Best
Digital Grand Piano
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Overall: Perfect For Beginners To Expert-Level Pianists
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Best Feature: Features Historically Accurate Pianoforte Samples
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Digital Upright Piano
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Overall: With Graded Hammer Action Keybed With 256 Note Polyphony
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Best Feature: Polished Ebony Upright Cabinet
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Digital Piano On A Budget
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Overall: With A Bluetooth Connection For Speakers And Headphones
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Best Feature: One Of Roland's Premium Keyboards - The PHA-4. Lightweight And Compact Size
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TedScore™: 10/10
Have you ever wondered how many keys on a piano? You’re exactly where you need to be; we’re jumping right in!
Most pianos have 88 keys – 52 white and 36 black- forming this magnificent instrument’s heart.
From learning the basics of music theory to exploring the evolution of the modern piano, there’s so much to uncover. Whether you’re an aspiring pianist or just curious about music, you’ll find fascinating insights here.
So, are you ready to explore the world of piano keys with me? Let’s get started!
A Brief History of Piano Keys
The piano is a fascinating instrument that has a rich history.
It all began with musical instrument technician Bartolomeo Cristofori’s invention in 1655. He was dissatisfied with the lack of control over the volume level of the ‘keyboards’ that were around back then, and set out to create an instrument that would give musicians more control. From there, the technology adopted by piano manufacturers has been shaped and developed over the centuries.
Before Cristofori, there were other keyboard instruments such as dulcimers, but none had the same sound as the piano we know today. Paul Janko later refined this design in 1881 and added more keys to create the modern 88-key piano.
Thanks to these past piano makers, we can now enjoy this wonderful instrument!
How Many Keys Does the First Piano Have?
The first pianos usually had 60 keys, which represented five octaves of music. This standard was held until the 1880’s when piano manufacturer Steinway started producing 88-key pianos.
Keyboard vs Piano
Keyboard
Keyboards, which are also called electric pianos, are instruments with unweighted keys that require a power source. They are commonly used as a substitute for pianos because of their portability and ease of use. The keys on a keyboard are typically narrower than on a piano. It also produces electronically amplified sounds.
A keyboard and a digital piano are really quite different instruments, and we have a dedicated article here explaining the difference.
Piano
The piano is a stringed keyboard instrument in which the strings are struck by wooden hammers that are coated with a softer material. It has the broadest range of notes of any instrument, covering more than seven octaves. Its technical name is a pianoforte – but no-one calls it that anymore!
These keys are generally black keys and white keys; when you press them with your fingers, little hammers hit the strings inside to create a sound.
Types Of Pianos
There are two main types of pianos for you to choose from: acoustic pianos (that have two subcategories of grand and upright pianos), and digital pianos (that have four subcategories). All of these options offer something unique to suit your needs and preferences.
Grand Piano
Grand pianos are the largest and most expensive type of piano, and they offer a wide dynamic range, rich resonance and deep bass tones.
Grand pianos are incredible for performance pieces that desire a full-bodied sound.
DESIGNED FOR: People Needing An Affordable Grand Piano
COMES WITH: Gloss Ebony Finish
FEATURES: Solid Spruce Soundboard
Yamaha GB1 K Grand Piano
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Affordable
- Amazing sounding
- Elegant Design
- If you have a bit more budget, a slightly larger model would be a better option
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Upright Piano
Upright pianos are named for their vertical orientation, meaning the strings and soundboard run perpendicular to the ground. They are smaller than grand pianos, yet they still produce a full-bodied sound due to the vertical arrangement of their strings.
If you’re looking for an instrument that’s compact yet still has an impressive sound, then this piano may be just what you need!
DESIGNED FOR: Experienced And Professional Musicians
COMES WITH: Three Pedals (Soft, Middle, And Sustain)
FEATURES: Vailable In Several Finishes; Built With High-Quality Materials, Providing A Warm And Smooth Sound
Yamaha U1
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Produces a warm and rich tone
- The piano has a solid construction
- Sophisticated design
- Not suitable for musicians on a budget
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Digital Pianos
Digital pianos are the perfect choice for anyone who wants the sound of an acoustic piano, but doesn’t have the space, the budget, or needs to play them silently (with headphones).
They feature 88 keys just like the real thing, and they offer a wide range of sounds due to their digital effects and PC connectivity.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginners to expert-level pianists
FEATURES: Features historically accurate pianoforte samples
OTHER INFO: Has samples from two original pianofortes from the 18th century. New GrandTouchS keyboard action. All-new CFX and Bösendorfer samples
Yamaha CLP 765 Digital Grand Piano
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Includes a Yamaha 5-year warranty
- Includes three months of Flowkey Premium
- More expensive than other counterparts
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginners and early-grade players
FEATURES: Polished ebony upright cabinet
OTHER INFO: With graded hammer action keybed with 256 Note Polyphony
DP-90U Upright Digital Piano by Gear4music
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Allows USB Connectivity
- Suitable for home learning
- None
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Players at home or on the go
COMES WITH: with a Bluetooth connection for speakers and headphones
FEATURES: one of Roland's premium keyboards - the PHA-4. Lightweight and compact size
Roland FP-30X Digital Piano
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Purchase includes three free months of access to Skoove - Roland's online learning platform
- None
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
How Many Keys Does a Piano Have?
37 Keys Pianos
A 37 keys piano is an instrument for beginners to start playing piano music; with 22 white keys and 15 black keys. It has all the notes for you to learn the basics like chords, scales, and arpeggios.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner pianist
FEATURES: Offers 37 mini keys, 100 sounds, 100 rhythms and 30 songs
OTHER INFO: Practice in silence, or perform out loud with the 1 x 1W speaker and headphone input
VISIONKEY-1 37 Key Portable Mini Keyboard
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the piano music
- Easy to store and travel with thanks to the lightweight compact size
- It won't last very long before you need to upgrade
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
49 Keys Pianos
The 49 keys on a piano has four octaves, starting on the second octave and ending on the fifth. Also perfect for learners, the 29 white keys and 20 black keys offer a range which allows you to explore various genres of music.
DESIGNED FOR: Musicians on the go or at home
COMES WITH: Ableton Live Lite
FEATURES: 49 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys. USB-powered - PC, Mac and iPod compatible
Roland A49 MIDI Keyboard Controller
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Two knobs, two switches and a D-Beam controller
- Lightweight and slimline design, ideal for gigging
- Allows you to control and manipulate sounds through hand movements
- Much expensive compared to other 49 keys piano keyboards
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
54 Keys Pianos
The 54 keys piano keyboard comes with 22 black keys and 32 white keys. These are still instruments that are only suitable really for travelling.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner players
FEATURES: Packed with 30 different sounds to inspire your creativity
OTHER INFO: Play along and sing to 10 backing tracks. Easily record your own compositions
MK-1000 54-Key Portable Keyboard by Gear4music
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Easy to use and packed full of features
- Comes with 20 instruments and 10 percussion sounds plus a microphone
- None
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Keen beginners
COMES WITH: 300 built-in tones and rhythms
FEATURES: Take your music on the move with the option to battery power. With 54 piano-style keys
Alesis Harmony 54 Portable Keyboard
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Includes a microphone so you can sing along!
- Purchase includes support in learning with a selection of online musical courses
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
61 Keys Pianos
The 61 Key piano offers enough range to cover most modern styles such as pop, rock, folk, and more. Built with 36 white keys and 25 black keys, many models come with the option to add a sustain pedal for greater expression.
DESIGNED FOR: Developing piano learners
FEATURES: Lightweight and Compact Design for Easy Portability
OTHER INFO: Metronome Function for Progressing Your Skills. Bluetooth Connectivity for Streaming Your Music
Roland Go: Piano 61 Key Digital Piano
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Free online tuition from Skoove
- Has an advanced speaker system for musicians on the go
- Slightly pricier than other 61 keys keyboards
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Full-sized 88 Keys Pianos
A full-sized 88-key piano offers a more natural and realistic feel than other keyboard, as its graded and weighted keys replicate the feel of a traditional acoustic piano. It has 36 black keys and 52 white keys. It’s considered as the ‘standard piano’.
DESIGNED FOR: Pianists of all skill levels
COMES WITH: a timeless collection of electronic instruments
FEATURES: Provides an editor software to personalise your sound
Korg SV2 Stage Piano, 88 Key
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Allow you to experience the pinnacle of sampling techniques
- Offers more sounds, more memory, more polyphony, more presets, and more control
- More expensive than other 88 keys pianos
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Performing pianists
COMES WITH: Apple MainStage integration
FEATURES: White keys are finished with a moisture-absorbing material for a comfortable playing experience.
Roland RD-88 Compact 88-Key Stage Piano
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Built with onboard speakers for easy monitoring
- Lightweight and compact design for easy transportation
- Designed with Roland's latest touch-detection technology for an expressive performance
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Tips on How to Clean The Keys on a Piano
Tip #1: Get started by removing dust from the piano keys with a dampened microfiber cloth. If your piano keys are plastic, dip the cloth in vinegar mixed with warm water and rub them. For ivory piano keys, use a barely damp cloth.
Tip #2: If there is any stubborn dirt or grime that won’t come off, try using some mild detergent mixed with water or dish soap for extra cleaning power!
Tip #3: Make sure you start at the lowest white note on the piano and work your way up to avoid spreading the dirt around.
Tip #4: When finished cleaning, rinse the piano keys with a damp cloth and dry them off with a fresh microfiber cloth. Make sure they are completely dry before playing with or handling them again.
Tip #5: To add an extra shine to your piano keys, give them a wipe down with some filtered water and white vinegar and let them air-dry before playing again!
How Many Keys Are On A Piano?
Summary
Most people ask the question ‘how many keys are on a piano’ because they are looking to purchase an instrument. In short, if possible you should get an 88-key instrument. The more keys, the better! They’re built with superior keyboard actions, will play better, and will probably last longer.
If you are looking to buy a piano, then do take a look at our Buying Piano Guide here. It’ll save you hours of research.
Now, get your abacus out and count those keys!
how much does a digital piano cost usually? thinking of getting one but im on a budget.
Dawn Hardwick, your comprehensive guide to piano keys is exemplary. It wonderfully encapsulates the breadth of piano types and their respective key counts, which serves as an indispensable resource for both novices and seasoned pianists alike. It’s rare to find such a thorough delineation that balances historical context with practical advice, such as the piano cleaning tips. Kudos for such an engaging read.
yo this history section was tight. didnt realize how the piano evolved over time. gotta say, makes me appreciate my midi controller a lil more now lol
Definitely a fascinating evolution, but nothing beats the touch and sound of a traditional grand piano.
Loved the bit on different pianos. I didn’t know there were digital ones with less than 88 keys. Can anyone tell me if those are good for beginners?