If you’re shopping for a new piano, your choices are generally between a digital and an acoustic model. There are some big differences between these two options, and they each have their pros and cons. Let’s take a look at each of these choices so you can decide which is best for you.
Acoustic Pianos
Acoustic pianos produce sound by having felt-covered hammers hit steel strings when you press the keys. The harder the keys are pressed, the harder the hammers hit the keys. Pressing the keys harder produces louder notes, while a lighter touch produces quieter sounds. Acoustic pianos have worked this way for hundreds of years, and they are capable of creating rich and beautiful sounds that are arguably better than what most electric pianos can produce, especially if you have a higher-quality instrument. If you want a richer and more “authentic” sound, an acoustic piano might be the way to go for playing your favorite songs.
Unfortunately, acoustic pianos do have some downsides that might make them inconvenient for many people. For starters, they are much more expensive than most digital pianos. Most acoustic pianos will cost several thousands of dollars. Meanwhile, you can find a decent digital piano for under a thousand dollars. They are also much bigger and will take up more space than an electric piano. There are smaller acoustic pianos available, but they are still the size of a large piece of furniture. If you live in a smaller house or an apartment, an acoustic piano might not be an option for you at all.
Acoustic pianos also require a fair amount of care and upkeep. Acoustic pianos should be tuned at least once a year to keep them up to pitch, and they need to be kept in the proper environment. Very low or very high humidity can do a lot of damage to acoustic instruments, and pianos are no exception. If you live in a very dry or humid region, it’s recommended that you purchase a humidifier or dehumidifier for your home if you’re planning to buy an acoustic piano.
Digital Pianos
Digital pianos emulate the sound of acoustic pianos without relying on hammers or keys. They can also produce other sounds, making them more versatile than acoustic pianos. They also don’t need to be tuned and aren’t affected by your home’s humidity. Digital pianos are usually much smaller than acoustic pianos, with some of them consisting mostly of a keyboard for maximum portability. You’ll likely have to purchase a digital piano stand if you want to play it comfortably in your home, but these are relatively inexpensive and can be set up practically anywhere you have space for them. Most digital pianos can also be played with headphones in case you want to practice without disturbing anyone.
Digital pianos may be more convenient than acoustic pianos, which can make them better options for those with limited budgets and space, but they don’t have the same sound and feel as a high-quality acoustic piano. Some digital pianos have weighted keys that simulate the feel of an acoustic piano, and many can imitate the sound of a high-quality acoustic, but some may still see them as merely a substitute for the “real thing.”
Overall, the choice between a digital and acoustic piano comes down to personal preference and logistics. If you don’t have the money or space for an acoustic piano, a good digital model should suit you nicely. On the other hand, if you have the budget and space for it and you want a richer, more beautiful, and “authentic” sound, look for a high-quality acoustic instead.