Alright, gift-givers! If you’re looking to impress the keyboardist in your life, you’ve come to the right place. Instead of spending hours combing through GearSpace, check out the gems we found that’ll make any keyboard player’s heart skip a beat. Let them take it easy with free plugins (and making rent) and treat them to some really cool gear. We even broke it down by price, so you can find the perfect present without breaking the bank.
Best Gifts for a Keyboard Player Under $100
Sovvid Sustain Pedal ($15)
The Sovvid Sustain Pedal is like the Swiss Army knife for a keyboard setup. This bad boy plays nice with just about any electronic keyboard, MIDI keyboard, or digital piano they’ve got, whether it’s a Yamaha, Roland, or Korg. It’s got a classic straight plug that’s a breeze to connect, and it’s built tough to handle the most passionate foot slams. This pedal’s all about adding that sweet, expressive sustain playing, making it a no-brainer for anyone looking to amp up their keyboard game.
Nektar Impact GX Mini 25-key MIDI Controller ($50)
This little powerhouse packs 25 keys into a compact frame. It’s not just about the size though; this keyboard comes with Nektar DAW Integration, meaning it plays nice with any digital audio workstation right out of the box. The sleek black design is just the cherry on top. Whether your fave keyboardist is laying down beats or crafting melodies, the Nektar Impact GX Mini is the ideal trusty sidekick for all things music creation. Small in size, big on impact!
OnStage KSA8585 Keyboard Accessory Tray ($53)
This tray is not just practical but also sleek, blending in seamlessly with any keyboard setup. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference in organizing gear and gadgets. The tray’s robust design ensures it can handle everything from heavy tablets to a variety of small musical accessories, small mixers, drum machines, and more. It easily mounts to your keyboard stand with adjustable tilt and includes hook and loop straps for secure gear placement.
Liquid Stands Piano Keyboard Stand ($75)
Feast your eyes on the Liquid Stands Piano Keyboard Stand – this thing’s the Hulk of keyboard stands and it’s affordable. It’s got a Z-style design that’s adjustable, making it a perfect fit for both the young Mozart and the seasoned pros. Plus, it’s sturdy enough to handle anything from a 54-key starter keyboard to a full-blown 88-key electric piano, and it comes in rad colors that’ll make any setup pop. This stand isn’t just a place to park some keys; it’s a statement!
Akai MPK Mini ($99)
You read that right: it’s another mini but at twice the price (in case you love your keyboardist twice as much). This 25-key MIDI controller is perfect for both studio and live gigs. It’s built solid yet light, with responsive, velocity-sensitive keys and pads that feel awesome to play. This little dynamo packs a punch with a built-in arpeggiator, octave shifts, and a 4-way joystick for pitch and modulation. Plus, it comes with MPC Beats and many samples to kickstart their music-making journey.
Best Gifts for a Keyboard Player $100-$200
Best Choice Products 61-Key Beginners Complete Electronic Keyboard ($130)
Looking for the perfect keyboard set up under $200 for the budding musician in your life? This set is a dream come true for any newbie. It comes with everything they need to get started: headphones for those quiet practice sessions, a stand, a comfy bench, and note stickers to make learning a breeze. Plus, it’s got built-in speakers for when they’re ready to show off their skills. This keyboard set isn’t just a gift; it’s the start of a musical adventure!
Alesis SR-16 – Studio-Grade Standalone Drum Machine ($155)
The Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine is any keyboardist’s new best friend for laying down those killer rhythms. This sleek little unit is jam-packed with a massive sound library and cool in-built effects, making it perfect for any music style. It’s user-friendly, too, with 100 pre-set patterns to groove right away. Whether in the studio or on stage, the SR-16 is the secret weapon for any beat-making needs.
Coda STOMP Bluetooth Page Turner ($160)
This foot switch pedal is like having a personal assistant. It’s compatible with a whole bunch of devices like iPads, Androids, Kindle Fires, Macs, and Windows gadgets, thanks to its Bluetooth 4.0 tech. Perfect for musicians who juggle digital sheet music or apps, this pedal will flip pages or control apps hands-free, so the focus can be on rocking out without missing a beat.
Scarlett 2i2 Interface ($160)
Ideal for recording high-quality audio, this interface is user-friendly and offers crystal-clear sound. It’s a must-have for keyboardists looking to step into the world of digital music production, with two inputs for simultaneous recording. The interface also comes with a suite of recording software to get started right away.
Best Gifts for a Keyboard Player Above $200
Roland Mobile Cube Portable Keyboard Amp ($219)
The Roland Mobile Cube is a battery-powered stereo amplifier that’s like a pocket-sized powerhouse. This little beast is perfect for on-the-go jams, whether busking on the streets or rocking a backyard party. It’s super portable, runs on batteries, and pumps out some seriously impressive sound for its size.
SoundBrenner Core ($230)
The Core combines a vibrating metronome, a magnetic twist tuner, a decibel meter, and a smartwatch, all in one sleek package. It’s like having a personal assistant on their wrist, helping to keep time, stay in tune, and be aware of sound levels. It’s innovative, practical, and looks pretty cool too. Your fave keyboardist can say goodbye to the hassle in practice sessions and hello to mastering their craft.
Shure SE425 Pro Wired Earbuds ($245)
With professional sound isolating technology, they deliver detailed and crystal-clear audio, thanks to their dual-driver hybrid design. The secure in-ear fit ensures they stay put, and the detachable cable adds to their durability. Whether they’re a musician, a producer, or just someone who appreciates top-notch audio, the Shure SE425s are a game-changer.
Golden Age Project Comp-2A ($600)
If you’re looking to really impress a music pro, wrap up one of the best LA2A compressor hardware clones out there: Golden Age Project Comp-2A. This compressor is the ticket to that classic ’60s sound, perfect for warming up vocals or adding vintage charm to any keyboard track. With top-notch components and a user-friendly design, it’s a must-have for anyone looking to sprinkle some old-school magic into their mixes for some golden-age vibes!
You Got This
Each of these gifts is a surefire hit for keyboard players, whether they’re just starting or have been tickling the ivories for years. Remember, it’s not just about the price tag – it’s about finding something that resonates with their passion for music. So go ahead, dude; hit that “purchase” button, sit back, and watch them completely freak out over their new gear.