Digital or Acoustic Piano?

by Deborah Harvey September 28, 2020

What should you consider?

Digital pianos have been around in one form or another for decades so they’re not a new thing.

But with advances in sampling and sound engineering they have improved dramatically over the past few years to the point that even lower cost models designed for home use have a remarkable authenticity when compared with similar priced acoustic pianos.

With an ever expanding range of useful features digital pianos offer some of the following features that acoustic pianos can’t match.

Light and portable, easy to transport
Never needs tuning and virtually maintenance free
Have a range of sampled sounds, piano, electric piano, organ, guitar etc etc
Sounds can be layered eg piano and strings
Play at any hour with headphones
Many offer a recording feature along with multiple inputs and outputs to other devices
Some models offer accompaniment and rhythms, most have a metronome

The range of manufacturers, models, features and price points is vast and as with all things the more you are willing to pay the more features you get and the better the sound will be.

For serious acoustic piano aficionados a digital will never replace the sound and tactile response one gets when playing a quality piano. The combination of organic components – timber soundboard and bridges, strings and quality felt hammers is still the ultimate for creating the real piano experience.

No digital sound here, and no power required, just press any note and a sound will come out. Having heard multiple world class concert pianists play on the same Steinway Model D concert grand piano, the most amazing thing is that they all seem to get a unique and slightly different sound and response from the piano. That is what an acoustic instrument can give at the hands of different musicians.

Acoustic pianos can last a very long time if well maintained
They hold value well due to their longevity
A beautiful piano brings presence to a room. It can add the finishing touch to a homes decor.
Silent play systems can be retrofitted allowing connection via USB or MIDI to other devices
Even older quality built pianos can be repaired or rebuild if required, usually no issue with getting parts
Allow advanced students and players to develop technical skills
Acoustic live music engages an audience like nothing else

The range of manufacturers, models, styles and price points is vast and as with all musical instruments the bigger your budget the better your instrument will be.

In summary, there are pros and cons for each style of instrument, but in selecting the instrument that is right for you, we ask a range of questions that narrow the choices down to what will be most appropriate for your present and future needs. But the right questions have to be addressed and that is where our 25 plus years of experience becomes invaluable.

Who will be playing the instrument? What skill level – starter or experienced? It does matter.
Do you have the space, and a climatically stable environment for a piano?
What is your budget? If it is limited a lower priced digital may be better than a cheap used piano.
Will the instrument be in the same room as other media and distractions?
If the player is progressing well and has a few years experience most teachers will suggest a good acoustic piano. We also endorse this.
Do you move frequently? Go digital for easy shifting.
Do you entertain and have friend over to make music? An acoustic will sparkle and stand out in this regard.

Come and talk to us, we’ll help you find the instrument that is right for your requirements with helpful friendly questions and advice.