The world of pianos – especially digital pianos – can be very confusing and overwhelming, not only for beginners but also for seasoned musicians!
Today we’re going to answer most (if not all) of the questions that may pop into your head when you’re looking for the “perfect” digital piano.
In this guide, we’ll cover all the important things you should know before buying a digital piano or keyboard.
Though I do believe that no digital piano is perfect, this guide will help you to better understand how to pick the instrument that’s right for YOU and to narrow your options to 1-2 models that suit you the best.
People often fail to do proper research, choosing instead to rely on the product with the most Amazon reviews. While this may work with some products, it doesn’t work with digital pianos.
What make things even worse is that there are many unreliable online resources (not pointing fingers here) that write about this topic without having any experience with digital or acoustic pianos whatsoever.
So be careful where you get your info from, and make sure you trust the source before you go and make any BIG DECISIONS!
With that out of the way, let’s jump into the good stuff and talk about the magical world of digital pianos.
First, you should know how digital pianos differ from their acoustic counterparts and why you might prefer one over the other, so let’s address this first.
Digital vs Acoustic: The Magic of The Digital World
When it comes to digital pianos, the main challenge engineers face is to reproduce two things accurately: the sound and the feel of an acoustic piano.
Both tasks are very difficult because there’s too much going on inside this amazing musical instrument.
Strings, hammers, and keys are the elements that produce the sound in an acoustic piano.
When you press a key, the attached hammer strikes the corresponding string(s), which vibrates and makes a sound.
Digital pianos don’t have strings, and the hammers are only used to add weight to the keys and to recreate the mechanical movement found in the traditional instrument.
To reproduce the sound of an acoustic piano and other musical instruments, digital pianos use samples.
What are Samples?
A sample is a small audio recording of a musical instrument’s sound, or of any other sound (ocean waves, sirens, wind, etc.).
Samples can also be excerpts from recorded songs. For example, a five-second bass guitar riff from a funk song can be a sample.
In this article, we’ll focus on samples used to reproduce the sound of musical instruments.
Sampling is not limited to acoustic pianos. It is widely used for guitars, strings, organs, electric pianos, drums, flutes, strings, and many other musical instruments.
Usually, samples are recorded at different velocity levels (multi-samples) to naturally respond to the way you play the keys (from the softest pianissimo to the loudest fortissimo).
In recent years, technology has become so sophisticated that high-end digital pianos provide sound that’s almost indistinguishable from a real piano.
When it comes to major brands, the recording process usually looks like this…
In a professional recording studio with a perfectly tuned acoustic piano (a grand piano in many cases), manufacturers record each note played at different volumes using multiple high-fidelity microphones.
So if the process is roughly the same for all manufacturers, why don’t all digital pianos sound the same?
Well, there are still a lot of things that manufacturers do differently.
The ultimate sound you get depends on many factors:
- 1) The acoustic piano model used to record the sound and the condition of the instrument.
- 2) The equipment used to capture the sound.
- 3) The placement of the mic(s) during the recording.
- 4) The acoustic environment where the recording was done.
- 5) The post-processing and algorithms used to model complex tonal interactions, like string resonance, damper resonance, cabinet resonance, etc.
- 6) The length of the samples and the amount of memory dedicated to them on a digital piano.
- 7) The number of velocity layers recorded for each note. The more velocity layers, the more natural volume transitions and better expressiveness you get.
Generally, more memory means that longer/higher-quality samples with more velocity layers can be stored on a digital piano.
Cheaper models have less memory, so manufacturers have to take a slightly different approach.
Rather than recording each individual key of an acoustic piano, they record every second or every third note and then stretch the samples using modeling technologies to fill the gaps.
Moreover, to avoid using gigabytes of sampling data, many manufacturers cut off a part of the sample to reduce its size.
For example, when you depress the sustain pedal and play, say, C3 on an acoustic piano, the note will continue to resonate for well over 10 seconds.
While this helps to create a perception of a longer decay, it’s not the same decay that you hear on an acoustic piano, which is much more complex and dynamic than a simple volume decrease.
The same applies to velocity layers.
If there’s only one or two layers recorded for each note on a digital piano, it becomes very difficult to reproduce the wide dynamic range of an acoustic piano.
In that case, to recreate the dynamics, the tone generator of the digital piano will just increase/decrease the volume of the same sample rather than using separate layers for different velocities, which is never ideal.
On an acoustic piano, the sound changes not only in volume but also in character, depending on how hard or soft you press the keys. So it’s not just a matter of simple volume change.
Now, if you’re beginner, you may not even notice these nuances, since manufacturers do try to make those transitions as smooth and realistic as possible.
However, if you have a more trained ear, this could become an annoying thing that bothers you every time you play the instrument, which is never fun.
Physical Modeling
Another interesting technology that has been gaining popularity is called Physical Modeling.
Various modeling techniques and advanced software recreate the physical behavior of the acoustic instrument, in which hundreds of elements interact with each other, making up the ultimate “imperfect” sound that we hear.
While sampling remains the most popular technology in digital pianos today, you’ll hardly find a digital piano that doesn’t use some kind of modeling on top of its samples (e.g., for string resonance, damper resonance, etc.) to further improve the sound and make it sound more natural.
There are also some digital pianos that use purely modeled piano sound with no samples at all.
For example, most Roland high-end digital pianos today feature the SuperNATURAL Piano Modeling sound generator that uses only physical modeling to produce the sound.
There are also various VST plugins that provide piano modeled sounds and effects.
There’s a lot of debate today over which technology produces a more accurate, natural sound, but let’s leave that for another article. I’ll only say that both technologies have pros and cons. It’s ultimately a mixture of both that yields the best results.
If you want a quick overview of the primary differences, please refer to the video below and to our table that shows the pros and cons of digital pianos.
- Never needs to be tuned
- Easier to move around
- No maintenance costs
- Indifferent to temperature & humidity fluctuations
- A variety of built-in sounds (not just piano tones)
- Play at any time without bothering others (by practicing with headphones and adjusting the volume)
- Recording features
- Learning features (metronome, built-in songs, etc.)
- Connect to other electronic musical instruments & devices
- Use as MIDI-controllers to create music on your computer
- Affordability
- Can’t beat the sound and touch of the real thing yet
- Requires a power source to operate
- Depreciates in value quicker than acoustic pianos (as new models are introduced)
- Don’t look as grand and beautiful as acoustic pianos (esp. compared to grand pianos)
- Lacks the “soul” of the acoustic piano
Keyboard vs Digital Piano
The difference between a digital piano and a keyboard easily causes confusion.
In fact, people often use these terms interchangeably, not realizing that these are two different instruments designed with different purposes in mind.
While every digital piano can be called a digital keyboard, not every keyboard should be called a digital piano.
Digital Pianos
Digital pianos come in all shapes, sizes, and forms, but one thing stays the same.
A digital piano aims to mimic the feel and sound of an acoustic piano as closely as possible.
The first thing you’ll notice is that all digital pianos come with a full set of 88 fully-weighted, hammer-action keys.
In fact, this is the most obvious distinction from keyboards, which usually have only 76 or 61 non-weighted or semi-weighted keys.
Another important aspect is the sound.
This is achieved by using high-quality multi-samples, as well as sophisticated modeling that simulates organic elements of a piano’s sound, such as sympathetic resonance, damper resonance, key-off effect, etc.
Digital pianos are straightforward instruments designed as an alternative to their acoustic counterparts. Generally, you won’t find hundreds of built-in sounds, songs, accompaniment styles, and interactive features on a digital piano.
However, some digital pianos (e.g. Yamaha’s DGX-670 or Casio’s PX-S3100) share many qualities of arranger keyboards, while still being fully-fledged digital pianos.
Here is a quick overview of digital pianos and their main features:
Keyboards
Digital (aka electronic) keyboards are a slightly different beast.
The most obvious difference from digital pianos is that they don’t try to replicate an acoustic piano, or this isn’t their main focus.
As with digital pianos, there are different types of electronic keyboards. There are portable arranger keyboards, synthesizers, music workstations, MIDI-controllers, etc.
These days, it can be tricky to categorize a particular keyboard since they feature sets often overlap with other keyboard types.
Now let’s take a quick look at each keyboard and digital piano type to point out their main differences. We’ll start with digital pianos.
Types of Digital Pianos
As I mentioned before, digital pianos aim to reproduce the feel and sound of an acoustic piano as closely as possible.
Yet not all digital pianos are created equal. There are different types of digital pianos, and depending on your needs and budget, you may prefer one over another.
Let’s go over each type and define their main features and usage scenarios.
Portable Type
Portable digital pianos are also known as “slab pianos” and are probably the most popular type of digital piano.
The biggest advantage of these instruments is their design.
They don’t come with a base (stand) and like portable keyboards they can be moved around with ease and stored when not in use.
The main difference from portable keyboards is that portable digital pianos have a full range of 88 hammer-action keys, like an acoustic piano.
This makes them considerably heavier than non-weighted keyboards, though they’re still much lighter than acoustic pianos. The sound quality is also superior due to higher quality samples, a higher polyphony count, and a wider dynamic range.
Price is another big reason why portable pianos are so popular.
At the same time, it’s important to remember that you’ll probably want to buy a stand for your portable piano, which can cost you an extra $30-$100, depending on the design (see the Accessories section).
Best Sellers:
Beginner-Intermediate
- Yamaha P-45 | Review
- Yamaha P-125 | Review
- Casio CDP-S160 | Review
- Casio PX-S1100 | Review
- Kawai ES120 | Review
- Roland FP-30X | Review
Intermediate-Advanced
- Roland FP-90X | Review
- Kawai ES920 | Review
- Casio PX-560 | Review
- Yamaha P-515 | Review
- Roland FP-60X | Review
Console Type
Console digital pianos are the second most popular type of digital pianos.
They come closest to an acoustic piano in terms of the main elements – sound, touch, and look.
The console design of a digital piano has both its upsides and downsides.
On the one hand, you get an all-in-one instrument that comes with everything you need to start playing right away – no need to buy separate stands or pedals!
Plus, with their sleek and elegant design, console pianos make a beautiful addition to any home.
On the other hand, console pianos can be quite heavy and bulky, typically weighing in at anywhere from 70 to 150 pounds.
While they’re easier to move around than a traditional piano, they’re not exactly designed to be carried around a lot, so keep that in mind if you’re considering one for your home.
But hey, if you’ve got the space and don’t plan on moving it too much, a console piano could be just the ticket!
The prices of console digital pianos differ greatly, ranging from $700 to $5,000 or more. It largely depends on how closely a digital piano resembles a real acoustic piano.
Best Sellers:
Beginner-Intermediate
- Casio PX-870 | Review
- Yamaha YDP-145 | Review
- Roland F701 & RP701 | Review
- Kawai KDP120 | Review
- Korg G1 Air | Review
Intermediate-Advanced
Upright Style
Upright digital pianos are a sub-type of console digital pianos.
They feature big, fancy cabinets that are nearly identical to that of an upright piano. This is the most expensive type of digital piano (not counting digital grands and hybrids).
Not only do you get the design of an acoustic piano but also a sophisticated hammer action (often with wooden keys), incredibly detailed samples, and a multi-speaker sound system.
Digital Grand Pianos
This is the least common and most expensive type of digital piano.
Many digital grand pianos from the big brands (e.g. Yamaha, Roland, and Kawai) cost more than a new upright.
Just like upright-style digital pianos, these offer an uncompromising playing experience, delivering big, powerful sound via their state-of-the-art speaker systems.
The big body of a grand piano helps this instrument produce an impressively deep, resonant sound that resembles the sound of a real grand piano.
Prices start at $1,500 for the inferior ones (from Williams and Suzuki) and go up to a whopping $15,000 for superior brands like Yamaha and Kawai.
Arranger Type
Technically speaking, an arranger digital piano isn’t a distinct type of digital piano. But for the sake of simplicity, I’m going to refer to it as one anyway!
So what is an arranger digital piano?
Well, think of it as a digital piano that’s been beefed up with all sorts of extra features you’d typically find on an arranger keyboard.
But here’s the kicker – despite all those extra bells and whistles, an arranger digital piano still manages to maintain top-notch piano samples and all 88 hammer-action keys. Pretty cool, huh?
Unlike classic digital pianos, these instruments come with a whole world of built-in sounds, rhythms, songs, effects, and recording features.
As a result, their control panels are often cluttered with buttons, dials, and displays/touchscreens to improve the user experience.
Best Sellers:
Casio and Yamaha dominate this segment of the market. Popular models include the Yamaha DGX-670, Casio PX-S3100, Casio PX-780, and the Yamaha CSP-series.
In many cases, there is a stripped-down version of an “arranger” model that provides a very similar piano experience but lacks many of the extra features (e.g. Yamaha DGX-670 – P-125; Casio PX-S3100 – PX-S1100; Casio PX-780 – PX-770; Yamaha CSP-series – CLP-series).
Stage Pianos
Stage pianos are like the roadies of the digital piano world – they’re built tough and ready to rock the stage!
Unlike traditional digital pianos that try to mimic the look of an acoustic piano, stage pianos prioritize portability and convenience for musicians on the go.
But just because they’re built for performance doesn’t mean they skimp on quality.
Like any good digital piano, stage pianos focus on providing realistic acoustic piano sounds and touch response. Plus, they often come equipped with a variety of other tones like electric pianos, organs, and even some basic synth sounds.
The front panel is usually more streamlined, focusing on hands-on control, which allows you to make quick changes on the fly. Stage pianos are also more adept at sound shaping, providing various sound effects and parameters that you can adjust to get the “right” sound.
So whether you’re rocking the stage or laying down tracks in the studio, a stage piano might just be your best choice.
The most obvious difference from slab digital pianos is that stage pianos don’t normally have built-in speakers. This is because they are designed for use with an external amplifier or PA system.
Best Sellers:
- Roland RD-2000 | Review
- Yamaha CP88 | Review
- Nord Stage 4 | Review
- Nord Piano 5 | Review
- Nord Grand | Review
- Korg SV-2 | Review
- Korg Grandstage | Review
- Kawai MP11SE
[Comparison Table of Digital Piano Types]
- KeysModern acoustic pianos have 88 keys. Most digital pianos and keyboards have 88, 76, 73, or 61 keys.
In reality, 73 keys are enough to play most modern pieces. Some advanced pieces require a full set of 88 keys. - Action TypeThere are 3 most common types of key actions:
1) Non-weighted - most organs, synths and entry-level keyboards are not weighted.
2) Semi-weighted - often used portable keyboards and workstations. Spring-loaded mechanism adds more resistance to the keys compared to the non-weighted action.
3) Fully weighted (hammer action) is designed to replicate the action of a real piano. It uses small hammers (rather than springs) attached to each key to recreate the mechanical movements and resistance similar to the acoustic piano action. - Built-in Tones
- Extra FeaturesExtra features include all the additional functionality not directly related to piano-playing. This may include preset songs, rhythms, recording functions, lesson modes, sound design options, etc.
- Form Factor
- PriceThe price ranges are based on prices of digital pianos from major brands such Yamaha, Casio, Roland, etc.
Instruments from lesser-known Chinese brands cost less but we don't recommend them. - Pros
- Cons
- Best Uses
- 88 (rarely 76 or 73)
- Hammer Action
- ~10-30 tones
- Limited, piano-focused
- Portable
- $350 - $4000
- Don't require a lot of space
- Easy to move around
- Affordable
- Versatile
- Perfect for beginners and musicians on the move
- Stand and pedals are not included
- Not very acoustic-like appearance
- Sound not as full/big as console DPs (via onboard speakers)
- Home practice
- Classroom environment
- Gigs
- On the road
- 88 (rarely 76 or 73)
- Hammer Action
- ~10-30 tones
- Limited, piano-focused
- Semi-Portable
- $500 - $5000
- More substantial and classy than portable DPs
- No need to buy a stand / pedals separately
- Tend to sound fuller and bigger than portable alternatives (via onboard speakers)
- Make a nice addition to a home's interior
- Not very portable
- Heavy, require more space
- Tend to cost 20-40% more than portable alternatives
- Require a basic assembly
- Home practice
- Classroom environment
- In-house instrument in the church / other venues
- 88
- Hybrid Hammer Action
- ~10-30 tones
- Limited, piano-focused
- Semi-Portable / Not Portable
- $5000 - $15000
- The closest you can get to an acoustic
- State-of-the-art hammer mechanisms and speaker systems
- No-compomise playing experience
- The best of acoustic and digital worlds
- Expensive compared to classic DPs
- Even heavier and less portable than console DPs
- Can be hard to find in local music stores
- Home practice
- Professional performance
- In-house instrument in the church / other venues
- 88, 76 or 73
- Hammer Action (sometimes semi-weighted for compact models)
- 10s or 100s of customizable tones
- Features oriented at stage performers (sound shaping, hands-on control)
- Portable
- $1000 - $5000
- Gig-friendly (portable, robust)
- Features for stage performers (hands-on controls, sound shaping)
- Wide selection of sounds/effects
- Powerful connectivity
- No built-in speakers (in most cases)
- Relatively expensive
- Not necessarily beginner-friendly
- Gigs
- Studio
- Events
Types of Keyboards
Now that the digital pianos types are out of the way, let’s quickly go over the main keyboard types.
Portable Arranger Keyboards
Portable keyboards (a.k.a. portable arrangers) are often mistaken for digital pianos, but they differ in important ways.
Due to their affordability, portable keyboards are a popular choice for beginners who aren’t fully committed to mastering the piano yet.
However, they don’t offer the same level of realism in sound and touch as a real piano, so it can be challenging to fully understand or experience what it’s like to play on an acoustic piano.
A typical portable keyboard cost anywhere from $100 to $300 and comes with 76, 73, or 61 semi-weighted or unweighted keys.
Unlike the fully-weighted action on digital pianos, a semi-weighted/unweighted action doesn’t use hammers to recreate the feel of an acoustic piano.
Price aside, there are a few other advantages of portable keyboards.
As you can tell from their name that they’re very portable.
Most of these keyboards are only 10-15 lbs., so you can drag them around with ease. You can place them on a table or store them away when not in use.
Another advantage of portable keyboards is all the extra features and functions they provide.
Most portable keyboards are loaded with hundreds of sounds, songs, rhythms, and other so-called bells and whistles.
While I prefer quality over quantity, and many of the built-in tones sound plasticky and unrealistic, these features are definitely a plus for those who want to explore various instruments and styles and to have fun with interactive features.
That’s why portable keyboards are a favorite among beginners, including children. Ultimately, the choice depends on your individual needs and desired musical goals.
The comparison table below sums up the main differences between digital pianos and portable keyboards.
- KeysModern acoustic pianos have 88 keys. Most digital pianos and keyboards have 88, 76, 73, or 61 keys.
In reality, 73 keys are enough to play most modern pieces. Some advanced pieces require a full set of 88 keys. - Action TypeThere are 3 most common types of key actions:
1) Non-weighted - most organs, synths and entry-level keyboards are not weighted.
2) Semi-weighted - often used portable keyboards and workstations. Spring-loaded mechanism adds more resistance to the keys compared to the non-weighted action.
3) Fully weighted (hammer action) is designed to replicate the action of a real piano. It uses small hammers (rather than springs) attached to each key to recreate the mechanical movements and resistance similar to the acoustic piano action. - Touch SensitivityThe volume produced by the instrument changes depending on how hard or soft you play the keys.
Touch Response, Velocity Sensitivity, Touch Sensitivity are the same thing .
Many digital pianos allow you to adjust touch sensitivity (make the keyboard more or less sensitive to the force of your keystrokes) to better suit your playing style. - PolyphonyThe number of notes a piano can play at once.
The more polyphony the better, especially when layering several sounds or using backing tracks, etc. When you reach the polyphony cap, the piano starts to drop the earliest played notes to free up memory for the new ones, which affects the sound and its fullness.
- Built-in Tones
- Extra Features
- Realism of Piano Sound
- Dynamic RangeThe difference in volume between the loudest possible note and the softest one.
- Portability
- Weight
- Price
- 49, 61, 73, or 76 keys
- Non-weighted action (synth type)
or Semi-weighted action - on most $150+ keyboards
- 48 notes or less
- Hundreds of tones, usually of not a very good quality
- A variety of built-in songs, rhythms, and interactive features
- Low to Medium
- Limited dynamic range, limited expression
- Highly Portable
- ~7 - 20 lbs
- $50 - $350
- 88 keys
- Hammer action (fully weighted keys)
- 64 notes or more
- ~10-25 high-quality tones
- Limited selection of built-in songs and rhythms (if any)
- Medium to Very High
- Wide dynamic range from the softest pianissimo to the loudest fortissimo
- From Portable to Semi-Portable
(depending on the design) - Portable: ~25 lbs to 45 lbs
Console: ~70 lbs to 150 lbs
- Portable: $350 - $3000+
Console: $700 - $5000+
Synthesizers
A synthesizer is an electronic keyboard that generates or copies a wide variety of sounds and is commonly used in music production.
Synths allow you to create virtually any kind of sound you can imagine, including sounds of musical instruments, voices, the wind, a burst, a siren, a car, and the list can go on forever.
How is it possible?
Well, synthesizers come with a set of basic waveforms and pre-recorded sounds, which you can mix together, as well as alter the sound’s attack, sustain, decay, and release time, add filters and effects to get the exact sound you need.
Arranger Keyboards / Workstations
Arrangers are designed primarily for professional musicians and a wide variety of backing tracks (chord and rhythm patterns) that will match the style, rhythm, and tempo of whatever you’re playing.
This allows composers and songwriters to create an accompaniment for a song quickly and easily without calling in musicians to play all instruments live.
Music Workstations
A keyboard workstation is like a computer built into a keyboard.
Workstations combine a wide range of tools and allow users to perform a wide variety of tasks, including sound synthesis, sequencing, audio recording, working with sound effects/filters, etc.
They usually come with hundreds if not thousands of top-notch sound samples, which can be customized with knobs and sliders that allow you to control various sound parameters on the fly.
Watch the video below to better understand the difference between keyboard workstations and professional arrangers:
MIDI Controllers
A MIDI controller (aka MIDI keyboard) is a device that generates and transmits MIDI data to other electronic devices that can interpret the data and can trigger sounds or control sound parameters accordingly.
A typical MIDI controller is a piano-style keyboard, which connects to a computer and sends MIDI data to it via USB or MIDI ports.
MIDI controllers can’t produce any sounds on their own (there’s no sound engine inside).
They only track your key presses (velocity, length, pressure) and various control elements (knobs, sliders, pads, etc.). That data is then sent to your computer or another musical keyboard that generates the actual sound.
Most MIDI-controllers have non-weighted keys and are not designed to mimic the feel of an acoustic piano. The non-weighted action facilitates non-piano sounds, like synths, organs, electric pianos, etc.
Some MIDI controllers target piano players such as the M-Audio Hammer 88 or the more premium Kawai VPC1, which features the incredibly realistic RM3II keyboard, ideal for playing piano sounds.
Refer to our MIDI Connection Guide to learn more about how to use your keyboard as a MIDI controller and about what you can do when connected.
Best Digital Piano Brands
When it comes to digital pianos I recommend sticking with the following brands:
- Yamaha | Full Brand Overview
- Roland | Full Brand Overview
- Casio | Full Brand Overview
- Kawai
- Korg
- Nord
- Dexibell
These are proven, reliable brands that provide the best technology in the industry unmatched by other brands.
Buying a digital piano from one these 7 brands will save you the time and headache of dealing with lesser-known brands that deliver poor build quality and provide an unrealistic sound and feel.
While this may not always be the case, do you really want to take that chance?
Brands to Avoid
- Williams
- Suzuki
- Artesia
There are many more I could mention, but these are the most popular ones.
Digital pianos from these manufacturers usually look good and are very affordable, but their sound realism and key action leaves a lot to be desired.
Types of Keyboard Actions
Keyboard actions come in 3 main types:
- 1) Non-weighted
- 2) Semi-weighted
- 3) Fully weighted (Hammer Action)
The mechanism used determines how much force is required to press a key and how closely the action resembles an acoustic piano.
Your playing style and needs will determine which type of action is best for you.
Non-Weighted (Synth)
This is the most lightweight action, which is found commonly in organs, synthesizers, entry-level keyboards, and other keyboard-based instruments that don’t aim to mimic the feel of an acoustic piano.
The synth action uses a basic spring-loaded mechanism. The keys are usually thin and small with a light plastic feel.
The action will likely feel uncomfortable to piano players as it’s just too quick and springy.
At the same time, for some types of music (other than the piano) synth action is preferred for its playability and light feel, perfect for playing synth leads, organ tunes, etc.
- Great for playing non-piano music
- Allows for fast note repetitions
- Most non-weighted keyboards are very portable
- Doesn’t feel like an acoustic piano (at all)
- Not the best choice for piano players
- May be hard to transition to an acoustic piano after practicing on this type of action
Semi-Weighted
A semi-weighted action feels similar to the synth action, yet it offers slightly more resistance and better control. It uses the same spring-loaded mechanism, but compared to synth action, the keys feel heavier thanks to either stiffer springs or additional weights.
As a result, the keys return to their “up” position a bit more slowly. Even so, the action is far from what you get on an acoustic piano and is not recommended if you want to focus on piano playing.
It’s a basically a middle ground between a synth action and a fully-weighted action, making it perfect for those who don’t want the heavier feel of the hammer action or those who constantly switch between piano and non-piano sounds.
Semi-weighted actions are commonly found in music workstations, arranger keyboards, and some stage pianos (usually versions with fewer than 88 keys)
- Feels closer to an acoustic piano than a non-weighted action
- Great for playing organ and electric piano sounds
- Relatively light and portable
- Still lacks realism and piano-like feedback, despite being heavier than synth action
- Not the best choice for piano players
- May be hard to transition to an acoustic piano after practicing on this type of action
Fully Weighted (Hammer Action)
A hammer action keyboard is designed to replicate the touch and feel of an acoustic piano.
To achieve this goal, manufacturers add little hammers under (or behind) each key to recreate mechanical movement similar to a real piano.
However, not all hammer action keyboards are created equal.
A cheap $500 piano and a fancy $5,000 piano can both have hammer action keys, but the way they feel will be totally different.
Typically, the more you spend, the more advanced the hammer system is going to be.
High-end models often have real wooden keys with an escapement mechanism that recreate every nuance of an acoustic piano action, including the design of the hammers themselves.
Also, the total length of each key (including the part behind the fallboard that you don’t see) is usually much longer compared to that of entry-level digital pianos.
Casio Natural Grand Hammer Action (hybrid)
This becomes more important as you develop your playing skills. The longer the length of the keys, the further back you can have the pivot point, which makes it easier to play further up the keys.
If your goal is to learn to play the piano, I can’t stress enough how important it is to practice on a fully-weighted keyboard as opposed to a semi-weighted or an unweighted one.
This is the only type of key action that facilitates developing proper finger strength and technique. Moreover, it will make it much easier to transition to an acoustic piano further down the line (if you decide to do so).
- The most realistic type of keyboard action
- Helps develop proper finger strength and technique
- The best choice for piano players
- Relatively heavy and not as portable
- More expensive than unweighted and semi-weighted actions
- Not as versatile due to its heavier feel
Popular Features of Hammer Action Keyboards
Modern acoustic pianos have 88 keys. Most digital keyboards have 88, 76, 73, or 61 keys. In reality, 73 keys are enough to play most modern pieces. Some advanced pieces require a full set of 88 keys.
Most digital pianos have 88 full-sized keys, which means the size and the number of keys are the same as an acoustic piano.
Graded key actions often have the word “graded” or “progressive” in their name, which implies that the keys feel slightly heavier in lower registers and become progressively lighter as you move up the keyboard, which is what an actual acoustic piano feels like.
Instead of smooth plastic keys, higher-end digital pianos often have textured keys that simulate an Ivory and/or Ebony feel.
This gives the keys a nicer, less slippery feel, enhances control, and helps absorb moisture when playing in high humid conditions.
Digital pianos have a touch-sensitive keyboard that reacts to how hard or soft you play the keys. You can adjust the touch sensitivity to tweak the force needed to produce the loudest sound.
Entry-level keyboards cheaper than $150 usually don’t respond to the force (velocity) of your key presses and produce the same amount of volume regardless of how you play.
Sensors are used to detect the depth and velocity at which the keys are played. Most entry-level digital pianos (under $1,000) use a 2-sensor detection system.
More expensive models add one additional sensor and use 3-sensor systems, allowing for quicker note repetition by tracking the key presses, even if the key hasn’t fully returned to its resting position.
In my opinion, the notion of sensors is a bit overhyped, as there are more important elements that add to the realism of a keyboard’s action.
In fact, I played many keyboards with 2-sensor systems that felt more realistic and responsive than those with 3-sensor systems.
That said, it’s still a nice feature to have in a keyboard, especially if you’re an experienced piano player.
The keys on both acoustic and digital pianos inevitably produce some amount of noise when you play them. This isn’t anything to worry about as long as it doesn’t affect your playing experience.
On acoustic pianos, the noise is usually inaudible due to high volume levels of that the instrument.
On digital pianos at low to medium volume levels, you might hear the keys hitting the bottom of the keybed or a slight clicking/thumbing noise, which shouldn’t be a problem in most cases.
Some keyboard actions tend to be less noisy than others, but it all comes down to a particular keyboard. More expensive models usually have very quiet keyboard actions.
The thing to remember is that all the keys should produce roughly the same amount of noise.
If one or two keys are significantly louder than the others, it’s better to contact the manufacturer or the service center, especially if the noise bothers you.
The Definitive Glossary
There are many new terms and technologies that you will run into when looking for a digital keyboard.
Here are some of the most common and important ones that you should know and understand.
Functions and Features
Not only do digital pianos provide versatility and convenience not available on acoustic pianos, but they also come with a bunch of extra features that make playing and learning more enjoyable.
A useful tool for practice that will help develop your rhythmic and timekeeping skills by providing a steady beat to play along with.
Some digital pianos allow you to change the conventional clicking sound of the metronome to various drum rhythms.
You can also adjust the number of beats per measure, the tempo, and the volume of the metronome.
Polyphony is the number of notes a digital piano can produce at the same time.
Most contemporary digital pianos are equipped with 64, 128, 192 or 256-note polyphony.
You may wonder how it is possible to have 32, 64, or even 128 notes playing at the same time, if there are only 88 keys and you will never play them all at once.
First of all, many of today’s digital pianos use stereo samples, which may require two or more notes for each key played.
Furthermore, using the sustain pedal, sound effects (Reverb, Chorus), dual-mode (layering), and even the metronome ticking sound takes up additional notes of polyphony.
For example, when you depress the sustain pedal, the earliest played notes continue to sound while you’re adding new ones, so the piano needs more memory to keep all the notes sounding.
Another example of polyphony consumption is when you’re playing along with a song playback (can also be your own recorded performance) or auto-accompaniment.
In this case, the piano will need polyphony not only for the notes you’re playing, but also for the backing track.
You’ll rarely need all 192 or 256 voices of polyphony at once, but there are cases when you can reach 64 or even 128 note limits, especially if you like to layer several sounds or create multi-track recordings.
It’s preferable to have at least 64 notes of polyphony.
Along with the “standard” keyboard mode, digital pianos often come with modes that allow you to use two instrument sounds at the same time or play in duet.
Here are the most popular modes that digital pianos often have:
1) Split Mode – splits the keyboard into two parts, enabling you to play two different instrument sounds at the same time. For instance, you can play the guitar with your left hand and piano with your right hand, all together
2) Dual Mode (a.k.a Layer Mode) – allows you to layer two different sounds so that they sound simultaneously whenever you press a key. For example, you can layer strings with piano or combine whatever sounds you like to get some new interesting combos.
3) Duo Mode (a.k.a. Duet Play, Partner Mode, Twin Piano) – divides the keyboard into two halves with identical pitch ranges (two middle Cs), allowing two people to sit together and play the same notes at the same time.
Duet Play is particularly useful when you use it with your teacher or tutor so they can play some tunes on one side of the keyboard while you follow along on the other side, playing the exact same notes.
Some digital pianos come with preset temperaments, which means you can change the standard Equal Temperament tuning to tuning systems that are better suited for playing certain styles of music (Indian, Arabian, classical, etc.)
Some digital pianos allow you to turn off the left- or right-hand part (track) of a song (built-in or downloaded from the internet) and practice it while listening to the playback of the other part.
Pianos that have this function usually have a multi-track MIDI recorder.
A MIDI recorder allows you to record and play back your own performances without needing additional software or hardware.
A multi-track recorder (2 or more tracks) allows you to record several musical parts on separate tracks and to play them back as a single song.
You’ll also be able to experiment with your recording by turning your recorded tracks on and off.
A MIDI recording is not the recording of the actual instrument sound. Here, we’re simply recording MIDI data (a sequence of notes, their length, velocity, and other parameters).
For more information about MIDI and what it allows you to do, refer to our MIDI Connection Guide.
A built-in audio recorder will allow you to record the audio output of your piano and to save it to a flash drive, usually in WAV or MP3 format (Linear PCM, 16bit, 44.1 kHz, Stereo).
You can then share your recording on social media, upload it to SoundCloud, burn it to a CD, etc.
An audio recording is far more universal than a MIDI recording, as it doesn’t require you to use any sample libraries or special software to play it back on an external device.
Instead, you get a CD-quality audio recording of your performance that you can easily play back on most modern devices.
The auto-accompaniment function can enrich your performance by adding a full backing band (rhythm, bass, and harmony) that will follow your playing and turn it into a full-fledged song.
The accompaniment will adapt based on the notes you play with your left hand (chords or even single notes if you don’t know full cords).
In other words, you manage the “band” with your left hand (by specifying chords) and play the main melody with your right hand.
Some instruments offer alternative methods of chord specifying, for example, using the full range of the keyboard.
1) The transpose function allows you to shift the overall pitch of the keyboard in semitone steps.
The function is especially useful when you want to play a song in a different key but don’t want to change your fingering and learn it in a new key.
So, for example, if you know how to play a song in F major, you can transpose and play the song in C major without actually learning it in a new key.
You can also transpose a song written in a difficult key (e.g., many black keys) into an “easier” key, then play it in a new key while still hearing it in the original key.
2) The tuning function allows you to shift the pitch from the standard A440 tuning, usually in 0.1Hz, 0.2Hz, or 0.5Hz steps.
You can use this function to match the piano’s pitch to that of other instruments or music (like an old piano or cassette tape).
Sound Simulation
The tone of an acoustic piano is quite complex and consists of many different elements.
Depending on the model, digital pianos reproduce various nuances of piano sound to get even closer to the sound of a real acoustic piano.
Moreover, you can often customize these parameters, giving you the ability to create a personalized tone that suits your preferences and playing style (e.g. by adding more resonance, less hammer noise, etc.)
When you depress the damper (aka sustain) pedal on an acoustic piano and start playing, you can hear the notes continuing to sound after you release the keys.
This happens because when you press the damper pedal, the dampers lift from the strings, allowing them to resonate freely until you release the pedal.
Some digital pianos also have a “half-pedal” feature that allows you to control the amount of sustain more precisely and be more expressive while playing.
What’s interesting is that the strings corresponding to the keys you play cause all the other strings to resonate too, creating a faint ringing known as “damper resonance.”
Digital pianos don’t have strings, but they recreate this effect digitally instead.
When you play an acoustic piano, the sound it produces is not only associated with the played keys and their corresponding strings.
The other strings with closely related frequencies also resonate sympathetically, making the sound richer and fuller, which is known as string resonance or sympathetic string resonance.
This function removes the sense of notes being dry and separated from each other. Many digital piano today simulate this phenomenon quite accurately.
The sound of the dampers falling back onto the strings varies, depending on the speed at which the fingers leave the keys.
Key-off simulators adjust the length of these sounds according to the key’s release speed.
Some digital pianos have a Lid Simulation feature, which mimics the sound of a grand piano with the lid raised or lowered.
Other elements of piano sound reproduced in some digital pianos (typically higher-end models) include:
- Hammer Noise
- Key On/Off Noise
- Damper Noise
- Cabinet Resonance
- Aliquot Resonance
- Undamped String Resonance
While some of these elements are subtle and obscure, they add to the overall realism and produce a more organic sound.
Connectors
The ability to connect to other audio gear and smart devices is another important advantage of digital pianos and keyboards.
By connecting your instrument to external devices you can open up a world of possibilities when it comes to learning, music creation, and performing.
Also known as a USB to Device port or USB flash drive port. The port can be used to plug a flash drive into the piano to exchange files quickly and easily.
For example, many digital pianos with this port will let you load MIDI files into the piano’s internal memory for playback or rehearsal.
Moreover, depending on the model, you might be able to play back WAV and MIDI files directly from the flash drive.
This port is often used to save your audio files (recorded with the piano’s built-in recorder) to the flash drive.
Finally, this is the port you’d use to install firmware updates, though some manufacturers allow you to do it via the USB type B port as well.
This port is often called a USB to Host or USB to Computer port.
It connects your digital piano to a computer or smart device (using a special adapter) to exchange songs/files, and MIDI data.
This port allows you to use the piano as a MIDI controller to control various music apps, such as GarageBand, flowkey, Playground Sessions, etc.
There are tons of other apps that can expand functionality of your digital piano in terms of learning, composing, recording, editing music.
Some brands offer their own free apps designed for certain piano models. Such apps usually enable you to control the settings and functions of the instrument via an intuitive graphical interface.
It’s hard to find a digital piano or keyboard without a headphone jack these days.
The jack allows you to plug in a pair of headphones and practice at any time without bothering the people around you.
A sustain jack (a.k.a. damper jack) is used to connect a sustain pedal to your instrument and use it the same way you use the sustain pedal on an acoustic piano.
Line Out (a.k.a. Aux Out) jacks connect your digital piano to external sound equipment such as amplifiers, PA systems, mixers, etc.
Line In (R, L/Mono) jacks function like Line Out jacks, but in reverse.
They can be used to input the audio signal of an external device to your digital piano/keyboard.
Line In jacks aren’t commonly found in digital pianos, but many professional keyboards have them.
An Audio In jack works the same way as Line In jacks, but instead of two 1/4″ standard jacks (R, L/Mono) you get one 1/8” stereo jack, which is easier to use for an amateur.
An Audio In jack is more commonly found in digital pianos and entry-level keyboards.
It allows you to connect your smart devices (smartphones, laptops, tablets) to your instrument using a 1/8” Male to Male cable and stream songs and backing tracks through your piano’s built-in speakers, while also being able to play along with them.
One end of the cable goes to the headphone jack of your device and the other to the Audio In of your piano.
Bluetooth MIDI allows you to connect your piano to a smart device wirelessly to exchange MIDI data with various music apps (e.g. GarageBand, flowkey, Simply Piano, etc.).
You can use this feature as a wireless alternative to a USB MIDI connection.
Note that some pianos can only transfer audio data via Bluetooth, while others can only transfer MIDI. Some pianos support both MIDI and Audio data via Bluetooth.
MIDI In/Out are 5-pin legacy ports used to transfer MIDI data. These days, MIDI ports are being replaced increasingly by USB type B terminals.
Some people still prefer MIDI ports, mainly because they are compatible with older keyboards and synths from past decades.
There is not much difference when you use these ports for computer connections, except the fact that the USB A to B cable you’d use for USB connections is cheaper and more common than MIDI to USB adapters.
Most professional keyboards come with both USB and MIDI ports to be compatible with legacy gear (yes, you can send MIDI data not only to a computer but also to other musical instruments).
A Mic In jack can be used to plug a microphone into the keyboard directly and sing along with your performance or song playback.
The keyboard will mix and output your vocals via the main audio channel so you can listen to it as you sing via headphones or onboard speakers.
Some digital pianos will also allow you to add basic effects and adjust parameters.
A Mic In jack is quite rare to find on a digital piano.
How Long Do Digital Pianos Last?
While digital pianos can serve you for a long time (sometimes 10 or more years), their lifespan tends to be shorter than acoustic pianos, and this is not necessarily due to wear and tear (though this also can be the case).
The digital piano market is thriving and constantly evolving, with new models and features being introduced every year to enhance the playing experience and bring even more realism to the sound and feel of the instrument.
It’s similar to the electronics market in general, where new technologies and features are constantly being developed and released.
Consequently, a digital piano you bought, say, 10 years ago, will have a hard time competing with models introduced only a few years ago. That’s why you’ll find few people using a 20-year-old digital piano today.
And since digital pianos haven’t been around for that long, it’s kind of hard to predict the future direction of the industry and if such trends continues.
That being said, today for around $1,000 you can buy a pretty decent digital piano that sounds and feels close to an upright piano, which serve you for many years to come.
One reason is the obsolescence we just talked about, and another one is wear and tear.
While digital pianos are electric instruments with fewer elements that can break or wear out compared to acoustic pianos, there is still some mechanical wear and tear that needs to be considered. This is especially true for the key action.
Over time, it can develop more noise (the felt under the keys wears out, the keys become clunkier and looser, etc.), which can make the playing experience less enjoyable.
How fast will that happen? It depends.
First, it will come down to the key action itself.
It should come as no surprise that higher-end digital pianos with higher-quality and more sophisticated action mechanics will serve for more years than a $300 keyboard.
Maybe you’ll be playing it for an hour or two several times a week, or you might have a big family and your kiddos will bang on those keys daily for hours.
Either way, by the time your digital piano needs repair/maintenance, there will probably be newer, better models available on the market, and the question is, “Will you be willing to invest money into repair?”
In some cases, repairs can be half as expensive as the piano itself, or in other cases, it is easier to get a new model instead.
Getting parts can also be difficult, especially if your digital piano is more than 10 years old.
When it comes to acoustic pianos, the situation is different because they tend to cost considerably more than digital pianos and “obsolescence” is not really a thing for them.
So it makes much more sense to repair an acoustic piano than to repair a digital one.
But it all depends on your situation of course, and if you’re a happy owner of the Kawai Novus NV10S (~ $15,000) or the Yamaha AvantGrand NU1X (~ $8,000), it will probably make more sense to repair your instrument than to get a new one. But that’s a different story…
Accessories
There are several accessories that you may consider purchasing with your digital piano, depending on your specific needs and preferences.
Nearly all console digital pianos come with an integral stand (cabinet) and 3 pedals, so you don’t need to spend extra money on that.
Most portable pianos don’t come with a stand of any kind and only include a small plastic sustain pedal (footswitch). So with portable models, you’ll likely to spend more money on additional accessories than with the console ones.
Stand
When it comes to stands, you basically have two options.
You can buy a portable Z- or X-type stand that is portable and easy to store away when not in use. Such stands are usually collapsible and adjustable, making them even more versatile.
A second option is to purchase a furniture-style stand, which is often offered by manufacturers for their portable models. These stands are sturdier than X-type stands and are better suited for home use. They can also add a more elegant look to your digital piano setup.
The price of furniture-style stands can be as much as $100-$150.
Pedals
When it comes to piano pedals, there are three options to consider.
The first one, is to use a sustain pedal that comes with your instrument.
Most entry-level digital pianos come with a flimsy, plastic footswitch that feels nothing like an acoustic piano pedal. But it still does its job and, for a beginner, it would be a satisfactory solution.
On the other hand, if you’re a more experienced player and something more substantial and realistic, you may want to consider a piano-style chrome pedal that looks and feels like a real piano pedal.
Luckily they aren’t very expensive, and I often recommend the M-Audio SP-2, which has proven to be a reliable high-quality sustain pedal that will work with any keyboard that has a damper jack (most of them do).
If you require more than just a sustain pedal (the most commonly used piano pedal) but also need the soft and sostenuto pedals found on an acoustic piano, consider buying a 3-pedal unit that many manufacturers offer as an accessory for their digital pianos.
Usually, those 3-pedal units are designed to be fastened to a furniture-style stand (both should be compatible with your specific piano model).
Headphones
Choosing a good pair of headphones for your digital pianos is probably as important as choosing a digital piano itself, especially if you’re going to spend a lot of time using them.
Your headphones play a crucial role in delivering the sound of your digital piano to your ears. Investing in a quality pair can make a big difference in the richness and depth of sound you experience, leading to a more enjoyable playing experience.
Check out our guide to learn how to choose the best-sounding headphones for your digital piano.
Bench
Alright, you’ve purchased a digital piano, but you need to sit on something, right? That’s where a piano bench comes in!
There are a variety of options on the market, so it’s relatively easy to find the one that catches your eye and fits your budget.
There are basically two types of benches:
The price of a bench varies from about $20 to $60+ depending on the type, brand name, and materials.
Check out our guide on how to choose the best bench for your instrument.
External Amplification
There are several types of external speakers that you can use with your digital piano.
A keyboard amp is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about amplifying a keyboard.
It usually consists of a power amp and a speaker housed in one unit.
Keyboard amps are designed to provide a more powerful, higher-quality sound, with a better bass response compared to onboard speakers.
Amps are quite versatile and can be used in a variety of situations, starting from a small band rehearsal and ending with big performances and live events.
There are a few factors you need to consider before buying external speakers including portability, power, input and output channels, extra features, etc.
Bag/Case
Are you planning to take your digital piano on the road or maybe to a friend’s house for a jam session?
Well, then you definitely want to protect your investment with a keyboard bag! Not only will it keep your piano safe during transport, but it also makes carrying it around a breeze. Plus, you’ll look like a pro musician showing up with your trusty digital piano in its sleek carrying case.
Some manufacturers offer their own branded keyboard bags, while others don’t. Regardless, you have many options from other trusted brands like Gator, Kaces, etc.
Here are my two favorite protective cases for long-distance travel:
For light travel, you don’t need those heavy-duty plastic cases, which are quite expensive.
However, if you’re traveling by plane or train, one of those cases is a must if you want to keep your instrument safe.
For car travel, you’ll be better off with something lightweight and less expensive.
Here are some great keyboard bags that I recommend for light traveling:
- 1. Gator Padded Gig Bags
- 2. Gator Pro-Go Gig Bags (with removable backpack straps)
- 3. Snigjat 88-Key Keyboard Soft Case
- 4. Yamaha Soft Case for 88-Key Keyboards
Buying a Digital Piano: My Recommendations
When it comes to buying a digital piano, there are two ways you can go – order online or buy in a physical store. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
While I always recommend playing the instrument in-person to ensure that YOU like how it sounds and feels, this may not always be an option.
Let’s look at advantages and disadvantages of buying offline vs online.
Offline
Despite strong competition from online retailers, brick and mortar stores are a popular place to buy musical instruments and digital pianos in particular.
Pros:
- 1) You can try out the instrument in person to find out what you like or don’t like about it.
- 2) It’s much easier to make a decision and be confident about it when you have actually played the piano yourself.
- 3) You receive personalized attention from the sales staff. You can get a recommendation from a sale’s person for your particular situation (needs and experience), as well as a demonstration of how the instrument sounds from a listener’s perspective.
- 4) You can pick up your piano immediately, without having to wait for delivery (in most cases).
Cons:
- 1) A sale’s person might influence your decision and can talk you into buying a piano you’re hesitant about or don’t like.
- 2) Prices in physical stores tend to be higher than online, especially in small local ones.
- 3) You’re often stuck with a very limited selection of models (usually the ones that make the retailer the most money).
Online
Online sales for musical instruments are growing every year, and people are definitely getting more confident buying a digital piano online today compared to, say, 5 years ago.
And this is not surprising considering the many advantages of buying online.
Pros:
- 1) Save time and effort (saving on gas, no parking hassles, no need to wait for a sale’s person, etc.)
- 2) Enjoy the convenience of shopping at home, 24/7.
- 3) A wide range of models is available. Almost any digital piano or keyboard can be purchased online.
- 4) Get more information from consumer & expert reviews, forum discussions, and video demonstrations, which are more trustworthy sources of information than the opinion of a salesperson.
- 5) There’s no pressure. You can take your time and weigh all the pros and cons to make a thought-out decision, avoiding the salesperson influence.
- 7) The “price + shipping (usually free)” is often lower compared to brick-and-mortar stores.
- 8) If you have some issues with the piano and it’s still under warranty, you don’t need to bring it back to the store you bought it from. In most cases, an online retailer will collect, repair, and return the piano free of charge.
Cons:
- 1) You can’t personally try out the instrument and may potentially buy one you don’t like (though you can still visit a showroom before ordering online).
- 2) You don’t get your piano immediately (usually takes 2-5 days), and in some cases, delivery can be delayed.
- 3) There is a security risk (payment fraud, personal information). That’s why I recommend only using well-known, reliable online retailers.
List of Retailers
Here are the most popular and trusted online retailers I recommend:
USA:
This giant needs no introduction.
As one of the largest online retailers in the world, Amazon provides a wide selection of keyboards and digital pianos, with special discounts and bundle deals (more discounts and next-day delivery is available for Prime Members).
- Reliable and trusted
- Tons of verified customer reviews
- Secured payments
- Sales and special offers
- Fast and cheap shipping (often free)
Sweetwater is one of the largest and highest-rated music retailers in the US. It’s known for its excellent customer service, well-designed and intuitive website, a variety of payment options and financing plans.
Many of my US-based friends who play music name Sweetwater as their favorite music store.
- Nearly every order received by 3 p.m. Eastern ships the SAME DAY
- FREE shipping to lower 48 states
- 99.95% warehouse accuracy
- Expedited shipping available
- Their central location reaches most states in 1-4 business days
- Exclusive free 2-year warranty (Total Confidence Coverage™) with most products they offer
Guitar Center / Musician’s Friend
These 2 music retailers are owned by one company and offer similar if not identical products and prices. Even their websites seem to operate on the same (slightly modified) platform.
It’s the largest and most well-known chain of musical instrument retailers in the US and probably in the world.
- Free Shipping applies to most orders shipped within the 48 contiguous U.S. states & D.C.
- Price Match. See a better price? They’ll match any verified price from any authorized U.S. dealer for the identical new item up to 45 days after purchase.
- 45-day return policy. If you’re not 100% happy with your purchase, send it back. You’ve got up to 45 days. No hassle.
- The largest selection of music gear in the world. Over 1,700,000 items in stock and ready to ship.
UK & Europe:
There are two online retailers that I absolutely recommend for those who live in the UK and Europe:
- Online since 1996
- The largest online retailer of musical instruments in Europe (based in Germany)
- Purchases at Thomann are backed up by their 3-year warranty, i.e. they extend the manufacturer’s warranty period (usually 12 months) to a full 36 months – at their own cost
- Free shipping from €398 euros (Worldwide)
- Europe’s largest warehouse = best possible prices
- Online since 2003
- One of the largest retailers of musical instruments and equipment in the UK & Europe
- Local websites in 19 countries
- Delivery to 196 countries worldwide
- 30-day money back guarantee on everything, with FREE returns (can be expanded to up to 120 days)
FAQ
You might also like:
Digital Piano vs Keyboard vs Synthesizer (Full Comparison)
Digital vs Acoustic Piano: In-depth Comparison (+ Infographic)
Best Digital Pianos & Keyboards (All Price Points)
The Worst | Best Digital Piano & Keyboard Brands (The Definitive Guide)
Hi Lucas,
I am looking to purchase a digital piano. Mainly for kids’ piano practice. I think I have narrowed it down to Roland F-140R, Casio PX-870, or Yamaha YDP_163. Do you have any opinions on these options? I know they all have pros and cons. Thank you, Stephanie
Hey Stephanie, my personal choice would probably be the Roland F-140R, but it’s hard to give any specific recommendations, since people have different tastes, background, etc. I really like the rich, resonant tone of Roland digital pianos, the PHA-4 Standard action is also very good, especially considering the price.
The PX-870 would be a very close runner-up with a lot of options to adjust the sound (resonance, acoustic noises, etc.), beautiful piano tones, and a fairly realistic keyboard. It also offers the most features of the three.
The Yamaha YDP-163 is although a good instrument, in my opinion, it’s a bit overpriced. The GH3 action is very good and arguably the best of the three, but as for the rest, it doesn’t really offer anything ground-breaking.
It shares the same sound engine, features, and connectivity options as the YDP-143, and to me, the 400$ difference is not entirely worth it. But that’s just my opinion, and the choice is always yours. It’s always a good idea to go to a music store and play these three pianos side by side to see which one clicks with you.
Wonderful site. Thank you for your time and generosity it preparing all this.
Am considering a replacement for my Yamaha acoustic as I live with an open plan living area and really have stopped practising out of consideration for others. I am prepared to splash out a bit, I don’t need lots of bells and whistles but would prefer something with as authentic a sound as possible. Do you have any suggestions for a better quality, weighted hammers, digital keyboard?
Hey Gail, there are so many options on the market, so it’s difficult to give you any suggestions without knowing your budget.
Since you’ve been playing an acoustic piano all the time, and the only issue you had is the inability to practice without bothering others around you, you could take a look at the hybrid acoustic pianos (e.g. Yamaha Silent Piano series, Yamaha TransAcoustic, Kawai K300 AURES, Kawai K200-ATX3), which will have real strings and hammers but also an option to plug in a pair of headphones and practice silently (the sound will be digital in that case).
These types of pianos can be quite expensive but are very convenient and will provide you with the most realistic playing experience (they’re basically acoustic pianos with digital features).
I’m tall (6′-2″) and have concerns of whether I’d fit/align properly on consoles such as the PX-870, KDP110, G1-Air, F-140R, or YDP-163. When I sat at a YDP-143 and a PX-870 recently (only store consoles near me), the top of my legs were contacting the underside of the key bed. I’m a newbie, so my seated position may not have been perfect, but I believe it was close. Also, an adjustable bench might help somewhat but I still question if it would be enough for adequate leg clearance and proper foot/heel to pedal placement. All things considered, would a portable DP on an X or Z stand make more sense than a console for a tall person like me? It seems it would provide the most adjustment for functional comfort (keyboard height, seated position, pedal position). If so, what are you thoughts on the P-515 in comparison to the ES8 and FP90 (which I read your reviews on)? Thank you again for your time and expert reviews and advice. Greatly appreciated!
Hi Craig, I think adjustable bench should do, but it’s hard to tell for sure unless you sit down and try. As for how the Yamaha P-515 compares to the ES8 and FP-90, check out my review of the P-515 here.
Hey,
As a relatively new Piano player (formar guitar player and I played a small bits of synthesizer as a kid), I now want to invest full time in learning Piano & Music theory / reading (I played guitar as tabs player and I regret not having more theoretical knowledge).
I’ve made a schedule where I can practice around 1h30 – 2h every day and I’ve got my heart set on playing piano as it’s the instrument that fits all my needs:
– Instrument that sounds the best out of all purely solo (no need for band)
– Has this endless skill ceiling
– Versatility
– Overall I enjoy the feeling of playing
However as I currently live in an apartment and I can’t get a standup yet (room, i need to practice with headphones for now), I’m looking for a digital piano (going to both teach myself with book and a teacher).
Unlike the mistake I made with a guitar, I want to grab a decent one right away instead of learning on a bad one, and then having to re-learn certain stuff on a good one.
I’ve set aside a budget of +- 1600 euro.
For now I’d play with headphones and the piano resting on my large desk (not even an Z stand for now).
Eventually I’d potentially look at incorporating it into a proper stand (furniture like).
Options I was looking at include:
Higher tier (more future proof I guess)
– Yamaha P515
– Kawai ES8
– Roland FP90
Mid tier
– Kawai ES110
– Yamaha P125
– Roland FP30
What would you recommend to go with to be safe for the coming years?
I’ve read so many good things about the Kawai ES8 in terms of key action and overall sound.
As the price dropped and it’s now at a respectable 1300 euro at Thomann for example, this seems like a really good option?
How would it compare to the Yamaha P515 (slightly more expensive) please?
Thanks in advance
Kind regards
Thank you so much for all the effort and time and I can only imagine the expense! I do appreciate it though and I have been leaning towards the Casio PX-770 but have looked a lot at the px-160 and the Yamaha P45 & P125. So many choices!!
Hi, Thank you for all your time and effort creating this awesome site! Can you steer me to a digital grand style piano by a reputable brand for under $4,000? If not, what am I going to have to spend? Thanks
Hey Matt, if we’re talking about reputable brands (Roland, Yamaha, Casio, Korg, Kawai, etc.), only 3 of them currently have digital grand pianos on offer. These brands are Yamaha, Kawai, and Roland. Most of digital grand pianos will have a hybrid keyboard action, which is almost identical to the action of an upright/grand piano.
Yamaha has a series called AvantGrand, which mostly consists of digital grand pianos (N1, N1X, N2, N3, N3X).
Kawai has a few hybrid digital grand pianos as well including the NOVUS NV10 (has a hybrid grand piano action, and a digital sound engine, no strings) and the GL30-ATX2 (has both strings and a digital engine that allows you to practice in silence).
Roland also has several digital grand piano models, which includes the RG-3F, GP-607, GP-609, and the V-piano Grand.
All these instruments tend to be quite expensive, so you’ll have to spend at least double the amount you mentioned (maybe a little bit less, especially if you’re buying a used instrument) to buy one of these models.
I hope this helps.
Digital pianos are great for music makers while acoustic piano might offer a more authentic feeling that makes it easier to learn to play. This info is very detailed and excellent, thanks for sharing!
It’s really interesting that they take every second or third key and then stretch it. I’m going to try and learn the piano and I want one that I can control the volume of pretty well. That way I can still practice while my wife takes her nap.
Well, not every digital piano uses it, in fact, these days as sample storage becomes less of an issue, it’s becoming less common for digital pianos to use that approach (individual 88-key sampling is pretty much the norm these days) unless we’re talking cheap arranger and portable keyboards.
What a great review…many thanks. My question is that it almost November 2019. Do I buy now or wait and see what comes out in January? I am on a 61 keyboard and want a portable digital piano. I am looking at Roland Fp 10 or 30. The latter is already 3 years old. Yamaha could come out with anew one too… P125 is 2 years now and is missing Bluetooth. My ipad is older so I need a new ipad for the apps on P125….Thanks.
Hi Barbara, as I already pointed out in my previous answer, there will always be “a newer, better, cooler” model waiting around the corner, so there’s really no point in trying to get “the newest and latest”, especially considering that digital piano techmology doesn’t evolve that fast and they are many good models already on the market.
You don’t need Bluetooth to use MIDI-based apps with the P-125, a USB A to B cable + Apple USB Camera Adapter will do. Also, even if Yamaha does release the successor to the P-125, it will unlikely have Bluetooth MIDI, as even Yamaha’s top-of-the-range digital pianos offer only Bluetooth audio.
As for the Roland FP-30, it’s still one of the best mid-range portable digital pianos on the market, and I wouldn’t expect a big upgrade any time soon.
Either of these instruments would be a major step up from your current 61-key keyboard in terms of piano realism.
Great article – however you didn’t cover a major difference among ‘fully weighed’ digital pianos: weight grading.
On a top acoustic piano like Fazioli or Steinway the difference in weight between key A0 and C8 is about 3-4 grams. However many digital pianos have a bad weight grading – often a 15-20 grams difference between A0 and C8. Furthermore the grading should increase at an even rate across the keys – however many digital pianos do not do this. The weight (and therefore grading) can also become uneven over time. All reviews of digital pianos should measure the key downweights and upweights.
Hi Richard, thanks for the suggestion. Since this article is geared mostly towards beginners and intermediate players, I tried to not overwhelm them with advanced details such as individual key weighting, and technical data on how much resistance the keys should have (in grams).
The not very realistic down-weight and especially up-weight is a problem for most entry-level and even mid-range digital pianos. However, in practice, I don’t tend to measure these parameters during my tests, since digital pianos are not trying to compete with Fazioli or Steinway grands that cost 30x-100x more than an average digital piano.
Plus, to me, it’s more important how the action feels and behaves when you actually play it, which is the only thing that matters at the end of the day. In other words, how much you enjoy playing it, and whether it interprets your keypresses in the way that you intended.
Also, acoustic pianos, as well as digital pianos, differ greatly in how they feel, so there’s really no point comparing the down-weight/up-weight of each individual key on an acoustic piano vs digital piano unless we’re talking high-end $4500+ digital/hybrid pianos and this aspect is very important to you.
Those pictures of samples and sound waves are very useful and I’m sure this information will help people find the right instrument for them. Thanks for sharing!
Hi!
Great website 🙂
Would you recommend the new Roland Fantom 8, or say a Kawai VPC1 ?
What I am asking you here is mainly about the keybed itself!
I will use it mainly with my laptop, as I love software (however, having extra features are welcomed). Nevertheless, I will also use it to play the piano and practice with it.
Overall I am looking for a great keybed (or possibily the best under $4K)… or what is the best?
Thank you!
Hi, well, these are two very different instruments. The Kawai VPC1 is purely a MIDI controller with minimal design and no internal sound engine. The Fantom, on the other hand, is a fully-fledged music workstation that can do tons of different things when it comes to music production. Since you’re mostly using software anyway, it makes more sense to go for the Kawai VPC1 since it’s very simple and much more affordable than the Fantom.
Regarding the key action, both are very good, and you need to play them both to decide for yourself which one plays better. I’d say the Kawai’s RM3 Grand II is on the heavier side, while the Roland’s PHA-50 has more of a medium weight.
Have you looked at the Kawai MP11SE? It features Kawai’s flagship Grand Feel action, which is the successor to the RM3 Grand II and one of the most realistic key actions on the market.
Thank you for the thorough review. I am looking for a digital grand piano under $5,000.00. What are your thoughts of the Samick SG-500? Do you have an overall favorite digital grand piano? Thanks again.
Hi, Lucas!
I am Matheus, from Brazil.
I’ve read some of your review, and I would like you very much for sharing your knowledge on this issue. It was very importante for me.
I would like to ask you, because I am in doubt of two models of digital piano: privia px 700 or Yamaha p-125. Could you give me your opinion on what of these are the better choice?
Thanks a lot!
Regards from Brazil!
P.s.: sorry for my poor English
Hi Matheus,
Did you mean the Casio Privia PX-770?
Hi Lucus!
We are planning to buy a console digital piano
For I and my daughter (8 year old). Not for a professional use we want for a regular home base used..We are new to piano world.Looking for a good sound,more facilities like ..USB,Midi dual learning .n good after sales servicing.etc..I read so many articles n my choices are…budget(1000 to 1500)sgd
Casio Px 870
Kawai KDP110
YamahaP125
Yamaha YDP 163
KorgG1Air..
As people thinks only Yamaha is best if we compare to casio.is it true? I don’t have any idea.
Which one we should pick or would you advise some other console digital piano.we are beginners as one musical instrument you should
Know how to play in your life ?
Hi Surabhi,
Have you looked at our Buying Guides for Home Digital Pianos (Under $1000 and Under $1500)?
Also, the Yamaha YDP-163 you mentioned is now discontinued and replaced by the YDP-164 model.
Can’t thank you enough! So so so helpful and comprehensive. People are right, you write buying guide bibles! I was thinking between Yamaha S54 or S34, since I don’t have a lot of space in my apartment. The touch and feel to resemble the acoustic piano is really important to me. Wondering which one between the two you’d recommend? $350 difference is not a whole lot when comes to piano purchase but still a decent amount. Is the different significant in your experience? And Thank You!!
Thank you, Helen, for the kind words! It means a lot.
Regarding the YDP-S54 vs YDP-S34, if you’re beginner, the YDP-S34 is fine, but the difference in touch between these two is pretty significant (especially if it’s not your first time playing the piano). The key action on the YDP-S54 offers a better key pivot length and a more realistic response overall. The YDP-S34 is a bit more springy, lighter, and harder to control when playing into the keys.
The YDP-S54 also has more powerful speakers, in case that’s important to you. Hope this helps.
Thank you very much for all the information. Most helpful.
Curious as to what is your opinion of the Celviano Grand Hybrid by Casio? It’s pricier than those you have mentioned, yet less costly than the Yamaha Avant Grand series or the Kawai Novus series. Is it worth the difference?
Thanks for your comment, Lu. Those are definitely worthy options to consider as an alternative to the more expensive Yamaha and Kawai hybrids. Wonderful key action, great sound, beautiful design. If you get a chance, definitely give them a try.
Wow, what a smart and useful guide you’ve done, Lucas! And your responses to everyone are so very thoughtful and generous. No question here, just thanks for being a bright light on the internet <3
Wow, what an awesome comment, Liz 🙂 Thank you for your kind words and support.
Hi Lucas, your website and your reviews are awesome! I quite spent some time reading through the articles as I’m currently looking for a new stage/digital piano.
I guess the biggest issue I see is that there is a lot choice – there always has been but I get the feeling that the features available these days are quite immense and prices are low… Even at the lower price range you get very good instruments with surprisingly good key action and piano sound. So it seems that additional add-ons and features becoming more important. I guess if you just look for a simple stage piano you do not need to spend much more than 500 – 600 USD. But then there are so many other features these days like Apps support, BT Midi, Audio Ins/Outs, weight, sound editing, audio recording, midi recording, blabla… If you do not clearly know what you want/need decision the making becomes endless….
Hey Paul, thanks for chiming in! I agree there are a lot of features that are gradually migrating from high-end models to the more affordable segment of the market. I think the one thing to keep in mind here is your own goals. What good are those add-ons if you aren’t gonna use them anyway…
Great website! Thank you very much for the information you provide. At first, I wanna buy Kawai digital piano. But I noticed the price in China is lower than the international online price. I wonder whether they are at the same level, maybe the domestic one is by OEM or something else. At last, I purchased Roland F-140R and I’m satisfied with it.