Searching for a new keyboard can be a daunting task. One of the best ways to narrow down your search is by finding your price range. Let’s say you want the best digital piano you can get under $1000. Well, sit back, relax, and read on! We’ve done the work and have compiled a list for you of the best keyboards for under a grand. Also, be sure to check out our demos for each keyboard linked below. They will allow you to hear and see the keyboards in action and will give you even more details about their features and specs.
Digital Pianos
Yamaha P-125
Built around the sound of the world-famous Yamaha CFIIIS concert grand piano, the clear and melodic sound of the Yamaha P-125 digital piano is instantly recognizable to any seasoned pianist. Your fingers will feel right at home on the P-125’s Graded Hammer Standard action, which is heavier in the low keys and lighter in the high keys, emulating the dynamic feel of real hammers on acoustic piano strings. For ultimate realism, String and Damper Resonance DSP re-create the sympathetic and reverberant sounds heard inside a grand piano when the dampers are off the strings. A full set of performance options and USB connectivity provide tons of flexibility onstage, at home, or in the studio. All things considered, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an affordable digital piano that outperforms the Yamaha P-125.
Casio Privia PX-160
Packed with Casio’s renowned Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard, the Privia PX-160 digital piano provides you not only with realistic piano feel, but also with remarkable, incredibly rich sounds that lend classiness to whatever music you’re playing. In addition to its stunning grand piano sounds, you also get lush string ensembles and electric pianos that were derived from Casio’s award-winning PX-5S stage piano. Throw in a pair of stellar-sounding rear-ported speakers, dual headphone outputs, and dual line outputs, and you can see why the Privia PX-160 has been so eagerly welcomed here at Sweetwater. Delivering elegant looks and first-rate sound, the Casio Privia PX-160 is a phenomenal digital piano!
Yamaha P-45
If you’re after excellent grand piano sound and on a budget, then you really can’t do better than Yamaha’s P-45 digital piano. This remarkably portable instrument combines Yamaha’s acclaimed Graded Hammer Standard keybed with their time-tested Advanced Wave Memory stereo sound engine, delivering the natural feel and sound that Sweetwater piano players have trusted for years. Between its compact frame, its USB/MIDI connectivity, and its onboard performance features, your P-45 will serve you well at home, in the studio, and onstage.
Yamaha Piaggero NP-12
Looking for great tone in a lightweight, compact digital piano? Sweetwater has a recommendation: the Piaggero NP-12 from Yamaha. The NP-12 gives you Yamaha’s Advanced Wave Memory stereo sampling in a space-saving, touch-sensitive, 61-note keyboard. Like all the Piaggero NP Series pianos, this one delivers a unique combination of simplicity and useful features such as 64-note polyphony, half-damper control with the optional FC3A pedal, built-in speakers, and the ability to run up to five hours on six AA batteries. At home, at school, in a club, or at the beach, the Yamaha Piaggero NP-12 will enrich your musical life.
Roland FP-30
Looking for the perfect piano for your home? Sweetwater has a brilliant suggestion: the Roland FP-30. This affordable digital piano is compact enough to fit comfortably into your living room or family room, yet it offers renowned Roland sound and playing feel along with modern features. If you play out, the FP-30’s portability makes it an ideal gigging keyboard. It’s also great for music education facilities where it can be easily moved from classroom to auditorium. Loaded with great-sounding pianos and other instruments, the Roland FP-30 also features onboard practice and recording functionalities, as well as Bluetooth wireless for compatibility with popular music apps.
Alesis Concert
The Alesis Concert is an affordable, easy-to-play digital piano featuring 88 full-sized, semi-weighted keys with adjustable touch response and 10 vibrant voices: Acoustic Piano, Bright Piano, Electric Piano, Harpsichord, Drawbar Organ, Church Organ, Synth, Strings, Bass, and Clavi. You can customize the voices by combining any two at once in Layer Mode for a full, rich tone, or you can assign voices to just the left or right hands in Split Mode. Add some tasty reverb and chorus to further enhance your sound. With built-in, 20-watt speakers and 128-note polyphony, the Alesis Concert delivers lush, realistic sound and a satisfying playing experience.
Casio Privia PX-S3000
Casio’s Privia digital pianos are renowned for their authentic playability and lifelike sound. Now the PX-S3000 brings a fresh, new design to the Privia series, introducing smart technology into your musical life. With its sleek, glossy panel and unibody chassis, the PX-S3000 evokes a high-end acoustic grand in a svelte, modern design that’s not much larger than the keys themselves. The touch-sensor controls are revealed only after the power button is pressed, and they’re easy to see in any light. They fade away when powered off, leaving only a clean, seamless top panel. And, thanks to Casio’s newly designed, fully weighted Smart Scaled Hammer Action keyboard, the PX-S3000 provides uncompromising piano touch with a proprietary key scaling system that reproduces the characteristics of each of the 88 notes, while ebony and ivory key textures ensure confident, comfortable playing in any climate.
Korg B2SP
The Korg B2 spearheads a new generation of Korg digital pianos. Very approachable and easy to use’ the B2 features Korg’s acclaimed Natural Weighted Hammer Action (NH) keyboard that provides the feel and responsiveness of a real acoustic piano. The full-sized, 88-key NH keyboard with adjustable touch control fosters proper playing technique — vitally important for beginners. And the sound is what we at Sweetwater expect from Korg: gorgeous, lush, and inspiring. Korg’s new sound engine delivers 12 stunning sounds, including legendary grand pianos from around the world, electric pianos, and organs. The B2 offers ample connectivity and comes with a generous software bundle to spark your creativity.
Keyboard Controllers
Arturia KeyLab 88 mkII
Are you a serious pianist looking for a high-end, professional, production- and performance-oriented keyboard controller? Sweetwater is excited to present the Arturia KeyLab 88 mkII. The latest flagship of Arturia’s acclaimed KeyLab Series, the KeyLab 88 mkII features the impeccable, authentic grand piano feel and response of a premium Fatar TP/100LR 88-note, hammer-action keybed with aftertouch. As compared with its highly respected predecessor, the KeyLab 88 mkII offers dramatic workflow improvements and enhanced software integration via its DAW Command Center. And with its onboard CV/Gate connectivity, your precious analog synths will integrate seamlessly into your rig. Boasting rock-solid build quality and extensive expression controls, Arturia’s KeyLab 88 mkII is ready to accommodate your most demanding touring schedule.
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2
Native Instruments’ retooled Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 includes powerful new features such as high-resolution, full-color displays, pitch and mod wheels, a four-directional push encoder, and more, along with unrivaled integration with your Komplete instrument collection. The Komplete Kontrol S61’s smooth-playing Fatar keybed is a joy to play, and its pragmatic browser section makes navigating NI’s tag-based preset system quick and intuitive. Logical controls include a transport section and provide you with hands-on command of your DAW and real-time control over your instruments. Beyond that, the full Komplete Select 12 software bundle adds a full array of production-ready sounds to your sonic toolbox.
Novation Launchkey Mini mk3
The Novation Launchkey Mini mk3 USB MIDI controller is your ticket to on-the-go creation with Ableton. This miniature controller is über-functional, has useful features, and easily fits in your backpack. It has 25 synth-action mini-keys and 16 velocity-sensitive RBG pads that you can use to play your way. You can use the illuminated pads to play samples, trigger loops, and control drums. The Launchkey Mini mk3 is designed to work seamlessly with Ableton Live. But fear not — even if you use a different DAW, your new Launchkey will work with it. No matter what you’re creating, your Launchkey will handle it like a champion.
Whatever you need in an affordable digital piano, we can help you find it here at Sweetwater. Give us a call at (800) 222-4700.
