I remember when I was a kid taking piano lessons. We had an old upright piano that weighed a ton, looked awful and never seemed to stay in tune. Not exactly what you would call inspiring to a beginning piano student. But who could afford a grand piano? Or who had room for one if they could afford it?
Fortunately today things are a little better. There are a variety of cost effective electronic solutions. The main advantage of choosing and electronic piano is price. In addition to price, an electronic piano never needs to be tuned. Most are light weight making them easy to move, and they can be purchased in a variety of furniture style to match your home decor.
Still there are a few things to consider when making your purchase.
The first seems to be a "no-brainer", but "Does it sound like a piano?" With all the "bells and whistles " available on electronic pianos today it is easy to overlook the obvious being enamored by the cool drum sounds and realistic orchestral sounds that these new instruments are capable of producing. Along with this consideration it is important to evaluate the other sounds. Some models may make the traditional keyboard sounds such as piano, electronic piano, organ and harpsichord. That's great if that's all you're looking for. However today's versions are capable of the traditional keyboard sounds and a lot more. Some models are capable of producing every instrument in the orchestra as well as many modern synthesizer sounds. Normally the more sounds it makes the more it costs, so weigh your options carefully. Most models also include drum sounds.
Second, along with a lot of really cool sounds, many of these new instruments have and onboard midi sequencer. This is an electronic counterpart to the old fashioned tape recorder. You simply select an instrument sound, play a part and the sequencer records what you play. You then play that track back while recording a second instrument. Record enough tracks and you have built a very nice multitrack recording of your song complete with drums, bass, piano, strings or whatever else you choose to include. In essence you have your very own recording studio.
A third thing to consider is whether the instrument has "weighted keys" or not. This simply means, "Does it feel like a piano when you play it?" Normally piano keys are harder to press than most electronic keyboards, or organs due to the mechanical action used to produce the sound. Most electronic keyboards come with a "weighted keys" option. However some do not, and those that do can have far different feels. This is an important consideration if the instrument is to be used for child piano lessons. Weighted keys will allow the transition to a real piano to come much easier when the child gets ready to perform that first concert at Carnegie Hall on the beautiful Concert Grand Piano.
Fourth, does it have a full 88 note keyboard? A real piano has 88 notes. While some electronic pianos have 88 notes, some do not. Be sure to check with the sales professional at your store, or read the specifications carefully if purchasing online. While a beginning student may be able to get by with an abbreviated keyboard for some time, they will outgrow it soon. Often times lower priced versions may not have full sized keyboards.
Fifth, does the instrument have built in speakers or do you need to connect it to some kind of sound system to be able to hear it? Many stage pianos need to be connected to external amplification to be heard. While the sound quality may be a lot better, the cost of the external sound system must be considered. Also the intended use must be considered. If you are planning to play with a band, you are better to choose the external amplification system. If you are planning to do all your playing in your home living room, you are probably better off going with built in speakers.
Sixth, how does it look? Electronic pianos come in a variety of styles and cabinets. You can get the cool black stage piano look if you are playing in a band. If you intend to do all your concerts in your living room styles range from the traditional spinet piano look all the way up to the look of a "Baby Grand". Unlike traditional pianos, their electronic counterparts may also come in a variety of colors other than wood tones.
While it is true that there is something unique about sitting in front of a real piano, by weighing your options carefully and using the six tips above you can have a satisfying piano experience ant a fraction of the cost by choosing a quality electronic piano.
