synthesiser

[frank1]

Hi,
I am new to all this stuff and don't understand a lot.  Could someone please tell me the primary differences between a keyboard and a synthesiser?  I have a Yamaha keyboard but am just starting out with it.  Thank you.

[jimbo320]

A synthesiser is a keyboard that has different sounds attached to the keys. Used for effects mainly.  Here's the one I use (scroll to bottom of page for samples)...
https://www.synthmania.com/micron.htm

[nystul]

To be true to the origins of its name, a synthesizer should allow you a lot of control to create and manipulate sounds.  Consumer keyboards usually have a lot of sampled sounds you can choose from, but not very many options to control or tweak those sounds.  But both of these terms are used in a pretty vague manner.  You really just have to consider the individual instrument and what features it has.