Digital Pianos

Digital pianos aim to reproduce the sound of an acoustic grand. Acoustic pianos come in varying levels of quality and can produce vastly different tones. A high quality digital piano can be nearly indistinguishable from a concert grand, whereas a cheap acoustic will normally sound far worse than a digital piano.

The difference between keyboards and pianos can change depending on the use of the words. Historically a keyboard was any instrument operated by pressing keys. This includes clavichords, harpsichords and pianos. In current usage, however, it is applied to electronic keyboards.

For us, the difference between a digital piano and an electronic keyboard is the purpose of the instrument. A digital piano is intended to sound and feel as similar to an acoustic piano as possible, whereas a keyboard can be used for a variety of purposes. A higher spec keyboard can sometimes mimic and build on the attributes of an acoustic piano, but others can be used as an arranger, a MIDI controller or a workstation. The possibilities are endless!

Digital pianos are more adaptable than acoustic pianos. You can purchase a type that suits your needs (for instance a stage piano if you need portability). There's also less maintenance - you don't require a piano tuner and a digital piano is less at risk to wear and tear caused by temperature. Headphones can be used for quiet practise and there are more sounds available with many models. All the good points of an acoustic - the tones, pedals and the key response - can be achieved with the right model of digital piano.