Keys

In Thomann's Keys department, we have the proverbial keys to unlocking the whole world of keyboard instruments: From children's keyboards to concert grand pianos, this is a group of instruments perhaps more varied – and more innovative – than any other category.

Are you a beginner looking for your first keyboard? Or are you a pro trying to decide between buying a stage piano or a MIDI master keyboard? From traditional accordions to cutting-edge synthesizers and from lightweight digital pianos to church organs, there is something for everyone, with a huge range of well-known brands such as Roland, Yamaha, Korg, Kurzweil, Moog, and many more.

This short guide will take you on a tour through the Thomann Keys department, both to give you an idea of the variety of keyboard instruments we offer, but also more specifically to help you find the exactly right keyboard, piano, or synthesizer for you.

How to find the best keyboard for beginners and the stage

If you are looking for a keyboard, then you probably already know that they are the most versatile of all the keyed instruments: Indeed, keyboards are usually capable of authentically reproducing the most instantly recognisable sounds of almost any other instrument. By making use of your new keyboard's automated chord and rhythm functions, you can make it sound like you have an entire orchestra at your fingertips. In addition to the number of sounds and other creative features, the quality of the keys themselves is absolutely fundamental when buying a keyboard – you will definitely want to have genuine touch sensitive keys. Our range of keyboards extends from fun but instructive instruments for young children to studio-grade arranger workstations for professional use. And if you add a keyboard amp to your setup, there will be nothing standing in the way of your first live gigs, whichever keyboard instrument you play! Our selection ranges from inexpensive battery-powered stereo amplifiers to original Hammond Leslie cabinets.

Are you looking for a digital piano, a stage piano, or a master keyboard?

If you're thinking of investing in a digital piano, rest assured – you are choosing the closest thing to a real piano, only considerably less expensive and frequently more flexible. A digital piano generates sound by sampling or modelling real pianos, and higher-quality instruments can hardly be distinguished from the genuine article. Here, too, the best devices don't just sound, but also feel like you are actually playing a piano, with keyboards equipped with an authentic hammer action and weighted keys.

The more compact stage pianos are robust enough to be played live on stage night after night, and are generally equipped with more features than digital pianos, from their connectivity to their larger and more diverse sound library. Again, the quality and playability of the keys themselves is an important criterion for stage pianos.

The third alternative in this sub-category is a MIDI master keyboard. Master keyboards don't generate sound themselves – instead, they can be used at home, in the studio, or on stage to control DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations), virtual instruments, and all kinds of synthesizers. A well-made keyboard with an intuitive layout should be your top priority. Of course, the various controls and connections will also need to correspond to what you plan to use it for.

Buying an upright or grand piano – finding the perfect instrument for your home

Buying an upright piano or even a grand piano is often a decision for life. That is why, in addition to sound and playability, quality and workmanship should take centre stage. Equally, an upright or grand piano immediately becomes an integral part of your home's furniture, not to say an eye-catching addition to any room, so it needs to look good too. Speaking of the room: As an upright or grand piano is a more or less stationary instrument, it is important to consider the acoustics of the space surrounding it. With our range of products for acoustic treatment, it is easy to effectively improve a room's acoustics.

The sound of an upright or grand piano should match your musical tastes, and the keyboard and action your playing style. That is why we recommend that you try out different models to find your favourite, meaning a trip to visit our showroom in Treppendorf is always worth your while. Around 150 ready-to-play instruments await your visit in our imposing piano gallery. And while you are here, be sure to check out our range of piano accessories – you're sure to find everything you need, from the ideal piano stool to a vast selection of sheet music.