At a glance…

In a rush? Here’s a list of everything in the G4M keys range.

Keyboards

G4M KB-i 61-Key Keyboard

• Number of keys: 61
• Polyphony: 64
• In-built sounds: 480
• Other features: 160 rhythms, 140 songs
• Connections: Headphone output, audio output, USB, mic input, aux input
• Weight: 5.3kg
• Dimensions: 956mm x 133mm x 360mm

First is the KB-i. This is a great keyboard that has a few more features than others out there.

It has loads of built-in sounds – 480, to be precise. These range from the classic piano, synths, and orchestral sounds to weird and wonderful sounds like guitar fret noises and helicopters.  You can really let your creativity fly with this keyboard.

G4M have also implemented a series of DSP (Digital Signal Processing) effects to add ambience and depth to your playing as well as individual reverb and chorus effects you can adjust, too.

As expected, the KB-i boasts all the typical features of a keyboard. You can layer sounds, divide them between bass and treble, and split the keyboard for playing alongside your teacher.

Not only that, but G4M ave also added auto accompaniment features – similar to what you’d find in arranger keyboards. There’s a library of songs and pre-set rhythms that you can use to practise and jam to and even a handy chord dictionary to help you learn chords and their sounds.

There’s 64-note polyphony, which means up to 64 notes can sound simultaneously. You may be wondering, why do I need so many notes? While you might not have 64 fingers, the polyphony means that notes can sustain after you’ve released the keys. So, the more notes that can sound, the more realism you have.

In terms of connectivity, the KB-I has a USB port on the back, allowing you to connect to your computer and control synths via MIDI. This is perfect if you want to explore making music in a DAW or music production in general.

Piano

G4M High Top Upright Piano

• Number of keys: 88 Triple Sensor Hammer Weighted
• Polyphony: 256
• In-built sounds: 127
• Other features: Auto accompaniment, recording features, DSP effects
• Connections: Bluetooth Audio, Bluetooth MIDI, 3.5mm Aux In/Out, USB to Host, USB Flash Drive, 3.5mm & 6.35mm Headphones
• Weight: 46.75kg
• Dimensions: 950mm x 1410mm x 400mm

G4M have a premium upright piano, too! The G4M High Top Upright Piano features a modern Scandinavian-esque design that takes elements from traditional upright pianos while also being eye-catching and unique.

The sound has been sampled from a German grand piano. These are multi-layer stereo samples. So, not only do you get a wide and immersive sound from a single note, but you also have multiple layers per note for different dynamics. This results in a piano sound that is incredibly detailed and responsive to all the nuances in your expression.

Its keyboard has 88 hammer-action keys, each with a triple sensor system. Normally, keys would have two sensors, one that detects when you’ve begun pressing down the key, and one that detects when you’ve pressed it down fully. Between these sensors, the piano can work out the speed at which you’re pressing the keys.

However, this isn’t ideal for very quick repetitions – the key needs to be released almost fully before you can press it back down again. This also means the sound gets cut off as the sensors have detected the key release.

Having a triple-sensor key resolves this issue as the third sensor increases the accuracy of key detection. Now, when you’re repeatedly playing a key, it will retrigger the sound without the key needing to be released fully. The triple-sensor system also means the sound isn’t unnaturally cut off – the string wouldn’t be fully damped in an acoustic piano if the key is pressed repeatedly, triple-sensor keys simulate this better.

Triple-sensor keys offer more expressive nuance than two-sensor keys and are a good sign that a piano will feel great to play.

So straight out of the box, this instrument feels and sounds super authentic. G4M have packed in additional features to increase the realism, though.

When you listen to a piano, you don’t just hear the sound of the instrument. There are a whole lot of other sounds going on: resonances in the cabinet, the sound of the hammers actually moving, and the sound of all the strings quietly resonating when you press the pedal down.

The HDP-1 includes all these sounds alongside the premium piano tone, producing a hugely realistic playing experience. These noises can all be adjusted on the piano, so you can decide how loud you want them or whether you want to just turn them off completely.

There is also a 3D EQ setting. This takes advantage of the HDP-1’s stereo speakers, producing an immersive, 3D effect. With the effect, you feel more like you’re in an actual performance space with the piano’s sound reverberating around you than practising at home or in your rehearsal room. There are a number of presets to choose from or you can adjust the levels of each EQ band manually for a custom effect.

G4M Bags

After buying yourself a new keyboard or piano, you’ll probably want a case for it. G4M have a range of premium-quality bags that offers a very high level of protection.

All the cases are padded with what G4M calls the “5D system”. This offers five layers of protection in the cases’ padding, made out of five materials:

• Layer 1 – the plush interior that protects the finish of your instrument from scratches
• Layer 2 – 3mm thick, soft foam that provides protection from knocks and bumps
• Layer 3 – 5mm thick plastic that makes your case rigid, stopping it from being crushed and deformed
• Layer 4 – 15mm dense polyethene foam that provides the bulk of your case’s protection against shocks and impacts
• Layer 5 – 600D Oxford fabric that serves as the primary external material for your case, protecting against general wear and tear

There are also Velcro straps to keep your instrument in place while in the case, while padded blocks ensure your piano or keyboard has the most snug fit possible.

A front pocket gives you plenty of space for any accessories like sheet music, metronomes, or cables. Backpack straps on the back also make it easy to travel with.

G4M’s keyboard cases are available in three sizes, accommodating 49-key keyboards to full-size 88-key stage pianos or keyboards.

G4M bundles

Every pianist or keyboardist needs the relevant accessories for their instrument. G4M bundles make it possible to have everything you need instantly with their keyboard and piano bundles.

For keyboards, you often need to get a stand to put it on. Digital upright pianos, on the other hand, come with an integrated stand. For both instruments, you’ll need a stool to sit on when you’re playing. You can play stood up sometimes, but sitting for longer practice sessions is more comfortable.

Headphones are also a must-have if you don’t want to disturb family, friends, or neighbours when you’re practising.

Luckily, G4M Player Packs provide all you need in one deal. The KBD-I, KBD-II, and KBD-III all come in bundles that include an X-frame stand, a foldable piano stool, and a pair of headphones.

The HDP-1 also comes in a bundle with a nice adjustable piano bench and headphones. This bundle is available for both colours with the headphones and bench matching.

Concluding thoughts

G4M offer a range of great instruments that are perfect for people who are perhaps searching for a little more from their piano or keyboard. Check out our website for G4M’s full range of products, not just limited to pianos and keyboards.