My first ‘travel piano’ - A REVIEW
The Blackstar 88 Keys Portable Keyboard (FOLDPIANO88)
As I write this review I am in the Munich airport lounge on my way back to the United States.
It’s been a crazy two weeks of concerts and master classes.
Next up are a number of new engagements, so I wanted to make good use of any free time for practice on this tour.
Most pianists don’t get to travel with their concert instruments, and practice opportunities are difficult to find on tour.
I thought I’d try a ‘travel piano’. Based on a few tips from musician friends I chose the FOLDPIANO88 ($70.-).
Lots of friends have asked me how I feel about my new little practice helper.
This is what I found:
HOW DOES IT TRAVEL?
PROS
A light 3 pounds of weight in its own little canvas bag makes for easy carrying
Passes smoothly through security (with great piano jokes and laughs from security here in Munich) 🤣
Fits nicely into carryons
Holds its charge for a whole day if not longer
CONS
Every piece of luggage means less space in your carryons and more weight to carry
The bag included doesn’t protect the keyboard very well. I put the fold-out in my carry-on bag, and it was fine in the overhead compartment on the plane
HOW IS THE PRACTICE?
PROS
88 keys — a real plus for me as I like to work with a full size keyboard
Headset port allows for quiet work — another true plus
Sits well without sliding on smooth surfaces
Many sound options including several piano sounds, pitch adjustment, rhythm backup, and metronome
(I didn’t use any of these on this trip, but they were fun to try out)
CONS
Shorter than usual keys impacting hand positions and visual orientation
Very shallow key dip feels unpianistic
Clicking sound when playing (not audible with noise canceling headset)
Total width of the keyboard uses a wide table surface which meant no in-flight use
HOW HELPFUL IS IT?
PROS
Great for silent practice
Full-size keyboard layout is an excellent visual memorization help
A small plug-in pedal is included
CONS
Shallow and somewhat flimsy touch does not allow for technical practice or heavy playing
Playing posture can be compromised depending on table and chair used
SUMMARY
BEST USE
After my first international tour with the foldout piano I would recommend it for last minute spot practice and for memory work.
Even though the sound and feel are flimsy compared to a ‘proper’ piano, using it as a ‘silent keyboard’ has great merit.
I used the foldout for shorter practice segments in my hotel rooms and when I could not get to a proper piano.
The most productive work was my memory review with occasional use of the keyboard. I usually do this type of work on a table top, but always miss a visual keyboard layout.
CAVEAT
My biggest CAVEAT is the short key-bed which can be visually off putting, and which could make for uncomfortable hand positions.
IS IT WORTH TAKING ON TOUR?
Every pianist works differently.
For me the FOLDPIANO88 was helpful. I got quite a bit of memory work done in preparation for my next engagements, but I probably wouldn’t use the fold-out for other work.
Was it worth it for the extra memory work, and will I take it next time? YEP 😊