| The piano has come a long way since it's invention | | | | to using one of these instruments and they are often |
| 500 years ago. The original version has now been | | | | used by bands who need an easily portable instrument, |
| replicated and improved countless times, resulting in a | | | | but there are definite down sides, as well. |
| large number of different piano styles and with the | | | | Things to Consider When Choosing a Digital Piano |
| latest technology, digital pianos have cropped up and | | | | - Digital pianos are considerably cheaper than acoustic. |
| become a popular alternative. But which one is right for | | | | - There is very little sensitivity in the digital key, meaning |
| you? That depends greatly on what you intend to do | | | | that true interpretation of many piano pieces is simply |
| with your piano playing and what your budget is. | | | | not possible. |
| However, there are many pros and cons for both | | | | - Some piano teachers will not teach students who |
| sides. | | | | only have access to a digital piano. |
| Acoustic Piano | | | | - These instruments are quite light and portable, some |
| The acoustic piano is a complicated structure. | | | | even come in their own carry bag. |
| Touching the keys results in a hammer hitting a string, | | | | - A high end digital piano offers a wide range of styles |
| which then vibrates and the sound produced is | | | | and features, including drum tracks and recorded notes |
| amplified by the piano`s soundboard. This provides a | | | | from a variety of other instruments and types of |
| rich, true piano sound, which is quite valued at concerts | | | | pianos. |
| and recitals. However, an acoustic piano requires a lot | | | | - Digital pianos don't need to be tuned, making them |
| of space, upkeep and money. | | | | very useful in humid areas or where the weather |
| Things to Consider When Choosing an Acoustic Piano | | | | changes drastically. |
| - Acoustic pianos need regular tuning, particularly if | | | | The debate of traditional acoustic pianos vs. digital |
| there are changes in the weather or if the piano is | | | | ones has been around as long as digital pianos. |
| moved. | | | | Classical piano students insist that an acoustic piano is |
| - Nothing compares to the full-bodied sound provided | | | | the best and to be honest, the digital piano is only an |
| by an acoustic piano. | | | | imitation, albeit a very good one these days. Even with |
| - These pianos allow the artist to play softly or loudly, | | | | the best technology, digital pianos are simply not able |
| depending on the mood of the piece . . . the piano | | | | to live up to the original acoustic. |
| responds to the touch of the pianist. | | | | However, this doesn't rule out digital pianos completely. |
| - Acoustic pianos are large, weighing between 450 | | | | They are still extremely useful for the piano student on |
| and 1,000 pounds and take up a large part of a room. | | | | a budget or for anyone who has little space in their |
| - Affordable acoustic pianos are usually wrought with | | | | home for a large acoustic piano. Bands also find the |
| flaws and not worth buying . . . but for many, a true, | | | | more portable version to be easier to use, since it |
| good quality one is simply beyond their budget. | | | | doesn't require tuning and can easily be packed up and |
| Digital Piano | | | | moved to the next gig. In the end, it depends on your |
| A digital piano is one that is a replica of an acoustic | | | | intent, as well as a few other factors, such as budget |
| piano. Rather than contain the strings and mechanisms | | | | and space, as to whether or not you will go with an |
| to produce the sound, digital pianos just use recorded | | | | acoustic or a digital piano. |
| notes from a real piano. There are definite advantages | | | | |