Digital Piano Buying Guide – The Ultimate Roadmap

Choosing the right digital piano can be overwhelming, given the variety of options available on the market today. This ultimate digital piano buying guide is designed to help you make an informed decision.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to start your musical journey, an intermediate player seeking to upgrade, or a professional needing a reliable performance instrument, you come to the right place.

We’ll cover everything from understanding your needs to the technical features and types of digital pianos and tips on testing and buying the perfect model.

Overview

Understanding Your Needs

While we guide you through the process of buying a digital piano, it is crucial to understand your needs. This will ensure that you select an instrument that aligns with your playing style, skill level, and goals.

Whether you’re a beginner seeking basic features, a performer needing advanced sound options, or a student looking for practice tools, knowing what you require helps you make an informed decision.

It also prevents overspending on unnecessary features or underinvesting in essential ones, ensuring that your digital piano supports your musical growth and provides a satisfying playing experience.

Skill Level

• Beginner: If you’re just starting, look for digital pianos with built-in tutorials, learning modes, and a user-friendly interface. Entry-level models are generally more affordable and focus on the essentials, such as a decent key action and good sound quality.

• Intermediate: As you progress, you may need more advanced features, such as better key action that mimics an acoustic piano, enhanced sound quality, and additional connectivity options for recording and practice.

• Professional: For advanced players, high-end digital pianos offer features like superior sound modeling, robust connectivity for studio work, and durability for frequent performances. Moreover, the key action in these models is often indistinguishable from that of a grand piano.

Intended Use

Understanding the intended use of a digital piano is important because it helps you choose a model that best fits your specific needs. Whether you’re using it for home practice, live performances, or studio recording, different pianos offer features tailored to each situation.

Home Practice

Consider size, sound quality, and price. A good home digital piano should have built-in speakers, a quality key action with the options of touch sensitivity levels, and possibly features like recording capabilities to monitor your progress and connectivity to apps. In addition, you may choose a piano design that fits your home decor. Many models offer different finishing colors.

Stage Performance

Portability and durability are key. Stage pianos often have lightweight designs, advanced connectivity options for PA systems, and robust construction to withstand frequent transport.

Studio Recording

Look for pianos with high-quality sound libraries, MIDI capabilities, and seamless integration with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). The ability to customize sounds and effects is also important for studio work.

Digital Piano Buying Guide on Budget Considerations

The price of a digital piano varies greatly, from several hundred to several thousand. Therefore, budget consideration is a crucial factor when purchasing a digital piano, as it helps ensure you get the best value for your investment without overspending.

Establishing a clear budget allows you to focus on models that meet your financial limits while still offering the essential features and quality you need.

On the other hand, it’s important to balance cost with the quality of sound, key action, and additional features, as compromising too much in these areas can impact your learning and playing experience.

Entry-Level

Focus on essential features. Entry-level models typically range from $300 to $700 and offer basic functionality with decent sound and key action.

Mid-Range

Balance quality and cost. Mid-range digital pianos, priced between $700 and $1,500, offer better sound engines, more realistic key action, and additional features like advanced connectivity and more sound options.

High-End

Invest in premium features. High-end models, costing $1,500 and above, are built for long-term use with superior sound quality, professional-grade key action, and extensive customization options.

By carefully considering your budget, you can find a digital piano that fits your needs and supports your musical growth without breaking the bank.

For more information about digital piano value, check out our article on “Are Digital Pianos Worth It?“

Main Features to Consider

When choosing a digital piano, understanding the key features to consider is essential to making an informed decision.

With a wide range of models available, each offering different capabilities and technologies, it’s important to identify the features that best align with your needs and preferences. From the feel of the keys to the quality of sound, connectivity options, and additional functionalities, these elements will significantly impact your playing experience and satisfaction with the instrument.

This digital piano buying guide will help you navigate the most important features to look for, ensuring that you select a digital piano that meets your specific requirements.

Key Action and Feel

The key action of a digital piano is crucial because it directly affects how the instrument feels and responds to your playing. A well-designed key action mimics the touch of an acoustic piano, offering varying levels of weight, sensitivity, and responsiveness.

Weighted vs. Semi-Weighted vs. Hammer Action

The key action affects how the keys respond to your touch, closely mimicking the feel of an acoustic piano. Weighted keys provide resistance to give a more authentic feel, while hammer action replicates the mechanical feel of acoustic piano hammers.

Touch Sensitivity

It allows for dynamic playing, responding to how hard or soft you press the keys.

In addition, you may have also heard “graded” or “scaled” key actions. That means the keys on the lower registers are heavier and gradually lightened up towards the higher notes to reproduce the key weight effects of an acoustic piano.

Many digital pianos offer several levels for you to adjust the touch sensitivity. For example, you may choose the Heavy key setting for practice while selecting Normal or Light when performing.

Escapement

Key escapement, also known as let-off, in a digital piano, refers to a subtle mechanism that mimics the sensation of a hammer lifting off the string in an acoustic piano.

• This feature creates a slight resistance near the bottom of the key press, giving the player a more realistic touch, especially during delicate or rapid passages.

• It’s an important feature for pianists seeking an authentic acoustic piano experience, as it enhances tactile feedback and overall expressiveness.

• For example, Roland’s Progressive Hammer Action 50 (PHA-50), which is used in FP-90X, has a key escapement feature. The Kawai CN201, which also has the key let-off attribute, is another example.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is a vital aspect of a digital piano because it determines how realistic and expressive the instrument feels. High-quality sound, often achieved through advanced sampling and modeling technology, ensures that the tones produced closely resemble those of an acoustic piano.

This realism enhances the playing experience, allowing musicians to convey emotion and nuance in their performance. Clear, rich sound also supports practice and recording, making it easier to distinguish subtle details in music. Overall, excellent sound quality is essential for both enjoyment and the development of musical skills.

Sampled Sounds vs. Modeled Sounds

Modeled sounds are digitally generated using algorithms, while sampled sounds are recordings of acoustic instruments.

Sampled sounds often feel more natural, while modeled sounds offer more flexibility and realism in response to playing nuances.

To learn more, read our dedicated article about Modeled vs Sampled Piano Sounds.

Polyphony

This refers to the number of notes a digital piano can produce simultaneously. A higher polyphony count (e.g., 128 or 256) is crucial for complex pieces and layering sounds without cutting off notes.

To understand more about polyphony, read Polyphony in Digital Piano – Exploring Its Significance.

Sound Libraries and Customization

Advanced models offer extensive sound libraries with the ability to customize and store your own sounds. This is particularly useful for performers and composers looking to create unique tones.

Built-in Speakers:

• Power and Quality: Built-in speakers vary in power and quality, affecting the overall sound experience. Consider the wattage and the clarity of the sound, especially at high volumes.

• External Amplification Options: If you need more powerful sound for performances, check if the digital piano supports external amplification through audio outputs or headphone outputs.

Connectivity Options

The connectivity is one of the unique features of digital piano. Connectivity is helpful because it allows the instrument to interact with other devices and software, expanding its functionality.

Features like MIDI, USB, and Bluetooth enable seamless integration with computers, tablets, and apps for recording, composing, and learning. This opens up opportunities for musicians to connect to Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), use virtual instruments, or access interactive learning tools.

Additionally, connectivity options make it easier to share, edit, and enhance music, providing greater flexibility and convenience for both practice and performance.

Understand that your digital piano has the necessary outputs for connecting to speakers, amplifiers, or recording equipment. This will ensure that the piano supports your needs.

Pedals

Digital pianos usually come with a sustain pedal, but higher-end models may also include soft and sostenuto pedals.

The functionality and feel of these pedals can greatly affect your playing experience. Some entry-level models may come with an unstable plastic footswitch. In that case, we always recommend buying an optional piano-style sustain pedal.

The console-style digital pianos normally have a triple-pedal unit built-in on the piano stand.

You may also interested in Piano Pedals, How to Use Them.

Additional Features

• Metronome and Recording: Built-in metronomes help keep time, while recording capabilities allow you to capture and review your playing.

• Split/Layer/Duet Modes: Split and layer modes enable you to play different sounds with each hand or combine sounds for richer tones. Duet mode splits the piano into two pianos with the same pitch, which is useful for teacher and student playing. More details on Digital Piano Features: Modes.

• Dual Headphone Jacks: Dual jacks are useful for lessons, allowing both the student and teacher to listen simultaneously without external noise.

• Integration with Learning Apps and Sheet Music Display: Many digital pianos can connect to apps for enhanced learning experiences, and some models feature built-in displays for sheet music or lesson plans. Check out the Best Online Piano Lessons – Top 7 Applications.

Types of Digital Pianos

There are several types of digital pianos, each designed for different uses and preferences. Each type caters to different needs, from home practice to professional performance.

Console Digital Pianos

Console digital pianos resemble upright acoustic pianos and are designed to stay in one place, typically at home. They feature built-in speakers, a full range of keys, and often a more traditional look.

The console-style digital pianos usually have excellent sound quality and realistic key action. They are aesthetically pleasing for home use.

The drawback is that they are less portable and generally more expensive.

They are best for stationary use, such as at home, school, studio, or worship house. They are suitable for beginners to advanced players looking for a traditional piano-like experience.

Portable Digital Pianos

Portable pianos are lightweight and designed for easy transport. Many of them have features similar to console pianos.

The pros of portable digital pianos are their portability, generally less expensive, and ease of setup. On the other hand, they may lack the advanced features and sound quality of console models.

They are ideal for beginners, students, and musicians needing a portable option.

Stage Pianos

These pianos are designed for live performances and are ideal for professional musicians and performers. Stage pianos are robust and typically feature powerful sound engines and extensive connectivity options for PA systems.

They are durable, and also offer excellent sound customization and advanced connectivity. However, stage pianos are more expensive and usually do not have built-in speakers.

For more information about stage pianos, check out our article: What is a Stage Piano?

Hybrid Pianos

Hybrid pianos combine elements of both acoustic and digital pianos. They often include actual hammers and strings, with digital sound processing for added versatility.

They offer the best of both worlds—an acoustic feel with digital features. Yet, they are usually more expensive than digital pianos and less portable.

Advanced players, professionals, and those seeking an authentic piano experience with modern conveniences will be interested in the hybrid pianos.

Top Brands and Models

The top digital piano brands offer a range of high-quality instruments tailored to various skill levels and needs.

Yamaha is known for its reliable and versatile models, offering great sound quality and realistic key action across all price ranges.

Kawai stands out for its exceptional key actions and acoustic-like feel, particularly in its higher-end models.

Roland is popular for its innovative sound technology and durability, especially in live performance pianos.

Casio provides excellent value for beginners and intermediate players, usually with advanced features at competitive prices. Check out Casio Keyboard Pianos.

Korg is also known for its innovative technology and high-quality sound engines. Korg excels in creating versatile instruments, particularly for live performance and studio use.

Each of these brands excels in different areas, making them leading choices for musicians worldwide. Our detailed discussion of these five popular brands may interest you.

In addition, Nord is well known for its stage pianos with a focus on live performance features.

Notable Models

• Yamaha P-225: Great for beginners and intermediates, offering a balanced combination of features and price. Check out our full review of the Yamaha P-225.

• Roland FP-30X: Known for its sound quality and Bluetooth connectivity, ideal for those seeking an upgrade. Read our in-depth review of the Roland FP-30X.

• Casio Privia PX-S7000: Ultra-portable with a sleek design, suitable for home and travel. Explore our comprehensive review of the Casio Privia PX-S7000.

• Kawai CN201: Excellent key action and sound, perfect for intermediate to advanced players looking for a high-quality home-use option. Take a look at our detailed review of the Kawai CN201.

Brand Reputation and Customer Support:

Choosing a brand with good customer support and reliable warranty policies is essential.

Well-known brands mentioned here often provide better customer service and longer warranties, which can save you time and money in the long run.

Comparison with Acoustic Pianos

When deciding between a digital piano and an acoustic piano, it’s important to consider the key differences in feel, sound, functionality, and maintenance. Understanding the distinctions can help guide your choice based on your needs and preferences.

Sound and Feel

Digital pianos have come a long way in replicating the sound and feel of acoustic pianos.

However, acoustic pianos still offer a more organic, resonant sound due to their physical strings and soundboards.

Digital pianos, on the other hand, provide consistency and the ability to use different sounds and effects.

Maintenance

One of the main advantages of digital pianos is that they require little to no maintenance.

Unlike acoustic pianos, which need regular tuning and care, digital pianos are not affected by humidity or temperature changes and don’t require tuning.

Portability and Space

Digital pianos are much lighter and more portable than acoustic pianos, making them easier to move and store. They also take up less space, which is ideal for small apartments or homes.

Even console-style digital pianos are not as heavy as acoustic pianos. You can move them around very easily.

Cost

While the initial cost of a digital piano can be lower than that of an acoustic piano, high-end digital models can be quite expensive.

However, when considering the long-term maintenance costs of an acoustic piano, a digital piano can be more economical in the long run.

Buying Considerations

Several key considerations can guide you make the right choice when buying a digital piano. In addition to the things we mentioned above, there are a few factors still to be considered.

New vs. Used

When buying a new digital piano, you get a full warranty, the latest features, and the peace of mind that the instrument hasn’t been mistreated. On the other hand, new pianos are usually more expensive than the used ones.

The advantage of buying a used one is the potential to find high-quality instruments at a discount. The disadvantage is that there is no warranty, and you may find hidden issues after purchasing.

Where to Buy

There are pros and cons to buying a digital piano online or in-store.

• Online: Offers convenience and often better prices. However, buying online means you won’t be able to try the piano before purchasing.

• In-Store: Allows you to test different models and get professional advice. Prices might be higher, but the ability to try before you buy can be invaluable.

We have additional resources for your reference:

Return Policies and Warranties

• Return Policies: Always check the return policy before purchasing, especially if buying online. Make sure you can return the piano if it doesn’t meet your expectations.

• Warranties: A good warranty can save you a lot of hassle if something goes wrong. Look for models with at least a 2- to 3-year warranty, and understand what is covered.

Test Before You Buy

Testing a digital piano before buying is important because it allows you to experience the key action, sound quality, and overall feel firsthand. This ensures the instrument meets your personal preferences and playing style, helping you make an informed decision and avoid potential dissatisfaction later.

Hands-on Testing

• It’s crucial to try out a digital piano in person if possible. This allows you to assess the feel of the keys, the quality of the sound, and the overall build.

What to Test

• Key Action: Test the responsiveness of the keys, how they feel under your fingers, and how closely they mimic an acoustic piano. The key action is a very personal choice. by trying different ones, you’ll find the one you like the most.

• Sound Quality: Listen for the richness and depth of the sound, both through the built-in speakers and headphones.

• Pedal Responsiveness: Make sure the pedals respond well and feel natural.

• Connectivity: Test any connectivity options, such as Bluetooth or MIDI, to ensure they work seamlessly and intuitively.

Questions to Ask

• Support: Ask about customer support, availability of replacement parts, and any repair services.

• Software Updates: Inquire whether the digital piano’s software can be updated to include new features or improvements.

• Accessories: Check what accessories are included and whether additional ones are available or necessary.

Accessories

There are several accessories that are useful. Some come with the pianos, and others you may have to purchase separately.

Stands

For console-style digital pianos, the stand is part of the piano, and you cannot take them apart.

However, portable digital pianos do not come with stands. Many manufacturers offer optional match stands for their portable pianos. With these stands, you can convert your portable to a console-style piano for stationary use.

If you frequently transport the piano and perform in different venues, a foldable stand might better suit your needs.

Benches

Usually, you have to purchase a bench separately. The right stand and bench are essential for comfortable playing. Ensure the stand is stable and the bench is adjustable to your height.

See our article about Piano Bench (Stool): How to Find the Best One For You.

Pedals

There are essentially three types of pedals for digital pianos.

• Plastic Foot Switch: Some lower-end models tend to come with a plastic foot switch that serves as a Sustain pedal. The foot switch does not work well because it moves around and only has an on/off function.

• Pinao-style Sustain Pedal: If your digital piano only has a plastic foot switch, then we recommend that you purchase a piano-style Sustain pedal if your budget allows. These pedals usually support half-pedal function that enables you to learn pedalling properly. One sustain pedal is enough for most beginners and intermediate players.

• A Triple Pedal Unit: Some console-style digital pianos have three pedals (sustain, soft, sostenuto) just like an acoustic piano. For most of the portable models, the triple pedal unit is optional and you may want to purchase one.

Dive into our articles:

Headphones

Invest in good-quality headphones for private practice. This allows you to hear the full range of sounds without disturbing others.

Covers and Cases

Covers protect your piano from dust, while cases are essential for safe transport, especially if you travel frequently with your piano.

Console-style digital pianos are just like upright acoustic pianos because they normally come with a sliding or folding cover. Portable pianos, even on a matching stand, do not have a cover. It is worth buying a cover if the piano is for stationary use.

Maintenance and Care

Digital pianos are easy to care for and require minimum maintenance. This is the main reason I switched to a digital piano over 30 years ago. Growing up with a baby grand piano, I am fully aware of the maintenance an acoustic piano requires.

Well, for digital pianos, you only need to periodically clean the keys and surfaces using a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, which can damage the finish. Keep food, drink, or other debris away from your piano to maintain its appearance and functionality.

Software Updates

Regularly check for software updates from the manufacturer to ensure your digital piano has the latest features and improvements.

Storage and Moving

If you need to store your piano for an extended period, keep it in a cool, dry place to avoid damage.

When moving the piano, use a padded case or cover to protect it from bumps and scratches.

Resources and Learning Tools

Digital pianos offer a wide array of resources and learning tools that can enhance your musical journey. This is one of the reasons people go for digital pianos. While this guide focuses on buying digital pianos, it is important to understand the available learning tools.

Many models come with built-in tutorials, metronomes, and lesson modes, making them ideal for beginners. Additionally, connectivity options like MIDI and Bluetooth allow integration with learning apps.

Video tutorials, instructional books, and online courses also provide valuable guidance for all skill levels. These tools make it easier to learn, practice, and develop piano skills, making digital pianos a great choice for self-study and structured learning alike.

• Apps and Courses: There are numerous online platforms offering lessons tailored to digital piano users. Apps like Flowkey, Piano Marvel, and Playground Sessions offer interactive learning experiences that connect directly to your digital piano.

• Advice and Experiences: Join forums like Piano World or Reddit’s r/piano to read reviews, ask questions, and get advice from other digital piano users.

• Additional Learning: Consider books like Alfred’s Basic Piano Library or videos on YouTube for further learning and practice tips.

Summary of Digital Piano Buying Guide

To sum things up, when buying a digital piano, you need to:

• Focus on your specific needs
• Have a budget in mind
• Test several models if possible
• Prioritize features that will enhance your playing experience.

In addition, take your time in making a decision. . Research thoroughly, read reviews, and don’t hesitate to ask questions to ensure you’re making the best choice for your musical journey.

By following this digital piano buying guide, you’ll be well-equipped to find the digital piano that suits your needs, budget, and musical aspirations. Happy playing!

Additional Resources:

FAQs

I hope this comprehensive buying guide helps you find the right digital piano. Please contact me or ask any questions in the comments below!