Digital pianos are electronic instruments that reproduce piano sounds. Unlike traditional upright pianos, they have no hammers, no strings and no soundboard to produce the sound you hear. Instead they have electronic sound chips and speakers.
Investing in a new piano can be a somewhat overwhelming experience with so many brands, models, styles and finishes available. Your first decision may well be whether to buy a traditional acoustic upright or a digital piano. The following unbiased information will help you to decide and hopefully make the process clearer for you.
Even with today's sampling technology individual notes may be quite accurately reproduced, but the tone of notes sounding together, as in an acoustic piano - with complex harmonics resonating against a flexible wooden soundboard - cannot be 100% matched. Many people also prefer the appearance of a traditional piano, which too is an important factor to consider. A good upright piano will hold its value much better than a digital. They can last anything up to 100 years, while digital models are constantly being upgraded and would not hold their original value.
Digital pianos usually have a variety of features that make them an attractive alternative to an acoustic piano, whilst still having 88 piano style "weighted keys" (these mimic the feel of an upright piano). Some of these features are as follows:
Many different tones (sounds) other than just piano Built-in rhythms and accompaniments to differentiate your playing The ability to record your performance MIDI compatibility Low maintenance - no tuning ever required Headphones can be plugged in to allow private practicing and also to prevent disturbing anyone Easier portability and less space required Volume control Less expensive
For the beginner or someone who wishes to perhaps "try" piano without spending a huge amount of money, the Casio CDP-100 is the perfect one to go for. Our entry-level upright piano is the modern compact Schaeffer finished in Mahogany High Gloss.
Digital pianos in general are usually less expensive than upright pianos. Having said that, both Yamaha and Roland offer higher end digitals, which can cost several thousand pounds. These often have a huge amount of features, for example the Yamaha CVP-509 has over one thousand tones (sounds) and a 7.5 inch display screen. The Yamaha CLP-370 and CLP-380 both have real wooden keys and synthetic ivory key tops giving them almost an identical feel to the real thing. Yamaha produce many different styles of digital pianos from their entry level "Arius" to the contemporary and stylish "Modus" through to the Clavinova.
A very popular brand of upright piano is the Waldstein range. Models begin at the modern 108 which is the smallest of their range, up to the 130 being the tallest. All of these are available in different wood finishes with matching accessories being available, i.e. piano stools etc.
Roland offer a superb alternative to those who would love a grand piano but perhaps do not have the space or budget for one. Their RG series offers the "digital mini-grand piano" (RG-1), which is a smaller type of digital grand piano.
Plan to spend plenty of time browsing, and do not make a decision before you see as many pianos as possible. Try them all out to get an idea of the differences in touch and tone. Hopefully the piano that you do decide on will be in your home for a long time, so it is essential that you buy something that you are completely happy with.
Digital Piano or Acoustic Piano? Ultimately, it's your decision!
