Manuel is a passionate, driven, and techsavvy AV technician, 
The piano has come a long way since its invention 500 years ago. The original design has been replicated and improved numerous times, resulting in a vast array of different piano designs. With the latest advancements in technology, digital pianos have emerged as a popular alternative. However, choosing the right piano Choosing the Right Piano available - by Fotos por Daniel Subiabre Owning your own piano could be the first step towards building a successful career in music. With some talent and a well-chosen piano, you can find yourself on stage, performing gigs, and even gaining dedicated fans. But how do you select the right piano for your needs? Firstly, you need… for you depends largely on what you intend to do with your piano playing and what your budget is. Both acoustic and digital pianos have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Acoustic Piano
The acoustic piano is a complex instrument. Touching the keys causes a hammer to hit a string, which then vibrates and produces sound that is amplified by the piano’s soundboard. This results in a rich, authentic piano sound that is highly valued at concerts and recitals. However, an acoustic piano requires a lot of space, maintenance, and money.
Factors to Consider When Selecting an Acoustic Piano
- Acoustic pianos require regular tuning, especially 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 significant amount of space.
- Affordable acoustic pianos are riddled with flaws and not worth purchasing…but for some, a true, quality one is simply beyond their budget.
Digital Piano
A digital piano is a replica of an acoustic piano. Instead of containing the strings and mechanisms to make the sound, digital pianos simply use recorded notes from a real piano. There are definite advantages to using one of these instruments, and they are often chosen by bands who require an easily portable instrument, but there are definite downsides as well.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Digital Piano
- Digital pianos are considerably cheaper than acoustic pianos.
- There is very little sensitivity in the digital keys, meaning that true interpretation of certain piano pieces is simply impossible.
- Some piano teachers will not teach students who only have access to a digital piano.
- These instruments are very light and portable, some even come in their own carry bag.
- A high-end digital piano provides a variety of styles and qualities, including drum tracks and recorded notes from a range of other instruments and types of pianos.
- Digital pianos do not have to be tuned, making them very useful in humid regions or where the weather changes dramatically.
The debate of traditional acoustic pianos vs. digital ones has been around as long as digital pianos have. Classical piano students insist that an acoustic piano is the best, and to be honest, the digital piano is just an imitation, albeit a good one today. Even with the best technology, digital pianos are simply unable to live up to the authentic acoustic.
However, this doesn’t rule out digital pianos completely. They are still very 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, as it does not require tuning and can be packed up and moved to the next gig. In the end, it depends on your goal and a few other factors, such as budget and space, as to whether you will go with an acoustic or a digital piano.
Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME
