Wondering which keyboard is the best for worship? You’re in good company. Church keyboardists have been asking, “Which is the right keyboard?” for over 1,000 years. A great keyboard frees worship musicians to create engaging, heartfelt music and to provide the soundscape for significant worship experiences. But identifying the right keyboard for you may be more involved than grabbing the first model that simply feels and sounds good.
What Really Matters?
With hundreds of manufacturers and thousands of models to choose from, knowing what you’re looking for can help you pull the right needle from the haystack. Clarify your need with these considerations.
Feel. Will those playing the keyboard need a fully weighted acoustic-piano feel, or do you prefer a precise synth or semi-weighted feel? Will aftertouch control be an asset? To what degree will the feel of the keybed and dynamic range inspire great music making?
Sound. Does the keyboard include all the sounds needed? If you play in stereo, then is there good sonic separation? Will the attack cut through the mix with the rest of the band, especially in the highly competitive midrange frequencies? How do notes and chords resonate when held? Does it matter for your use if there is a momentary, audible gap when changing from one sound to the next? Can you control the sustain to push the sound to the back of a mix or reduce sustain to draw the sound to the front if needed?
Function. Will you be arranging parts and creating pads or stems? Will the keyboard need to control loops or a recording system or to use a virtual instrument? If played live, then are the different sounds easy to navigate? Will you need to connect to a computer and download programs or patches online? Do you require options like pedals, built-in speakers, or a music stand?
Portability. Do you have a set-and-forget setup, or will you require a keyboard durable enough to handle the bumps and bruises that mobility demands? Do weight and size restrictions matter?
Training Curve. Considering the people who will be playing the keyboard, what learning curve will be necessary to operate it effectively? Will players be intimidated by too many sliders, buttons, and options? Can the keyboard be customized for your musicians’ range of preferences? If the keyboard will be used in a house of worship, then is there an advantage to having different-level models from the same series to reduce training between different departments? What training and support are available after your purchase?
Budget. You can easily spend hundreds to thousands on a keyboard purchase. However, having a specific target amount as your primary determination may cause you to overlook a more affordable option that will adequately meet your needs. On the other hand, you may find that the best option is worth doing an extra fundraiser, getting 0% interest financing, selling some gear on Sweetwater’s Gear Exchange, or seeking a benefactor.
Overwhelmed by all the options? You shouldn’t be. After looking through our extensive in-stock inventory (2,126 keyboard-related models plus accordions and theremins!), here are some prime considerations for whatever you need. And, if you are still not clear after reading this, a quick call to your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700 will readily answer all your questions.
Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!
Digital Pianos
Digital pianos are distinct from other keyboard types because, while they usually provide a wide range of sounds and features, they are specifically designed to have the weighted key feel of an acoustic piano. Here are seven models to consider.
Nord Stage 4 88 Stage Keyboard
There’s a reason you see Nord’s iconic red flagship keyboards on so many worship platforms around the world. At the heart of the Stage 4 is the fully weighted, triple-sensor, hammer-action, 88-note keybed, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more responsive, authentic feel with pristine sounds. Add to that an award-winning synth with sample playback, an incredible organ with physical drawbars, MIDI capabilities, and a full range of effects and controls, and you have at your fingertips what many consider to be the top-of-the-heap keyboard in a class all its own. While the interface may look daunting to beginning players, in addition to a robust user community and a plethora of online tutorials covering every facet in minutia, Nord offers a wide range of scaled-down models that are quality instruments in their own right. Whatever you want to do with a keyboard, you’ll likely nail it with the Nord Stage 4.
Nord Grand 2 88-key Stage Keyboard
If you’re looking for pure piano pleasure, then Nord’s Grand 2 88-key stage keyboard is a formidable powerhouse. Think of it as a Nord Stage 4 without the organ but with a special keybed that’s a collaboration between the Kawai RH3 and the nuance sensitivity of Nord’s triple-sensor system — a dream come true for even the most meticulous and expressive players! In addition to the masterful piano engine, you can layer synth sounds with tons of control and an expanded effects suite, boasting 120-voice polyphony. It’s no wonder that the Grand 2 is known, hands down, as one of the world’s most popular stage pianos.
Nord Piano 6 88-key Stage Piano
With a powerful control interface that is less demanding than its Nord big brothers, the Nord Piano 6 gives you 88 keys of dynamic, responsive, and massively opulent sounds for an exceptional studio and stage playing experience. Blend two independent piano layers with premium synth samples and effects to nail the exact nuance that your music requires whether you’re soloing or crafting rich contemporary soundscapes.
Korg SV2-SP 88-key Stage Vintage Piano
Korg’s flagship SV2-SP 88-key Stage Vintage piano packages a wide range of sound options into a distinct retro-modern chassis boasting a weighted, hammer-action keybed and a built-in stereo speaker system. The deceptively simple interface won’t intimidate newer players yet still allows a deep dive to customize sounds and programs. Effects options include a real vacuum tube for added warmth and snarl when you need it, transposition, and the ability to mix in artifacts like hammer release and mechanism click on sampled electric and acoustic pianos, organs, strings, and orchestral instrument sounds — all combining together to make the Korg SV2-SP a prime consideration.
Roland RD-2000 EX 88-key Digital Piano
Roland’s RD-2000 EX 88-key digital piano provides a wide collection of acoustic piano and synth sounds and effects with a large library and expandable functionality. The wood and molded keys and hammer-action keybed with escapement offer a distinctly playable feel with a natural response and authentic sustain. While this dual-sound-engine digital piano is designed for live performance, the interface includes MIDI-workstation and soft-synth capabilities and convenient DAW controls, making the RD-2000 EX a strong contender for stage and studio. (If you like the RD-2000 EX but want even stronger workstation capabilities, then check out Roland’s FANTOM 8 EX discussed below.)
Studiologic Numa X Piano GT Digital Piano
The new Numa X Piano GT from Studiologic combines a wide selection of realistic acoustic and electric piano sounds with specialty Fatar TP/400 weighted keys for a satisfying and responsive piano-playing experience. Besides an easy-to-navigate interface, onboard effects, MIDI capability, and sound collection, the Numa X incorporates a convenient 4-channel mixer for mics or other instruments during live performance. While this is the most affordable digital piano on this list, its combination of features, playability, and sounds makes the Numa X a great digital piano for live performance.
Yamaha CP88 88-key Stage Piano
Yamaha’s CP88 88-key stage piano is designed for the modern gigging musician with crisp, sparkly tones that cut through a mix or a dense arrangement, including the Imperial 290 patch modeled after the iconic Bösendorfer acoustic grand piano. Natural wood graded hammer (NW-GH) keys provide weighting and response, and synthetic keytops absorb moisture and give tactile grip when playing live. A precise medium-weighted feel assists when playing organ and synthesizer sounds. The sounds from the library, tone generator, and effects change seamlessly to flow from one patch to another in addition to MIDI control. For a digital piano with synthesizer capability, consider the CP88.
Arturia AstroLab 88 Stage Keyboard
The Arturia AstroLab 88 stage keyboard brings professional performance quality to your fingertips. A premium, fully weighted 88-note hammer-action, triple sensor Fatar keybed is supported by a huge, onboard library of 1,600 authentic concert grand pianos, vintage keyboards, legendary synth textures, and more. Craft your palette of sounds with the eight knobs, arpeggiator, looper, chord/scale modes, and 17 insert effects; dive even deeper with the Arturia mobile app and Analog Lab Pro companion software. Built for stage and studio, the dependable AstroLab 88 powerhouse provides an unconventional blend of standalone keyboard instrument and MIDI controller for the discerning, sound-sculpting pianist.
Workstations
Workstation keyboards often begin with the standard features you’ll find on a good digital piano and incorporate additional synthesizer sounds, effects, and advanced patch-editing and sequencing tools. They may use either weighted or semi-weighted keys. Some have room to hold a laptop, tablet, or phone, and others have shelf options like Studiologic’s SL Magnetic Computer Plate. These eight top contenders will provide you a good selection to consider.
Korg Nautilus 88 88-key Synthesizer Workstation
With Korg’s Nautilus 88 88-key synthesizer workstation, you can create from a robust library of piano, synth, and other sounds either individually or layered together into something completely new. You can also build new sounds based upon internal and external sound sampling and create your own sequences and arpeggiations as you dive deep with the color touch display. Fully functional as a standalone gigging keyboard with a weighted-action keybed, the Nautilus 88 also provides full DAW integration for powerful studio track production.
Korg Pa5X 76 Arranger Workstation
Korg’s flagship Pa5X arranger workstation packs a powerful combination of sound quality, playability, versatility, and a gig-proof design that can handle even the most grueling performance schedule. At the heart of this robust music maker is a tiltable color touchscreen that puts all the sounds and features right at your fingertips. With over 2,200 inspiring factory patches, more than 600 freely programmable factory styles, 160-voice polyphony, and a special crossover player for blending songs and sounds, the Pa5X stands ready to take even your most robust compositions to the next level.
Kurzweil K2700 88-key Synthesizer Workstation
Kurzweil’s flagship K2700 88-key synthesizer workstation comes with a huge selection of gig-ready factory programs, a fully weighted Fatar TP40L light touch keybed, and tons of controller options including DAW transport controls and drum/keypad pads. While you could use this for the digital-piano capabilities alone, its synth engine, sequencer, arpeggiators, and built-in effects — combined with a lot of horsepower — make the K2700 a powerful tool for composing, arranging, and sound design.
Roland FANTOM 8 EX Synthesizer Workstation
Roland designed its flagship FANTOM 8 EX synthesizer workstation as a complete music hub for unleashing your creativity. Work in tandem with a DAW to combine, morph, sculpt, trigger, and sequence a ton of sounds any way you want with comprehensive control. The FANTOM 8 EX features the identical piano-modeling technology as Roland’s flagship RD-2000 EX digital piano, including the same hammer playability of the keybed with escapement and assignable aftertouch. More than a fully functional controller for your DAW, it allows you to expand your rig by integrating and controlling additional USB analog synths or drum machines. The FANTOM 8 EX is ideal for creating immersive soundscapes dripping with deeply intricate sonic texture and movement for performance or studio.
Roland FANTOM-08 Music Workstation Keyboard
Featuring the same inspiring production tools and deep computer integration as its FANTOM 8 EX big brother, Roland’s FANTOM-08 is a value-packed workstation for intuitive, streamlined, and unconstrained creative power at your fingertips.
Yamaha Montage M8x
Yamaha designed this next-gen flagship Montage M8x synth as a powerful, “one keyboard to do it all” workstation with the ambitious goal of unlocking your music with unlimited potential for sound, control, and workflow. The expressive synth-action keyboard features polyphonic aftertouch and boasts a dedicated hold capability and professional playability similar to Yamaha’s concert pianos. The Montage M8x advances into entirely new realms by combining three powerful sound engines to produce a jaw-dropping 400 notes of polyphony to deliver anything from pristine pianos, organs, and acoustic instruments to whatever sound you can dream up. Whether you are composing, laying down tracks, or playing onstage, tap into a massive universe of sounds with the Montage M8x.
MIDI Controllers
Controllers are designed to do one thing extremely well: transmit and receive MIDI information quickly in a way that feels intuitive and natural to the musician. Instead of using onboard sounds, controllers are run by external software located on a computer, tablet, or even a MIDI-compatible phone. Controllers typically are more economical and of lighter weight than their digital-piano and workstation cousins. While each of these controllers comes bundled with sound and software collections, you can also use sounds from third-party virtual-instrument creators. If you want to record, orchestrate, make drum loops or beats, trigger other sounds or equipment, or use a virtual instrument like Omnisphere 2 or a live-performance app like MainStage, then a MIDI controller keyboard may be your best solution. Here are six A-list controller keyboards with tons of potential to consider.
Arturia KeyLab 88 mk3 88-key Weighted Hammer-action Keyboard Controller
Arturia’s KeyLab 88 mk3 88-key weighted hammer-action keyboard controller provides an affordable digital-piano alternative with its fast Fatar TP/110 keybed and included software bundle. You’ll appreciate the rock-solid build quality and the wide range of programable pads, faders, and encoders in this inspiring and expressive master controller.
Native Instruments Kontrol S88 Mk3 88-key Smart Keyboard Controller
Native Instruments’ Kontrol S88 Mk3 88-key keyboard controller has a deceptively clean interface for a controller; but make no mistake, you’ll find plenty of pro-quality options onboard, including a weighted Fatar hammer-action keybed, DAW transport controls, an expression touch strip, an arpeggiator, and integrated Native Instruments browser controls and software bundle. Whether you’re designing multitracks or playing onstage, elevate your experience with the Kontrol S88 Mk3.
Nektar Impact LX61+ 61-key Keyboard Controller
Nektar’s Impact LX61+ 61-key keyboard controller is designed to give you complete DAW command with expanded mapping integrated for Bitwig, Cubase, Digital Performer, GarageBand, Logic Pro, Nuendo, Reason, SONAR, Studio One, FL Studio, and Reaper. With a synth-action keyboard, pads, encoders, faders, channel-strip control, and even a motorized fader, you’ll have a plethora of options to maximize your music workflow for the studio and platform in the LX61+.
Roland A-88 MKII 88-key Keyboard Controller
Roland’s A-88 MKII keyboard controller earns popularity for the sensitive, natural response of its weighted Ivory Feel keys and the practical controls packed into its slim but robustly built housing. The included app gives you powerful customization of its pads, knobs, program controls, multiple key zone configurations, and built-in arpeggiator. For piano-like feel and modern sensibilities, check out the A-88 MKII.
Kawai VPC1 88-key Virtual Piano Controller
The elegant Kawai VPC1 virtual piano controller gives you real piano feel by featuring Kawai’s superb RM3 Grand II keyboard action. That means you’re actually playing long, wooden keys with grade-weighted hammers, Ivory Touch surfaces, bass-key counterweights, and realistic seesaw movement with staggered balance pins for an astonishingly authentic virtual-grand-piano playing experience. This controller is designed with the pianist in mind, so there is no clutter of additional pads, flashing buttons, or knobs to distract you from the pure pleasure of playing the VPC1.
Doepfer LMK4+ 88-key Master Keyboard Controller
Known for its roadworthy durability and piano-like hammer-action feel, Doepfer’s LMK4+ master keyboard controller can provide the blood-pumping MIDI heart for your keyboard station. Its rugged flight-case frame is a significant win to meet the challenges of portable churches, and the ability to fine-tune the personalized feel of the programmable response and aftertouch curves makes the LMK4+ a serious consideration for teams with multiple keyboardists.
Studiologic SL88 Grand Hammer-action Keyboard Controller
Studiologic’s SL88 Grand hammer-action keyboard controller is based around the Fatar TP/40WOOD fully weighted keybed with Ivory Touch for a realistic grand-piano feel with an extensive dynamic range plus aftertouch and a super-clean look. The bundled software is designed for easy use in both live and studio applications.
Ready to Make Your Selection?
You won’t regret giving any of these keyboards a try. What’s amazing is that none are identical — each provides the right combination of features for a specific need. Reach out to your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700 to get personalized recommendations to conclude your quest and create the music that helps people connect with what’s ultimately important.
