Polyphony in digital pianos and keyboards explained. Polyphony basically refers to the maximum notes that can be played by the digital keyboard/piano simultaneously. However, there’s more to it.
Looking for a new digital piano or electronic keyboard. One of the terms (its more of a technical spec) that you will come across is Polyphony.
Here, we take a look at what polyphony means and also try to help you determine how much Polyphony you need when buying the best digital piano that suits your needs.
What Is Polyphony?
Polyphony basically means the ability of a musical instrument to play more than one note at a time. While this may seem like a simple thing today, the early synthesizers were all monophonic, meaning they could only play one note at a time.
Over time, synthesizers tarted becoming polyphonic but even there, it had limitations. So assuming, a keyboard had a polyphony of 4 notes, it could only play four notes together at one time. If you pressed more keys, you could hear notes dropping out while you play.
Not just About Pressed Notes
The keyboards of today have more polyphony (32 notes, 64 notes, and more) but occasionally you will still hear notes dropping off.
But why is that so?
After all you only have 10 fingers and will not press than 10 notes?
Its because, besides the pressed notes, the notes comprising the accompaniment, information like pedal is pressed or not, sounds are layered, complex chords are played, are all counted.
And its now easy to understand why the polyphony limit is at times exceeded, which is especially noticeable on beginner keyboards (only when you play really complex chords – ninth, eleventh, etc).
Once you reach maximum polyphony, the keyboard will not play any additional notes that are played until older notes are released.
This is commonly observed when complex passages with chords are played, along with different voices and accompaniments.
Nothing to do with the size (no of keys) of the Keyboard
There are some who feel that if they are buying a piano keyboard with 88 keys, the polyphony should be over 88 notes.
Again, its a misconception and not true.
And you now know the reason why.
How Much polyphony is Enough?
Arranger keyboard and digital pianos today come with a rich collection of sounds & styles.
So when buying a digital keyboard instrument, make sure the polyphony is sufficient so that the notes don’t drop-off when you play.
Most beginner keyboards have 32 notes polyphony and its more than enough fro beginners.
Advanced players however should opt for keyboards with at-least 64-notes as they are likely to play complex chords, use features like split/layering, etc. Besides, the styles on such keyboards (better ones) are also more realistic. So for better playing experience, advanced keyboards (with styles) should have at least 64 note polyphony.
However, you could still buy a digital piano with 32 notes polyphony, if its doesn’t come with built-in styles.
Wrap Up
Now that you know hat is polyphony, its something that you need to be aware of while making a purchase. However, don’t worry too much about it, as most beginner keyboards now come with 32 note polyphony, and the advanced keyboards have at least 64 notes polyphony.
So if you buy a keyboard matching your needs, the polyphony will most likely be taken care of.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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