Reddit mentions: The best pianos & keyboards for kids

This: https://www.amazon.com/Schoenhut-25-Key-First-Piano-Red/dp/B000IGEEC6/ref=sr_1_4?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1498179648&sr=1-4&keywords=toy+piano

It's expensive, but it was our big Christmas present to our first when he was 1.5, and he LOVED it. Now it's out again for our 9-month-old and HE loves it. And any child that visits, ever, loves it. I mean - up to like 10 years old.

It's like a real piano, but just 2 octaves. It's in pretty good tune - not perfect, but way better than most. And it's sturdy.

You can probably find better, and cheaply too. The octave being a bit off would drive me nuts. If it were me I'd look for something where the octave sounds right. I remember playing with musical instruments as a kid, and finding the octave was always the first thing I did.

My daughter's first "instrument" at maybe six months old was a piano/xylophone hybrid-thing. It plays four notes, one of them an octave (I think it's tonic/3rd/5th/octave). Pleeeenty for a baby to play with. But the intervals are proper intervals, and the octave is a proper octave. The kid won't care but at least it won't drive me up the wall.

At a year and a half, we got her a toy piano - I got lucky and found a Schoenhut 25-key cheap at a yard sale. Piano is a great instrument to be familiar with, it helps you understand how the scale works. Even if you just bang on it for fun, the keys are right there.

We're not going to push lessons on her, unless she shows an interest. But... she sees me playing piano and guitar, and working on notation, and taking Skype lessons, and she's here for band rehearsals. And she's had decent rhythm since she was a few months old. My guess is that she'll ask about music eventually.

Hi, I ordered a few things from your lists just now. Should be there soon.

Hawkwell Kids Classic Ankle Boot(Toddler/Little Kid),Tan PU,9 M US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07423N81X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_.sF9BbBJK7RHK

DREAM PAIRS Toddler Maple Black Red Knee High Winter Snow Boots Size 9 M US Toddler https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0737K5PNH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_VtF9Bb21XAY5A

DREAM PAIRS Toddler Klove Grey Pu Faux Fur Lined Mid Calf Winter Snow Boots Size 10 M US Toddler https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0733RFT2H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_cuF9BbE1GVX5Z

Nova Mountain Little Kid's Winter Snow Boots,NF NFWBN820 Purple 10 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DWHYRD8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_BuF9BbSPTC88Z

Peaceable Kingdom Mermaid Island Award Winning Cooperative Game of Adventure for Kids https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004HVKABC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_UuF9Bb1EABR7T

PAW Patrol - Ultimate Rescue Fire Truck with Extendable 2 Foot Tall Ladder, Ages 3 and Up https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B83HP9Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_jvF9BbZ20AF7T
Nerf N-Strike Elite Strongarm Blaster https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DW1JT5G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_nyF9BbECS452B

Barbie Made to Move Barbie Doll, Pink Top (Amazon Exclusive) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015EB27VY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_EyF9BbJDXHN91

Prextex Pretend Play Electronic Toy Cash Register with Mic Speaker and Play Money Included for Kids https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQFYCY1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_WyF9BbSGZ3YJZ

LilPals Princess Karaoke -Children's Toy Stand Up Microphone Play Set w/ Built-In MP3 Player, Speaker, Adjustable Height (Pink) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073SKKN3L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_dzF9Bb8T5HYXC

M SANMERSEN Piano Keyboard for Girls, Keyboar Piano 37 Keys Multifunction Portable Piano Electronic Keyboard Music Instrument for Kids 2-6 Year Old Girl Toys Girls Gifts Age 2-6 for Girls(Pink) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G415H63/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_wzF9BbV5JCJEE

ALEX Spa DIY Bath Bombs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZYHRHL3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_OzF9BbY1GMBK6

This is a bit tough without a price range provided: if you're looking for something different for the 1 year old, consider blocks by Uncle Goose they can be found on amazon or here ...they're gorgeous and they even have sets for older kids, too (maybe even one for the 20 month old).

What about a toy piano for the younger kids? Our daughter has played with her friend's since she could sit up, about 5 months, so we're considering getting her the upgraded one this year for xmas.

Other ideas for that age group are: toy kitchens (both age groups) instruments (schoenhut makes great "band in a box") for the 20 month old, big-kid chairs (like arm chairs), books, arts and crafts. Stuff they like to do!

Good luck and Happy Holidays! I'm stuck on a 12 year old and 8 year old (boys)..I have zero clue what to get them. Young ones are easy:)

Edit Formatting

Well, I think one tough thing here is that all babies are different, so a toy that might be enjoyable for a baby who can grasp objects and sit up at that age might not be usable for a baby who can't yet do those things. But at least for my baby, who is now 6 months, here are a few things that have been a big hit:

• This rattle, which lights up, changes colors when you bang it on stuff, and has a mirror on the bottom
  
  
• Mobiles
  
  
• A play mat that looks like a town, and comes with baby-safe cars to "drive" around it (they're stuffed, not plastic)
  
  
• Stuffed toys that have crinkling and squeaky stuff in them (warning: if you have dogs, it will take everything in your power to keep these from being absconded with and becoming dog toys)
  
  
• This toy piano, which she loves to play with her feet, for some reason. This isn't an appropriate toy to let a baby that age use without very direct supervision since it has hard metal xylophone...things on the top, but I think it's just fine as long as you're holding or sitting right next to them while they play it, and ensure they aren't in a position where they could bonk their head on the top part.
  
  
• Dolls of all types. But more specifically: dolls, when you act out stories for her with them. She loves that. It doesn't even have to involve any props or other items; she's just ecstatic if you make the dolls "talk" to each other and her.
  
  

A quick amazon search found these for < $50

http://www.amazon.com/Spectrum-AIL-438-Electric-Keyboard/dp/B008AD889O/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1381175420&sr=8-2&keywords=piano+keyboard

http://www.amazon.com/Keyboard-Beginners-Digital-Microphone-Holder/dp/B006BBI6TY/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1381175439&sr=8-18&keywords=piano+keyboard

Obviously not the best quality, but still good for getting started on your own. Also check with the music department at your school for lessons or even just the ability to sign up and use a piano for an hour or so (there might be a nominal fee, my school didn't have one, but I didn't go to school around here).

I also suggest craigslist, especially when you are ready to plop down big bucks on an instrument. I got this piano a few years ago for $300 off craigslist (plus cab fare to get it home since I didn't have a car). I checked around and at the time it was going for double the price on ebay (though now I can't find it anywhere), so it was a good deal. I kind of trawled the "keyboard" and "piano" searches for a few weeks til I found something good.

Whatever you get, make sure it's acoustic--as in, they have to actually play it to make noise vs, say, keyboards that you press buttons and they play songs. I would check with his parents to see what kind of noise level they're up for and go from there. If not much, ukelele is relatively pleasant. He might also have fun messing around with a harmonica. If you have the budget and they have the space, he'd probably have fun with something like this for a while, though it's definitely more a toy than a real, masterable instrument.

when i was little, these wind up music boxes kept me entertained for hours. i don’t know why, but spinning the little handle was oddly soothing? and the music sounds so pretty. https://kikkerland.com/collections/music-box

or maybe a step and play piano? they look pretty fun and don’t require lots of fine motor coordination. might be a bit annoying for the parents tho lol. https://www.amazon.ca/ALEX-Toys-Gigantic-Step-Piano/dp/B00RHGG3N8

For 300 can't really help you. That's unfortunately toy tier.

If you want to go the way of VSTs then save up and get yourself a VPC1. Best stand alone midi controller for pianist using computer loaded with VSTs. $1800.

For an all in one digital piano with realistic piano action, you will be looking at over $3500 (ca48+, CLP675+)

For under $1000 there's the ever reliable P-125, but if your hands and skill level are used to a grand piano. It's not going to feel good. BUT if your option is that or nothing well than something is better than nothing.

Latency issue can be fixed by getting an Audio Interface which is like an external soundcard. Your computer and midi controller would plug into that thing and you won't have to worry about your computer's onboard audio messing with you.

Alternate cheap option. The B. Meowsic. It does nothing you want, but everything you didn't know you wanted. You just never heard Chopin until you hear it in meows.

Here's the one I got for myself recently. I'm really happy with it. If you have $600 to drop on an instrument it's perfect. I would have been willing to spend more but I was pleasantly surprised by how good an instrument I could get at that price.

Haha I have ideas but they’re not entirely for newborns:

music activity table

Ikea play tunnel

Matching tent

bouncing horse

Pillow Pets

Here’s some just awful toys my daughter has gotten:

Evil duck

Demonic Sesame Street toy

thanks I hate it talking bear

Pretty much any V Tech toy to be honest.

I’d have a harder time naming toys my daughter actually enjoys to be honest. :|

There is a zebra keyboard my son adores (he is 20 months). https://www.amazon.com/VTech-80-179100-Zoo-Jamz-Piano/dp/B01COSEDBM/

I put it on my son’s wish list for his bday, and 8 months later it still gets played with every day.

Edit: happy almost birthday!!

Looking to buy a keyboard for my younger brother since he has always wanted to learn how to play one. After looking through the faq I've decided on the Yamaha P115. Would this bundle be a good bang for my buck? Also, I noticed that that bundle only comes with one foot pedal, don't most pianos have three? Would I need to buy the other three pedals or anything you guys recommend I get in general. I realize that those headphones suck, but I'm mainly getting it for the keyboard, stand, chair, and pedal. Thanks for the help!

Of course the keys aren't weighted, but this is the cheapest you'll find that is tolerable. I have one and I think it's pretty good for what it costs. http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-Piaggero-NP11-Lightweight-Portable/dp/B0053GHJDM

the keyboard cat is incredible. here it is: http://www.amazon.com/B-68612-Meowsic-Keyboard/dp/B002YIRKBS/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1314075063&sr=1-1
and yeah one of the "voices" (besides piano/organ/banjo) is a cat where all the keys produce different tonal meows. it's pretty incredible.

it also has a microphone and decent recording capability (for a toy). and yeah like dave said it has built in songs that are cat voiced or themed.

im thinking about starting a band with it.

My daughter loved her step piano - I wish we had gotten it younger. Something like this

Not VSTs but 8dio’s Misfit Toys, https://8dio.com/instrument-category/misfits/, are fun and people are doing interesting things with the Moewsic keyboard, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002YIRKBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1Yz6CbJM8XGNJ, both sampling and hardware upgrades such as https://www.instructables.com/id/Meow-Keyboard-Output-Jack/.

I saw this, but it has a really low number of keys http://www.amazon.com/Schoenhut-30-Key-Fancy-Grand-Bench/dp/B0006PJOW4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1451551959&sr=8-3&keywords=baby+grand

There's a junk shop with a fuckload of upright pianos for nothing. But they're all junked up, I think. If I bought one of those, you think it'd be 150 tops to get it taken care of by a technician?

Cat Piano

Helps your little ones explore sounds and music. Bonus, will play all notes in a meow!

First off, consider something like a roll-up keyboard. I know they will be garbage, but they're way, way more portable than a full size keyboard. Also, easier to power. You can either go for local batteries (expect AA and maybe D only available) or solar. This one has a 5V USB plug for power, which you can probably get a corresponding solar charger to bridge the gap.

Also worth thinking about is that this isn't like something local, meaning that it's a lower value item for theft. No one will know what your crazy American folding keyboard needs to work. But a small but full-size keyboard is something that has resale value because people know what it is and what it does. My guess is that your CD won't ever give you permission to go to Nigeria for any reason, and I wouldn't even consider it. It's a crazy place. Keyboards in country that work will likely be jankey at best, and expensive because there are so few.

That is a really random question! I don't think you'd have much luck finding one locally but I found one on Amazon for less than $100! Hope this helps.

By "small" I didn't mean abnormal just some people have little toes and feet. It would seem hard to use toes on a keyboard because of size and length, but I see from your other post you are good at it.

I was expecting something like this http://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Kids-Keyboard-Extra-Large/dp/B008P2XJ30 but maybe that would just slow you down.

I think this one is probably better. It's got all the standard symbols and F keys, but it's also pretty!

Yes, that's a good deal, with the pedal and the stand and headphones and bench it usually will go for $650.

https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-Standard-Digital-Headphones-FastTrack/dp/B00VIIT1E4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1486483523&sr=8-3&keywords=yamaha+p115+digital+piano

Haha, sure https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008P2XJ30/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Schoenhut

Edit: We got one for my daughter's first birthday and love it.

I have always loved using this one:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/B-68612-Meowsic-Music-Set/dp/B002YIRKBS/ref=sr_1_2/279-1783460-6947230?s=kids&ie=UTF8&qid=1426698836&sr=1-2

> https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008P2XJ30 ADULT ONLY

hahaha.

you could save a few bucks by buying this package, and the pedal seperately. Here

He will only need the one pedal, the other two are not used often and usually for acoustic pianos anyways.

My kiddo just turned 7 months, and this is his most favorite toy ever: https://smile.amazon.com/Little-Tikes-627576M-Tap-a-Tune-Piano/dp/B00840LCAK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474325357&sr=8-1&keywords=little+tikes+piano

Sounds like she could use one of these.
Or, a little cheaper on Amazon, but not as professional.

Maybe something like this?
https://www.amazon.com/aPerfectLife-Multifunction-Electronic-Instrument-Microphone/dp/B07CHDSDKN

Or maybe make one out of cardboard?

Edited link

I just purchased this tonight after eyeing it for awhile now. My brother is letting me borrow his PX-150 for the time and I liked it. Saw a youtube video comparing the P-115 with the PX-150... can't wait to try it out.

Also, for an additional $10, you can get a bench + sustain pedal + stand - https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-88-Key-Graded-Standard-Digital/dp/B00VIFM5PY

For a kid who is just getting in to it? The bar for "acceptable" is pretty damned low. Amazon that shit for $40 bucks.

https://www.amazon.com/o/asin/B07FPBN369

You can always upgrade to something nicer if they actually enjoy it.

The only keyboard in that price range I can recommend is this one https://www.amazon.ca/Battat-B-BX1025Z-Meowsic-Keyboard/dp/B002YIRKBS/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549215955&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=meowsic+keyboard

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008P2XJ30

Found a very simillar one with all the F1-F12 keys here.

Dope.
It's an ortholinear TKL with a nonstandard layout and custom keycaps. And it's only $25.

Here is the desktop version of your link

Jordan could be on the cat keyboard http://www.amazon.com/B-68612-Meowsic-Keyboard/dp/B002YIRKBS

Things I've recently received for my toddler that make me want to scream:

• The V-tech Sit-to-stand smart cruiser - because everyone that works at V-tech is a sadistic fuck. The thing beeps continuously and the thing gets stuck in a permanently-beeping mode where it can't seem to figure out how to shut off. Really, anything made by V-tech is built to make parents want to die.
  
  
• Tonka police cars and fire trucks that make real-life volume siren noises
  
  
• The B Meowsic keyboard and B Woofer guitar - not only will they play irritating songs, but they will actually meow and woof the music too