Tips for buying a digital piano

Buying a digital piano now that you take piano lessons?

Are you prepared to begin piano lessons and considering purchasing a new digital piano for yourself or your child? Looking for the best option? Here are a few tips for getting the best deals.

Shop for your piano near a holidays

Holidays present an excellent chance for music vendors to drum up business (no pun intended). While Black Friday is well-known for musical deals, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and President's Day also feature special pricing. Check your calendar to see if one of these holidays is approaching before you buy a piano.

Play pianos at Local Music Stores

You might find an online deal but feel unsure about whether you'll like the piano. You can visit stores like Guitar Center to try out the pianos they have on display. If you find deals online, you can show the price comparison and request a price match. Other excellent sites to consider include companies like Sweetwater, Sam Ash, or even Amazon for buying pianos. I also explore Facebook Marketplace and pawn shops; however, digital pianos that haven't been well-maintained might have sticky keys or power issues, so I'd prefer a resale shop with a 30-day return policy over the marketplace, for instance.

What to look for in a digital piano or keyboard

How many keys are on your piano?

When buying a piano- make a checklist of the following to help select the right piano.

How many keys do you want? (88 is the full size)

A typical piano has 88 keys, but there are different sizes available. I have a 25-key keyboard in my desk drawer for warming up a singer when needed. Many people choose 76-key keyboards because they are more compact in smaller spaces. You have a bevy of options.

Does it come with speakers, need to be connected to them or need to be connected to a computer?

Keyboards can be categorized into three types.

• Integrated Speakers

• Requires an amplifier

• USB powered by a music software application on your computer

Integrated Speakers

Pro: Many digital keyboards come with built-in speakers, making it convenient to sit down and start playing the piano right away without the need for setup. They are usually on the low price range as well. Ready to play!

Con: These are not optimal for performance since they don't always connect to a PA system and might be too quiet for a large venue. However, they are excellent for an open mic with a small audience.

Requires an amplifier

Pros: Keyboards that require an amplifier generally provide excellent sound quality and a wide range of sound options, such as Rhodes or synth strings. Moreover, connecting to a PA system allows for high volume during performances.

Cons- Performing at gigs involves carrying an amp. Additionally, buying the amplifier leads to increased expenses. Moreover, you'll need more space for storage.

USB Powered Keyboard

Pros: These keyboards seem inexpensive when buying because they don't produce any sounds on their own. You'll need to connect them to a computer or a laptop with a DAW like Ableton to access sounds. I appreciate them for the capability to have thousands of sounds on a computer, and they are excellent for recording. If you already own a good laptop or computer, this could be your best choice, especially if you're interested in recording!

Cons: You need to power up your computer each time you want to play. Without a laptop, you can't travel with this keyboard.

Weighted Keys:

A real piano features weighted keys that are the most comfortable to play. Digital pianos offer different settings for weighted keys, with some models simulating the feel of wood, providing ergonomic comfort for those who play for several hours a day, like myself. Generally, the less realistic the keys, the cheaper the piano. A bonus? The less weighted the keys are, the lighter the piano tends to be. If you prefer not to carry around a bulky piece of plastic, unweighted keys are the ideal choice.

Do you want volume sensitivity settings?

In some cases, you can modify the touch sensitivity of the piano keys through the settings. This option differs between keyboards, so it's advisable to review the user manual online before purchasing or reach out to the seller (e.g., Yamaha or Casio).

Need more assistance in selecting your digital piano?

If these questions are unfamiliar to you, feel free to email me at Venice School of Music at contact@veniceschoolofmusic.com if you're one of my students, or schedule a piano lesson with me. I enjoy working with both adults and children and hope to be a great match for your Venice piano lessons.

30 Minute Piano Lesson

30

Book Now