What to look for in a digital piano

Things to Look Out for When Choosing a Digital Piano

'In Tune' with Dan Maynard

Since the mid 1990s, sales of digital pianos in the United States have consistently exceeded sales of acoustic pianos. This is partly down to the difference in cost and partly due to the increased functionality, flexibility, and ‘fun factor’ of a digital piano.

Digital pianos are championed by music teachers, who believe that they make learning more interesting for students, whilst being able to recreate the sound and feel of a traditional acoustic. Research has shown that sales of level one piano music books are ten times higher than of level two, showing that many students give up learning early on. However, when these books are sold in conjunction with a disc to be used in a digital piano, the difference in sales is much smaller, implying that the digital piano holds the student’s interest longer than the acoustic.

When the concept of a digital piano was initially introduced, it referred to an electronic instrument that played like an acoustic piano. This meant that it should have a full 88 key piano keyboard, with weighted action keys that simulate the feel of an acoustic. They should feature a built in pedal assembly, quality piano sound samples, and integral speakers.

In recent years, manufacturers have attempted to reduce the cost of digital pianos by producing lower spec models with smaller keyboards, semi-weighted action keys, and lower grade sound, still under the label of ‘digital piano’. These can be great instruments in their own right, and appeal to those with a smaller budget. However, you might want to avoid these if you are planning to use your instrument as a piano substitute.

When you are shopping for a digital piano, be sure to choose a retailer that specializes in both digital and acoustic pianos. If you opt for a store that just sells electronic instruments you may not get the best advice about buying an instrument that really plays like an acoustic. If you visit a store that sells mainly acoustics, you may find you get a lecture about digitals not being real pianos, rather than useful sales advice. There are many great offers available on the internet, but you may want to visit a store to actually try out the instrument of your choice before you make an online purchase.


For piano keyboard reviews click Yamaha Keyboards and Piano Keyboard Reviews

Dan Maynord is sharing his expertise with us about keyboards.  I have so many
questions from students, and it is so important to purchase the right piano, that
I thought what better than to have an expert with us.  Go to his web site, and if
you have questions, just drop him an E-mail, he will be glad to help you.

E-mail Dan at: dan@piano-keyboard-reviews.com