Piano & Keyboard Buyer’s Guide
Ready to start your piano or keyboard lessons in the Boise, Idaho area and need an instrument?
Or maybe you are looking to add a new instrument to your music corner, or give a piano or keyboard as a gift.
No matter the reason, we think adding more music into your life is always a good thing, and we’re happy to help you find the perfect instrument! Read on for our curated list of piano recommendations.*
The Basics
First: Acoustic or Digital?
Acoustic pianos have the benefit of awesome sound and great playability, though they require annual maintenance (tuning) and have obvious space limitations. Digital pianos or electronic keyboards are delightfully portable and have fun settings to inspire creative playing, but sometimes sub-par when it comes to realistic playing feel and sound quality.
The most popular on our studio keyboard is the “dog bark.” You haven’t truly heard Fur Elise until you’ve heard it sung by a choir of pooches!
Acoustic Piano
Pre-owned is the way to go for pianos! Decide what size of instrument works best with your space, then take a trip to your local music store. If you’re looking for a piano in the Boise area, visit the Pianos N Things showroom to pick your new family heirloom (tell Mike we say hi!). If you decide shop on Craigslist, be sure to have a piano appraiser check out your find to see if it will require repairs or tuning in addition to the cost of relocation.
Digital Piano
If you go electric, look for an instrument with keys that are either “fully weighted” (preferred) or “touch sensitive,” as well as the option to attach a sustain pedal to replicate the feel and features of an acoustic piano. Your local music store will likely have keyboards to get you rockin’. If you’d rather buy online* in your jammie jams, check out our selections below for a few great models at different price points to get you started.
Digital Pianos We Recommend
Portable Digital Pianos
WE RECOMMEND
Casio CTK-3500 (61 Key)
(Pictured)
Also note our recommendation for a ultra-portable keyboards below!
Full-Size Digital Pianos
WE RECOMMEND
Accessories
When picking out your keyboard, you can either go for the “bundle” option to pick up a ready-to-go package, or shop individually for the following accessories.
Sustain Pedal
Don’t forget your pedal — it gives your keyboard that little extra magic to make it sound feel like you’re playing an acoustic piano!
WE RECOMMEND
Adjustable Stand
Great for sitting or standing!
WE RECOMMEND
Travel Options
We know that the piano isn’t exactly the most mobile instrument. Fortunately, there are a couple ways to play piano even when you’re out and about! One classic travel solution is to play a melodica, which is a hybrid of a piano and a harmonica. Or, if you’d rather have a portable piano you can play with both hands, or free yourself up to sing and play simultaneously, we’d recommend a foldable travel keyboard like the Carry-On 49-Key linked below (which even comes with a sustain pedal!). Please keep in mind, these won’t be great for overall technique or sound quality, so we’d suggest them in addition to your home setup.
WE RECOMMEND
Adjustable Seating
Whether you play the fanciest concert grand or the most modest of keyboards, you’ll need an adjustable seat to find your comfortable, ergonomic playing position. We recommend using a drum throne for an affordable bench alternative. This sturdy seat will be the right height for every pianist!
WE RECOMMEND
Still have questions about buying a piano or keyboard?
Next Read:
Create a safe and comfortable space to leave your instrument out and get into your practice groove!
Ready to play some music?
*Campfire Music Collective is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on any products purchased through affiliate links at no additional cost to you. Your purchases help support our work in bringing you quality music resources beyond in-person instruction.