The digital piano is a popular instrument for lovers of live music, both at home and in concert halls. It is purchased both for adult musicians and for teaching music to children. Its advantages are obvious:
- Compactness;
- No need for tuning;
- The ability to reproduce the sound of other instruments;
- Possibility to use additional features and devices;
- Connects to your computer and synthesizer, combines with headphones and sound amplifiers.
But which model to choose? Introducing the best digital pianos: top 5!
TOP-5 Electric Pianos
Yamaha P45 (under $500)
This model is already considered a cult among musical instruments of this type, and it is not hard to explain: Yamaha P-45 is a good combination of low price and excellent quality. With its low weight and compactness, this musical equipment has a surprisingly realistic, rich sound (in comparison with the previous version, Yamaha P-35, the sound has improved to almost perfect - clearly the work was been done to improve the tone generator).
But the main plus is the four-level GHS keyboard, which proved itself perfect in previous versions. The 88 keys give an amazing tactile sensation: as you lower the register, the keys become harder to press! The reverberation fully reproduces the effect of an acoustic grand piano. A nice bonus: many functions can be controlled by pressing a single button.
You may be interested in Cable Organizers
Check PriceCasio Privia PX-S1000 (under $750)
This model is compact, but its functionality is great for its size. The sound of the electronic piano is as close as possible to that of an acoustic instrument:
- The open strings resonate in the upper registers;
- The hammers of the keyboard are tapping;
- When muting, the characteristic resonances are heard;
- There is a damped resonance effect.
All these nuances inherent to an acoustic instrument create the illusion of playing it!
The keyboard deserves nothing but praise - full-size, weighted. The ebony and ivory keys have a slightly rough texture, an ergonomic feature that will keep your fingers from slipping even when you play very expressively.
Check PriceKorg LP-380-U (under $1150)
This model combines compactness, modern minimalist design, and competent construction - the creators have provided everything to give the instrument a realistic and rich sound:
- The innovative RH3 keyboard;
- High-quality pedal box that allows you to convey the nuances of emotions that the performer puts into the game;
- A powerful sound engine with 120-note polyphony.
Korg LP-380-U Digital Piano comes complete with two 22-watt amplifiers and two headphone slots for practicing at home so as not to make the family and neighbours uncomfortable.
Check PriceCasio CDP-S350 (under $550)
This is a compact digital piano for beginners with useful hammer-action mechanics. Beginners' fingers, unaccustomed to increased stress, often get wet and slip - that won't happen here, the keys have a dusting that "traps" slipping fingers. Sensitivity to the force of your strike can be adjusted. Thanks to the presence of two sound processors and a special filter, the sound is as close to acoustic as possible, there are many timbres, and an experienced keyboard player can play with the function of layering them. This is a really interesting instrument, which makes you want to improve and experiment!
Check PriceCasio PX-870 (under $1000)
This is an advanced digital piano with an optimized case design, where the control panel is comfortably located on the side, and a great keyboard - you just feel the ivory under your fingers! Exercises on hammer mechanics are useful for beginners. The sound is expressively timbral and as close to live as possible thanks to the sound processor, which simulates the sound of open strings, and the acoustic system, which creates detail, balance, and depth throughout the range. For learning, this option is extremely good: plenty of instructional compositions and a feature for playing a duet with a stronger performer to help you learn the exercises and pieces, or with a teacher. You can record your own performance, listen to it, and correct it later.
Check Price5 advantages of digital pianos over acoustic pianos
1. You don't have to call a tuner several times a year when you use the instrument, which is a good way to save money these days. You also don't have to leave a water can and a light bulb inside the instrument.
2. In addition to the sound of the piano, there are sounds of violins, electric organ, electric piano, vibraphone, drums, etc. (depends on the model). Some models have over 1000 timbres!
3. Dimensions. More compact instrument in comparison with the acoustic piano. Which allows you to fit it seamlessly into a small room. Has less weight, which is very important, for example, when you move. Typically, a cabinet instrument consists of a keyboard and case walls, so you can quickly assemble and disassemble it yourself.
4. With a digital piano, you can adjust the volume and plug in headphones. You can play all day without disturbing your neighbours.
5. Most models have a recording function, which means you can record your piano playing in the memory of the instrument, or on a flash drive!
The main features of a digital piano
1. Has a full-size keyboard of 88 keys (like an acoustic instrument), while synthesizers tend to be more compact.
2. Weighted hammerhead keyboard. Each key has its own weight and that weight decreases from low notes to high notes.
3. Typically, digital pianos have a case in which the key level is at the same level as the keyboard of an acoustic piano. So there are also compact instruments without a case, but if you buy the original stand separately, it will meet these standards.
