Digital Pianos

Digital or Electronic Pianos

Digital Pianos are electronic keyboards that attempt to imitate the sound and touch of the acoustic or "regular" piano. While most do not, except for those costing $1,000's, the digital piano has several advantages over the acoustic piano.

The Advantages

1. They do not require tuning.
2. They are relatively inexpensive.
3. They are smaller and lighter.
4. They have more than one sound - some hundreds more.
5. They include MIDI (musical instrument digital interface)
6. They have a volume control for quieter use in situations such as apartments.
7. They have headphone outlets for total private use.
8. Many have recording features.
9. Most have a metronome feature included.
10. Most have a transposition feature.

The Disadvantages

1. The sound of a digital does not sound as good as an acoustic because there is a lack of depth to the digital sound. This has to do with the difference in harmonics produced digitally and from regular strings.
2. Since the digital piano is essentially a computer there is a new model every year.
3. Parts, including the computer chips used, are not available usually after 7 years. Parts for a regular piano are relatively inexpensive and pianos that are even 100 years old the parts are simple to obtain.
4. A regular piano will last a couple of lifetimes. The digital only until something breaks that you can not replace. At this point in time, the assumption is 20 years at best.
5. The structure of a digital piano is flimsy compared to the structure of a regular piano. While it is easier to move, it is also easier to damage.
6. Over the lifetime of the digital compared to the acoustic, the acoustic may actually cost less.
7. Be aware that most digital pianos can not perform well enough for someone that plays at the intermediate level of performance.
8. Depreciation is very high compared to a regular piano.

However, while a fine acoustic piano would be preferred, escalating prices cause many parents of beginning students to consider an electronic alternative.

Should you decide to purchase a digital piano, here are some suggestions.

#1 Make sure the instrument has 88 full-size keys.

#2 If the person playing is at the intermediate level or better, make sure it has at least 64 note polyphony. That means the instrument is capable of playing up to 64 notes at a time. Playing chords up and down the keyboard with the sustain (damper) pedal down can easily use up all the resources of the keyboard, causing notes to drop out. Many digital pianos having 64 note polyphony are still not good enough to handle what an intermediate pianist can perform.

#3 Make sure it has a weighted piano action or keys that simulate the weight of the keys and action on a regular piano. Keyboards do NOT do that. Learning proper "touch" on a piano is crucial to playing well.