Choosing Digital Pianos & Portable Pianos

While digital pianos may look like traditional versions, there are many notable differences. Many pianists choose these digital instruments for musical performances, practicing their skills, or for recording tracks with other musicians.

Digital Pianos vs. Similar Options

Before purchasing a digital piano, it makes sense to learn about the differences between this instrument and others that may look and sound the same, but are not, so that you end up buying the item that you intended.

Digital Pianos

A digital piano can mimic the sound and appearance of an acoustic piano, but with digital elements. Portable digital models have headphone and USB or MIDI connectivity, built-in metronomes for beat and metering, and record functions that enable you to playback your practices. Plus, many of the most advanced ones allow a keyboard split so the student and teacher can play side by side.

Acoustic Pianos

Digital pianos often look like traditional ones, and many times with the same number of keys. Acoustic pianos are conventional musical instruments that have no electronic components and haven't changed much over the years.

Keyboards

Many people often confuse digital pianos with keyboards, but they're two very different instruments. Keyboards focus on creating modulated, electronic notes rather than the sound of traditional pianos. They're not intended to mimic the experience of playing the piano either, and they may have fewer keys with a smaller overall shape and size.

Electric Pianos

Despite the name, electric pianos aren't electronic in the same way as synthesizers and other truly electronic instruments. Invented in the 1920s, electric pianos create sound using an electro-mechanical process.

Choosing a Digital Piano

For those who want to recreate the iconic sound of grand pianos, digital grand pianos will get them there. Console pianos are quite popular because of their dynamic range and volume, and they take up less space than grand pianos. If this style appeals to you, there are console digital pianos available. If you want the same "feel" as acoustic pianos, then opt for digital pianos with hammer action keyboards. The weighted keys mimic traditional pianos, and you can get them as digital grand or digital console pianos.

Using a Digital Piano

There are many benefits to using a digital piano. You can often connect it to your computer and create a range of different digital sounds. There are many portable digital pianos available, which is convenient for those who are always on the move with their music. A digital model is a good choice if you're a beginner, as you can practice with headphones plugged in. Some models even have apps that help you learn.

Find the digital piano and keyboard that you need at B&H Photo and Video, and start playing today.