When the piano is a part of your life, having a piano or keyboard for home practice is essential. In the olden days, the acoustic piano was the best and the only choice; this meant that one’s options were based on the price-quality rate. Of course, we still choose it based on the price-quality rate, but today we can consider a digital keyboard alternative to acoustic pianos. There are thousands of different acoustic and digital pianos from all over Asia, Europe, and America. The product range is huge now, compared to what it used to be. And I’m not mentioning synthesizers due to their crucial differences from pianos.
The most frequently asked questions are: “Which one should I choose?” or “Where/how to get a good one?” It’s very easy to get confused. However, it becomes easier when you understand that your choice should be based on 3 things only:
- Your goals/situations for playing piano
- Your understanding of the similarities and differences of acoustic and digital pianos
- Your conditions
1. Goals and situations
There are different reasons and needs when buying a piano. What do you want your piano for? Is it to develop the enthusiasm of a child or your own? To learn something new? To learn to play classical music, Pop, Jazz, or a little of everything? Your goals will affect your choice. Here are some suggestions for the most frequent situations;
Situation 1: You want “to try” piano lessons for yourself or your child.
Choice: Digital Keyboard
If you’re not sure it will be in use for at least 5-7 years, there is no need to get an acoustic then.
———————————————————————————————————————————–
Situation 2: Someone in your family has been already taking music lessons and maybe enjoying them (it happens!).
Choice: Acoustic Piano or Digital 88-key Keyboard
Often both types work fine but if you determine your music preferences, it will make it more specific for you.
Classical Music —–> Acoustic Piano
Good digital keyboards also can be considered for playing classical music, but acoustic pianos are better. Especially if you/your children participate in recitals, concerts, competitions, take music exams, evaluations.
Pop music, rock, jazz, blues —–> Digital keyboard,
Other modern music —–> Synthesizer
Again, you can play these stiles on either, but a digital piano will give you choices of different sound effects and beats, which can be helpful in modern music.
———————————————————————————————————————————–
Situation 3: If needed for writing music, learning music theory, or working on your music hearing.
Choice: Synthesizer, MIDI Station, Piano App/Software
If you don’t actually plan to play Fur Elise by Beethoven or Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, but you’re interested in writing songs and composing your own masterpiece, synthesizers, MIDI Stations should work. Today composing music is not the same as 100 years ago – with the help of a computer, some specific programs, and a keyboard that can interact with your device, investing in a MIDI keyboard/station and synthesizer can make anything is possible. These choices also will be good for ear training and music theory. Once again, they won’t work for traditional piano lessons.
———————————————————————————————————————————–
2. Similarities and differences between acoustic pianos and digital keyboards
3. Conditions
Space
This part is simple. If your space is small, you probably need to think about 
a digital keyboard. If it’s big, you can easily consider an upright piano or
a grand piano. It’s up to you and your budget.
Budget
Speaking of budget. A simple yet very useful keyboard can be purchased for a few hundred dollars. One can check on websites (CA) like Guitar Center, Living Pianos, Yamaha, Craigslist (why not?) and many others. Or visit yard sales to test their luck. It can be given away even for free – some people need more space, and pianos can be spacy, right?
Neighbors
Wait, what? Neighbors? Yes, but only about acoustic pianos. Personally, I know two neighbor-wars over a loud musical instrument. If there is only a wall between you and your neighbors, make sure they are not too sensitive. Some neighbors can be compassionate about any sound. If they are, you have 2 choices:
- Any digital piano has a volume control button/slider and headphones.
- You may install a system inside your acoustic piano which allows controlling volume just like on digital pianos. Of course, it is an extra cost, but it is worth it.
Whatever you choose, remember, your music goals need some work and patience. A musical instrument won’t teach you how to play on it, write music, etc. (what a “smart” thought). Taking classes and consistent practice will.