| Digital pianos reproduce the sound and experience of | | | | - At the press of a button the sound can be changed |
| playing an acoustic instrument. Using digitally recorded, | | | | dramatically. Restricted only by the samples, you can |
| or sampled, sounds as opposed to a combination of | | | | select the sound that you are playing. The range and |
| hammers and strings, a digital system can offer a | | | | quality of these sounds increases alongside the price. |
| highly realistic playing feel. | | | | - With specific audio outputs, they can be recorded or |
| A typical instrument has a keyboard with a weighted | | | | modulated with effects very easily, without the need |
| key action that contains sensors that detect the | | | | for microphones that is had with an acoustic. |
| velocity with which you hit the keys. When you strike | | | | What features are important? |
| the keys, the loudness of the sound produced | | | | It is important to consider carefully what your needs |
| corresponds to how hard you hit them. As the system | | | | are before buying a digital piano. Below is a checklist |
| is based on samples, other sounds, such as organs | | | | of things to watch out for when shopping. |
| and harpsichords, can be realistically recreated within | | | | - Fully weighted and graded action will have the most |
| the instrument. | | | | realistic feel when played. . The polyphony of notes |
| Why would I want a digital piano? | | | | may be important if you intend on taking your playing |
| These instruments extend the range of options that a | | | | seriously. Check that the number of notes that can be |
| player has available. They are greater value than an | | | | heard at once is enough to meet your needs. If you |
| acoustic instrument with prices starting from | | | | sustain multiple notes or playing larger chords, twelve |
| £315 for a PDP220 by Gear4music, with | | | | to sixteen note polyphony will not be enough. |
| professional quality instruments costing well into the | | | | - Should be designed ergonomically to the player's |
| thousands. Roland produce an advanced range | | | | needs. As a result the control panel should be |
| including the RG-3 Digital Grand with Moving Keys at | | | | straightforward and easy to understand. Importantly, |
| £8919. | | | | the controls should not interfere with the playing. |
| - They are portable. A typical digital piano weighs | | | | - Some people may have very specific 'extra' |
| approximately 50 kilos, whereas an acoustic will weigh | | | | features they need. For example, it may be considered |
| around 200 kilos. It is possible to disassemble some of | | | | necessary to have a built in cover for the keys. |
| the main parts (for example the stand) in order that it | | | | Similarly, check what onboard effects are available, |
| may fit in a car more easily. | | | | and whether these are what you need. Many come |
| - Tuning is not a problem as it is based around | | | | with various levels of reverb available. |
| playback of recorded samples. An acoustic usually | | | | - For those who want a realistic playing experience, |
| needs tuning once or twice a year. | | | | check whether it includes pedals and if so, that they |
| - The vast majority of have a headphone output, | | | | meet your requirements. |
| meaning that it can be played at any volume, at any | | | | - The power of the amplifier or speaker dictates the |
| time without any noise, other than the low level | | | | volume. Although it may not be turned up to full, the |
| pressing of keys, being produced. This is ideal for | | | | extra power of the speaker can make the sound |
| home practice environments. | | | | more balanced overall. |
| - Many feature Musical Instrument Digital Interfaces. | | | | Things to think about |
| MIDI allows the piano to interface with another | | | | If you are going to use your piano for practice in the |
| electronic musical device, such as computer software | | | | home it would be worth investing in some headphones. |
| or a synthesizer, to expand the realms of what you | | | | Also consider where you will use it, and check if it |
| can do with it. | | | | comes with a stool. |