Digital Pianos versus Acoustic Pianos: Which is right for you?

Publish Date: 28 June 2018

Buying a digital piano is a big investment, so before you go shopping you should think carefully about whether your preferences and lifestyle are more suited to acoustic or digital.

Choosing the right piano has become far more complicated than it once was.  Whilst it may take a little longer to find the perfect type, make and model of the piano if you choose carefully you should be able to get something that is the perfect match for you, your budget and your lifestyle.

Why choose a digital piano?

To begin narrowing down your search, the first thing you should decide is whether you’d like an acoustic piano or digital.

Key differences between acoustic and digital pianos

  • Acoustic pianos use felt-covered hammers and steel wire strings to make sounds, whereas digital play sound samples back through their speakers.
  • Digital pianos feature a range of different playing modes and sounds.
  • Acoustic pianos will require regular tuning, whereas digital pianos don’t require any.
  • Digital pianos are usually smaller and lighter than acoustic pianos.
  • Acoustic pianos are touch sensitive, touch sensitivity in digital pianos will depend on the model.

What is your musical style?

If you’re a classical musician a high quality acoustic sound is probably all you need.  If you play modern music or like to experiment, then you will enjoy the variation in sounds and styles that a digital piano can offer.

When will you be using the piano?

Think about your home, the people living close by, and the hours that you’ll be likely to use your piano.  If you’re going to struggle to concentrate on your music because of background noise, or if you’re likely to disturb others with your playing, then you may wish to consider a digital piano.  Plugging headphones in to digital allows for better concentration in noisy environments and helps you to immerse yourself in your music without disturbing those around you, no matter what the time of night or day!

Your level of experience

Some beginners prefer to learn on digital pianos because of the flexibility and extra learning opportunities that it offers.  Some digital pianos have apps built-in to help you learn, and others can be plugged into a computer to use learning software packages.

When it comes to learning how to play the piano, many people believe that digital pianos are the way to go. While acoustic pianos are certainly still popular and have their own advantages, digital pianos offer a number of features that can be very helpful for those who are just starting to learn.

In particular, digital pianos often come with apps or software that can help you learn the basics of playing the instrument. Additionally, many digital pianos can be plugged into a computer, which provides even more opportunities for learning and practising.

Digital Piano

The best of both worlds, Silent upright pianos

If you want to have your cake and eat it too then you can enjoy the best of both worlds with a silent upright piano-like those made by Yamaha.  Silent upright pianos can be played acoustically or switched to silent mode to play digitally with headphones in when more convenient.

If you’re unsure about what kind of piano to buy. Why not come visit the Markson piano store in London. We would be happy to help you choose the right piano for you and your needs. We have a wide selection of both digital and acoustic pianos, so you’ll be sure to find the perfect one for you. Plus, we offer a variety of lessons and classes to get you started on your piano-playing journey. Come visit us today!

For more help buying the perfect piano, get in touch with our experts here at Markson Pianos by giving us a call on 020 7935 8682 or with our piano store in London.