Buying An Electric Piano? Check These Features

what to look for in electric piano

There are several factors to consider when choosing an electric piano. Firstly, the quality of the samples and technology used will determine the sound quality and how closely it resembles an acoustic piano. The wattage of the speakers is also important, as higher wattage generally indicates better sound quality. You should also consider the touch response of the keys, which can vary between models and affect the overall playing experience. Some pianos offer additional features such as sound effects, parameters, and connectivity options like USB/remote play capabilities. It is worth noting that the price range for electric pianos can vary significantly, and it is recommended to purchase from a respected piano maker to ensure quality and durability.

Characteristics Values
Number of keys 61, 73, or 88
Weighted keys Yes or no
Portability Portable or sturdy
Sound Acoustic piano sounds, electric piano sounds, synth sounds, organ sounds, etc.
Connectivity Bluetooth, USB, headphone jack, etc.
Brand Yamaha, Roland, Casio, Kawaii, Kurzweil, etc.
Budget $1000+

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Budget: Consider the cost and your needs

When it comes to purchasing an electric piano, it's important to consider your budget and needs. Electric pianos can vary widely in price, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Your budget will depend on your financial situation and how much you are willing to invest in an electric piano.

If you are a beginner or have a limited budget, there are still many quality options available. For example, the Yamaha P121 is a basic digital piano with 73 keys, offering a similar experience to a traditional acoustic piano at a more affordable price. The Casio PX-S3100 and PX-S1100 are also more affordable options that provide a realistic piano experience without all the extra features of higher-end models. If you're looking for something portable, the PSR-E383 is a budget-friendly arranger keyboard that runs on batteries and offers a wide range of tones and accompaniment styles for experimentation.

On the other hand, if you are an experienced player or are looking for a more advanced electric piano, you may need to increase your budget. The Roland FP-30X is a popular option that offers a realistic feel and sound, comparable to an acoustic piano, within its price bracket. The Yamaha Clavinova series, particularly the 785 model, is also well-known for its exceptional sound and feel, although it comes at a higher cost. For those seeking a stylish and modern instrument, the Casio PX-S7000 is a sleek option that complements any room's decor and offers a variety of voices and tones.

Ultimately, the right electric piano for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. Consider your skill level, desired features, and the amount you are comfortable spending. By balancing these factors, you can find an electric piano that suits your requirements without breaking the bank.

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Weighted keys: Go for realistic, weighted keys

Weighted keys are designed to replicate the action of a real piano. They use small hammers (rather than springs) attached to each key to recreate the mechanical movements and resistance similar to those of an acoustic piano. This system has a natural weight or resistance that you can feel as you play, and it’s that resistance that helps you gauge how hard to hit a key to produce the desired sound.

The "feel" of an acoustic piano is often described as its "action". This can be adjusted by a skilled technician so that the pianist encounters greater or lesser resistance as notes are played. Grand pianos, for example, utilize a double escapement mechanism that allows keys to be played rapidly in succession without first letting the key return to its starting position. In upright pianos, the hammers rely on springs to return to the at-rest position, resulting in smoother and faster key repetition.

Digital pianos with weighted keys can help improve your skills if you're planning to transition to a real piano in the future. Some digital pianos, such as the Kawai NV10S, even have actual hammers inside, providing an authentic playing experience. Yamaha, for instance, offers a range of portable digital pianos and stage pianos (CP73 and CP88) that combine portability with weighted keyboards. Their ARIUS digital pianos feature weighted keys and built-in consoles, while the Clavinova digital piano line provides fully authentic touch responses thanks to cutting-edge technology such as weighted "Grand Touch™" keyboards.

When choosing a digital piano with weighted keys, it's important to consider your budget and specific needs. For those on a tight budget, the Yamaha P-125 is a popular option that offers a good balance between price and performance. The Roland FP-30X is another highly regarded mid-range model known for its realistic weight and feel. If you're looking for something more advanced, the Casio PX-S1100 offers sound customization and a variety of features, including the ability to run on battery power, making it incredibly versatile and mobile.

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Portability: Do you need it to be portable?

Portability is an important factor to consider when choosing an electric piano. If you plan on travelling with your piano for live performances or need to save space, a portable model is ideal.

Stage pianos, for example, are designed with portability and convenience in mind. They are slim, lightweight, and built tough, making them easy to transport and store. Despite being built for performance, stage pianos do not compromise on quality. They provide realistic acoustic piano sounds and touch responses, as well as a variety of other tones like electric pianos and organs. The Yamaha P-145 Digital Piano is a great example of a portable piano, offering affordability and quality.

The Roland RD-88 is another excellent choice for those seeking portability and flexibility. It has a lightweight design, powerful onboard sounds, and seamless integration with music production software. Similarly, the Casio Privia PX-160 is a portable option with a lightweight design, built-in speakers, a recording function, and MIDI connectivity.

If you require a middle ground between design and space, some brands offer 'slimline' versions of their electric pianos. These models preserve quality while reducing the overall footprint, allowing you to save space without sacrificing functionality.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs and requirements. If portability is a priority, there are several options available that offer both convenience and exceptional musical experiences.

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Sound: Ensure the piano has the right sound and features

When it comes to electric pianos, sound is a crucial factor to consider. The goal is to find an instrument that closely reproduces the sound and feel of an acoustic piano while also offering additional features that enhance your playing experience.

Firstly, you should consider the overall sound quality of the electric piano. Look for one that provides a rich and dynamic piano sound, accurately replicating the nuances of an acoustic piano. Some brands, like Roland, utilise advanced sound engines such as the SuperNATURAL sound engine, which combines audio samples with software modelling to create an authentic and malleable sound palette. This technology also allows for the simulation of subtle acoustic elements, such as sympathetic string resonance, damper resonance, and key off-resonance, adding to the overall realism of the piano sound.

Additionally, you may want to explore electric pianos that offer a wide range of tones and instrument sounds beyond the standard piano sound. Many electric pianos provide various electric piano, organ, string, guitar, synth, and even bass sounds, allowing you to experiment with different styles and create diverse musical arrangements. Some models, like the PSR-E383, offer hundreds of onboard tones and accompaniment styles, providing you with a vast sonic palette to explore and layer different sounds.

Another aspect to consider is the ability to customise and tweak the sound to your liking. Some electric pianos come with dedicated apps, like Roland's Piano Designer app, which allows you to adjust various settings, including string resonance, damper resonance, and key off-resonance simulation, to personalise your playing experience. Additionally, look for models that offer studio-quality effects, such as impulse-response control, multiband EQ, delay, modulation, and reverb, giving you even more control over your sound.

Lastly, if you intend to use headphones or external amplifiers, ensure that the electric piano accommodates these options. Some pianos, like the FP-10, excel when used with headphones, providing an immersive listening experience. On the other hand, if you plan to use the piano for performances, consider models with built-in speakers that can handle larger venues without the need for external amplification.

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Number of keys: The number varies, so choose what's best for you

When buying an electric piano, one of the most important factors to consider is the number of keys. The number of keys on an electric piano can vary, typically ranging from 61 to 88 keys. The most common number of keys found on electric pianos is 73 or 88.

If you are a beginner, a piano with 61 keys might be sufficient for your needs. This is a standard number of keys for budget-friendly options and can be a great starting point for those just learning to play. However, if you are an aspiring pianist looking for a more advanced playing experience, consider opting for 73 or 88 keys. These options offer a wider range of notes, allowing for more complex compositions and a closer simulation of an acoustic piano.

For example, the Yamaha P121 is a 73-key electric piano that provides a similar experience to its popular 88-key counterpart, the Yamaha P125. On the other hand, the FP-E50 by Roland is an 88-key model that delivers an exceptional playing experience, featuring additional sounds, modern synth tones, and drum sets, all while retaining the feel of a digital piano.

Ultimately, the number of keys you choose will depend on your skill level, budget, and personal preferences. It's worth trying out different options to see which one suits your playing style and musical goals.

Frequently asked questions

You should look into the various types of electric pianos available in the market, such as digital pianos, stage pianos, synthesizers, MIDI controllers, etc. You should also consider the specifications of each model and the manufacturer.

You should look for a piano with a variety of piano sounds ("concert", "modern", "mellow", etc.), as well as other sounds like electric piano, organ, strings, choir, etc. You should also look for one with good speakers and wattage.

Yes, you might want to look for a piano with USB/remote play capabilities so that you can control it via your phone or tablet. You should also consider the design and aesthetics of the piano to ensure it fits your space and enhances the room.

Yes, a superior digital piano should have weighted keys that replicate the touch, tone, look, and feel of an acoustic piano. It should also have a full range of 88 keys to provide a range of notes and dynamics equivalent to an acoustic piano.

Roland and Yamaha are popular brands that offer a range of digital piano models at different price points. Other reputable manufacturers include Kawai and Alesis. It is recommended to consider brands that have experience in building acoustic pianos as well.

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