As a musician, you may notice that at times it is very difficult to read your music because of the lighting of the room you are in. It is very bad to read with poor lighting, as it hurts your eyes and makes it more difficult to read your music.
Many pianists will buy lamps to aid with reading their sheet music. However, they spend their money on buying the wrong type of lamps!
You do not want to purchase a standard desk lamp for the piano. The reason why is that the light is dispersed unevenly. The lightbulb from a desk lamp is very bright, and it is actually blinding at certain angles. The light also disperses into unwanted areas, which makes it difficult to focus on your sheet music.
Watch this video as concert pianist Valentina Lisitsa practices using a standard desk lamp. Notice how the lighting of the sheet music that is nearest to the desk lamp is blinding and hard to see from.
Now watch this video by Cocoweb using a Cocoweb LED Piano lamp while practicing. Notice the even distribution of lighting that is given by the best piano lamp. Sufficient light is also given to clearly see the piano keys as well.
Please take a look at this list for the best lamps for piano, and make a careful and thoughtful decision of purchasing the best piano lamp for you.
5 Best Piano Lamps
BenQ Piano Light
Here is my review of the ben q piano light. This lamp provides ample lightning which is safe to the eyes. Note: This piano lamp is designed for upright pianos, especially for ones with a high upper panel.
When we look at the lamp’s interface starting from the left, we have color temperature adjustors. These can change the light temperature to have a cooler or warmer appearance. There are 6 different settings in total.
We can adjust brightness as well.
The presence detection, when set on, will turn the lamp on when are you close by.
The auto dimming function will automatically adjust the brightness depending on your environment.
And lastly, the My Favorite button will store settings and select saved settings.
We can also adjust the lamp from the base and from top.
Here is another view of the lighting from the lamp. Notice the lighting not just on the sheet music, but on the keys on well. Thislamp has ultra wide lighting, which illuminates each key on the piano.
Cocoweb Adjustable 22″ LED clip-on grand piano lamp- Black w/Satin Nickel Accents
Click on picture for reviews
This beautiful piano light by Cocoweb can clip onto the piano sheet music stand. It is also very easy to adjust, so you can optimize the amount of lighting that you want.
This is the best piano lamp that you will find on the market!
With the latest light emitting diode (LED) technology, you may never need to change the internal battery and light that is in this lamp. This product promises 50,000 hours worth of lighting. This is also the Best LED piano lamp.
There is no need to worry about chord placement as this lamp is battery powered. A battery charger is also attached to this product, but there is almost no need for it.
This lamp is available is many colors, so you can choose the one that is most aesthetically pleasing.
Watch this video to see the best piano light in action:
Cocoweb 22″ Adjustable Energy-efficient LED Grand Piano Lamp with Bi-Rotational Shade – Black/Brass Accents GPLED22D
This is another best piano light from Cocoweb, the best distributor of piano lamps. This is also among the best piano desk lamp.
The difference between this and the number one lamp on this page is that this piano lamp contains a dimmer.
With a width of 22 inches, this piano lamp can cover a large number of pages on a sheet music stand. This is ideal if you want to look at multiple pages of music at once on a music stand. This is a great best grand piano light.
This product promises 50,000 hours worth of lighting, easy adjustment, and the most optimal lighting for a pianist. This is definitely worth the buy!
Cocoweb 19″ Adjustable Black with Brass Accents LED Clip-on Piano Lamp with Dimmer – GPLED19D
This Cocoweb 19′ piano lamp is more affordable than the previous two above. It is 2 inches smaller is width than the leading Cocoweb lamps, which accounts for the price difference.
This lamp promises the same features as the leading Cocoweb lamps: 50,000 hours worth of lighting, battery charger, and easy adjustability.
This lamps is recommended for those who are searching for a high quality piano lamp at a more affordable price.
Also, purchasing this best piano lamp through Amazon.com will save you money in comparison to buying directly from the retailer! Cocoweb sells this piano lamp for 217 dollars, while Amazon sells for around 200 dollars!
Black LED Piano Lamp with Brass Accents 19″ Shade GPLED
This piano lamp by SheetMusicNorthwest is optimal for both grand and upright pianos. It is a best upright piano light and best grand piano light.
With LED technology, this lamp promises 30,000 hours worth of lighting. You could use this piano lamp for an hour a day every day for 80 continuous years! With this kind of long lasting battery, you will never have to change the battery, or worry about this best piano lamp from losing efficiency.
The width of the lighting of this piano lamp can cover over 3 pages of music on a stand! That is more than enough light to cover the sheet music book you will be reading from.
This product weighs five pounds, which is about 2 more pounds than the Cocoweb piano lamps.
Lumiens L9 – Music Stand Light Clip On Orchestra LED Lamp
This is the best portable music stand lamp and most affordable music stand lamp. It can be clipped on a piano stand, orchestra stand, or any stand of your choice.
Using three double AA batteries, this best music stand lamp can provide light for about 20 hours. It features two different levels of brightness. A charging kit is also included, so you will not have to worry too much about purchasing more batteries.
With a lifetime of use guaranteed, you can trust that this music stand lamp will not break down on you during a performance. This is truly the best music stand light.
Click here to see an expert review on the Lumiens music stand light:
For those looking for an ideal keyboard bench to go with their digital piano, you are at the right place!
There are a few factors you should look at when purchasing a best keyboard bench:
Portability: The best portable keyboard benches are made to be lightweight and portable. The best adjustable keyboard benches can also fold for easy storage and carrying. If you are looking for a music bench that is meant to be stable and sitting in the same place, you may be looking for a piano bench.
Height Adjustments: Most keyboard benches do not have quick height adjustment knobs. The ones that do, such as the Hercules KB200B, are a bit pricier, but are worth it if you want to quickly adjusting sitting positions in a tight situation.
Please do not confuse keyboard benches with piano benches (as even google confuses the two).
For professional musicians, I highly recommend this best digital keyboard bench.
A key feature of the Hercules KB200B bench is the quick and easy height adjustment knob. You can easily switch between four different height positions with this best adjustable keyboard bench. With the other keyboard benches, you have to painstakingly flip the keyboard bench upside down, unscrew the securing latches, and switch the positioning of the keyboard legs in order to change the height.
In addition, with a micro adjustment knob, you can adjust the keyboard bench in subtle amounts. This is best for keyboard players looking for a very specific height position.
This keyboard bench weighs about 14 pounds.
Some users of this bench feel that the padding is a bit hard.
The best selling keyboard bench on Amazon.com! It is also very affordable.
The X Style keyboard bench has a padded top and steel legs that can be adjusted to 3 different height positions.
This best keyboard bench weighs eight pounds, so it can easily be carried with one hand.
Some users complain that this the Yamaha PKBB1 bench is a bit wobbly. If this happens, simply return your bench.
The padding is also pretty firm and tough.
This keyboard is also a bit difficult to adjust. You can see this on the following picture:
You have to unscrew the turn dial screw, line up the holes in the two columns, and painfully try to connect everything and screw at the same time.
If you are not too concerned with adjusting your bench with ease, and want an inexpensive keyboard bench, then this keyboard bench will be good for you.
There is also a compartment for storage with this unique keyboard bench.
Some users complain about the set-up of this bench, and of the sturdiness as well. (If you want a more sturdy keyboard bench such as this, please look at the piano bench page)
Electronic keyboards are great because of their low pricing, versatility, light weight, and portability.
The best digital keyboard are generally inexpensive in comparison to other type of digital pianos (keyboard workstations, digital upright pianos, etc.). The keys are either weighted or unweighted (weighted keys imitate the feel of a real piano, unweighted keys feels like pressing down on plastic). They are great for beginners who wish to start learning the piano, or for gigging in bands.
Careful consideration was taken to the listing of these best musical instrument keyboards with factors including pricing, weighted or unweighted keys, popularity, internal speaker quality, sound quality, sound effects, and customer satisfaction.
These bad boys contain a large amount of built in sound functions, and are used generally in music production. Keyboard synthesizers usually have to be plugged into an external speaker, as they do not contain internal speakers. They also connect with computers for music production.
Keyboard Arranger
Keyboard Arrangers are perfect for the one-man band. It can play tracks along with you as you are performing live.
Usually these get confused with keyboard workstations.
Keyboard Workstation
Keyboard Workstation allows for music production in one device. You can think of it as a keyboard synthesizer that does not need to be connected into another device to create and produce music.
Workstations also come in 61, 77, and 88 keys. The priciest of these are 88 keys, weighted, and costs over 1000 dollars.
Digital Upright Piano
The design of these digital pianos is made to emulate an acoustic upright piano. Digital Upright pianos usually cost between 500-1500 dollars.
Digital Grand Piano
The construction of this digital piano is made to imitate the look of an acoustic grand piano. This musical instrument generally costs around 2000 or more dollars.
You can think of stage pianos as extra expensive electric keyboards designed for professional performances. They imitate the feel of a real piano with weighted keys, usually have graded hammer keys, and are heavy (weighing 50 pounds or more).
8 Best 61-Key Digital Keyboards
Yamaha NP12
In terms of simplicity and realistic feel, I personally recommend the Yamaha NP12 as the best 61 key digital keyboard.
With its compact design, this keyboard can easily be played on a desk or counter.
Weighing 15 pounds, this best portable keyboard can easily be picked up and moved around.
This digital music instrument also has very good sound quality that imitates the sound of an acoustic piano.
The GST (Graded Soft Touch) keys are slightly weighted, touch sensitive and respond well to different dynamics and articulations.
The Yamaha NP 12 comes in either black or white.
Internal battery support with 6 AA batteries. Can last for 7 hours with batteries.
MIDI support through USB.
64 Polyphony.
Recording capability.
You can see a demo of this best musical keyboard here:
There are 9 nine built in lessons in this best electric keyboard for beginners. These lessons will aid the novice in their development of the instrument.
This is the best portable keyboard sold on Amazon.com!
The RockJam Electronic Keyboard is also a very affordable electronic keyboard. For a little more than 100 dollars, you can own a keyboard with a stand, headphones, and a keyboard bench!
Works well with the Piano Maestro App and includes 30 free songs with the app.
Contains 100 sound effects and 50 demo songs!
The keys in this digital keyboard are unweighted.
You can see a demonstration of this musical instrument here:
Hamzer 61 Key Electronic Music Electric Keyboard Piano
This is the most affordable 61 key keyboard on this list. This digital keyboard costs around 85 dollars on Amazon.com!
Includes everything you expect in a digital keyboard such as external speakers, various sound effects, teaching mode, and recording/playback functions.
Includes a keyboard stand as well!
Watch this video to see a demonstration of the Hamzer 61 key Electric Keyboard:
This best 61 key digital keyboard contains 200 built in sounds, 10 teachable songs, 128 accompanying features, split mode (split two sounds across the keyboard), and a recording feature.
The keys are non weighted.
Includes bench, stand, microphone, and headphones.
This best roll up piano can easily be stored in a convenient space for travel. This specific 61 key roll up piano has the best customer reviews on Amazon.com!
This best flexible piano includes an internal speaker and headphone jack, so you can practice piano easily on the go.
This best lightweight keyboard only weighs 2.6 pounds.
Watch this video to see a demonstration of a best hand roll piano:
The Yamaha PSR-EW400 is a big upgrade from the Yamaha YPG-235. While it is pricier, it is more fitting for professional use. It is ideal for beginners as well.
This touch response keyboard is very sensitive to the different articulations and touches from the performer.
The 12 W internal speakers will also deliver a powerful sound.
With the Yamaha Education Suite, this musical instrument is also capable of teaching you how to play!
Can be powered with 6 D sized batteries.
You can see a demonstration of the Yamaha PRE – EW400 here:
Released just in January 2019, The Roland FP 10 is a new entry into the Roland FP series. Roland states that it is “entry-level instrument with premium sound and playability”.
Many keyboard seekers who look at the Roland FP Series keyboard ask, What is the difference between the Roland FP 10 and Roland FP 30? So allow me to explain Roland FP-30 vs Roland FP-10.
Roland FP-10 vs FP-30
Differences
Pricing: FP – 10 is about 200 dollars cheaper
Polyphony: FP 10 has 96 polyphony, while the FP-30 has 128 polyphony.
Number of Tones: FP 10 can choose from 15 different tones while the FP 30 has 30 tones
Size: FP 10 is smaller than the FP 30. The FP 30 has about 0.3 inches more height, about a half inch more width, and weights about 4 pounds more.
Similarities
Key Action: Both use PHA-4 Standard Keyboard (individually weighted keys were lower notes feel heavier than higher notes).
Basically, the FP 30’s sound quality is a bit better than the FP 10 and there more tones to choose from. The FP 10 is more compact and is lighter. From my personal playing, the FP 10 and FP30 feel the same, but the FP30 sounds a bit better.
I would personally recommend the FP 10 over the FP 30, ultimately because of the pricing. You have a 200 dollar difference from the FP 30, and the only thing you lose is a bit of sound quality and fewer tone options.
This keyboard has PHA-4 Standard Keyboard action, which highly realistic, and provides the best feel for playing. It has Escapement and ivory sensation on the keys.
With the SuperNATURAL Piano Sound, this best digital keyboard provides the most beautiful and realistic piano sound, as expected from the well known Roland brand.
This best electric keyboard has 128 polyphony, Twin piano feature (good for teaching purposes – you can adjust the octaves on either end of the keyboard to match each other so that a student and teacher can play on the same range on the keyboard)
The Roland FP-30 also has bluetooth, something that the Yamaha P125 does not have.
The FP-30 has Bluetooth MIDI, but does not have bluetooth audio.
The Yamaha P125 is the successor to the Yamaha P115.
In short, this is what the Yamaha P125 has over the Yamaha P115:
– More number of voices. The P125 has 24 voices, while the P115 has 14. (Voices refer to different sound settings such as organ, electric, etc).
– More rhythm settings. The Yamaha P125 has 20 settings, while the P115 has 14.
– The Yamaha P125 has more advanced speakers than the Yamaha P115 with the Table EQ.
What is the same is:
– Same weight (11.8 kg)
– Same number of polyphony (192)
The P stands for portable.
Can be plugged in and be used with the “Smart Pianist” app to control the advanced features of the Yamaha P125, analyzing any song to display the chords of that song, and even help with practicing
Yamaha P125 vs P45
Differences:
Tone Generation
P125 uses Pure CF sampling (more modern and realistic sounding)
P45 uses AWM advanced
Polyphony (number of notes that can be sustained at once)
P125 has 192 polyphony
P45 has 64 polyphony
Internal Speakers
P125 2 7W amplifiers, 2 12 cm speakers, and additional 4 speakers
P45 has 2 6W amplifiers, 2 12 cm speakers
Recording Feature
P125 has
P45 does not have
In short, the P125 has better sound, and recording functionality.
Here is a demo of the Smart Pianist app:
With the Table Top EQ setting, it can detect if the Yamaha P125 on a table top. If it is on a table top, the internal speakers automatically brings out more bass, which allows for a better sound while being on a table.
The Yamaha P125 does not have bluetooth for MIDI capability. You will need to use a USB for MIDI.
Update: Please look at the Yamaha P-125. Comparing the Yamaha P115 vs Yamaha P125, you’ll see that the Yamaha P125 has a few more features, and is at the same price
The Yamaha P115 is the best selling digital piano by Yamaha!
With 192 note polyphony, you will never have to worry about a note not being fully sustained (Note Polyphony refers to how many notes can be sustained or played at once. Since there are only 88 keys on the piano, you really don’t need to go over 88 polyphony. 192 note polyphony is kind of an overkill.)
The Graded Hammer Standard weighted keys gives this electric keyboard the same touch response as an acoustic grand piano. The lower end has heavier keys, and the higher end has lighter keys.
This keyboard reproduces the sound from Yamaha’s 9 foot CFIIIS concert grand piano with its Pure CF Sound Engine.
There are 14 different groups of sound effects including piano, electric piano, and rock organ!
Can use the “Digital Piano Controller” app, a Yamaha app that allows you control the many features of the Yamaha P115 with a friendly user interface.
The Yamaha P115 does not have bluetooth, but has Midi capability through USB.
Watch this professional review by Yamaha on the Yamaha P115:
Yamaha states that the Yamaha P45 is the best affordable digital piano that they have to offer! If the P115 Yamaha seems to be a bit too pricey, consider buying the Yamaha P45 instead!
The GHS or Graded Hammer Standard Keys are weighted, with the bass notes having more weight, and the higher end having less. This very much imitates the real feel of a good acoustic grand piano.
Has 64 note polyphony. (Note Polyphony refers to how many notes can be sustained or played at once. With 64 polyphony, you’ll be able to play and sustain most of the notes on the keyboard.)
With the USB port, the Yamaha P45 can support MIDI.
Watch this professional demonstration by Yamaha on the Yamaha P45 for more insights on this beautiful music instrument:
With 120 polyphony and natural weighted keys, the Korg B1 is an excellent best beginning digital keyboard.
With the natural weighted keys, the lower end of the digital piano has a heavier feel and the higher end has a lighter feel, similar to an acoustic piano.
Many users of this keyboard recommend it over the popular Yamaha P45.
Watch this expert review of the Korg B1 with this video:
The Casio PX 160 is a superb digital keyboard with its Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action (fancy way of saying weighted keys) and 128 polyphony. The texture of the keys also emulate that of a real acoustic piano.
The sound engine of this product, “AiR”, which stands for Acoustic and intelligent Resonator, captured the sounds of a real 9 foot acoustic grand piano and is able to replicate it.
The 8w x 8w Grand Sound System has speakers in both the front and the back of the instrument, which is ideal for both private and public performance.
Weights about 25 pounds.
Many people who are searching for the best digital keyboard often compare the Casio PX 160 to the Yamaha P115. I personally recommend the Yamaha P115 over this, and you can watch these videos to help you to understand too:
The Alesis recital is a best beginning digital piano because of its full size and pricing. This best selling electric piano costs a little more than 200 dollars!
Some great features of this keyboard are:
semi weighted keys
touch sensitivity
Lesson Mode – can divide the piano into two with the same pitch and voice for enhanced teaching experience.
If your budget is under 300 bucks, I would recommend getting this digital keyboard. If you are able to bump up your budget, I would recommend getting the Yamaha P45 over this keyboard.
The keys have a plastic like feel, and they are not fully weighted. The speakers also are not very good. In my experience, it is a bit awkward to play on this keyboard.
You can watch a professional demonstration of the Alesis Recital 88 key here:
This is a larger model of the Yamaha ypg- 235 electric keyboard.
I personally believe that the pricing for the Yamaha YPG 535 is too high. The keys are only semi weighted and does not feel quite like a real piano. I personally believe that other digital keyboards in this page have a better feel and sound in comparison to this instrument.
If you are using this keyboard for recording purposes, then it is a very good buy!
You can see and hear what this instrument is like with this video:
This page will feature the best music stands to hold your sheet music for orchestra rehearsal, jazz band rehearsals, or whatever purpose you need to hold your sheet music. These best music stands have been carefully selected with regards to sturdiness, reliability, weight, quality, and portability. Please take a careful look at each music stand and choose the one that best fits your needs.
The best music stand for guitar, best music stand for violin, and best music stand for instruments are all here!
Note: If you are looking for a music stand to carry heavy objects, such as a laptop or large music book, consider buying a strong music stand, such as the Manhasset music stand, GearLux, or the ASC Professional music stand. For light carrying, the lighter music stands such as the Chromacast music stand will be suitable.
Manhasset Model #48 Sheet Music Stand
Manhasset music stands are standards in many musical settings such as schools and orchestras.
The bases of these stands are made completely from steel, so you can be ensured that these stands will be durable and will not rock around.
With the “Magic Finger Clutch,” the stand can be adjusted with one hand. The clutch can support up to 8 pounds.
The bearings is made from brass, which is greaseless and reduces friction from adjusting the music stand.
The desk (holds the sheet music), is made from sturdy and light weight aluminum. The black coat finish aids the stand from scratches and damage.
Manhasset Model 48
The most popular and high demand music stand by Manhasset. The dimensions of this best heavy duty music stand is 20″ wide, 12 1/2″ high, and a lip of 2 1/4″. This music stand can be adjusted from 26 through 48 inches.
Weighs a little less than 8 pounds!
You can see a video of assembly of this music stand here:
Consider buying this if you are looking for a slightly more sturdy and stronger best portable folding music stand.
This best lightweight music stand weighs only 3 pounds, and is collapsible. It comes with a nifty carrying case too!
The shaft and legs of this music stand are made from steel, which allows for secure placement.
The height of this best music stand adjusts from 22 to 59 inches.
Consider buying this to carry lightweight music scores and sheet music paper.
Note: some complaints from users of this best lightweight folding music stand include awkwardness of holding paper and lack of being able to hold much music.
This best foldable music stand by American Sound Connection will be able to carry large objects such as a heavy music book, and still be able to fold into a carrying case bag!
This best sheet music stand weighs ten pounds, and has a 2 and a half inch shelf lip that is suitable for carrying enough sheet music for a long performance!
Height adjusts from 26 to 46 and a half inches.
It rough exterior is suited for long use!
The shelf of the music stand is 20 inches by width and 13 inches by height.
Both editions were edited by Jan Ekier (The national edition is edited by Pawel Kaminski as well)
The Wiener Urtext for Chopin’s ballades was published in 1986. The National Edition was published eleven years later in 1997.
Wiener Urtext has different editors for the entirety of Chopin’s works. For example, Paul Badura-Skoda is the editor for Chopin Etudes for Wiener Urtext. Jan Ekier established the Foundation of the National Edition in 1998, and is the editor for each work by Chopin for this edition.
Paul Badura-Skoda (editor for the Wiener Urtext for Chopin) even said that the National Edition is the best edition for Chopin. (Source)
Chopin Ballade 1
The National Edition claims to use “the most scientific method on the basis of all sources” for editing. Let’s see how some of these modern approaches differ from an edition published a little more than ten years prior.
Sources
Wiener Urtext –
Autograph fair copy (clean copy of draft that was corrected by Chopin)
French first Edition published in July 1836 by Paris: M. Schlesinger (According to notes in this edition, Chopin was known to have carefully proofread the French first edition and made some changes to it.) Click here to see the second French edition.
Autograph/fair copy (basis for French first edition)
First French Edition. Published by M. Schlesinger publishing company in 1836 (This company also printed the first editions of Beethoven’s last two piano sonatas)
Second French edited with corrections by Chopin. (In the critical notes for the Wiener Urtext, it is said that Chopin carefully made corrections for this edition. In the National Edition Source Commentary, it says that he was careless with his corrections.)
French Edition owned by Camille Dubois, a student of Chopin. Her scores contained annotations by Chopin, fingerings, performance notes, and corrections from errors made by printing.
First German Edition published by Breitkopf and Hartel in 1836.
Second, Third, and Fourth German Editions.
First English Edition (the source commentary says that the First English Edition was based on the first French edition)
Score
M. 18
National Edition
Wiener Urtext
There is a subtle editorial marking added in the national edition. There is a decrescendo marking written on the and of 4 in the National Edition.
M. 44
national edition
wiener urtext
Editorial marking – There is a quarter rest written in the left hand part, m 44 beat 6, for the Wiener Urtext.
M 85-86
national edition
wiener urtext
There is a difference in the direction of the stems for the right hand. In the national edition, the B flat (M 85 beat 1) is up stemmed, while it is down stemmed in the wiener urtext. Having all the stems going upward shows the musical line in this phrase and to bring out these up stemmed notes.
M. 87 – 88
national edition
wiener urtext
Notice the staccato on M 88 beat one in the National Edition. This staccato is not present in the wiener urtext. Also, the phrasing in the National Edition shows M 87 beats 5 and 6 connecting to the first beat of M 88. In the Wiener Urtext, the phrase in M 87 beats 5 and 6 ends on the sixth beat, and a new phrase begins with M 88.
M 161 – 162
national edition
wiener urtext
Beats 1 in Measures 161 and Measures 162 have differences. In the national edition, the notes on beat 1 have a staccatissimo placed for the articulation. In the wiener urtext, the articulation is a staccato.
M 171
national edition
wiener urtext
This measure is a booger! In the French first edition, there was an error with the placement of the Ab (in the fourth note of the quintuple).
French first edition
The second French edition features this change to M 171 (made by Chopin’s request):
second French edition
Notice the D added to the fourth note of the quintuplet.
The Wiener urtext claims to reproduce what is written in the autograph score for this measure. The national edition chooses to make M 171 similar to measure M 170, and then writes what is written in the autograph score above M 171.
The national edition says it is doubtful whether or not Chopin wanted the added D in the fourth note of the quintuplet. It also states other instances in which the first French edition made similar errors.
M 194
national edition
There are tenuto markings on the and of 4 in Measures 194, 196, and 198. These markings were made by Chopin in Camille DuBois’ score.
