How to Buy Your First Piano – The Ultimate Guide
Welcome to the world of digital pianos! With so many options available, buying the right one can be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key considerations and steps to find your perfect match.
Budget?
Determine your budget: Digital pianos can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Set a realistic budget to narrow down your options.
Korg XE20 – Digital Ensemble Piano
61, 73,76 or 88 key?
There are various sizes. Some come with full size keys and some smaller.
If you play sounds like drums, strings or guitars on the keyboard, you may consider the
Entertainer/Arranger Keyboard like the Korg EK50 or the PA Series or a synthesizer like the Korg Kross2 or the Korg i3. These keyboards are 61 keys (5 Octave) and they are battery operated so it is absolutely portable and you can bring the keyboard to an outdoor party, barbeque, camping or busking.
If you intend to take up Piano Lessons and maybe perhaps taking Exams such ABRMS or Trinity. Then you will need to consider the 88 keys. Actually to start with, you don’t really need the 88 keys, however as time goes by, you will require to play the left hand and the right hand which usually is more that 5 octave range.
Korg i3 61-Key Music Workstation – Matte Black
Korg EK-50 Limitless 61-key Arranger Keyboard
Key Action
Look for a digital piano with weighted keys that mimic the feel of an acoustic piano like the Korg LP380U, C1 Air and G1B Air which have graded hammer action or feel like the acoustic piano. This will help you develop proper finger technique, muscle memory and good practice for your Exams.
Sound Quality
Listen to the piano’s sound samples and ensure it has a rich, authentic tone. Some digital pianos offer not only the Acoustic Piano sounds, but also offer the Grand Piano sounds like the Korg G1B Air which has the sounds of the German, Austrian and Japanese Grand Piano. It also comes with multiple sound options too, such as harpsichord, vibraphone, strings, organ and many more.
Built In Speakers
Most conventional digital pianos come with Built-In Speakers. So the speakers are also important because that reflects the quality of the sounds through those on-board speakers. Also, the conventional digital piano usually comes with the side pedal to replicate the aesthetic of the acoustic piano however they are usually much more sleek and stylish. There are also digital pianos that do not have on-board speakers. They usually rely on external
speakers. Eg like playing in the band or at the home or recording studios.
Connectivity
If you plan to connect the piano to other devices, such as a computer or smartphone, ensure it has the necessary ports such as USB, MIDI, or Bluetooth. The Bluetooth function is quite useful if you want to play along, songs from Youtube or a backing track. But if you don’t need those features, you may just consider Digital Piano that has Headphones Output. This is essential especially if you are playing in the middle of the night and you don’t want to disturb the people around you. So, you play as long as you want as long as you have those pairs of headphones with you.
Pedals
Most digital pianos come with sustain pedals, but some may include additional pedals such as the soft pedal (or una corda), the sostenuto pedal, and the damper pedal. for more advanced playing techniques.
Accessories
Check if it comes with essential accessories like a stand, bench, and headphones. Some even package it with free assembly and delivery too. Like the Korg LP380U, C1Air and G1B Air. It comes with free Bench, Assembly and Delivery.
Brand & Warranty
You may need to do some research to ensure the brand you are buying is reputable and ensure it offers a local warranty to protect your investment.
Closing Thoughts on How to Buy a Piano
Whichever piano you choose, your top priority is getting an instrument that will encourage you to pursue music for many years. For some people, this may be a synthesizer. For another person, a concert grand.
Find an instrument that you’re happy with, that will make YOU happy! Best of luck and happy practicing!