Like most musical instruments, the variety of keyboards available is tremendous. In fact it probably tops them all. This only serves to make your decision as to what to buy that much more difficult.
There are all kinds of features you can have on your bands keyboard including the ability to mimic other musical instruments. This is really cool if your band uses it often, and a complete waste of money if you don't. Buy your keyboards according to the needs of your band.
As far as musical instruments go, choosing the right keyboard to play in a rock band can be one of the most difficult instruments to purchase. The first thing you have to decide is what the actual function of the keyboard is going to be in your band. Is it simply going to be a substitute for a piano or are you going to be relying heavily on the synthesizing functions in order to mix sounds or imitate other musical instruments? In other words, know exactly what you are buying it for.
The answer to this determines which keyboard you should ultimately buy. First of all, keyboard basics. Keyboards are coming in many shapes and sizes these days the most common number of keys included on a keyboard are as follows: 88, 76, 61, 49, 37, and 25 keys. Very few musical instruments offer the versatility that the modern keyboard offers. Don't get caught up in the details.
Don't buy more musical instrument than you need. If you only need a substitute for a piano, don't buy a full-fledged synthesizer. At the same time you do not want to rob yourself of features that you truly need. It's quite possible to drop to a smaller set of keys on the board in order to pick up an extra feature or two, after all do you really intend to use all 88 keys? These are things to consider not only with keyboards but with any musical instrument you may consider purchasing. Even a piano substitute comes with many options and price ranges. So list your needs before you hit the store.
In fact that may be the most important advice of all. When you hit the stores, there will always be a salesman trying to sell you on some great new feature. And he's telling you the truth, it probably is a great new feature on this particular musical instrument. But it's only great if you use it. By knowing exactly what you want before you begin your search it will be much easier to say no when someone tries to sell you something you don't need.
As with any musical instrument, I highly recommend that you try it before you buy it. Try several different keyboards and compare them. Pay attention to the brands and the features of the keyboards you like the best and decide which one suits your needs and your bands sound requirements best. Every once in a great while there is that one musical instrument, that you just know is the right one for you the moment you begin to play. Hopefully you will have the experience, if not don't force it. And don't rush your decision.
Buying any musical instrument for a rock band or any other band can be stressful, don't buy the first keyboard you find and don't talk yourself into buying a keyboard or any musical instrument that you do not feel is right for you. Take your time to make the best decision for you and your band.
Don't allow the choosing of a keyboard or any other musical instrument take over your mind and add unneeded stress to your life. Your keyboard more than anything should be something that makes your life easier. You should think good thoughts when playing it, not stressful thoughts.
Again, that's why it's important to know what you are looking for first. It will take away a lot of the stress that purchasing a new high dollar musical instrument can create. Music isn't supposed to be stressful, it's supposed to be fun.
