Are you considering a 76 key portable grand keyboard for learning to play the piano? If you are not, then probably you are not aware that instruments with 76 keys are also available in the market. But the fact is they are available, and can be a good option and also an affordable alternative compared to an 88 key piano-keyboard.
But before you do so you need to ask yourself a few more questions as to what else do you want in your 76 key portable grand keyboard. This is because you have the option of choosing a model that has integrated digital-keyboard features or a model that has only the basic set of sounds and an authentic key action.
In general, a keyboard-instrument with 76 keys will give you the following advantages.
1. You can play compositions for the piano
This instrument will let you play almost all the popular compositions, including some great classical pieces. There are very few compositions that need 88 keys and those are really meant for advanced players. If you do not belong there yet, a piano-keyboard with 76 keys will be a good option to learn to play the piano for a few years.
2. Cheaper and portable compared to 88 keys
Since you get lesser number of keys, you can expect to pay a lesser price for your 76 key portable grand keyboard, compared to a digital-piano with 88 keys. Even weight-wise it will be lighter and much more portable, so you will still have the option of carrying your instrument around; you can use it to play in a band or to jam with your musical friends.
3. Music keyboard features or plain piano sounds
Here you get various options, depending on whether you are looking for a music keyboard or a digital piano. If you know how to play electronic-keyboards, then you would want all the digital-keyboard related features in your 76-key keyboard. You can accordingly choose a model that has all these features. But if you want only good piano sounds, good key action, and do not care much about the styles, effects and different voices, you have the option of choose a model that suits these requirements.
4. You can get hammer action keys
If you are very particular about the piano sounds and want a keyboard that has authentic piano keys, you will get an appropriate 76 key portable grand keyboard. You get models that have graded hammer action keys that emulate the keys on a grand piano; these are harder to play in the lower registers and lighter to play in the higher octaves.
Conclusion: There are a lot of manufacturers in the market who make 76 key piano keyboards - the more popular ones being Yamaha, Casio, Roland and Korg. So if you want to learn to play piano and also want a portable and cheaper option, then go in for a 76 key portable grand keyboard.
