Acoustic - Digital - Electric

What’s the difference?

An Acoustic Piano is the traditional piano most people are familiar with, and produces sound by hammers striking strings.  This is the “real thing” that all other keyboard instruments attempt to imitate.  The drawbacks to an Acoustic Piano include price range, weight & size of the instrument, and lack of volume control.  While many insist their instruments are “just like a piano,” most serious pianists know that nothing can truly duplicate the sound or feel of an Acoustic Piano.  It is not uncommon for a pianist, especially a professional, to own both an Acoustic and a Digital or Electric Keyboard, in order to receive the benefits of both acoustic and electronic instruments. 

A Digital Piano is an electronic instrument intended to precisely duplicate the sound and feel of a piano by using digitally sampled sounds, amplifiers and speakers instead of hammers and strings, in addition to weighted keys intended to imitate the feel and response (most are touch-sensitive) of an acoustic piano.  Most Digital Pianos also have numerous settings that allow the user to experiment with different sounds in addition to piano sounds.  Some of the attractive features of digital pianos include volume control and headsets, Midi interface, and a lighter, smaller frame allowing for easier storage and portability. 

 An Electric Piano or Keyboard is a keyboard instrument that does not have weighted keys, and feels more like an organ rather than a piano.  Most sounds are computer-generated, although in higher-end pro models, a few have sampled sounds.  Simple Electric Keyboards, such as those found in department or electronic stores, are a common choice among new students and hobbyists, primarily because of the affordable price range.  Most of today’s popular bands use professional level Electronic Keyboards like the ones sold at music stores.  Like the Digital Piano, most Electronic Keyboards feature volume control/headsets & Midi interface, and are generally the most portable of all keyboard instruments.

What should I look for when purchasing an instrument?

Best bet for beginning piano students Rent a piano from your local piano dealer or purchase an inexpensive electric keyboard. If you have a teacher, consult with him/her before making any decisions

Piano Rentals These pianos are often older and less expensive (rental fees can often be as low as $30 per month), although for a higher price you can sometimes rent a new instrument.   Make sure that your rental fees will apply toward purchase, and then take six months to make a your decision.  

Purchasing an Electric Keyboard  If you are student or hobbyist looking for a starter keyboard, determine your needs ahead of time.  Keyboards at this level have many “bells and whistles” that may be attractive when you are purchasing your first instrument, but ask yourself “how many of these features am I really going to need?”  It is better to put your money into a good name brand that can give you quality basics at a reasonable price, especially if you are a music student.

Purchasing Digital and Acoustic Pianos  Spend time researching before you purchase.  Visit at least 3 different retail outlets, and talk to your teacher and peers for their input and preferences.  Keep two things in mind at all times – SOUND and FEEL.

Purchasing a used acoustic instrument from a private party Please request the name of the tuner/technician who has cared for the instrument, and follow up by asking him/her about that particular instrument.  If there is no regular tuner/technician who has cared for the instrument, you would be wise to pay a technician to inspect the piano before purchase.