octaves;
- 61 - 5 octaves, such models are very common.
The greatest possibilities are provided by instruments with 88 keys. If you want to play complex pieces of music, then the number of keys should be maximum.
Key type. The variety is represented by two types of keys:
- mechanical, or unweighted - the volume and tone of the sound do not depend on the force of pressing;
- dynamic or weighted - the keys are sensitive to pressure.
For serious work, it is better to choose a dynamic weighted keyboard.
Auto accompaniment. The best amateur models are equipped with automatic accompaniment. If you enable this function when playing, the sound of the synthesizer will be complemented by the bass of the guitar, drums, and wind instruments. The number of accompaniment styles can range from 30 to 200.
Voices. The synthesizer can simulate playing not only the piano, but also other instruments - guitar, violin, drums. Amateur models usually have about 200-300 options, while the best professional models have up to 700.
Effects. In addition to accompaniment, the synthesizer can offer built-in chorus, reverb, and so on to add richness to the sound.
The simplest models provide only 3-10 effects, while the best devices have 50 or more.
Sound synthesis methods
The sound capabilities of synthesizers today are very wide, from the sounds of simple waveforms to the ability to reproduce entire orchestral parts. At the core of the sound of any synthesizer is the synthesis method.
The main methods are:
- Subtractive (Moog Minimoog). Based on the subtraction of elements from the main signal, saturated with harmonics.
- Additive (Kawai K5). Based on the addition of simple waveforms to create more complex ones.
- FM (Yamaha DX7). Based on frequency modulation, in which one simple sine wave affects the frequency of another wave, thereby producing richer and more complex sounds.
- Table-wave (PPG Wave). This method is based on a matrix (table) filled with short samples of waveforms that can be combined in various combinations.
- Vector (Sequential Circuits Instruments Prophet VS). Based on dynamic mixing of audio signals to produce complex and rich timbres.
- Linear arithmetic (Roland D-50). The basis of sound formation is the attack from the sampled fragment and the synthesized rest of the signal.
- Sampler (PCM). The synthesis is based on samples recorded using real instruments.
- Analog modeling (Roland JP-8000). Synthesis in which an analog circuit is simulated using special processing processors.
- Physical modeling (Roland V-Piano). A complex type of synthesis in which the sound of physical instruments is modeled, taking into account their characteristics, behavior, etc.
Many digital synthesizer manufacturers have their own tone generator or sound quality processor technologies, such as Casio's AiX Sound Source, Roland's ZEN-Core, V-Piano and SuperNATURAL, Yamaha's AWM, AWM2, FM-X, or EDS. -i for Korg.
Which brand of synthesizer is better?
Several manufacturers are the most famous.
- Yamaha, specializing in the creation of musical instruments since 1887;
- Korg, on the market since the 1960s, is respected by musicians;
- Roland - synthesizers combine quality, compactness and reasonable cost;
- Casio is a well-known manufacturer of budget models.
Most of the best synthesizer manufacturers on the music market are represented by Japanese companies.
CASIO CT-X3000
Photo: https://beru.ru
The CASIO CT-X3000 is equipped with the new AiX sound source, which recreates detailed tones, ranging from powerful and rich bass sounds to piercing highs. Using the power of the new processor, the synthesizer perfectly reproduces the sounds of acoustic instruments, including piano resonances, drum noises and string vibrations. Perfect for both learning and advanced users.
CASIO CT-X3000
Advantages:
- stylish design
- good sound
- decent price
Flaws:
- not detected
The best budget synthesizers under 10,000 rubles
CASIO CT-S100
This instrument, produced by a world famous brand, will be a worthy gift for any musician, especially for a beginner. The model promotes good learning, as well as the first familiarization with notes and octaves. Mixed power: you can use 6 AA batteries or connect a regular power cord to the connector. Autonomous recharging is useful on long trips or on tour performances. The upper part of the case has a durable handle for conveniently carrying the tool, and its compact dimensions and standard black style will add zest to any interior design.
Advantages
- Power supply is possible from the mains and batteries
- large selection of tones and octaves
- full size keys
- compact size
- low cost
Flaws
- Since the model is semi-professional, it is not suitable for in-depth study of music
- no pedal input
- short power cord
Tesler KB-6190
This tool attracts attention primarily due to its price - and for some, this parameter will become critical. The price of the synthesizer is such that it couldn’t be more affordable. The functionality here is limited - there are no connectors for pedals (but there is USB), and there are only 200 built-in tones. In the best Chinese traditions, the manufacturer is trying to attract attention with “component” acoustics - next to both speakers you can see “tweeters” and even bass reflex holes. To be honest, it’s hard to say what spoils the sound more – the acoustics or the synthesizer itself; a good amplifier and acoustics somewhat correct the situation. The training mode is common for inexpensive synthesizers, using built-in melodies with prompts on the display. It reads well enough that the “tutorial” here is usable and not added for show. The keyboard is traditional unweighted. Compared to more expensive instruments, it is frankly unpleasant due to its plasticity, but here it is worth remembering again the price of the synthesizer. He fully justifies it.
Advantages
- Extremely affordable price
- It’s not a pity to put it on the mezzanine if the passion to learn how to play disappears
Flaws
- Flat, unnatural sound
- Frankly cheap keyboard
CASIO SA-77
One of the simplest, inexpensive synthesizers, designed to teach beginning musicians the basics of musical notation. It has a rectangular shape with rounded sides, light weight (1.54 kg), and medium dimensions (60.4 x 5.7 x 21.1 cm), making it easy to carry to the right place. It is equipped with 44 small-sized, unweighted keys providing 3.5 octaves of sound, two small speakers of 0.8 W each, and a headphone jack. It operates from the mains, connects to it via a power supply, which is not included in the basic kit, or can operate from a battery. It is easy to use, thanks to the convenient location of all the elements that influence the creation/playing of melodies. There is a small two-line backlit display that shows the main functional parameters when you select them, 8-voice polyphony, 100 built-in tones, about 50 songs to learn, 50 different styles, 5 small drum simulators, on/off/transition buttons from piano to organ, as well as the option to turn off the music.
Advantages
- Low price
- Intuitive controls
- Availability of training function
- Informative LCD screen
- There is a hole for connecting headphones
Flaws
- No power supply included
- Small number of tones
CASIO SA-78
This is a fairly high-quality synthesizer, despite the fact that it was originally created specifically for children. First of all, the manufacturers took good care of children's safety. The speakers are protected in such a way that a child cannot reach them in any way. The body is made of high quality matte plastic. The buttons are all made of soft rubber with a sensitive touch. The keys are made of glossy plastic, a little easily soiled, but this is not critical. There are 44 of them here. The synthesizer runs either on batteries or on a special 9.5 V 1 A adapter, which is connected to a special connector located next to the headphone jack. If necessary, you can connect external speakers, which can significantly improve the sound quality of the device. The weight of the device is small - together with six batteries it barely reaches one and a half kilograms. The case has very convenient recesses for carrying it. Even a three-year-old child can easily carry it from place to place without straining himself. At the same time, the device has five additional buttons responsible for the percussion instrument mode, and there are tempo and volume controls. The central part of the device has a monochronous liquid crystal display. It displays a metronome indicating rhythm, staff and other useful information. In addition, there is a large yellow button that switches between piano and organ modes. If the synthesizer is turned on without use for five minutes, it will automatically turn off.
Advantages
- Small overall dimensions and weight of the device
- Quite acceptable sound quality
- Works both from mains and batteries
- Can also be used by adults
Flaws
- Not detected
CASIO SA-47
The design has 32 small keys, which are well suited for children's fingers, but in terms of sound quality, this synthesizer is quite good. Its sound range includes 100 timbres, 50 different musical styles, and 8-note polyphony. In addition, the instrument has 5 buttons responsible for drums, a reed organ mode and a piano mode with a switching function. Due to its compact dimensions, this synthesizer is ideal for young musicians. The weight of the device is small, the keys have a soft stroke, which allows the baby to play on it for a long time, and the fingers will not feel tired. The main thing is to place the synthesizer on a flat surface before turning it on; it will not slide on it due to the presence of rubberized feet. The design is made in retro style. The case is made of high-quality silver plastic with a matte finish, on which dust, fingerprints and other types of contamination will not be visible. There are also reliable and fairly powerful speakers that provide good quality sounds. It is worth noting that the synthesizer is equipped with a liquid crystal display on which you can read all the information necessary for the user. The device has a training mode: it includes 10 melodies that the baby is asked to repeat. If necessary, you can connect headphones.
Advantages
- Superior sound quality
- Small overall dimensions
- Provides an informative LCD display
- High quality build
- The weight is quite suitable for a small child
- Operates on batteries or accumulators, can be powered from the mains
Flaws
- Some users feel that the speakers sound quiet
Memory
It is also worth paying attention to the amount of internal memory of the synthesizer - the more, the better. Memory can be used for a variety of data, such as storing user presets, and is most often measured in the number of cells. If the instrument has sampling capabilities, it is worth considering the amount of RAM for temporary storage of sampled material and permanent memory for storing samples in the instrument. Some tools allow you to expand memory using USB drives and SD cards.
Best Budget Synthesizers for Learning
YAMAHA PSR-E363
A stylish synthesizer with a full-size semi-weighted keyboard that is sensitive to the pressure of each of the 61 keys. With its impressive dimensions (94.5 x 11.8 x 36.8 cm), it weighs 4.6 kg, which is several times less than most professional devices. The built-in program for teaching the basics (Keys to Success) was developed with the participation of the best music teachers. It is based on a special technique that allows you to learn melodies step by step, following certain instructions/recommendations. The presence of a useful option to split the keyboard into 2 makes it possible to play any melody in 2 hands, recreating the sounds of various instruments. Metronome, polyphony for 48 voices, 574 timbres, 165 styles/tracks make this technique universal and multifunctional. The Melody Supressor function allows you to accompany yourself by connecting an external audio player. You can choose any power supply: either an adapter or batteries.
Advantages
- Pressure sensitive keyboard
- Well thought out training program
- A large number of tones
- Multifunctionality
Flaws
- Large size and weight
- No sound amplifier included
CASIO LK-S250
A rectangular device with rounded corners, a built-in handle for easy transportation, and backlit all dynamic keys, used both at home for training and at outdoor events for creating musical accompaniment. Controlling the synthesizer is the simplest and most intuitive. There is an informative, backlit LCD display. About 400 different tones, 77 rhythms, a reverberation effect including 10 types, 48-note polyphony, 60 built-in melodies, as well as oval speakers of 2 W each are responsible for the sound quality. There are microphone/headphone jacks.
Advantages
- The set includes a music stand and power supply
- Display, backlit keys
- Easy to use
- High quality build and components
- An easy-to-carry handle located at the top of the body
Flaws
- No built-in memory for saving tunes
Medeli M311
The Chinese synthesizer will offer 320 built-in sounds, a not-so-bad training program, and the ability to connect to a PC via a USB connector—the synthesizer can also work as a MIDI keyboard. What will you have to pay for this? For starters, frankly weak acoustics, and we are talking not only about the speakers, but about the sound path as a whole. You can feel the upper octaves being cut back, and there is a noticeable resonance at the bottom of the midrange. The keyboard is a traditional 61-key, unweighted, touch sensitive, but overly light and does not provide adequate feedback. On the other hand, remember the price. Medelli makes it possible to inexpensively start mastering both the keyboard instrument itself and working with a DAW on a computer - and high-quality VSTs in combination with a decent sound card will allow you to get sound that is an order of magnitude better than the “built-in” one. This means that the time of “growing up” can be extended.
Advantages
- MIDI mode
- A good set of tones and accompaniments
- Fairly clear tutorial
Flaws
- Sound quality “for the money”
YAMAHA PSR-F51
A portable synthesizer for beginners from a famous brand, made in a traditional black color. It can be used to create music at home or on the street, thanks to the fact that it operates not only from an adapter, but also from AA batteries. Its weight is 3.4 kg, given its considerable dimensions - 94x10.9x30.6 cm. It has a standard rectangular shape with full-size unweighted keys located on the top panel. Their number reaches 61 pieces. There is a sound amplifier, two speakers with a total power of 5 W, a hole for connecting headphones – 3.5 mm jack. A special feature of this model is the ability to divide the keyboard into two independent parts for paired performance of compositions. The polyphony is quite extensive - 32 voices, it is possible to select instruments (a total of 120 are programmed in the equipment), genres (any of 114). All these parameters allow you not only to play your favorite melodies, but to create your own, unusual in sound and processing. The keyboard learning mode is activated using the built-in metronome.
Advantages
- Comes with a music stand
- Suitable not only for beginners, but also for intermediate level performers
- Compliance with price and quality
- Powered by adapter or rechargeable batteries/AA batteries
- There is a Duo option to split the keyboard into 2 independent ones
Flaws
- There is no way to record created melodies
- Markable surface
CASIO PX-S3000
Photo: https://beru.ru
The Casio Privia PX-S3000 case looks very elegant, here modern trends are perfectly combined with classics. The touch control panel and screen are housed in a glossy black housing located above the keys. The use of modern high-quality materials, including for the surface of the keys, made it possible to create the feeling of a keyboard made of ivory and ebony. By the way, this is the lowest profile digital piano: its height is only 102 mm with a depth of 232 mm and a width of 1322 mm. The instrument's processor analyzes the speed at which your finger is removed from the key, which ensures the fastest possible repeated pressing. To improve your skills, Casio has created a smart keyboard where each of the 88 keys has a different elasticity. All this can be configured yourself in a special application.
CASIO PX-S3000
Advantages:
- compactness
- hammer mechanics
- runs on batteries
Flaws:
- high price
The Best Budget Synthesizers for Hobbyists
Casio CT-X5000
According to buyers, this model has good sound quality; the piano parts are comparable to the sound of a digital piano.
The functionality will appeal to beginners and professionals alike. A fairly powerful built-in acoustic system makes this instrument suitable for use at home, studio work and solo performances. Specifications:
Keyboard Features: Unweighted, 61 full-size keys, no hammer action. Sensitive to touch. With division;
Design features: the model is compact in size, equipped with built-in acoustics with a 2x15 W amplifier, and an informative display. The pitch of the tones is adjusted by the controller. It is possible to connect pedals.
Dimensions: 940x 306x109;
Tool weight: 7.0 kg;
Functionality: 800 tones, 64 polyphonic sounds, auto accompaniment for 235 styles, 168 effects, transposition. There is a metronome and reverb function. Ability to record up to 10 songs;
Additional equipment: there is a headphone jack, USB connectors.
Advantages
- great sound
- large selection of high-quality recorded tones and styles
- five-octave keyboard with full-size keys
- split keyboard and transpose
Flaws
- The controls are complicated, you can't figure it out without instructions
Roland BK-3
This model can be used both for home concerts and for performances on a professional stage. The keyboard responds very clearly to soft and sensitive touches, helping the instrument produce high-quality sound at different frequencies: from low to high. The diversity of the timbre palette makes it possible to perform on the synthesizer a wide variety of musical works belonging to various genres: from rock and jazz, to classical and ethnic. For the selected styles, you can choose one of 4 accompaniment options and multi-effects. The device is equipped with a player, karaoke function and a flash card containing audio files. Such a variety of applications provides many opportunities for exchanging files with mobile devices.
Advantages
- presence of an acoustic system
- built-in “musical assistant” mode
- selection from 500 songs
- karaoke function
- you can connect gadgets
Flaws
- no sequencer
- complex settings
- no separate audio output provided
CASIO WK-6600
This synthesizer has an increased width, which accommodates not only its 76 keys, but also component acoustics. For the latter, you should purchase an amplifier. The instrument has a built-in library with 700 tones and 100 effects. They are supplemented by the same number of effects that can be downloaded additionally. The Pitch Bend wheel helps you create sonic variations up to 12 semitones. If you connect a microphone to this device, you can safely go to a corporate event. When performing in a “truncated” lineup or rehearsing, the ability to quickly call up rhythmic patterns and quickly move through them using an encoder will be useful. In this case, the keyboard is virtually divided into 2 different instruments so that their sounds can be mixed together. The disadvantage of the tool is the quality of the keyboard, which is not as pleasant to the touch as it might seem at first glance, but we believe that this was done in order to reduce the cost of the product. Remembering that this synthesizer is suitable for performing and making money, you can forgive it for this flaw.
Advantages
- good sound production
- rich set of tones and effects
- simple and convenient control
Flaws
- not detected
YAMAHA PSR-E463
Yamaha is positioning this model as a synthesizer for beginners, but this does not mean a reduction in functionality - on the contrary, it has added features that an experienced musician is unlikely to need. For example, there is a Quick Sampling function here - you can connect a smartphone or player via the AUX input and take samples directly from it. For a novice musician who has not yet mastered working with sound on a computer, this opportunity to quickly “make a sound like this track” will definitely come in handy. Although the PSR-E463 has enough standard capabilities: 758 timbres, 235 types of accompaniment, 12 types of reverberation, et cetera, et cetera. Using Groove Creator, you can temporarily retrain from a keyboard player into a DJ: set up the rhythm, time signature and start mixing. The USB port allows you to record your game using a PC or smartphone, and can also save WAV to a flash drive. Of course, the audio is digitized at 44.1 kHz/16 bits, which immediately sounds like an amateur instrument - but is more required for learning? The dimensions of the synthesizer are large, but for a reason - it has enough controls. 61 unweighted keys with four touch sensitivity settings are standard for this class. Built-in acoustics - two 6-watt speakers, and they sound nice for this price. But the “tutorials” here have been thoroughly cut down even in comparison with the “younger” Yamaha models, and even more so with Casio, where the training programs can safely be considered the best implemented. Is it good or bad? Let’s put it this way – although, of course, it will be more difficult to master a synthesizer “from scratch,” but it will take longer to “grow” out of it. Therefore, perhaps, we will give our gratitude to the developers with additional points in the rating of the best synthesizers: the model turned out to be interesting and provides good opportunities for development.
Advantages
- Sound quality
- Rich sound customization options
- Easy live sampling
Flaws
- Noisy keys
Novation Launchkey 61
61 full-size keys with excellent touch sensitivity plus 16 pads that also have pressure and velocity sensors - this in itself perfectly characterizes the instrument. Application for professional use and included software - the entire package is designed to work under MacOS, which is de facto recognized as the standard for professional work with music. It is enough to “hang” on the pads the activation of clips and tracks in the sequencer (by the way, their backlighting is flexibly adjusted, serving as a kind of reminder of the purpose of a particular pad), and on the MIDI input of the computer – the desired VST instrument, and you can fully appreciate the functionality of this keyboard . Right there at your fingertips are convenient analogue controls. In short, the purchase of this keyboard can be considered a success both for home use and for a small studio. It's worth the money.
Advantages
- Functionality
- Rich package of included software
Flaws
- Unweighted keys are an acquired taste
YAMAHA YDP-S34
Photo: https://beru.ru
Our top continues with this model, which has 88 fully weighted keys with imitation hammer action. The Yamaha YDP S34 is equipped with a two-track sensor that allows you to record your performance. As a learning system, the instrument has built-in compositions, which can be learned by turning off the right or left hand part. For lessons with a teacher, a split keyboard function is provided. And the ability to layer timbres allows you to play two sounds at the same time. A 2x8 Watt acoustic system is quite enough for home practice. Small dimensions and a variety of colors will fit the new product into any interior.
YAMAHA YDP-S34
Advantages:
- stylish design
- nice touch keyboard
- natural sound
Flaws:
- high price
- bulky
Adviсe
A synthesizer is an instrument with which you can create unique musical compositions. When choosing a synthesizer, it is recommended to consider the following points:
- key size. There are models with micro, mini and standard key sizes. It is better to give preference to the latter option even for learning the game;
- number of keys. Their number is chosen depending on the purpose of using the tool. For beginners, it is best to use a model with a small number of keys. Professionals can use either option;
- polyphony. It is best to use tools with a score greater than 32 points;
- number of timbres, styles. The more of them, the more capabilities of the tool, but the higher its cost;
- presence of a training mode. It is needed if the user is just learning to play the synthesizer
Built-in effects
Built-in effects are an integral part of digital synthesizers and workstations. They occur in analog instruments, but not so often. The quantity and quality of effects directly depends on the purpose, level of the synthesizer and its budget. Entry-level models often have basic delay, reverb and chorus effects in their arsenal. And workstations with great functionality, in addition to a wide selection of spatial processing effects, contain compressors, limiters and equalizers with the ability to process a master signal.
Tesler KB-8850
Photo: https://beru.ru
This model is perfect for a beginner. The price of this electric piano will not put a big dent in your pocket. There is also a training function for using the device. A full-size sensitive keyboard with 88 keys, 3 levels of touch sensitivity, a 5W stereo speaker system x 2 speakers, a sustain pedal (included) and a MIDI output - all this makes the Tesler KB-8850 digital piano an excellent option for those who appreciate high-quality sound and functionality.
Tesler KB-8850
Advantages:
- decent price
- compactness
Flaws:
- not the best sound
- keys stick
After reading this article, the question of how to choose a digital piano for learning will no longer bring headaches and constant doubts about a particular device. We have selected the best options based on the opinions of many users of these devices. We helped you find out the pros and cons and decide which piano is right for you and your baby! We hope that you will make the right decision and confidently purchase what may have been a long-delayed purchase.
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