• The keyboard has a significantly larger range than the guitar. The keyboard emulates the piano, in its most basic incarnation, and so must be able to produce the whole range of notes that a piano can.
• Keyboard range is further extended through the use of different effects, anything from sound effects to the duplication of sounds from other types of instruments.
• In order to effectively reproduce the sound of the keyboard, a lot more power is needed than can be gained through a guitar amp.
• Keyboard players often use more than one keyboard in a performance, in order to produce a range of sounds and effects. Most amps designed for keyboards will have the capacity to hook up to several different instruments.

In order to fulfill these needs, the keyboard amp was invented. These amps often look like those used by guitar players, but have a wider frequency response. This response is due to the fact that the amps use more power and have more robust speakers than guitar amps (the cabinet of a keyboard amp will contain at least three types of speaker, in order to reproduce sounds from across the spectrum).

The makeup of a keyboard amp

Like other types of amp, keyboards use systems with two main components, the head and the cabinet. The head houses the electronic workings, while the cabinet houses the speakers.

In the Head

• Preamp The preamp receives the signal from the instrument and manipulates it to the desired sound.
• Power Amp The power amp drives the sound out through the speakers.

In the Cabinet

The cabinet is the area in which a keyboard amp is most likely to contain equipment that a guitar amp will not. Speakers contained in keyboard amps are more varied, as they need to be able to produce a wide range of tones.

• Tweeters will produce the higher frequencies found both in the notes of the piano and among the other instruments that the keyboard can imitate.
• Woofers will help produce notes in the lower ranges.
• Mid-range are the speakers typically found in guitar amps. They are used to produce the sounds most often heard by the human ear.

Many keyboard amps will have a combination of speakers housed within their cabinet, often depending on the experienced musician’s desired sound. While many can be purchased as one unit, most dedicated keyboardists will find that they prefer to purchase the components separately and put them together. For many, this will include not only the speakers but also the electrical components of the amp such as power amps.

The type of keyboard you use

High-end keyboards can be quite heavy, but many keyboards remain light and portable. A heavier keyboard, of course, will require a sturdier stand both to keep it in place and to prevent it from collapsing under the weight. Some styles of keyboard, such as digital pianos, include their own stand that gels with the rest of the instrument so that the appearance of a traditional piano is impressed upon the audience.

If you mainly use the keyboard to fool around at home, then a simple collapsible model may be the best for you. These stands are pretty inexpensive, and will get the job done when it comes to holding the keyboard level.

How you play

If you are an informal keyboard player, then you may want to choose a stand that does not so much reflect the discipline of the piano. Serious players, however, may want to choose a stand that reflects the studious practice of the craft by lending a more solid appearance to the keyboard structure.

Keyboard players who specialize in performances, such as rock and roll, may want to consider stands that are sturdier in design. A lot of heavy playing of the keys usually results from a good performance, and the stand should be designed to absorb the impact of the hands.

Where you play

A lot of keyboard players need to have their keyboards with them for the performance; their keyboards are programmed with the range of sounds they will need for the performance, and therefore they cannot substitute for a venue keyboard. These players will need to find a stand that is as portable as possible while still lending a sturdy base for the instrument.

Keyboards which are intended to remain in place will not need a stand that can be moved around as easily. These stands can even include effects devices such as pedals, as they are not really expected to be detached from the keyboard very often, if at all.

Ergonomics

More and more musicians are becoming aware of the potential hazards posed by repetitive motion injury. Keyboardists can avoid this type of injury by selecting a keyboard stand that is adjusted to their height and arm length, or their position while sitting. This is pretty vital for anyone who plays their instrument often, as one of theses injuries may mean that you will be forced to quit playing.

Keyboard players who play multiple instruments at the same time also usually include several stand heights while performing, in order to differentiate quickly between which keyboard is to be used at the current moment in the song. Practicing the routine will allow you to automatically switch to the right keyboard based on height alone.

Keyboard stands are as vital to performance as keyboard cases are to properly maintaining and transporting your instrument.

Two of the more popular clavinova series are the CLP and CVP models.  These provide a digital alternative to the acoustic style pianos.  The CLP reproduces quite accurately the touch and sound of the acoustic piano while offering other voices in a limited number.  The CVP series offers a wider variety of voices while adding built-in rhythms as well as accompaniments for a more complete performance.

Clavinova Technical information

Some Clavinovas (in particular the CLP and CVP-Series) feature graded hammer technology. This technology is simply a mechanical system of small metal hammers.  The hammers are weighted to be similar to those of a real pianoforte.  The real ones hit a digital pressure sensor which is then translated into sound. By implementing this technology the clavinova has enjoyed much success as an affordable substitute for acoustic pianos. The ‘Graded’ action in these series tends to reproduce more accurately the varying weights of the hammers of an acoustic piano. The newer models of Clavinovas, incorporate real wood keys for added realism. This is a trait of models such as the CVP-407

The built-in synthesizer contains many samples of real instruments and produces the sounds of these while using electronics to modify those sounds. Information is supplied via a MIDI or similar format.  It comes either directly from the piano keyboard or from a stored source within the piano.  It can also be provided by a computer or external sequencer. The synthesizer can imitate acoustic instruments, electronic instruments and other unique sound effects. The newer more recent CVP Clavinova contains hundreds of such voices. These usually include many types of stringed instruments, organs, pianos, percussion, woodwind and brass instruments. And that’s not to mention available effects.

Pricing of a clavinova can range to as high as $12,000.00USD.

Piano types and sizes.

There are three basic types of piano that are in common circulation. A grand piano, a spinet piano, and an upright piano. While a grand piano is common to most peoples vocabulary and can be readily identified most people don’t know the difference between a spinet and an upright. Both type of piano are vertical or upright, but the spinet is much smaller. The top of the piano is generally only a few inches to a foot above the level of the keyboard. Also, unseen, the spinet has a different kind of mechanical action that resides below the level of the keys. It transfers the motion of the keys differently to the strings than an upright. In an upright piano the action rests above the level of the keys. This means that the top of the piano must be a certain height above the keybed to allow room for the action. Therefore the top of an upright piano must be at least a foot and a half or so above the level of the keys.

People choose the type of piano depending often on how much space available. A grand piano requires a significant amount of space, most grands are at least four feet wide and four and a half feet in length. They require floor space accordingly. They have a different kind of action or playing mechanism that is preferred by pianists for its more responsive touch. They also generally have a greater string length which allows their tone or sound to be more pleasant and balanced. A large upright can also have a significant string length which makes it preferable to a smaller spinet. However, neither a spinet or an upright piano have the same preferred action of a grand. Space-wise it is much easier to place a vertical piano, spinet or upright, than a grand piano.

In general, a grand piano is the more expensive of the three. But, the brand, condition, and age of a piano will affect its price. In some cases a spinet or an upright may be more expensive than a grand if it is a well known brand or is in new or pristine condition. All other conditions being equal a spinet is the least expensive option. Prices in the used piano market are not consistent and you might find an under-priced gem or an overpriced lemon. It’s best to be well informed or consult your local piano tuner for advice.

In summary spinets are the low-cost option, but least desirable as an instrument. Grands are the preferred instrument, but are generally more expensive and require more floor space. An upright is in general a better instrument than a spinet, but more expensive and they take up a little more space.

My name is Cody Handlin, and I’m the owner of Handlin Piano. I’ve been working with antique pianos since attending my first piano technicians guild meetings when I was just a teenager. At 16, with my own money, I attempted to restore my first instrument, a 100 year old upright piano. From those early pianistic adventures to today, nearly two decades later, the piano still holds my fascination. I still marvel at its mechanical and aesthetic beauty, hundreds of parts hewn in wood, bone, and metal all working in harmony to produce music of great power and subtlety.

Visit my website for more information http://www.handlinpiano.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cody_Handlin

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Hand Positioning

Unlike guitarists who use the tips of their fingers to play, you, as a pianist, should use the pads of your fingers. With that in mind, make it a habit not to flatten your fingers when you play. This causes your hand and fingers to feel a strain. On top of that, you’ll also be slower when it comes to switching notes. So, instead of flattening your fingers, try to keep them in a curled position.

If you’re not sure about how curled up your fingers should be, try putting both of your hands on your knees. How your hands are curled up on your knees dictates how they should be positioned while you play. Remember, your hands should look as if they were holding an apple.

Proper Posture

Simply put, your spine should be shaped like an “S” whenever you’re playing. Most beginners tend to have a hunched back when they play, causing their spine to form a “C.” Maintaining a hunched position causes backaches and neck pains (especially if you play for an extended periods). This said, sitting at the piano is different from sitting on a chair. How you sit affects how you play and breathe.

To sit at the piano properly, your knees should be slightly under the keyboard. Also, your feet should also be stable on the ground. Try not to hunch your shoulders as well. Instead, your shoulders should be loose, with your elbows slightly higher than the keyboard. Maintain a straight-yet comfortable-back; this way you wouldn’t experience any pains on your lower back should you play for an extended period of time. Take note of your head as well; imagine you’re a marionette being held by an imaginary string with your chin perpendicular to the floor and your eyes looking straight. It takes practice, but in time you’ll know how to play piano without being conscious of your posture.

Bench Problems

Sometimes, however, it’s the piano bench that causes the problem. You may be too tall or too short to maintain a stable, comfortable posture. If you’re too tall, you can adjust your piano’s bench by adding extra layers of padding (i.e., carpet samples work great). Now if you’re too short, try adding a footstool to reinforce your feet on the ground. Remember, your piano bench shouldn’t just be able to hold your weight; rather, it should also make you feel comfortable as well.

Breathing

Most beginners tend to hold their breaths when they start playing. Obviously, not being able to breathe in a smooth, continuous manner is bad news for the beginning pianist. See, if you don’t breathe your muscles will tighten up. When it does, you’ll be having problems with dexterity-causing you to be slow when changing notes. Worse, you’ll also have a harder time learning how to sing while playing. So be sure to take big, deep breaths during a piece.

If you’re still feeling any pain, always remember to relax. Learning how to play piano comfortably is as important as being able to master the technical aspects of the instrument. So relax, stay loose, and breathe. Keep this habit up and you can play and enjoy the piano for a long time!

A Computer Engineering student and loves to travel. Reading current news in the internet is one of his past times. Taking pictures of the things around him fully satisfies him. He loves to play badminton and his favorite pets are cats.

For more information and queries, check out the How to Play Piano lessons guide.

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Since 1887, Yamaha Corporation in Japan (then Nippon Gakki Co., Ltd.) has been producing quality pianos and has grown to become the world’s largest manufacturer of a full line of musical instruments including digital electric pianos and grand pianos.

Yamaha owns numerous subsidiaries and affiliates in overseas markets in addition to a number of related companies in Japan.

Established in 1960, the Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA), then Yamaha International Corporation, offers a full line of musical instruments and audio/visual products to the U.S. market. YCA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, Japan, and is the largest of all global subsidiary companies.

Yamaha’s very basic corporate objective is reflected in everything that it does, which is to contribute to the enrichment of the quality of lives for people around the world.

Please click here to read about the Yamaha upright piano model P660.