Deciding on what would work best for YOU can be really challenging task and a time consuming process considering the variety of options available. Our comprehensive guide will make your job easier and help you decide on the keyboard instrument that would suit your needs best.
What are the currently available options on the market?
Acoustic piano
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The most traditional type of keyboard instrument that you will come across in most schools, practice rooms and households is an upright 88-keys piano with three pedals.
Being more compact (can be only 109cm in height) compared to grand pianos it's designed for modern day living. Mechanics - small hammers striking the strings. Popular among professionals as allows to work on various technical aspects and produce variety of tones and colours which are not possible to produce on a digital instrument. If you are restricted in your budget but don't want to compromise the great authentic sound and touch, then this is the option to go for. The starting price is generally from £1500 (new). This can also be rented at about £40 per month. |
TransAcoustic and Silent piano
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Silent piano: the traditional acoustic piano and new technology comes together in one.
One of the fundamental benefits of so called 'Silent' (Yamaha) and 'Anytime' (Kawai) piano is the one of being able to practice whenever with headphones but without compromising the acoustic sound of the traditional upright piano. Yamaha Silent series: when silent function (control box pictured on the right) is activated, the hammers no longer hit the stings, "a highly sophisticated sensor-technology captures all movements of the keys and sends them to the digital tone module. Play a real acoustic piano with headphones at any time, day or night without being disturbed or disturbing others". Starting price - £4,999. TransAcoustic piano (pictured on the right): uses the mechanism of the Silent piano series. Unlike the Silent system where you do need the headphones, with TransAcoustic instrument the sound can come out thought the soundboard of the instrument; so, no headphones are required. Additionally, you can control the volume and select voices (.e.g harpsichord). Starting price - £12,132.00. |
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hybrid Piano
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Hybrid piano: upper range of digital pianos with a real acoustic piano action inside. One of its kind - it blurs the lines between the digital and acoustic instruments. Starting price: £4,031.00
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Digital piano
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Digital instrument of 88 keys (mostly) with either an external plug-in pedal box or the standard three piano pedals already installed.
These are generally the next best thing (after Hybrid pianos) to an acoustic piano as it imitates the sound and the real feel. Allows to control volume and voice (harpsichord, organ etc), record your performances, practice with headphones, takes less space and does not require tuning or costly moving service. Despite a considerable number of benefits, there are several disadvantages to digital pianos compared to acoustic:
Price: varies between £220 - £6000. |
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Electronic keyboard
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Generally, electronic keyboard is not the best option for classical piano lessons. It is an instrument that should rather to be explored as an instrument in its own right; because of its own special qualities such as playing with a backing track, using various styles and voices. Popular choice among composers.
However, if necessary, keyboards with weighted key and touch sensitivity can provide cost effective solution for the first year of classical piano lessons. These tend to come in a smaller size of only 61 keys. Price: these can be purchased new from £40. |
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Questions to ask yourself before buying:
Let us help you answer some of these questions!
- What is my budget?
- Is this investment going to be justified long-term?
- Do I have enough space?
- Can I get a better deal if I simply rent one out?
- How easy is this instrument to maintain?
- Do I want new or will I be fine with used or refurbished instrument?
Let us help you answer some of these questions!
Some of the questions go hand-in-hand. Generally, your budgeting decisions should be guided by your musical aims, level of musicianship, artistry and skill. Acoustic instruments will require a significant delivery charge and more maintenance and care (tuning services, careful at home setting e.g. controlling humidity levels) - you should plan and budget for this too.
Ultimately, there is no digital piano and no modern technology out there that can replace or replicate the real sound of the acoustic instrument, but do download our guide for more information.
Ultimately, there is no digital piano and no modern technology out there that can replace or replicate the real sound of the acoustic instrument, but do download our guide for more information.
Where to rent a piano? (UK)
Still feeling unsure? Don't hesitate to get in touch via email at info@kovaed.com.
