With its wide range of sounds, rhythms, and practice features, the Startone BK-61 is an impressive entry-level model for beginners just starting out on their journey into the world of keyboards. As well as 61 full-size keys spanning five octaves (C at each end), there is also a treasure trove of sounds and rhythms with which to play along. The keyboard offers players different modes to vary their practice, an adjustable metronome, and a detachable sheet music holder which guarantees comfortable playing. Two sustain and vibrato buttons further broaden the range of playing possibilities on the BK-61, while a central LED screen displays the most important information. Users can also plug a microphone into the BK-61 so they can sing along with what they play through the inbuilt speakers.
The Startone BK-61 features 300 sounds, encompassing all types of instruments from every family. The sound can be modified using the sustain or vibrato buttons, and there are also 300 rhythms to choose from representing a whole host of musical styles to accompany every tune. The automatic accompaniment mode is easy to use, even for beginners, and can be applied in different settings, providing an array of intros, endings, and fill-ins - features only normally accessible on more expensive keyboards. In addition, the keyboard's split function offers players the possibility of assigning two different sounds to the keyboard. The BK-61 has fifty songs to choose from as well as two practice modes to help the user learn their favourite songs step by step - and as mentioned above, they can plug in a microphone and sing along at the same time.
The BK-61's vast array of sounds and rhythms provides beginners with a world of opportunities for playing and practising exercises. On the clearly structured control panel, players can select different sounds, rhythms, and songs at the press of a button. The 61-key keyboard, which is pleasant to the touch, invites beginners of all ages to relax and have fun playing the BK-61, while the clear control panel with its large LED display makes things even easier. Another practical feature is the transposition function, which allows beginners to change key but keep their hands in their favourite position. The metronome and sheet music holder can aid practice and help beginners to learn new pieces, while the headphone means they can play at any time of the day or night without disturbing the neighbours or anyone else in the house.
The Startone brand is exclusive to Thomann and was established in 2005 in order to offer high-quality, playable instruments for ambitious beginners even in the lowest price bracket. This resulted in a steadily growing range of wind instruments for beginners, which has since expanded to include keyboard and stringed instruments, accordions, and even drum sets. The product range combines proven quality with low prices – and Thomann naturally provides a full three-year warranty on all Startone instruments. The brand's mission is to always provide the motivated beginner with a reliable, good-quality first instrument at an unbeatable price.
As well as countless sounds and rhythms, the Startone BK-61 provides users with 50 demo pieces to learn at their own pace using two different modes. For those working on their own songs, the integrated metronome offers a broad range of tempos, and both beginners and more experienced musicians can make the most of the integrated accompaniment feature with 300 rhythmic styles which let them spice up any track they play with a variety of options for different intros, endings, and fill-ins. These features also allow players to develop their own ideas and even experiment with vocals too, by plugging in a microphone and singing along to the sounds and rhythms of the BK-61 for a whole new world of practice options – making playing even more fun!