Buying an Acoustic or Digital Piano
What is the difference between an acoustic piano and a digital piano?
When using the term “acoustic piano” I’m talking about the kind of piano made with wood that has real strings inside. When the keys are pressed, small hammers with felt on them strike the strings to produce the sound.
When using the term “digital piano” I’m talking about the kind of high quality digital piano that uses recordings (samples) to reproduce the sound of an acoustic piano (and other instruments). A lot has changed since this technology first came out in the 1980’s, so now digital pianos sound and feel very similar to acoustic pianos. They are different though, and digital pianos don't exactly duplicate the organic touch and tone of a regular acoustic piano.
Buying an Acoustic Piano
There is no substitute for the acoustic piano. The sound, the touch, the feel, and the look -- there is nothing else like it. A digital keyboard can, of course, replicate a similar sound but cannot capture the depth of resonance that an acoustic piano can.
As you know, acoustic pianos come in many different shapes and sizes, everything from the 9- foot concert grand to the extremely heavy upright piano your grandmother played. The main thing to keep in mind when purchasing an acoustic piano is that they are like cars: some cars are just lemons. Instruments from the same manufacturer differ from year to year and even within a given year! With that being said, for the most part, I’d recommend an acoustic piano from one of these reputable brands: Steinway, Yamaha, Kawai, or Baldwin.
If you are thinking of purchasing a used piano, be wary of any "entry level" pianos, as they are often any brand's cheapest model. If you want to be sure you are getting a quality used piano, a piano technician will appraise the instrument for you and give you his or her recommendation.
Buying a Digital Piano
If you are looking for a cost effective and quality instrument, you may want to consider a digital piano. A digital piano is nice because they are relatively light and easy to transport from room to room. They always keep their tune, so regular tuning is not necessary, and the student can also use headphones and practice anytime without disturbing others in the house. And some students are motivated by the ability to play a variety of sounds on their instrument.
What to Look for in a Digital Piano
1. Number of Keys: Standard piano acoustics have 88 keys. If it is within your budget, get a digital keyboard with 88 keys. A keyboard with fewer keys can work to get you started. Less than 66 keys is not recommended.
2. Touch Sensitive Response: A keyboard that is touch sensitive will play louder when the keys are pressed quickly and softer when they are pressed slowly. This mimics an acoustic piano. Most keyboards have this ability.
3. Size of Keys: Each manufacturer uses different Keys that are the size of standard acoustic keys will help the student develop good technique. You're looking for an instrument that feels like a real piano with weighted and graded keys.
4. Realistic Hammer Action: Each manufacturer uses different terminology. You're looking for an instrument that feels like a real piano with weighted and graded keys.
5. Number and Type Samples: Look for a digital keyboard that uses samples of a real piano, not a synthesized piano.
Recommended Models
There are many digital pianos on Craigslist, OfferUp, and Facebook Marketplace as students upgrade in their musical studies, so it’s worth looking into! Here’s some of my recommendations as well. Keep in mind that not digital pianos include a bench, a music stand, or a keyboard stand.
1. Yamaha Arius YDP-V240 88-Key Digital Piano for $1999.99
2. Yamaha Arius YDP-142 88-key Digital Piano for $1099.99
3. Yamaha DGX-650 88-Key Graded Hammer Action Digital Piano for $799.99
4. Yamaha P-105 88-Key Digital Piano for $599.99
5. Casio Privia PX-150 Digital Piano for $499.99