If you are reading this, then it’s likely that you are lucky enough to have at least one keyboardist as a friend or family member. Congratulations! That officially makes you cool! It also means that this holiday season, you will be shopping for this musically inclined individual. To simplify your search for the perfect keyboard and/or keyboard gear, here’s our list of great gift ideas for keyboardists.
Cre8audio East Beast Semi-modular Analog Synthesizer
From the good folks at Cre8audio comes a dazzling bit of semi-modular magic. The East Beast derives from its East Coast–inspired approach to sound design, and it delivers a hearty dose of distinctive analog goodness. Built on a foundation of original circuitry co-developed with Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers, the East Beast boasts a four-choice waveform wonder with a precision-engineered multimode filter to eliminate dead spots often found in older designs. This makes it a formidable option for low-, high-, and bandpass filtering that can be further combined to create detailed aural vistas. Custom circuitry in the envelope generator and LFO elicits everything from incisive, percussive stabs to lush, expressive drones. Sequencer and arpeggiator functions allow you to sculpt rhythmic rides and searing progressions that beg to be explored. Eighteen patch inputs handle everything from clock, pitch, gate, filtering, and FM to so much more. Plus, you can remove the East Beast from its chassis and mount it in any Eurorack skiff with 40HP of free space!
Casio Privia PX-S6000 Digital Piano
Casio is a well-trusted name here at Sweetwater. We always recommend the Casio Privia PX-S6000 digital piano to those who need an 88-key digital piano with all the bells and whistles for incredible performance, playability, and musical experimentation. Apart from its 350 amazing built-in sounds — including a German concert grand piano, strings, synth pads, and more — the PX-S6000 easily enhances anything you need to do. The elegance of its design mirrors the capabilities inside. Connect a pair of headphones for quiet practice or play loud and proud through the 32-watt Spatial Sound System that delivers rich sound in any room. If that doesn’t top the bill, then the Casio Privia PX-S6000 can also function as a MIDI controller for even more studio use.
Roland FANTOM
Available with 61- or 76-note semi-weighted keybeds or Roland’s flagship 88-key PHA-50 progressive hammer action, the Roland FANTOM is a new breed of keyboard workstation designed to turbocharge your keyboardist’s music production and live performances. Packed with inspiring and authentic electronic, acoustic, and hybrid sounds, this powerful “imagination station” is driven by the versatile and expandable, state-of-the-art FANTOM sound engine, which draws on decades of industry-leading Roland technology. FANTOM’s fast, fluid workflow has no confusing modes, technical limitations, or sonic compromises to derail the creative process. Its intuitive compositional tools, instant-recall environments, and deep DAW integration deliver creativity without compromise.
Sequential Prophet-5
What do you give the synthesist who has everything? The latest revision to the Sequential Prophet5, of course. It was 36 years in the making, and this fourth revision of Dave Smith’s iconic 5-voice polyphonic synthesizer packs plenty of sonic potential into its analog circuitry. It features a pair of the Rev3’s CEM 3340 VCO oscillators, improved analog filtering, mounds of modulation, and a suite of exhaustive control parameters. So why do we think that the Prophet-5 is the perfect gift for the person who has it all? Because it’s loaded with a completely unique “Vintage” control. With this knob, the user can change the behavior of the Prophet-5 to match any of its earlier versions. From the ultra-stable Rev4 to the unpredictable and highly strung Rev1, there’s a universe of sounds to explore with Sequential’s Prophet-5.
Akai Professional MPK261 61-key Keyboard Controller
For the key aficionado in your life who swears by virtual instruments, MIDI control, and production software in general, they’ll be head over heels when they unwrap the Akai Professional MPK261 61-key keyboard controller. With 61 semi-weighted keys; 16 RGB-illuminated velocity-sensitive pads; and assignable faders, knobs, and buttons, the MPK261 shines as a paragon of dynamic and intricate software control. Connect via USB or MIDI and easily assign footswitches and an expression pedal. Keyboardists can leverage MPC functionality to craft and experiment with new production methods. You can access MPC Swing, MPC Note Repeat, MPC Full Level, and 16 Levels for incendiary inspiration. But it doesn’t end there because this keyboard controller also comes equipped with Akai Professional VIP3 — a world of Virtual Instrument Player software for the taking!
Casio CDP-S160 Compact Digital Piano
The Casio CDP-S160 compact digital piano is a no-frills keyboard meant to give you the flexibility of an acoustic piano minus the overwhelming price tag. Its full-length array includes 88 hammer-action keys, engineered to faithfully re-create the realism of an acoustic piano, that allow you to capture every nuance and intricacy of your performance. You can even fine-tune the sensitivity to better accommodate your playing style. Experience incredible sonic performance with built-in effects and 64-voice polyphony. Keyboard layering options let you construct deep, multifaceted sounds, and the onboard recorder captures MIDI information to easily recall and use ideas later. A 3.5mm headphone jack is available for silent practice, and Casio’s Music Space app adds further control to the CDP-S160, including access to interactive educational materials. Players at any proficiency level would benefit from the CDP-S160, a space-saving digital piano that doesn’t compromise on sound!
Behringer DeepMind 12 49-key 12-voice Analog Synthesizer Essentials Bundle
You know what they say: another Sweetwater bundle, another happy keyboardist. And the Behringer DeepMind 12 49-key 12-voice analog synthesizer essentials bundle will put a massive grin on their face, courtesy of the power of all-analog synthesis. This 12-voice monster brings users two analog oscillators with digital control and two LFOs per voice, a VCF, a VCA, three envelopes per voice, and much more required to produce classic analog synth sounds as well as those only dreamt of in the imagination. As synthesists work through the intricate control of the DeepMind 12, they’ll find intuitive hands-on control and a deeper field of parameter access hidden beneath the surface. Those looking to capture the synth sounds of the ’70s and ’80s will find much to love about this Behringer polysynth. The best part? The price tag to synth madness ratio. The rest of the bundle includes a bench, stand, and sustain pedal, so your gift recipient will have everything they need to experience complete synthy sonic bliss.
Modal Electronics Skulpt SE Portable 4 Voice Virtual Analog Synthesizer
Can you hear that? That’s the sound of the Modal Electronics Skulpt SE Portable 4 Voice Virtual Analog Synthesizer calling out to your keyboardist in polyphonic glory. A perfect first synthesizer, the Skulpt SE provides 32 oscillators spread over four voices for creating magnificently mesmerizing musical magic. Because the Skulpt SE is also so compact, it’s easy to carry and record anywhere. Create via the 16-note keyboard or connect to MIDI equipped keyboards and other external MIDI devices. From the classic to the modern, the Skulpt SE provides 127 leading edge synth patches that’ll capture almost any tone and mood a keyboardist could ask for. Tie it all together with the free MODALapp mobile app that features even more parameter controls and you’ve got a compact synthesizer that’ll knock the socks off any keyboardist.
Moog Grandmother Semi-modular Analog Synthesizer and Step Sequencer
A household name, Moog is an integral member of the synthesizer canon. The semi-modular Moog Grandmother pays tribute to some of Moog’s earliest standalone synth modules, including two multi-waveform analog oscillators, a 4-pole ladder filter, and a spring reverb. A 32-note Fatar keybed affords just the right balance of expression and mobility, and an intuitive front-panel layout invites you to explore the suite of modulation, sequencing, and envelope controls. Of course, one of the Grandmother’s greatest attributes is its semi-modular design. Not only is it fully functional right out of the box, but its numerous parameters can be easily rerouted via patch cables, allowing for integration with other Eurorack modules and Moog Mother Ecosystem devices. The Grandmother delivers iconic analog character in a powerful monophonic synthesizer and sequencer that begs to be played on its own, or in any setup, from the studio to the stage.
Dreadbox Typhon
Looking for a synth that can serve double duty as a stocking stuffer? Check out the Dreadbox Typhon. This monophonic analog synthesizer is actually small enough to fit into most store-bought stockings. Don’t let its USB power cable and diminutive stature fool you. The Typhon has more than enough power to perform as a real studio workhorse. It features two analog VCO oscillators, a trio of independent modulators with 13 destinations, and a 32-step sequencer. Plus, DSP effects and 5-pin MIDI capability give it even more flexibility. Almost any sound from sub-shaking rumbles to airy ambiance can be found within the Typhon. It has 254 onboard preset slots for storing and recalling patches. Whether you buy it for yourself or a loved one, the Dreadbox Typhon definitely won’t disappoint.
Yamaha MODX8+ GHS-weighted Key Synthesizer Essentials Bundle
Ah, the wonderful world of Sweetwater-curated keyboard bundles. Inside the Yamaha MODX8+ GHS-weighted key synthesizer essentials bundle, you’ll find everything you need to get started playing, performing, writing, and recording. After all, it’s best to play with a keyboard stand, pedal, bench, and some extra gigabytes of storage, thanks to a USB flash drive. But, without a doubt, the Yamaha MODX8+ steals the show in this package. With its 88-key, GHS-weighted-action keybed, 256-note polyphony, 1.75GB of flash memory, and plenty of tactile control, the MODX8+ will shine in the hands of any keyboardist with a penchant for synthesis. The AWM2 and FM-X engines deliver eight times the waveforms and incredibly dynamic and intricate sound-design features. Users can dive into the heart of sound creation or experiment with the 2,227 presets included.
Radial ProAV2 2-channel Passive A/V Direct Box
Apart from the green color and metal housing, the Radial ProAV2 2-channel passive A/V direct box looks nothing like a tank, but it sure is built like one. Stage work often requires equipment that isn’t scared to get its hands dirty, and the ProAV2 delivers with a clean signal to boot. A friend to keyboardists, pianists, and synthesists of all kinds, the ProAV2 offers stereo 1/4-inch instrument connections plus RCA and 1/8-inch connections for use with stereo instruments and consumer electronics alike. A ground lift and -10dB pad can solve signal issues, eliminate pesky buzz, and reduce input levels. What’s more, its passive operation means no battery or power adapter is required. The ProAV2 gives the gift of a clean, quiet signal path. Goodbye, ground loops!
Even if you know nothing about gifts for keyboardists, chances are that they’ll be thrilled you’re showing some support for their passion. And if you’re not sure what to get the keyboardist in your life, give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700. Many of us play keyboards ourselves so, at the very least, we can tell you what we would want to receive.
