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What piano is right for me or my child?

 

The answer to this question depends on three main things: your budget, living space (amount of space and neighbor considerations), and your musical goals.

 

First, let's get a couple of common questions answered.

 

Q: What's the difference between a keyboard and piano?

A: A keyboard is electric and requires a power source. An acoustic piano does not need to be plugged into any power source.

 

Q: How do I actually get a piano?

A: Considering your budget, living space, and musical goals in combination with the information here will ultimately lead you to your decision. 

 

***Something to remember is that you can find used pianos and keyboards online and in-store which will certainly drive the overall cost down***

 

Keyboard pros include:

  • Price point ranges from $100-$3K+

  • Great starting point for beginners

  • Most have a headphone jack, allowing for silent practice so others are not disturbed

  • Mobile

  • Takes up a small amount of space

  • Many come with different sounds and settings, promoting experimentation

  • Does not require tuning

 

Keyboard cons include:

  • No matter the amount of money you pay, the action/feeling and sound on these will not be the same as an acoustic piano

  • May not have the full 88 keys like an acoustic upright or grand

 

Acoustic piano pros include:

  • Deeper key action allowing the pianist to have more control over their overall sound-->allows them to develop a sound of their own via control of dynamics (volume) and timbres (tone quality). 

 

Acoustic piano cons include:

  • Can be expensive, especially if purchasing brand new

  • There is no such thing as silent practice with these

  • Requires tuning (about once 1-2 times a year depending on your local climate)

  • Heavy and not very portable

 

Keyboards are ideal for those playing mostly pop, jazz and rock music, those who wish for portability to gigs, and those who want to have a variety of sounds and settings at their disposal.

 

Acoustic pianos are ideal for musicians serious about sound quality and production. Classical musicians should only consider acoustic pianos. Keyboards simply cannot replicate the type of action and sound produced by an acoustic piano.

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