Digital pianos are electronic devices that use sound chips and speakers to reproduce piano sounds. Some may have eight octaves, but they may have only six, or even as few as four. Four octaves will allow you to play simple tunes, but six or more octaves will be required if you want to study music seriously.
The tone and touch of an acoustic piano is usually far superior to a digital piano. Acoustic pianos have a large number of black and white keys, spanning up to eight octaves. Acoustic pianos create a natural reverberation in the room where they are played.
Most digital pianos have a MIDI output which allows you to connect them to a computer via an inexpensive interface, which allows you to record and edit your playing and add additional parts, as well as control other instruments.
Step 1
Understand the differences. Digital pianos are electronic devices that are designed to sound like an acoustic piano. They have no hammers, no strings and no soundboard. Instead, they have electronic circuits and speakers. Here are some of the features which may make a digital piano an attractive alternative:
- Different types of piano sounds, such as harpsichord, organ and more.
- Instrument sounds such as strings, flute, and percussion.
- Built-in rhythm capabilities to accompany playing.
- The ability to record performances and interact with other electronic music (MIDI).
- Never needs tuning.
- Headphones are available for private practice.
- Portability and low weight.
- If you have a reasonably modern computer you can also run one or more 'software synthesizers', where your computer generates the sound and you use the digital piano as a silent master keyboard, which offers an attractive and relatively inexpensive ($100-$200) upgrade path for unconvincing sounding digital pianos.
Step 2
Consider your needs. With some digital pianos, you can learn a piece by playing lit keys rather than reading music, which is useful for beginners and inexperienced piano enthusiasts. However, after the novelty wears off, you may want more from the instrument, and most digital pianos cannot offer it. A majority of electronic instruments lack the tone and touch of an acoustic piano, as well as the feel and the ability to convey subtle emotion and feeling. Remember that an acoustic piano has strings and hammers, while a digital piano has none. Having actual strings means that there are thousands of things in an acoustic piano (such as sympathetically vibrating strings) that are difficult to reproduce convincingly on a digital piano.
Step 3
Think about the future. Realize that beyond a certain level, some piano teachers will not teach students who have learned on anything other than an acoustic piano. Digital pianos are frequently counterproductive when it comes to technique and dynamic performance. These skills cannot be practiced on a cheap digital keyboard and later applied to a real piano.
Step 4
Don't forget about investment value. Consider that an acoustic piano will hold its value far better than a digital unit. An acoustic piano can last 100 years or more, while a digital piano may be obsolete in 5 years. An outdated keyboard is often difficult to sell.
Tips
- If you are interested in acquiring a real musical background, it will entail learning how to play scales and chords. Learning to play classical music gives a student complete musical knowledge, which can be useful in other piano styles.
- Learning to understand and perform a piece of music involves practicing and mastering the piece. It creates a sense of accomplishment.
- Some acoustic purists feel that when you play a digital piano, it is the device making the music rather than the performer.
- Digital pianos often have a feature to simulate reverb and other effects.
- If you are planning to use your digital piano with a computer, focus on how it feels rather than how it sounds; a modern software piano running on a laptop will typically sound far better than the piano's built-in sounds.
- A digital piano will never sustain notes for nearly as long as an acoustic piano can.
- A portable digital piano is a great option if you would like to play piano, but do not have the space necessary to facilitate a full sized acoustic piano. A portable digital piano may also be an attractive option if you move often. A digital piano can stave off boredom of hearing the same sound day after day.
Warnings
- A weighted key action is essential - the keys should have some convincing weight to them, not feel like they're made of light plastic and there's a simple spring pushing right back (this is called a 'synth action' and has its place but not when learning to play piano). If you sharply tap a key does it continue to travel down a little under its own momentum? Try turning the sound down and shutting your eyes and seeing how much it feels like the real thing. Don't be seduced by flashing lights and LCD screens, focus on the key action. Even if you're considering buying privately, visit a piano store and try their range of pianos so you have an idea of what's good and what's not.
- If you are looking for a keyboard that can be easily transported or connected to a sound system, used to record music using computer software, or used for private practice with headphones, a digital piano is the way to go. Otherwise, think very carefully before you decide to buy a digital in place of an acoustic instrument.
