The piano captives the ears and hearts of people worldwide. If you’re interested in learning the piano, you’ll be happy to know that playing the piano comes with many benefits, including enhanced mood in older adults.
One of the first steps in playing the piano is finding the best piano for you. While acoustic pianos are a classic option, digital pianos offer many benefits. But with so many digital piano options, it’s very challenging to know which is the best digital piano for you.
Don’t worry, we can help. Here, we’re offering you a digital piano buying guide that will answer all of your questions.
What Are the Most Important Features and Specs?
One of the many benefits of digital pianos is they offer features that you can’t get with a classic grand piano. This not only eases the learning process but makes playing the piano more fun.
Here are some features and specifications to look for.
Polyphony
Polyphony is the number of notes the piano can produce at the same time. Modern digital pianos have anywhere between 32 and 128 notes playing at the same time.
What does this mean? If you want to produce various sounds with your keyboards, such as sound effects and samples, you’ll want to look for a digital piano with impressive polyphony. In addition, you may need polyphony to ensure your digital piano retains enough memory for all of the sounds you’re playing.
Metronome
A metronome is one of the most important tools for all musicians. Metronomes make a ticking sound that acts as a steady beat, improving your rhythmic and timekeeping skills.
Many digital pianos include a metronome and may even provide rhythms that sound similar to drums. Advanced metronomes let you adjust the beats per measure (BPM).
Modes
Modes are useful for many reasons. You can achieve the sound of two different instruments with your digital piano. You can also enhance the complexity of your song, making it sound like four people are playing the piano.
There are many different modes, such as dual-mode and split mode. See which modes your digital piano supports.
Other
Some other common digital piano features include:
- Lesson functions
- Preset temperaments
- Audio and MIDI recording
- Fine-tuning
- Accompaniment
No matter what features you want or need, always take a look at the features the piano offers. Understand the features you don’t need now might be beneficial in the future.
Technology Considerations for Digital Pianos
One of the benefits of digital pianos is the technological features. Before buying your piano, you’ll want to know your technological needs and if the piano can meet them. Here are a couple of common technological considerations.
Sound Systems
Your piano will have to be compatible with your sound system. This is why you need to consider your piano and amp. Take certain sound factors into consideration such as the piano’s power, piano and amp portability, and input/output channels.
Ports for Different Cables
If you’re recording or performing live, your digital piano should be able to hook up to different cables. These may include:
- USB types A and B
- Sustain jack
- Headphone jack
- Line in and out
- Bluetooth MIDI/Audio
- Audio in
- Mic in
- MIDI in/out
Take a look at your current or expected set up and see if the piano has the proper ports.
Should You Buy a New or Used Piano?
Are you still unsure of how to select a digital piano? Another way to find a great piano at a great price is by opting for a used piano. But are they really the best option? It depends.
First, consider yourself and your playing. Are you brand new to the piano and aren’t sure how long you will be playing? If so, buying a used digital piano may be ideal. This way, you’re not spending significant funds on a hobby you may let go of.
However, if you’re a serious player, you’ll benefit from a new piano. You’ll buy the best quality piano on the market and the piano will last for years.
You’ll also want to consider the brand and type of piano. For this used digital piano buyer guide, research the brand and the model. If the brand or model is famous for needing frequent repairs, then it may be best to find a new piano.
What Brand Is the Best?
There are many digital piano brands, from the giants to the lesser-known gems. Which one should you choose? It depends on what you want from your piano. Here’s our guide to buying a digital piano.
Best Value: Casio
Is Casio the best brand of digital piano? Casio digital pianos are some of the best quality in the business.
They offer immense power and sound, ideal for those who plan on playing in a live setting. Casio is also ideal for serious beginners; their digital pianos feature a variety of tones so you can experiment as your musical ability improves.
Available at an affordable price, Casio makes great pianos for beginners to advanced players.
Best Quality: Roland
If quality outweighs the price, a brand like Roland offers impressive sound for serious players. These pianos also sound similar to acoustic pianos, so you don’t sacrifice the feel and sound of a traditional piano.
Best Budget: Korg
If you’re new to piano and want a high-quality piano for a good price, look for Korg digital pianos. Their pianos are ideal for beginners and are usually available in a beginner-friendly price range.
The Best Pianos at the Best Price
While your piano should be of great quality, it shouldn’t break the bank. Here are our recommendations for the best digital piano at an affordable price.
Casio Celviano AP 470 Digital Piano
If you’re looking for a piano with all of the best features, the Casio Celviano AP 470 should be your pick. It offers 22 high-quality tones, audio recording, digital effects, duet mode, a lesson feature, MIDI recorder, and more.
Not only that, but this digital piano offers the same rich and resonating sounds as a traditional piano.
Casio Celviano AP 710 Digital Piano
This digital piano offers 260 polyphony max tones, a hall simulator, a volume sync equalizer, and more. This piano is innovative, going above and beyond in terms of acoustics, sound, and other effects.
This piano is ideal for musicians ready to find the next best piano or for anyone needing a step up from their current piano.
Dynatone VGP4000Q Digital Player Grand Piano
This piano is ideal for beginners who want to access an impressive library. The Dynatone “Q” has a 1,300-song music library as well as moving keys. You have unlimited capabilities in your music choices as well as your learning style.
Our Digital Piano Buying Guide: Find a Piano That Suits You
Have you read our digital piano buying guide and are ready to start shopping? Take a look at our digital pianos.