Digital Piano vs. Acoustic Piano

Piano Sheet Music Articles…


The piano has come a long way since it’s invention 500 years ago. The original version has now been replicated and improved countless times, resulting in a large number of different piano styles and with the latest technology, digital pianos have cropped up and become a popular alternative. But which one is right for you? That depends greatly on what you intend to do with your piano playing and what your budget is. However, there are many pros and cons for both sides.

Acoustic Piano

The acoustic piano is a complicated structure. Touching the keys results in a hammer hitting a string, which then vibrates and the sound produced is amplified by the piano`s soundboard. This provides a rich, true piano sound, which is quite valued at concerts and recitals. However, an acoustic piano requires a lot of space, upkeep and money.

Things to Consider When Choosing an Acoustic Piano

- Acoustic pianos need regular tuning, particularly if there are changes in the weather or if the piano is moved.

- Nothing compares to the full-bodied sound provided by an acoustic piano.

- These pianos allow the artist to play softly or loudly, depending on the mood of the piece . . . the piano responds to the touch of the pianist.

- Acoustic pianos are large, weighing between 450 and 1,000 pounds and take up a large part of a room.

- Affordable acoustic pianos are usually wrought with flaws and not worth buying . . . but for many, a true, good quality one is simply beyond their budget.

Digital Piano

A digital piano is one that is a replica of an acoustic piano. Rather than contain the strings and mechanisms to produce the sound, digital pianos just use recorded notes from a real piano. There are definite advantages to using one of these instruments and they are often used by bands who need an easily portable instrument, but there are definite down sides, as well.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Digital Piano

- Digital pianos are considerably cheaper than acoustic.

- There is very little sensitivity in the digital key, meaning that true interpretation of many piano pieces is simply not possible.

- Some piano teachers will not teach students who only have access to a digital piano.

- These instruments are quite light and portable, some even come in their own carry bag.

- A high end digital piano offers a wide range of styles and features, including drum tracks and recorded notes from a variety of other instruments and types of pianos.

- Digital pianos don’t need to be tuned, making them very useful in humid areas or where the weather changes drastically.

The debate of traditional acoustic pianos vs. digital ones has been around as long as digital pianos. Classical piano students insist that an acoustic piano is the best and to be honest, the digital piano is only an imitation, albeit a very good one these days. Even with the best technology, digital pianos are simply not able to live up to the original acoustic.

However, this doesn’t rule out digital pianos completely. They are still extremely useful for the piano student on a budget or for anyone who has little space in their home for a large acoustic piano. Bands also find the more portable version to be easier to use, since it doesn’t require tuning and can easily be packed up and moved to the next gig. In the end, it depends on your intent, as well as a few other factors, such as budget and space, as to whether or not you will go with an acoustic or a digital piano.



Free vst instruments

See What People Are Buying

M-Audio SP-2 US65010 Sustain Pedal Piano Style Sustain Pedal for KeyboardsM-Audio SP-2 US65010 Sustain Pedal Piano Style Sustain Pedal for KeyboardsThe M-Audio SP-2 Sustain Pedal is the perfect product for keyboard players who want the most realistic pedal action. The SP-2 model is used in the sam... Read More >
Casio PX-130 88-Key Digital Stage PianoCasio PX-130 88-Key Digital Stage PianoThe new Casio Privia PX-130 redefines the digital piano category with unprecedented sound quality and performance in a sleek package that is supremely... Read More >
Yamaha P85 CONTEMPORARY DIGITAL PIANO, ¹Yamaha P85 CONTEMPORARY DIGITAL PIANO, ¹Includes Yamaha P85 88 Key GHS Black Contemporary Digital Piano Owners Manual Quick Operation Guide AC Power Adapter Pedal FC5 Music Rest.
Yamaha P95B Digital Piano, BlackYamaha P95B Digital Piano, BlackThe P-95 gives musicians the dynamic, high-quality sound and natural piano touch response they expect from Yamaha, along with a high-quality built-in ... Read More >
Yamaha YDP141 Digital Piano With BenchYamaha YDP141 Digital Piano With BenchPerfect for beginning students and experienced players alike, the ARIUS / YDP series provides true piano sound and feel. The Graded Hammer Standard ke... Read More >
Yamaha YDP140 DIGITAL PIANO W/BENCH, ¹Yamaha YDP140 DIGITAL PIANO W/BENCH, ¹Includes Yamaha YDP-140 Arius digital piano Owner Manual 50 greats for the PianoMusic Book Quick Operation Guide Premium padded bench AC Power Adaptor PA-150.
The Invention of Hugo CabretThe Invention of Hugo CabretOrphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when ... Read More >
The Invention of LyingThe Invention of LyingMark billison is a very unsuccessful screenwriter with little hope for the future. In this comedy set in a world where no one has ever lied film enter... Read More >
The Most Powerful Idea in the World: A Story of Steam, Industry, and InventionThe Most Powerful Idea in the World: A Story of Steam, Industry, and InventionIf all measures of human advancement in the last hundred centuries were plotted on a graph, they would show an almost perfectly flat line—until the ... Read More >
Schoenhut 30" Acoustic GuitarSchoenhut 30" Acoustic GuitarThis Schoenhut 30" Acoustic Guitar is a unique introduction to playing for the aspiring young musician. It offers not only great sound and playability... Read More >
Original Sin (Unrated Version)Original Sin (Unrated Version)A young man falls obsessively in love with a mysterious woman who is as obsessed with his fortune as she is with him.
The Pros and Cons of Hitch HikingThe Pros and Cons of Hitch HikingWith Eric Clapton's valuable assistance, Waters takes the concept album to new heights on this 1984 masterpiece, his first LP after leaving Pink Floyd... Read More >
Williams Williams Overture 88 Key Digital PianoWilliams Williams Overture 88 Key Digital PianoThe Williams Overture is a console style 88-Key digital piano with a sliding key-cover and full vanity panel. The Overture features an 88-note hammer-... Read More >
M-Audio DCP-200 Digital Console Piano with Premium Sounds, Graded Hammer Action and Built in USB InterfaceM-Audio DCP-200 Digital Console Piano with Premium Sounds, Graded Hammer Action and Built in USB InterfaceThe M-Audio® DCP-200 digital piano brings the beauty of a classic instrument into your home, classroom or house of worship. The elegant console desi... Read More >
Yamaha YDPV240 Digital Piano With BenchYamaha YDPV240 Digital Piano With BenchNew to the ARIUS line, YDP-V240 is an entry-level ensemble digital piano with 88-note Graded Hammer Standard keyboard. The Graded Hammer Standard keyb... Read More >

Filed Under: Digital Pianos

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Leave a Reply




If you want a picture to show with your comment, go get a Gravatar.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers