OK they are all keyboards, but:
They create sounds in a few different ways, namely:
- 1. Synthesis - Creating sounds from scratch. Best for artificial synthesized sounds. Great for lead synths and the dance stuff. There are many ways to synthesize sounds (Additive, subtractive, granular, modelling, et.al.)
- 2. Samplers - let you record a sound and play it back, usually allowing you to manipulate the recorded sound. Best for copying existing sounds like pianos, strings organs and voice. Most samplers these days are software-based
- 3. Sample playback - Similar to samplers but use prerecorded sounds and cannot record or manipulate the samples
OK. Now we get to the types of keyboard:
- 1. Controllers - Are keyboards only and have no sounds built in. used to drive sound modules and soft-synths
- 2. Electric pianos - Use sample playback and are created with the pianist in mind with mostly piano sounds (+ a few sounds like harpsichords, strings and choirs), and things like hammer action or at least weighted keys. Usually have amp and speakers built in. Often large and heavy with built-in stands and pedals. The only way to go if you have learned to play on a piano.
- 3. Organs - like the electric pianos, but with a different soundset and usually with two manuals (keyboards) as well as bass footpedals.
- 4. Synthesizers - use synthesis. Synthetic sounds in a keyboard
- 5. "Pro" Keyboards - designed for stage use. Most use a variety of types of sound creation - synthesis, sampling, sample playback and hybrids.
- 6. Arrangers/workstations - all-in-one music production systems with sequencers, synthesizers and drum machines - everything built in.
- 7. Home Keyboards - Usually sample playback with GM (General MIDI) soundsets. Generally made with the home user in mind and usually feature fun features like auto accompaniment, which can be a bit gimmicky, but cool for making quick backings to jam over. Also have speakers and amp built in. The main limitations for the serious musician are that the soundsets and amp/speakers are usually inferior quality, not all the built in features will be available (or transmit) via MIDI, and they are not very durable for road use.
For home use the home keyboards are quick, easy and fun, but controllers and softsynths are ideal for home and home-studio use (provided your computer has enough oomph). I like controllers, but they can be a pain in the ass to setup and use live.
