Best keyboard for Worship – we hope you learned a thing or two about selecting a keyboard for church worship and have found one that will work for you perfectly. Stay tuned for more music reviews soon!
o to go along with this post we’ve created a FREE Video Series On Creating Worship Keyboard Sounds From Scratch that will walk you step by step on creating some powerful keyboard sound that you’ll use over and over again.
If you’ve ever wanted to get started building keyboard sounds like the pros, or already know how to but want to learn some new powerful tips and tricks, this is the video series for you. (Check out the video at the bottom of this post for more information)
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Here’s a list of the top 10 qualities you should consider when searching for your perfect keyboard for worship.
1.AKAI Professional MPK
Pros & Cons
- Music Production and Beat Maker Essential - USB powered MIDI controller with 25 mini MIDI keyboard velocity-sensitive keys for studio production, virtual synthesizer control and beat production
- Total Control of your Production - Innovative 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation control, plus a built-in arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range and modes
- The MPC Experience - 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style MIDI beat pads with Note Repeat and Full Level for programming drums, triggering samples and controlling virtual synthesizer / DAW controls
- Complete Command of your Virtual Instruments and FX - 8 360-degree knobs assign to all your music studio plugins for mixing, tweaking synth controls and more
- 1500 plus Sounds and Everything You Need for Pro Production - Complete Music Production Starter Kit including MPC Beats, 6 Virtual Instruments and 2GB of sound content
2.CORSAIR K70
Pros & Cons
- Aircraft-grade anodized brushed aluminum frame, built to withstand a lifetime of gaming
- 8MB profile storage with hardware macro and lighting playback allow access to up to three stored profiles on the go, independent of external software
- Per-key dynamic multi-color RGB backlighting offers near unlimited color customization and control
- CHERRY MX Silent mechanical key switches provide the reliability and accuracy you demand, with up to 30% less noise
- USB Pass-through port provides convenient access to an additional USB port for your mouse or headset
- CORSAIR iCUE software enables vivid dynamic lighting control, sophisticated macro programming and full-system lighting synchronization across compatible CORSAIR peripherals, coolers, fans and more
- Keyboard Connectivity: Wired , Keyboard Cable Type: Braided
3.Nord Stage 3
Pros & Cons
- Two super-clear OLED displays for on-stage clarity, seamless transitions when changing programs/sounds, extended Split functionality with optional crossfade, and the addition of the new Song List Mode
- Greatly enhanced Piano section features doubled memory (2 GB) for the exclusive Nord Piano Library, 120 voice polyphony and creative new Piano Filters
- Award-winning C2D Organ simulations B3 Tone wheel and Vintage Transistor Organs plus 2 new Principal Pipe Organs
- Synth section features the acclaimed Nord Lead A1 Synth Engine combined with Sample Playback and a brilliant OLED display for all Oscillator functions
- Effect section features a brand new Filter Effect, extended morphable parameters, an enhanced Delay effect and a separate Reverb and Compressor for each slot
4.Gator Cases Padded Keyboard
Pros & Cons
- Brand:GATOR
- Heavy-duty 600-Denier nylon construction
- Adjustable padded secure straps to hold keyboard in place during transport. Handles 2 Webbed Nylon
- Large #10 Zippers
- Reinforced comfort carry handles
5.Korg SV-2
Pros & Cons
- 88-key Stage Vintage Piano with RH3 Hammer Action
- 64 Instant-access Presets
- 72 Instrument Sounds
- Valve React Circuit
- 128-note Polyphony
6.Casio PX-770
Pros & Cons
- Dimensions: 54.76" x 11.77" x 31.42" | Weight: 69.45 lbs
- The Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard has an incredible feel and captures the dynamics of a performance with unparalleled speed and accuracy
- Includes a powerful stereo amplification system offering an optimal listening experience that is crystal-clear across the entire audio spectrum
- Duet Mode splits the piano into two equal pitch ranges, allowing a student and teacher to sit at the same instrument
- Concert Play allows you to play along with ten recordings of well-known orchestral pieces
- Connect the piano to any Mac or Windows device without the need for drivers or installation via the class-compliant USB
- Connect to your iOS or Android device to use the free Chordana Play app, which uses the display to show you how to play your favorite songs
- The AiR engine provides highly-accurate grand piano sounds with seamless dynamics for a remarkably expressive and powerful performance
7.Elgato Stream Deck
Pros & Cons
- 15 LCD keys: Tap to switch scenes, launch media, adjust audio and more
- Fully customizable: Personalize keys with custom icons or choose from hundreds
- Direct integration: Control game capture, OBS, XSplit, TipeeeStream, Twitch, YouTube, Mixer, and more
- Easy setup: Simply drag and drop actions onto keys in the app
- Unlimited control: Nest folders within folders to store as many actions as you want
8.Novation Launchkey
Pros & Cons
- Get hands on with Ableton Live - Have a seamless music making experience with Ableton Live and your Launchkey Mini. Have all the tools at your disposal with deep and intuitive Ableton Live control — including device macro control, track select, record, capture MIDI, clip and scene launch, stop/mute/solo, volume, pans and sends.
- Get creative easily with arpeggiator - Easy to use but deeply controllable, Launchkey Mini’s creative arpeggiator allows you to change rhythm, beat, pattern, octave, gate and more to add a whole range of diversity to your ideas and melodies.
- Play chords with one finger - Lay down chords for your track quick with fixed chord mode. Play a chord with one finger by assigning a fixed shape to the keys and it’ll transpose as you move up and down the keyboard.
- Launchkey Mini goes anywhere with you - Send apps and program changes to your hardware synths with MIDI Out, or add keys to your Groovebox directly over MIDI. Launchkey Mini’s lightweight and compact design means it goes anywhere you do. The hardware is bus-powered which is great for travelling and jamming on the go.
- Finest-tech at your fingertips - The Launchkey Mini might be small in size but it’s packed with features. The 25-key device has 16 velocity-sensitive RGB, eight rotary controls, pitch and mod touch strips, and sustain input. Our finest mini keymech to date is also included.
- DAW Integration - In addition to Apple Logic and Ableton Live, Launchkey Mini also has excellent integrations with Reason, as well as any HUI compatible DAW, such as Cubase, Pro Tools, and more.
9.Arturia KeyLab
Pros & Cons
- Benefits: The Arturia KeyLab MkII 49-Key MIDI Keyboard Controller is an expressive, versatile studio controller that works seamlessly with your DAW, virtual instruments, hardware, and modular gear
- Features: It features dynamic performance and studio controls, including a high-quality 49-note keyboard with aftertouch, 16 RGB backlit pads, 9 faders, 9 rotary knobs, and dedicated DAW and transport controls
- Construction: Encased in durable, tour-ready aluminum and decked out with wiggle-free knobs and faders, Arturia has created a controller designed from the ground up to not let you down
- Controls: KeyLab MkII features 9 rotary encoders, 9 faders, 16 backlit RGB performance pads, and a selection of fully assignable buttons to give you unfettered access to your virtual instruments, effects, and recording environment
- Software: KeyLab MkII comes complete with thousands of sounds in 3 incredible software titles - Analog Lab, Piano V, and Ableton Live Lite - and works seamlessly with them to let you create music without barriers. Say �hello� to your ideal creative companion for the studio and stage
10.Yamaha P121
Pros & Cons
- A lighter and more portable version of the Yamaha P125
- A fully weighted digital piano with 73 full-sized piano-style keys
- GHS weighted action is heavier in the low keys and lighter in the high keys, just like an acoustic piano
- The pure CF sound engine faithfully reproduces the tone of the acclaimed Yamaha 9' CFIIIS Concert Grand piano
- USB to host connectivity with MIDI and audio transfer means you only need one Cable to connect to your music-making software
Best keyboard for Worship – BUYER’S GUIDE
The Weight Of The Keyboard
If you’re going to setting up and tearing down, hauling your keyboard back in forth in your car, you’ll definitely want to take the actual weight of the keyboard into your consideration. A full-size keyboard with 88 full weighted keys can weigh from 40-50lbs.
This is learned from LOTS of experience!
The Weight Of The Keys
As a rule of thumb, we don’t like to go below semi-weighted keys. You’ll see all of the options below are at-least semi-weighted. This is a personal preference but consider what you’re used to playing and the style of music and sounds you’ll be using.
If you’re playing primarily aux keys parts like synths, you may like the semi-weighted keys. But if you’re playing primarily piano or organ, you’ll probably prefer the feel of fully-weighted keys. Especially if you learned piano on an actual piano and not a keyboard.
The Number Of Keys
Again, this goes into your preference and style of music you’re playing. A full set of 88 keys would be your preference if you are playing primarily piano and organ parts.
But if you’re playing those aux keys parts, you can definitely get by without the full set of keys. There is also aways a transpose button should you want to change octaves.
Faders, Knobs, and Buttons
If you’re going to be using midi and controlling your sounds via your computer, you’re not going to want to have to keep reaching over and adjusting sounds on your small mousepad. And many modern worship sounds are dynamic where you are changing the sound as you are playing.
The more faders, knobs, & buttons means more in-set control of different things like cutoff, reverb, delay, which patch you’re playing, track triggering, tap tempo, lighting control, etc.
You can also opt for an external controller with knobs and buttons as well. But we’ll talk about that another time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Just a MIDI controller or built-in keyboard sounds?
Most keyboards these days come with a USB out for midi capability, but if you’re primarily playing piano or organ sounds, you may want to opt for a keyboard with great built-in sounds (Options 5-9 below).
Especially if the style you are playing is more traditional, you may not be too concerned about MIDI and using software.
However, if the style you are playing is geared more towards synths, pads, and creative sounds, you might consider saving some $$$ and get a midi controller and run your sounds from a computer.
WRAP UP
Especially with the thousands of keyboards & pianos that are out there to choose from. It’s tough to decide what’s best for your church or your worship band.
So we put together this list to save you the hassle of tons of trial and error that our team has gone through over the past 10+ years. We have a lot of experience with the keyboards mentioned in this post and we stand behind each one. Especially when it comes to the functionality that is used specifically in a worship setting.
Because of all of the sounds used in modern worship music these days like pads, strings, pulsing synths, etc. this list is exclusively keyboards that have MIDI capabilities.
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