Piano

Do i need a piano or a keyboard?

Acoustic pianos create sound with hammers on the strings. Digital pianos sound wonderful but use samples to create the sound. Keyboards don’t have great piano tones but they have lots of fun features. Both are plugged in (or use batteries) and are heard through speakers.

Piano

In Bach’s day, you would play on a harpischord. They sounded wonderful, but because the strings are plucked, not struck, there is no variation in dynamics. The harpsichord played at one volume.

The development of the piano forte was a great leap forward from the harpsichord. Because the strings are struck, you can vary your attack on the keys and create a much wider emotional vocabulary on the instrument. Piano Forte are Italian words for soft and loud. By and by, the piano forte was simply called the piano.

A well played, well-tuned piano is a glorious thing. Never miss a chance to play a Steinway! However, they are heavy and hard to move, and need to be tuned professionally at least once a year.

Acoustic piano photo by Anna Shvets

Digital pianos and keyboards

Digital pianos have the same number of keys as an acoustic piano (88). They tend to be smaller and lighter than an acoustic piano. The keys are weighted which allow them simulate the feeling of real piano keys which is a must for the serious student. They also offer gorgeous piano sounds.

This new Roland F-10 (top image) comes with all the goods – stand, sustain pedal, seat, music rack.

Keyboards usually have fewer keys (61 or less) and have light, plastic keys that are easier to press than weighted keys. While their piano sounds are not as good as those of digital pianos, they come with lots of different sounds (patches), built-in lessons, recording interfaces, and drums (loops), which will help you with tempo and make practicing more exciting.

The new Yamaha N-15 (lower image) does not come with any accessories unless you pay extra.

Both styles have headphone jacks and this is a real bonus since you can practice away without anyone hearing you. Neither require tuning. Keyboards can often be run on batteries as well.

Go to a local piano store or music store to try out some options. Below are some good options, for under $600.

If you are looking for a digital piano or keyboard, make sure it comes with the following:

  • keyboard stand or built-in console on which the keyboard rests
  • power supply
  • music rack (these can be detachable and people misplace them them)
  • built-in speakers
  • headphone jack
  • sustain pedal

Always look for your instrument on Reverb.com, Facebook Marketplace, or Craig’s List. You’ll pay way less, and keep abandoned keyboards out of the landfill. You can often pick up a used real piano for just the price of moving it. But make sure you LOVE it before you lug it home.