Wiktor Wise
The electric keyboard is a versatile instrument with a range of features that make it a popular choice for beginners and experienced musicians alike. With its electronic sound technology, it has come a long way since its early predecessors, offering a diverse selection of instrument sounds, from piano and organ to violin and synthesizer tones. In this article, we will delve into the components that make up this fascinating instrument, exploring its evolution, mechanics, and the materials that bring it to life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History | The first keyboard, a pipe organ, was invented in Ancient Greece in 300 BCE. The evolution of the piano into its modern form was completed in the late 1800s. The first electric piano was invented in 1929. |
| Definition | An electric keyboard is a non-acoustic instrument with piano-like keys that produces sounds electronically, often from sound samples taken from an acoustic piano. |
| Types | Electronic keyboards include synthesizers, digital pianos, stage pianos, electronic organs, and digital audio workstations. |
| Keys | Most electronic keyboards use spring-loaded keys. More expensive keyboards have weighted or semi-weighted keys to give them more resistance and a feel similar to an acoustic piano. |
| Amplifier and Speakers | Electronic keyboards have an internal audio power amplifier, ranging from less than 2.5 to over 30 watts, connected to small, low-powered speakers. |
| Power Supply | Most modern keyboards are equipped with an AC adapter. |
| MIDI Terminals | Most keyboards have 5-pin MIDI connections for data communication with computers or other keyboards. |
| External Storage | Professional-grade keyboards and synthesizers have external storage options such as ROM cartridges, floppy disks, memory cards, and USB flash drives. |
| Music Stand | A removable metal or plastic rack for holding sheet music or music books upright. |
| Sustain Pedal | Some electronic keyboards have a sustain pedal built into the frame or a jack for connecting an external sustain pedal. |
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What You'll Learn
Keyboard evolution and history
The first keyboard instrument was invented in Ancient Greece around 300 BCE and was a type of pipe organ. The evolution of keyboard instruments continued over the centuries, with the invention of the clavichord and harpsichord in the 14th century. These instruments had their limitations—the clavichord was too soft for larger venues, and the harpsichord did not allow the player to control volume through touch.
The first electric keyboard was the Denis d'or stringed instrument, made by Václav Prokop Diviš in 1748, with 700 electrified strings. The late 1800s saw the completion of the evolution of the piano into its modern form, and with the mass use of electricity, keyboard design took a new direction. The first electric piano was invented in 1929, and in 1931, the Neo-Bechstein electric piano was built. In 1935, the popular Hammond organ was introduced.
In the 1980s, the digital piano was introduced, offering high-quality acoustic piano sounds and simulating the action and feel of acoustic pianos. This decade also saw the popularisation of electronic keyboards by major manufacturers Casio and Yamaha. During this time, MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) was also invented, allowing electronic keyboards to communicate with computers and other keyboards.
Today, electronic keyboards include synthesizers, digital pianos, stage pianos, electronic organs, and digital audio workstations. They are designed primarily for beginners and home users and generally feature unweighted keys. Most electronic keyboards use spring-loaded keys, making them lighter and easier to transport. However, weighted and semi-weighted keyboards are also available, providing a more resistant and responsive feel similar to that of an acoustic piano.
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Materials and manufacturing
The materials used to make an electric keyboard have evolved over time, with advancements in technology and changes in consumer preferences. The first electric piano, invented in 1929, used lengths of wire to produce its tone. It had a normal string and hammer action but no soundboard. The sound was amplified through electromagnetic pickups, circuitry, and a speaker system. Modern electric keyboards, on the other hand, use a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and electronic components. They are designed to be lightweight and portable, with keys made from plastic or sometimes soft rubber pads that act as electronic switches.
The manufacturing process for electric keyboards involves assembling various electronic components, including the keyboard itself, an internal power amplifier, and small loudspeakers. External storage devices, such as USB flash drives or SD cards, are also sometimes included. The keys on the keyboard can be spring-loaded or weighted, with the latter providing a feel similar to that of an acoustic piano. Additionally, electric keyboards may have a sustain pedal, either built into the frame or connected through a jack, allowing for sustained notes similar to an acoustic piano.
The casing of an electric keyboard is typically made of plastic or metal, housing the internal components and providing a sturdy base for the instrument. The keys themselves are often made of plastic, although some higher-end models may use other materials for a more premium feel. Underneath each key is a spring-loaded mechanism that triggers an electronic switch when pressed, sending a signal to the sound generator chip. This chip then produces the corresponding sound, which is amplified and reproduced through the speakers.
Some electric keyboards also incorporate a small display screen, typically an LCD or LED panel, which provides information about the selected instrument sounds, volume levels, and any other settings or effects applied. This display can also be used for navigating through the keyboard's built-in library of sounds and rhythms, allowing for easy selection and customization.
In terms of manufacturing, electric keyboards are mass-produced in factories, with companies like Yamaha and Casio being major players in the market since the 1980s. The process involves the assembly of electronic components onto a circuit board, which is then connected to the keyboard mechanism and encased within the body of the instrument. Quality control measures are implemented to ensure consistent performance and durability, and the final product is packaged for distribution and sale.
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Electric sound technology
The application of electric sound technology to keyboard instruments has resulted in the development of various types of electronic keyboards, including synthesizers, digital pianos, stage pianos, electronic organs, and digital audio workstations. These keyboards are typically designed for beginners and home users, featuring unweighted keys and a diverse range of instrument sounds. While budget options may lack velocity sensitivity, higher-end models often include this feature, enhancing the playing experience.
One of the key components of electric sound technology in keyboards is the use of electronic switches. In less expensive keyboards, the keys are mounted on soft rubber pads that act as these switches. More advanced keyboards utilize spring-loaded keys, making the instrument lighter and more portable. However, players accustomed to acoustic piano keys may find these spring-action keyboards less comfortable and challenging to play effectively.
The electric piano, a type of electro-mechanical instrument, employs mechanical hammers that strike metal strings, reeds, or wire tines, creating vibrations that are converted into electrical signals by pickups. These pickups can be magnetic, electrostatic, or piezoelectric, and they are connected to an amplifier and loudspeaker to amplify the sound for the performer and audience. The first electric pianos were introduced in the late 1920s, with the 1929 Neo-Bechstein electric grand piano being one of the earliest examples.
Over time, various manufacturers have contributed to the evolution of electric pianos. The Rhodes Mark 7, introduced in 2009, is an example of an electro-mechanical piano that gained popularity. The Neo-Bechstein electric piano, built in 1931, lacked a soundboard, instead amplifying sound through electromagnetic pickups, circuitry, and a speaker system. The Wurlitzer electronic piano, nicknamed "Wurli," uses flat steel reeds struck by felt hammers, producing a distinctive sweet and vibraphone-like tone.
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Keyboard types and functions
Electric keyboards are available in a variety of types, each with distinct functions. The main types are beginner keyboards, workstation keyboards, digital pianos, stage pianos, and synthesizers.
Beginner keyboards are designed for novice students, with a simple layout, minimal functions, and a limited selection of digitized instrument sounds. They typically range from two to five octaves and often have unweighted keys, making them more affordable and portable. Some beginner keyboards also offer fun functions, such as unusual sounds, pre-loaded songs, and built-in rhythms.
Workstation keyboards are more expensive and include their own computer for advanced composition and programming options. They are commonly used by musicians to create beats and other parts of the composition. These keyboards often have weighted keys, making them suitable for advanced beginners.
Digital pianos are designed to replicate the look, feel, and sound of an acoustic piano. They typically include built-in amplifiers and speakers and can offer various features such as recording and saving files to a computer. Digital pianos are often mounted on stands and may have a fixed sustain pedal. They are sensitive to touch, but not to climate or humidity changes, and do not require tuning.
Stage pianos are a type of high-quality digital piano designed for professional use on stage or in recording studios. They have weighted keys and are more portable than standard digital pianos.
Synthesizers, often referred to simply as "electronic keyboards," create sounds by manipulating electronic waveforms. They are used by professionals to create unique sounds and soundtracks and have advanced connectivity, data transfer, and storage features. Synthesizers may include prerecorded piano sounds but are generally not intended to replicate the piano experience.
Other notable features of electric keyboards include MIDI compatibility, allowing them to communicate with other instruments and computers; foot switches, which can control functions like sustain and DSP effects; and built-in metronomes.
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Keyboard connectivity
MIDI Connections: Most modern keyboards incorporate MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) connections, typically using a 5-pin connector. MIDI allows the keyboard to communicate with other devices, such as computers or other electronic musical instruments. This enables a wide range of applications, including music production, sequencing, and synchronization with other equipment.
Audio Connections: Keyboards need to be connected to an amplifier and speakers or headphones to produce audible sound. Some keyboards have built-in amplifiers and speakers, while others may require external connections to amplify and reproduce the sound. Headphone jacks are commonly included for private practice or performance.
External Storage: Professional-grade keyboards often feature external storage options, allowing users to store data on connected media such as ROM cartridges, floppy disks, memory cards, or USB flash drives. USB storage has become a standard feature since its popularization in the mid-2000s. This enables users to expand their sound libraries, store custom settings, and transfer data between devices.
Computer Connectivity: In addition to MIDI connections, keyboards can often be connected directly to computers via USB or other interfaces. This enables advanced functionality, such as using the keyboard as a MIDI controller for music production software or virtual instruments. Computer connectivity also facilitates updates, customization, and access to additional sound libraries.
Pedal Connections: Some keyboards, particularly those designed to emulate acoustic pianos, include sustain pedals or provide jacks for external sustain pedals. These pedals replicate the sustain function of an acoustic piano, allowing players to extend the duration of notes or chords.
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Frequently asked questions
An electric keyboard is a non-acoustic instrument with piano-like keys that produces sound electronically. The keys are usually made of plastic, but can also be made of wood or synthetic ivory and ebony.
Electric keyboards include synthesizers, digital pianos, stage pianos, electronic organs, and digital audio workstations.
Some features to look for when buying an electric keyboard include the number of keys, the presence of weighted or semi-weighted keys, the quality of the piano sounds, the variety of instrument sounds available, the inclusion of external storage options, and the presence of lights on the keys.
Electric keyboards are generally more affordable, portable, and suitable for beginners or home users compared to real pianos. They offer a diverse range of instrument sounds, preset songs, and fun functions, making them ideal for experimentation and practice without disturbing others.
