Five reasons to consider a digital piano (rather than an acoustic)
For many people the only "piano" worth considering is a traditional
acoustic (whether upright or grand). But in a world where technology
is constantly bringing us new gadgets, perhaps there are reasons to
prefer a digital model instead.
Let's look at five reasons why you might prefer a digital piano to a traditional acoustic:
(1) Portability - Have you ever tried to move an upright acoustic? How about a grand piano? If so, you know that theses things can weigh an absolute ton. Taking them from one place to another just isn't a viable option.
Now compare the digital piano. It's light (normally!) and is specifically designed so that you can move it about. How light is a digital piano? Well, the Yamaha P95 - a popular model - weighs just 12kg (that's 26 lbs). That's at least ten times lighter than a conventional upright piano. And if you're ever on the move, you'll surely appreciate that.
(2) Versatility - An acoustic piano sounds like an acoustic piano. That's about it. Of course, there's nothing wrong with the traditional piano sound. But there may well be times when you're looking for some variety. How about the electric piano? Or the organ? With a digital piano, you have all these options. You're able to create a whole range of different sounds. Ah, the wonders of technology...
(3) Headphones - Isn't it annoying when someone plays their music at a loud volume? (especially if you don't share their taste in music!) Imagine you're a parent. You want your child to learn the piano so you can encourage him (or her) to play as much as possible. But then comes the noise. After a while, it's unbearable.
Enter the digital piano. Most popular models allow the user to plug in a pair of headphones and spare everyone else. Now your children can play as loud as they want because you won't hear a thing.
[Note: If you're worried that your children too young for an advanced digital piano, you could start them off on a keyboard instead. Models like the Yamaha YPG-235 offer many of the advantages of a digital piano, but come at a cheaper irce]
(4) Realistic piano sound - Having read the first three points, you might be thinking: "That's all very well, but a digital piano can't sound like the real thing!" Well, here's the news: actually, it can.
Some of the high-end digital pianos (the Rolands, the expensive Yamahas etc.) sound so realistic that if you shut your eyes you'll swear you're listening to a concert grand piano.
This of course raises the question: If a digital piano can sound as good as an acoustic, why bother with the acoustic? (particularly when the digital model offers all the other benefits too)
(5) Price - Finally, there's price. If you have $5000 to spare, then investing in an acoustic might not be a bad choice. But what if you're on a budget? In cases like this, a $500 digital piano might be rather tempting.
One wonders what the acoustic piano's fate will be in years to come. We all know that when it comes to technology things change all the time.
More and more people are considering tablets instead of laptops. More and more people are trading their old mobiles for an iphone.
And now, perhaps, more and more would-be pianists are opting for a digital rather than an acoustic.
Let's look at five reasons why you might prefer a digital piano to a traditional acoustic:
(1) Portability - Have you ever tried to move an upright acoustic? How about a grand piano? If so, you know that theses things can weigh an absolute ton. Taking them from one place to another just isn't a viable option.
Now compare the digital piano. It's light (normally!) and is specifically designed so that you can move it about. How light is a digital piano? Well, the Yamaha P95 - a popular model - weighs just 12kg (that's 26 lbs). That's at least ten times lighter than a conventional upright piano. And if you're ever on the move, you'll surely appreciate that.
(2) Versatility - An acoustic piano sounds like an acoustic piano. That's about it. Of course, there's nothing wrong with the traditional piano sound. But there may well be times when you're looking for some variety. How about the electric piano? Or the organ? With a digital piano, you have all these options. You're able to create a whole range of different sounds. Ah, the wonders of technology...
(3) Headphones - Isn't it annoying when someone plays their music at a loud volume? (especially if you don't share their taste in music!) Imagine you're a parent. You want your child to learn the piano so you can encourage him (or her) to play as much as possible. But then comes the noise. After a while, it's unbearable.
Enter the digital piano. Most popular models allow the user to plug in a pair of headphones and spare everyone else. Now your children can play as loud as they want because you won't hear a thing.
[Note: If you're worried that your children too young for an advanced digital piano, you could start them off on a keyboard instead. Models like the Yamaha YPG-235 offer many of the advantages of a digital piano, but come at a cheaper irce]
(4) Realistic piano sound - Having read the first three points, you might be thinking: "That's all very well, but a digital piano can't sound like the real thing!" Well, here's the news: actually, it can.
Some of the high-end digital pianos (the Rolands, the expensive Yamahas etc.) sound so realistic that if you shut your eyes you'll swear you're listening to a concert grand piano.
This of course raises the question: If a digital piano can sound as good as an acoustic, why bother with the acoustic? (particularly when the digital model offers all the other benefits too)
(5) Price - Finally, there's price. If you have $5000 to spare, then investing in an acoustic might not be a bad choice. But what if you're on a budget? In cases like this, a $500 digital piano might be rather tempting.
One wonders what the acoustic piano's fate will be in years to come. We all know that when it comes to technology things change all the time.
More and more people are considering tablets instead of laptops. More and more people are trading their old mobiles for an iphone.
And now, perhaps, more and more would-be pianists are opting for a digital rather than an acoustic.
