Tips for Choosing a Piano

Here’s some information to consider when choosing your first piano, but it is by no means exhaustively researched or comprehensive. It will provide some basics to consider and is for the parents of beginner piano students who want an adequate instrument that serves their needs. There are three main categories to consider when choosing a piano: 

1. Electric
2. Digital 
3. Acoustic

Also consider: 

1. budget 
2. space/proximity to tv, etc.
3. sound level/headphones
4. new/used/upgradable
5. portability

In my opinion for the beginner student, the most important
things when choosing a piano are the size of the keyboard and weight of the keys.

1. ELECTRIC

In many ways, an electric keyboard or electric piano (free-standing) fits the needs of size, weight, budget, and sound control. My choice would include the following: 

Has at least 76 keys of standard size. 
Has weighted keys that feel like those of an acoustic (wood) piano.
Has at least one headphone jack for student use.

NOTE:   Two jacks are even better if the teacher desires to use headphones so as to not disturb others. A headphone for student practicing not only keeps the music from interfering with the rest of the family, tv, homework, internet work, etc. but also focuses the student on the music being played and not on other sounds that would be distracting. With an electric, the student also has the advantage of being able to adjust the output sound volume. 

CONS: May not have sufficiently weighted keys of standard size.
Keyboard may require a stand (or table), separate music rest, and bench. 

PROS: Electric pianos look more like acoustic pianos instead of just a keyboard.
Portable within the home; keyboards are the ultimate in portability.
Sound control volume and headphones.

Here are some brands and models to consider: 

Donner DEP-20 Beginner Portable Electric Keyboard  $373.99 

• Full-Weighted 88 key keyboard. Constructed by 88 full-sized hammer action keys with adjustable touch response.
• 238 Tones & 128 Polyphony. Piano keyboard loaded with 238 types of tone like Ukulele, drum, bass, etc.
• Sustain pedal and power supply.

For details on Amazon view here

Hamzer 88-Key Electronic Keyboard $189.99

• Touch sensitive keys: This premium 88-key digital piano includes semi-weighted, Touch sensitive keys, adjustable by 3 grades of sensitivity, to meet any playing style.
• Do more: The keyboard is packed with advanced playing features like split keyboard, touch control, lesson mode, transpose, dual timbres  and more. Take your playing to the next level, with the included sustain pedal, detachable sheet music holder, and USB port for MP3 audio playback.
• Record & playback: Belt out in song by plugging into an external amplifier (not included) or discreetly practice on headphones, along with the option to record and playback for improved performance. Keyboard is equipped with sustain pedal jack, audio input, audio output, headphone jack, USB, USB-MIDI port.
• Flawless, authentic range of sound: Built-in speakers offer tremendous sound, complete with 140 timbres, percussions, and 16 demonstration songs.
• Easy to use: Ready-to-use right out of the box. Just use the included US-standard 110 -120 volt power adapter to plug in and play.

For details on Amazon view here

2. DIGITAL

If your intent is to record, to produce cds, to experiment and use many different instrument sound samplings, then you should choose from digital music production systems. 

The cost for this category would be up to $3000 in general with a wide variety of options when choosing a piano.

The physical weight of such a system is considerable, though it can be considered portable since it weighs less than an acoustic piano. However, for myself, I would not want to have to move it around weekly.

I have a Yamaha MOTIF XF8 Music Production Synthesizer and love the quality sounds and capability to alter them, the weight of the full-size keys, and the ability to change a recorded segment as I desire. It also is MIDI, so is connectable to my computer for further uses. Actually, if it was as gorgeous as my Yamaha baby grand, it would replace it in my living room! 

CONS: May require a separate music rest.
Requires a stand (or table) and bench.
Higher price tag.

PROS: Highly varied in excellent sound samplings.
Headphone and MIDI jacks.
Capable of varied uses for the beginner through professional.

Here are some brands and models to consider: 

Yamaha MX88 Synthesizer $1099.99

• The 88-note, GHS weighted action is heavier in the low keys and lighter in the high keys, just like an acoustic piano
• Class-compliant USB audio/MIDI for true “plug and play” connectivity without installing any drivers; Tempo (BPM): 5-300
• Motif sound engine: layer, zone, switch, cycle, randomize and control up to 8 elements within a single voice
• Virtual circuitry Modeling (vcm) re-creates the sound and behavior of vintage effects and signal processors.Display 3 digit LED + 20 x 2 line character LCD (backlit)
• 128 notes of polyphony ensures dropout-free performance playing live or with full 16-track sequences

For details at Amazon view here

Donner DDP-300 Digital Piano $633.99

• 88-key GHS weighted keyboard digital piano, precisely matching the finger strength changes, is heavier in the low end and lighter in the high end.
• Double keyboard setting lets you separate the keyboard into two same sections in pitch & tone.
• 10 Pre-set authentic timbres (Grand Piano, Electric Piano, Rock Organ, Strings, Bass, etc), 128 polyphony, advanced sound sampling. Has metal 3-pedal system ( Soft / Sustain / Sostenuto Pedal).
• The high-quality speakers, three-dimensional surround sound, heavy bass, and warm tone The mahogany veneer and streamlined design is exquisite and simple. The wooden cabinet has a sliding key cover to effectively protect the keyboard
• Has Bluetooth MIDI function, wirelessly connecting compatible external equipment or software
• USB/Headphone/Audio Output

For details at Amazon view here

3. ACOUSTIC

There will be many options in this category when choosing a piano. My advice is to not skimp on function. The pedals need to work properly. The instrument needs to be tunable, but perhaps not perfectly. I doubt anyone will notice if it is not perfectly pitched.

For home use, when choosing a piano – smaller is usually more desirable, meaning spinet sized or console sized (a few inches taller).  The spinet creates less, but adequate, volume; it takes up less space; it may cost less to maintain.

There certainly are impressive professional upright grand piano that are considerably taller than console height, but come with a considerably higher price tag. A professional vertical grand can sound and feel like a horizontal grand. If you must have a grand, consider the rather new “preemie” size that is shorter than the smallest baby grand when choosing a piano.

CONS: Needs tuning.
Has no volume control.
Not easily moved.
Has no headphones.
New models have higher price tags.

PROS: Variety of sizes and prices. 
Usually comes with a bench and built-in music rest.
Are more visually appealing than just a keyboard.
A professional technician/tuner can give a qualified opinion prior to buying.
All use the total 88 standard sized weighted keys
If you don’t skip on function, you may decide to use your piano for years or decades or when trading up in value to a newer model.

Estate sales are good for finding acoustic pianos at a reasonable price. Also check online venues, such as NextDoor and FaceBook market.

Check here for illustrated comparative sizes of spinets, consoles  and uprights. http://www.bluebookofpianos.com/verticalpianos.htm

Pianos 40″ and shorter are spinets,
41″ – 44″ tall are consoles,
45″ and taller are studio uprights.
The tallest studio uprights (48″+) are often called professional or upright grands.

One more thing – Use a bench.

Bench or Chair?

It is better to have a bench because it is totally horizontal. The line of the keyboard and the seat need to be parallel. I do not recommend using chairs as they are more difficult to position correctly.  For example, consider how odd it would feel if the student was using a traditional folding chair where the seat slopes up. It creates a tension in the body to maintain a parallel position relative to the keyboard, which is not only uncomfortable but a major distraction. The student loses attention quickly having to fight gravity when slipping on a sloping chair!

So, there are many things to consider when choosing a piano. It pays to do some research before you begin looking.

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