Should You Have a Home with a Piano?

If you're reading this guide, you're probably in the process of buying your first piano or keyboard. Perhaps your child has started piano lessons, or you've decided to learn to play yourself. There are many different types of keyboard instruments, and it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out what to look for. That's why we're trying to provide an overview of what to consider when buying your first piano in this guide.

Which Piano is Right for You?

Let's start with a brief overview of the different types available. They all have different advantages and disadvantages, so it's good to decide which type you're looking for.

Digital piano: The goal here is to mimic an acoustic piano. That means the focus is on piano sounds, and the keys are weighted to feel like those on an acoustic piano. There are usually not many sounds available, typically limited to piano, electric piano, and strings. Suitable stands and pedals can be added to make the instrument look elegant.

Stage piano: Encompasses a wide range of digital pianos. They may have weighted or unweighted keys and often feature good piano sounds. Typically designed to sit on a standard keyboard stand.

Keyboard: Also covers a variety of instruments. The keys are almost never weighted and usually have what's called "synth action," where the keys are very easy to press, making it easier to play quickly. However, it doesn't feel as natural for playing piano. Keyboards offer a wide variety of sounds, including piano, synthesizers, guitars, sound effects, and drum sounds. Many also have built-in rhythm accompaniments for playing along.

Synthesizer: A synthesizer or synth is a distinct instrument category. They can be digital or analog, polyphonic or monophonic (a monophonic synth can only play one note at a time), and a full guide could be written about synthesizers alone. Here, we'll limit ourselves to saying that they're cool instruments, but most may not be suitable as beginner instruments (with a few exceptions).

Midi-keyboards: Keyboards that don't have any built-in sounds. They send MIDI signals that can control a synthesizer, computer, or other sound generator.

What Does It Mean..?

Now, there have already been quite a few terms thrown around that you may not have encountered before. There are a couple of concepts that are good to keep in mind when buying a piano:

Action/Weighting: 100 years ago, there was only one action - that of an acoustic piano/grand piano. The keys are physical things that set vibrations in motion in the piano strings. As digital pianos have become more prevalent and technology has improved, manufacturers have tried to emulate the feel of an acoustic piano. Basically, there are two types of keys - weighted and unweighted, with weighted keys designed to resemble those of an acoustic piano. However, there are many subcategories. Hammer action, for example, gives the feeling of hammers plucking the strings, waterfall action emulates the feel of an organ, and so on. In general, if the piano is to be used for playing piano music - classical, accompaniment, or similar, weighted keys are a good idea.

Polyphony: Simply means how many sounds the piano can play at once. As a beginner, it's not something you need to worry about much, but it's good to know what it means when reading specifications.

USB/MIDI: Many pianos have a MIDI output. MIDI is used to send what you play as data, so it can be sent into a computer or control music equipment that doesn't have keys built-in. For example, if you have a Mac with Garageband, you can connect the keyboard via USB and with MIDI control the software instruments that come with the program. And there are plenty of other cool software instruments to explore.

Other features: Many keyboards and pianos have several other cool features worth keeping in mind. It could be integration with an iPad, where you can select sounds or get teaching materials. Many pianos also have a recording function so you can save what you play and listen back to it. Some of Yamaha's keyboards even have built-in lights in the keys that work with a learning tool, showing where to place your fingers. It's also essential to decide if you want an instrument with built-in speakers.

How Much Does It Cost?

Keyboards and pianos, like many other things, come in many price ranges, and the more you spend, the better the sound and feel. Generally, we don't recommend buying too cheaply - it will detract from the joy of playing, and you might as well start with something that can be used for many years - it's simply a better investment.

What Should You Choose?

Some of the biggest players are Yamaha and Roland, but there are also alternatives - with the big ones, however, you rarely go completely wrong in terms of quality. We hope you've become a little better equipped to choose after this brief overview of types and features. If you're in doubt, you're always welcome to contact us - we're available by email, Facebook, and phone.

Artesia Performer BK 88 Digital Piano

Artesia Performer BK 88 Digital Piano

NI Komplete Kontrol s49 MKII

Roland GO:KEYS GO-61 Keyboard