Best 88-key synthesizers: Though it takes more space, several musicians prefer to use 88-keys, when on stage or in the studio. Some of these come with fully weighted keys (hammer action keyboard) that will appeal to piano players as well. These music-production powerhouses, loaded with tons of sounds and sequencing tools help you create music. Skip to the best [easyazon_link identifier=”B01CFOAC24″ locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]88-key synthesizer on Amazon[/easyazon_link].
Best 88-Key Keyboard/ Piano Synthesizers
If you are good at playing the piano, and want create music or perform onstage, an 88-key synth should suit you well since it gives you the best of both the worlds – synthesizer as well as the Piano. The top-of-the-line synthesizers are not just available in 61 keys, they also have 88-key versions (with fully weighted keys) to cater to piano players.
Yamaha Montage 8 Keyboard Synthesizer
Yamaha Montage 8 (88-key) Keyboard Synthesizer, fully-weighted Balanced Hammer action, control AWM2 and FM-X sound engines with the Super Knob, Motion Sequences and more. Building on the legacy of DX and Motif keyboards, Yamaha Montage is a powerful keyboard designed to inspire creativity.
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Nord Stage 3 Hammer-Action Synthesizer Keyboard
Nord makes high quality sunthesizers and this one comes with 88 hammer-action keys. With several accessible physical controls, the Nord Stage 3 features Nord Lead A1 Synth Engine with sample playback, the acclaimed Nord C2D organ, a greatly enhanced Piano Section and extensive hands-on Effects.
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Korg Kronos 8 Music Workstation Keyboard
Korg Kronos 8 is an 88-key Music Workstation Keyboard with hammer-action keys. Korg’s Berlin Grand piano and thousands more go-to sounds, nine distinct synthesis engines and a complete suite of performance and productions tools, KRONOS will appeal to accomplished performers as well as producers.
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Korg Krome-88 Keyboard Workstation
Korg Krome-88 is a professional keyboard with weighted piano action. several instruments, including world-class grand piano samples and more.
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Roland FA-08 Music Workstation Keyboard
Roland FA-08 features 88-note Ivory Feel-G keyboard with escapement, several 2000 INTEGRA-7 sounds, onboard sampling, USB audio/MIDI interfacing, powerful effects, DAW transport controls, and more.
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Yamaha MOXF8 Keyboard Synthesizer
Yamaha MOXF8 (88-key) keyboard synthesizer features useful performance tools, hundreds of preset performances, world-class MOTIF XF sounds and effects, unique VCM effects. 4-in/2-out USB audio interface, DAW interfacing capabilities. It’s fully expandable.
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88-Key Keyboard / Piano Synthesizer: Buying Guide
Features Specific to the Piano Keyboard
Though most of the users of keyboard synthesizers use 61 keys or smaller sized synthesizers, if you intend to use a lot of piano in your recordings, go in for a 88 Key Synthesizer.
88-Key Synths also give you the option of Graded Hammer Keyboard, just in case you need that perfect feel.
Though most of the features would be similar to the smaller sized synthesizers, an 88-Key keyboard Synthesizer would have additional features specific to the piano.
Modulation for Sound Creation
A common feature of most piano synthesizer keyboards is the availability of wheels / knobs for providing modulation to the sounds. Modulation means the ability to vary the pitch of any note, and to be able to add various effects such as vibrato or wah.
This important function lets you create distinct sounds on the fly, especially useful for onstage performances. This is also one of the things that let you create the nuances and articulations for any selected sound, which forms such an important part of the synthesizer artistry.
The joystick, which you will find on most synths, is one of the most common and the easiest way to freely vary the pitch and apply the various modulation effects.
Benefits of 88 Key Piano Synthesizer Keyboards
More features that you can find on an 88-Key keyboard synthesizer.
- The Perfect Balance of Synthesizer and Piano
- Graded Hammer Keyboard – For piano-like feel & expressiveness
- Half Damper Capability – For hardcore pianists
- Amazing Piano Sounds – that can be found on a Synth
- Patterns & Arpeggiator
- All in one Instrument – Amazing sounds, patterns & sequencer
- Multi-track Recorder for Audio & MIDI, with onboard mixer and dedicated transport controls
- Tweak the Sounds – Knobs and Buttons to tweak the sounds as you wish
- Interface to PC – Easily connected to a PC or Mac through the USB port
Free Bundled Sequencing Software
When you buy an 88-Key Synth, you may be thrown in a free sequencing software program along with the instrument.
So if you are planning to buy a sequencing software program, just hold on. You may get it free along with your 88 key synthesizer.
Useful Links
- A lot of experimentation has also gone into augmenting the capabilities of the acoustic piano. Musicians/inventors know that placing electromagnets can affect a piano string’s sustain and harmonic properties. Electromagnetically-Prepared Piano and Spectrum Piano are a couple of examples.
- Piano keyboard Synthesizers: Beginner’s guide
- Fundamentals of Piano Keyboard Action – Hammer vs. Graded Hammer
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