Keyboards are musical instruments that consist of a set of keys arranged in a specific order. Each key represents a different note or pitch, and when a key is pressed, it produces a sound. Keyboards can be played as a solo instrument, or they can be used to accompany other instruments or singers. They are versatile instruments that are used in a variety of musical genres, from classical and jazz to rock and pop.

History of Keyboards

The keyboard as we know it today has its roots in ancient instruments such as the clavichord and the harpsichord. These instruments used strings and hammers to produce sound, and the keys were used to control the hammers. The earliest keyboards were developed in the 14th century, and they were called organs. These organs were large, cumbersome instruments that were used in churches and other large public spaces.

The modern keyboard, with its electronic components and ability to produce a wide range of sounds, was developed in the 20th century. The first electronic keyboard was invented in the 1930s by a man named Laurens Hammond. His invention, called the Hammond organ, used an electric motor to create sound, and it quickly became popular in churches and jazz clubs.

Types of Keyboards

There are several types of keyboards, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Some of the most common types of keyboards include:

Piano: The piano is a keyboard instrument that produces sound by striking strings with hammers. It has 88 keys and is often used in classical music.

Digital Piano: A digital piano is an electronic keyboard that is designed to mimic the sound and feel of a traditional piano. It often has weighted keys to simulate the resistance of the hammers in a piano.

Synthesizer: A synthesizer is an electronic keyboard that can produce a wide range of sounds. It uses oscillators to generate sounds, and it can be used to create both traditional and experimental music.

MIDI Keyboard: A MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) keyboard is a type of keyboard that is used to control other electronic instruments or software. It does not produce sound on its own but instead sends signals to other devices to produce sound.

Organ: An organ is a keyboard instrument that uses pipes to produce sound. It is often used in churches and other large public spaces.

Keyboard Workstation: A keyboard workstation is a type of keyboard that is designed for composing and recording music. It often includes a built-in sequencer and a variety of sounds and effects.

Features of Keyboards

Keyboards come with a variety of features and capabilities, depending on the type and model of the instrument. Some of the most common features of keyboards include:

Polyphony: Polyphony refers to the number of notes that can be played at the same time. Most keyboards have polyphony of at least 64 notes, but some models can play hundreds of notes at once.

Sounds: Keyboards can produce a wide range of sounds, from traditional piano and organ sounds to synthesizer and drum sounds.

Effects: Many keyboards come with built-in effects such as reverb, chorus, and delay. These effects can be used to enhance the sound of the instrument.

Recording and Sequencing: Some keyboards come with built-in sequencers and recording capabilities. This allows musicians to record and edit their music directly on the keyboard.

Connectivity: Keyboards often come with a variety of connectivity options, including USB, MIDI, and audio outputs. This allows the keyboard to be connected to other instruments and devices for recording and performance.

One of the top leading manufactures for keyboards is

Korg: Korg is a Japanese electronic musical instrument manufacturer founded in 1962. They are best known for producing synthesizers, digital pianos, and electronic drum machines. Korg's early synthesizers, such as the MS-20 and the Odyssey, were popular among musicians in the 1970s and 1980s. In the 1990s, Korg released the Triton workstation, which became a staple of electronic music production. Today, Korg continues to produce a wide range of instruments, including the KRONOS workstation, the volca series of analog synthesizers, and the monologue synthesizers. Korg is also known for their collaboration with music software developer, Ableton, to create the Ableton Live controller, the Korg nanoKONTROL.

Conclusion

Keyboards are versatile musical instruments that have a rich history and a wide range of capabilities. Whether you are a classical pianist, a rock musician, or an electronic

When you purchase any keyboard from Furtados Music, you can expect to receive a high-quality instrument that has been thoroughly inspected and tested by our expert staff.  

Overall, Furtados Music is a reputable music retailer that provides high-quality instruments, exceptional customer service, and a wide range of services to help you make the most of your purchase.