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How many keys are needed?

LChen	Date: January 6, 2006 @ 12:09 AM I've seen the number of keys range from 49 to 88, with some MIDI controllers barely reaching two octaves. Is there any unofficial "standard" number? Otherwise, what's a good number of keys to have?
tsand19151	Date: January 6, 2006 @ 12:27 AM there's no standard answer. two octaves is fine for me, but then I really don't play keyboards. to someone else two octs might seem unplayable. anyway I think 61 keys might be the most popular for consumer/semi-pro while 88 keys are hot with the pros. i have no scientific data to back this up
GeneHilbert	Date: January 6, 2006 @ 12:45 AM I agree with Tim - it's a personal preference based on what you are use to and what you require. Both of mine are 61 and work well for me. I do at times require extended ranges on both ends but by transposing or shifting key assignments this is easily accomplished. I don’t know your requirements – but if you are an experienced pianist I would recommend a bigger keyboard, but expect to pay more for it.
tsand19151	Date: January 6, 2006 @ 12:52 AM .... mine is 61 keys as well. i also have a M-Audio Oxy 8 that I use with the laptop, and like Gene says, it's easy to transpose as needed.
LChen	Date: January 8, 2006 @ 6:56 AM Great! I was just considering a 61 key keyboard, so this is perfect news. Thanks.
triggerkitten	Date: January 16, 2006 @ 9:34 PM if you're only using it for synth things, then two octaves is excusable (but, i'm trained to play classical, so the sight of only two makes my eyes want to bleed. haha) my ...acoustic piano is a to a (i think that's 88. it's not the size of a grand, but it's big) and my midi has three or so octaves. both suit me fine for their use.
shadowself	Date: January 17, 2006 @ 12:54 PM I have used 61 keys from the beginning, and like Gene, I transpose when I need to. I don't understand how anyone can play a 2 octave keyboard, it would be like playing a guitar with no neck.
Elu	Date: May 15, 2006 @ 11:35 AM I'd say anyone who can play keyboards with two hands needs 88 keys as a minimum. If you are a novice and or occasional chord player 44 keys is good. That "Octave" button works great.
Opossum	Date: May 29, 2006 @ 1:51 PM I can't even imagine trying to play within a two-octave range on a keyboard. Although I had a Magnus as a boy and could never get those high notes as presented in my sheet music, so, great frustration for me in my childhood in that regard. Haha.

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