BY MEGHAN VANCE • August 5, 2024
If you’ve already started researching instruments, you may have noticed there are a lot of terms. Piano, MIDI, stage keyboard, digital piano, synth, grand piano, upright piano, portable, arranger…. The list can seem exhausting. Some instruments you’ll find are really only toys, some are designed for composers and producers, some are designed for recording studios, and some are designed for concert halls. How do you know what to buy? You’ll want a full-size instrument of course (88 keys), but there are 5 more factors that should be considered leading up to your purchase:
KEY 1: WEIGHTED KEYS
The main feature to look for when buying your first piano or keyboard is full-size, weighted keys, that will provide resistance to your touch. Acoustic instruments have weighted keys. Digital instrument keys can range from no resistance (like a computer typing) to a resistance that mimics an acoustic piano. If you want to learn to play the piano, you need weighted keys to acquire finger strength and good technique, so this is an important requirement whether you’re looking for a “starter instrument” or a professional instrument.
Understanding the terminology regarding resistance based keys can be a bit confusing, as different brands have different terms to describe weighted keys. One example would be “hammer action.” Each brand also has its own class system for the resistance level, so make sure to research what each description means for that brand.
KEY 2: ACOUSTIC VERSUS DIGITAL
Piano and keyboard instruments fall into two categories: acoustic and digital. Acoustic pianos create sound by hammers hitting strings, while digital pianos (I’m sure you’ve guessed) create sound digitally. Both can be of good or poor quality.
When deciding between acoustic and digital pianos, start by asking these 5 questions:
1
Do you want to practice without bothering others in your house or apartment block?
Buy a digital instrument compatible with headphones.
2
Do you want to be able to move your instrument?
Buy a digital instrument. If you plan to take your instrument with you to gigs, look for one that sits on a detachable stand.
3
Do you want to be able to move your instrument?
Buy a digital or hybrid instrument with a MIDI port.
4
Do you want an authentic historic piano sound and touch?
Buy an acoustic instrument. As great as digital pianos have become, there’s still nothing quite like the original.
5
How much money do you want to spend?
Here you’ll have to do some research. A new digital instrument will be dramatically cheaper than a new acoustic one, but used acoustic instruments can sometimes be found for free, other than moving costs.
KEY 3: ACCESSORIES
Piano students do need a few accessories along with their instruments. There are also some additional accessories that are helpful, but not necessarily a requirement. We’ll take a look at five accessories you, or your student, may need below.
5 Accessories For Pianists
1
An Adjustable Piano Bench
Consistently practicing at the wrong height can result in permanent injuries or diseases (such as carpal tunnel syndrome). For this reason, a piano bench is necessary for pianos and keyboards. When possible, an adjustable bench is best, as you can change the height of the bench based on the student’s build.
2
An Adjustable Keyboard Stand
If you purchase a digital instrument that comes without a built-in stand, make sure to purchase an adjustable-height stand for your instrument. This allows you to customize the height of the keyboard to the needs of the student.
3
Pedals
Digital instruments should have two inputs (or jacks) for pedals: a sustain pedal and a soft pedal; these pedals often must be purchased separately from the instrument.
Check with your teacher to see when your student will need access to pedals. Depending on the teacher’s teaching style, they may wait until the student is at a certain level, or even a certain height, before pedals are needed.
4
Sound Output
Most digital instruments with weighted keys have built-in speakers, but some require the use of an amp, much like electric guitars. Unless you’re purchasing a keyboard bundle, an amp is usually a separate purchase. A headphone jack is also helpful for students that may wish to practice privately on occasion.
5
Metronome
While free metronome apps are readily available, sometimes having a built-in metronome on your digital piano can be very helpful. If you’re playing piano in an online piano lesson, you may already be using your phone or tablet for the video call. Or, if your phone is charging, it may be convenient to have a ready-to-go device built in to the piano.
KEY 4: WHERE TO BUY
If you’re buying a new instrument, purchase one from a reputable dealer. The Piano Technician’s Guild states that “new pianos usually come with a manufacturer’s warranty,” used pianos “usually come with a dealer warranty,” and both often come with complimentary moving. Two well-respected digital brands are Yamaha and Roland. If possible, ask the dealer to demonstrate several instruments by playing the same music on each, so you can hear the differences in tone.
If you choose to buy a used digital keyboard, look up the brand and model number to determine its quality and to ensure it has weighted keys. Try before you buy: test every piano key and button. Since new digital keyboards are reasonably priced, don’t risk purchasing a used one unless the cost is extremely low.
If you’re buying a used acoustic instrument from a private seller, pay a piano tuner or piano technician to accompany you. These experts will look inside the piano to determine if it needs cost-prohibitive repairs. They can also determine if the instrument has suffered damage from pests like moths: “…moths will happily destroy the felt on your piano’s hammers and eat your other natural fabrics,” states moth-prevention.com.
KEY 5: PLACEMENT & MAINTENANCE
Yes, this is something you should consider before buying. Digital instruments, even highly-transportable ones, are generally designed to be stored horizontally. Acoustic instruments should be placed away from damp, drafts, areas of the home with drastic temperature changes, and exterior walls. “…thanks to factors such as temperature, humidity, age, and frequent or hard playing, every one of them needs regular tuning and upkeep. A single home piano might need to be tuned once or twice per year…” writes Berklee Music. Acoustic instruments can be heavy enough to settle your house.
And if we added number 6, it would be…ask your teacher!
If your teacher knows you, your goals, and your budget, they can help you through the process of buying your first instrument.