Beatrice Lang
Electric pianos are musical instruments with piano-style keyboards, where sound is produced by mechanical hammers striking metal strings, reeds, or wire tines. The earliest electric pianos were invented in the late 1920s, with the Neo-Bechstein electric piano built in 1931, and the RCA Storytone electric piano, the world's first commercially available electric piano, debuted in 1939. Electric pianos gained popularity in the late 1950s, reaching their height of popularity in the 1970s. They are not to be confused with digital pianos, which are electronic keyboard instruments designed to emulate the feel and sound of an acoustic piano. Digital pianos use synthesized emulation or recorded samples of an acoustic piano and incorporate weighted keys. They are often more compact, lightweight, and affordable than acoustic pianos.
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What You'll Learn
Electric piano recordings
Electric pianos are musical instruments that have a piano-style keyboard, where sound is produced by mechanical hammers striking metal strings, reeds, or wire tines. The vibrations are then converted into electrical signals by pickups, which are connected to an amplifier and loudspeaker to reinforce the sound. The earliest electric pianos were invented in the late 1920s, with the Neo-Bechstein electric grand piano introduced in 1929 and built in 1931. Other early electric pianos include the Vierlang-Forster electric piano (1937) and the RCA Storytone electric piano (1939).
The term "electric piano" can refer to several different instruments with varying sound-producing mechanisms, including Yamaha, Baldwin, Helpinstill, and Kawai's electric pianos, which are actual grand or upright pianos with strings and hammers. Helpinstill's instruments use electromagnetic pickups attached to the instrument's frame, producing a tonal character similar to that of an acoustic piano. Wurlitzer electronic pianos, sometimes nicknamed "Wurlies," use flat steel reeds struck by felt hammers, creating a distinctive tone that can range from sweet and vibraphone-like to a hollow resonance.
Early electric piano recordings include Duke Ellington's in 1955 and Sun Ra's "India," along with other tracks from the 1956 sessions on his second album, "Super Sonic Jazz." The popularity of the electric piano grew in the late 1950s, particularly after Ray Charles's 1959 hit record, "What'd I Say." It reached its height in the 1970s, after which electric pianos were gradually replaced by more lightweight and versatile electronic pianos and digital alternatives.
Despite the shift towards digital pianos and electronic keyboards, some performers still record with vintage electric pianos. The Famous E Electric Piano, for example, was a highly sought-after electric piano in the LA studio scene in the 1970s and 1980s, featured in numerous hit songs and albums. In 2015, George Mamalakis, a seasoned jazz pianist, began meticulously sampling the "E" electric piano with the guidance of Grammy-winning producer, Jay Graydon. This led to the development of The Famous E Electric Piano, a virtual recreation of the instrument with over 1,300 samples and factory presets, compatible with Native Instruments' Kontakt Player sampler software.
Recording electric pianos or keyboards can be done through various methods, depending on the specific instrument and setup. Digital pianos and keyboards often offer built-in recording capabilities, allowing users to render and edit audio files. Additionally, multitrack recorders provide advanced recording and editing features, accommodating both MIDI and audio formats. For specific models, such as some Yamaha digital pianos, it is possible to record the audio signal along with MIDI via USB. This requires installing the appropriate driver, such as the Yamaha Steinberg USB driver for the P-125 model.
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Electric vs. digital piano
Electric pianos and digital pianos are two different things. Electric pianos are considered electro-mechanical instruments, while digital pianos are electronic instruments.
Electric pianos use an analog electric component to pick up and amplify the sound generated by a string or some other kind of resonating metallic object. The earliest electric pianos were invented in the late 1920s, with the 1929 Neo-Bechstein electric grand piano being among the first. The popularity of the electric piano grew in the late 1950s, reaching its height in the 1970s. However, they were eventually replaced by more lightweight electronic pianos.
Digital pianos, on the other hand, generate tones by replaying samples of a real instrument that has been digitally stored. They are considered to be more cost-effective and accessible than electric pianos. Digital pianos have improved in quality and decreased in price over the years, making them a popular choice for those looking for a piano that runs on electricity. They also have the advantage of never going out of tune and being more convenient and easier to move or store.
If you are a beginner or prefer a traditional sound, a digital piano might be a good option. They are also preferred by music teachers for students as they have the requisite number of weighted keys and fewer distracting options. Additionally, digital pianos are suitable for serious piano practice or performances and can provide a nice visual accent to your home.
However, if you are a gigging musician or need a piano for recording, writing tunes, or composing, an electric piano may be more suitable. Electric pianos offer a wider sonic range and can be indispensable for modern-day composing. They are also more portable and lightweight compared to digital pianos, making them a good choice for live performances.
In summary, the main differences between electric and digital pianos lie in their mechanisms, sound, and intended use. Electric pianos use analog components and produce a unique sound, while digital pianos use digital samples and are more versatile in terms of sound options. Digital pianos are more commonly found in today's market and are suitable for beginners or those looking for a cost-effective option, while electric pianos may be preferred by professionals or those looking for a specific sound or functionality.
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Electric piano history
The electric piano is a musical instrument with a piano-style keyboard that produces sound through mechanical hammers striking metal strings, reeds, or wire tines. The resulting vibrations are converted into electrical signals by pickups and amplified through a loudspeaker. The earliest electric pianos were invented in the late 1920s, with the 1929 Neo-Bechstein electric grand piano being among the first. However, some sources claim that the electric piano was born in 1950 with the debut of Wurlitzer's first electric piano, the 100, in 1955.
The popularity of the electric piano began to grow in the late 1950s after Ray Charles's 1959 hit record, "What'd I Say". Its peak popularity was reached during the 1970s, with electric pianos being adopted for rock and pop use. This encouraged manufacturers to modify their designs for stage use and develop models specifically for this purpose. Early electric piano recordings include Duke Ellington's in 1955 and Sun Ra's "India" from the 1956 sessions included on his second album, "Super Sonic Jazz".
The development of the electric piano was driven by the progressive electrification of popular music and the need for a portable keyboard instrument capable of high-volume amplification. Electric pianos offered a less expensive and more portable alternative to acoustic pianos, making them accessible to musicians, students, and enthusiasts. They also enabled musicians to explore electronic music in a classical format.
The term "electric keyboard" refers to any instrument that uses keys and electricity to produce sound, encompassing a wide range of instruments, including synthesizers and organs. Electric keyboards have their origins in the clavichord, which was invented in the 14th century. Over time, various types of keyboard instruments evolved, leading to the explosion of electric keyboards and computer-linked instruments in the 20th century. The Moog synthesizer, invented by Bob Moog, was first displayed in 1964, contributing to the advancements in electric keyboards during that decade.
The distinction between electric and electronic pianos is important. While electric pianos are electro-mechanical, electronic pianos use analog circuitry to simulate the timbre of a piano, harpsichord, or organ. The first electronic pianos were mostly made in Italy in the 1970s, with similar models concurrently produced in Japan. Electronic pianos became less popular in the 1980s with the rise of more affordable and lightweight digital pianos and polyphonic synthesizers.
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Electric piano mechanics
The term "electric piano" refers to several instruments with different sound-producing mechanisms. These instruments are not electronic like synthesizers, but rather, electro-mechanical. Electric pianos feature a piano-style musical keyboard, where sound is produced by mechanical hammers striking metal strings, reeds, or wire tines, resulting in vibrations that are converted into electrical signals by pickups. These pickups can be magnetic, electrostatic, or piezoelectric. The electrical signals are then amplified through a loudspeaker for the performer and audience to hear.
Yamaha, Baldwin, Helpinstill, and Kawai's electric pianos resemble grand or upright pianos with strings and hammers. Yamaha's models, such as the CP-70, use piezoelectric pickups under the bridge to convert string vibrations into electrical signals. Helpinstill's pianos, on the other hand, employ electromagnetic pickups attached to the instrument's frame. Both types of instruments produce a tone similar to that of an acoustic piano.
Wurlitzer electronic pianos, affectionately nicknamed "Wurlies," use flat steel reeds struck by felt hammers. The reeds are arranged within a comb-like metal plate, forming an electrostatic or capacitive pickup system. This system produces a sweet and vibraphone-like tone when played gently, developing a hollow resonance as the keys are played with more force.
The Rhodes piano has a distinct bell-like tone with longer sustain and a "growl" when played forcefully. The Hohner Pianet, meanwhile, uses adhesive pads made from undressed leather and cushioned by foam rubber backing. When a key is pressed, the leather plucks a metal reed, and when released, the pad acts as a damper. The tone produced is similar to the Wurlitzer but brighter and with less sustain due to the absence of a sustain pedal mechanism.
In recent years, digital pianos have largely replaced electro-mechanical instruments due to their smaller size, lighter weight, and versatility in producing a wide range of tones. Digital pianos operate similarly to computers, with input from the player's finger pressing a key and output in the form of sound from a speaker. High-end digital keyboards can detect up to 1000 touch velocities, providing a more realistic playing experience.
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Electric piano models
Electric pianos are electro-mechanical instruments that use mechanical hammers to strike metal strings, reeds, or wire tines, converting the resulting vibrations into electrical signals using pickups. The earliest electric pianos were invented in the late 1920s, with the 1929 Neo-Bechstein electric piano being among the first. Here are some notable electric piano models:
Neo-Bechstein Electric Piano
The Neo-Bechstein electric piano was built in 1929, with another model introduced in 1931. It is considered one of the first electric pianos.
Vierlang-Forster Electric Piano
This electric piano was introduced in 1937, further advancing the technology of electric pianos.
RCA Storytone Electric Piano
The RCA Storytone electric piano was a joint venture between Story & Clark and RCA, debuting at the 1939 World's Fair. It featured normal strings and hammer action but no soundboard, with sound amplification through electromagnetic pickups, circuitry, and a speaker system.
Wurlitzer Electronic Pianos
Wurlitzer electronic pianos, sometimes nicknamed "Wurli", use flat steel reeds struck by felt hammers. The reeds fit within a comb-like metal plate, forming an electrostatic or capacitive pickup system. This system produces a distinctive tone, ranging from a sweet and vibraphone-like sound when played gently to a hollow resonance when played harder.
Yamaha CP-70
The Yamaha CP-70 is an electric piano that uses piezoelectric pickups under the bridge to convert string vibrations into electrical signals.
Helpinstill Electric Pianos
Helpinstill's instruments use electromagnetic pickups attached to the instrument's frame to capture the string vibrations and convert them into electrical signals.
Columbia Elepian
The Columbia Elepian (also branded as Maestro) uses a reed system similar to the Wurlitzer but with electromagnetic pickups resembling those in the Rhodes piano.
Valente Electric Piano
The Valente Electric Piano is a Brazilian-made electromechanical instrument introduced commercially in 2020. It was inspired by the Suette Piano, another reed electric piano made in Brazil in the 1980s.
Korg G1 Air
Korg is a digital-only producer of pianos, pedals, recording equipment, synthesizers, and guitars. The G1 Air is their flagship digital upright piano, offering a competitive product at a price point of around $2000.
Nord Piano 5
The Nord Piano 5 features graded hammer action keys designed by the third-party company Fatar. Their instruments are designed for technically-minded individuals with significant synth expertise and an interest in live digital performance.
Kurzweil Forte
The Kurzweil Forte is a flagship stage piano with 16GB of sounds and 23 programmable controllers. It is a high-end option for those seeking a digital piano.
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Frequently asked questions
An electric piano is a musical instrument that has a piano-style keyboard, where sound is produced by mechanical hammers striking metal strings, reeds, or wire tines, which cause vibrations that are converted into electrical signals by pickups. These electrical signals are then converted into sound through a loudspeaker.
Some examples of electric piano models include the Yamaha CP-70, the Wurlitzer, the Columbia Elepian, the Hohner Electra-Piano, and the Neo-Bechstein electric grand piano.
An electric piano is an electro-mechanical instrument that uses mechanical hammers to produce sound, whereas a digital piano is an electronic instrument that uses synthesized emulation or recorded samples of an acoustic piano. Digital pianos also have weighted keys to recreate the feel of an acoustic piano, while electric pianos do not have weighted keys.
