Playing the piano can be a great way to express yourself and develop creativity. To begin with, you need the right instrument. As a beginner, you may wonder which kind of piano is best for you. Choosing between acoustic pianos for beginners and digital pianos can be challenging. Here are some significant differences between the two that can help you decide which one to buy.
Acoustic pianos
In an acoustic piano, the keys are connected to hammers that strike the strings to produce the sound.
The vibrations produced by the strings are amplified by the soundboard.
The sound produced by the acoustic piano is rich and organic. It allows the pianist to express themself better.
There are two types- Grand piano and Upright piano The strings in the Grand piano are placed horizontally. You will need a lot of space in your home to accommodate a Grand piano. In an Upright piano, the strings run vertically. It can be easily accommodated in apartments.
Pros
- The amazing sound produced by an acoustic piano is its biggest feature. The sound from a digital piano may come close but it is not the same.
- The experience of playing an acoustic piano will always be special.
- An acoustic piano simply looks brilliant. It can enhance the interiors of your home. It can be passed down as a legacy or resold.
Cons
- Due to its large body, it can be hard to accommodate. It is pretty heavy too. Due to its weight and size, it is not easily portable.
- An acoustic piano needs regular tuning.
- The maintenance is tough. Humidity and heat can affect it. It needs to be cared for properly.
- Moving it often can damage it.
- An acoustic piano is generally loud, and this can be a disturbance.
Digital pianos
In a digital piano, the sound is produced digitally through electronic speakers.
There are three types- Grand piano, Upright piano, and portable piano The Grand piano is expensive.
The Upright piano fits more comfortably and is commonly used. The exterior of a portable piano is made using plastic. It is very light and it comes with a stand.
Pros
- The Digital piano is portable.
- It is easier to maintain than an acoustic piano.
- Humidity and heat do not affect it.
- You don’t need to tune a digital piano.
- It is generally more cost-effective.
- You can adjust the volume.
- This makes it less of a disturbance.
- A digital piano allows you to record, transfer files, etc.
- Some come with other useful sounds such as drum tracks, etc.
Cons
- The sound, feel, and touch is not the same as acoustic pianos.
- It does not have the aesthetic appeal of an acoustic piano.
Key factors to help you choose which Piano is better for you
Budget
As a beginner, how much are you ready to invest in your instrument learning journey? Acoustic pianos can be expensive as compared to digital pianos. The maintenance of an acoustic piano can be costly. It needs regular tuning. Sometimes, you may need the help of a professional. This can add to your expenses. An acoustic piano is more sensitive to its surroundings. Unsuitable surroundings can damage the piano parts. However, with good maintenance, it can last for years. The resale value of a well-maintained acoustic piano is higher than that of a digital piano.
Sound
The sound produced by a high-quality acoustic piano is warmer and better than the digital piano.
Space
To accommodate an acoustic piano, you need to have a spacious area. It has an aesthetic appeal. Digital pianos can certainly be comfortably accommodated. However, it lacks visual appeal.
Noise
An acoustic piano is naturally loud. Whereas, you can adjust the volume on a digital piano.
Expression, touch, and feel
The acoustic piano allows you to express your creativity better. You will have better control while playing it. As a beginner, acoustic piano helps develop hand strength and finger independence. In contrast, digital pianos may not provide the same level of expression and touch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing an acoustic or digital piano is a personal preference and depends on the individual’s needs and preferences. Acoustic and digital pianos both have their own pros and cons, and it’s up to you to decide which one is better for you. Whether you choose an acoustic piano that produces a traditional sound and feel or a digital piano that offers convenience and versatility, it is essential to consider factors such as budget, sound, space, noise, expression, touch, and feel before making your decision. Remember, the most important thing is to find the piano that helps you express yourself the best, and enjoy the process of learning to play it.
Hopefully, now you know which piano suits you better. The next step is to look for a good piano teacher who can guide you. Nowadays, online music classes have become popular. Music 4 Humans has qualified piano teachers who take private online piano lessons.
Music4humans offers free first 30-minute lessons to interested students. Check out the various courses and teachers available at Music4humans and book a music lesson online today!