How to choose a digital piano

How the Digital Piano is Different from a Synthesizer and MIDI Keyboard

The digital piano has an imitation of a hammer action. This brings it closer to an acoustic instrument in terms of sound and sensations while playing - only instead of strings, hammers beat on electronic sensors. Every major brand (Casio, Roland, Yamaha, Kawai, Korg) uses simulation technology and refines the processing of sample recording to achieve the most natural sound. Digital piano samples are recorded from different acoustic instruments, and manufacturers use different sound processors.

A digital piano, like an acoustic piano, has 88 full-size keys with different "weights" depending on the octave: the keys with low notes are harder to press, and those with high notes are easier to press. This is called a "weighted keyboard".

Synthesizers typically have 61 or 76 keys and are smaller than a piano. Therefore, the synthesizer is not suitable for those who want to seriously study music - for example, for a child attending a music school.

A MIDI keyboard is only for writing music, often it doesn't even have a sound of its own.

Akai Mpk Mini Mk2 MIDI Keyboard

Synthesizer Yamaha YPT-260

Electronic Piano CASIO CDP-S350

What's important in an electronic piano

Polyphony

Polyphony in digital piano refers to the number of notes that can be played simultaneously. There are instruments with a polyphony of 48 voices, there are also instruments with a polyphony of more than 256. How rich and realistic the playing will be depends on this parameter.

It may seem that 48 voices is quite enough, because you still cannot press more than 10 keys at the same time, but this is not so. When we play an acoustic instrument and press a key, in addition to its strings, we hear vibration from neighboring ones - the same happens in a digital piano. Even when you press the pedal, sounds overlap, and complex timbres and additional effects increase the number of voices.

We recommend that you consider purchasing digital pianos with a polyphony of at least 64 voices. But it's better not to blindly compare devices with 193 and 256 voices, because both values are high and give good surround sound. It is quite possible that you will like the device with lower polyphony better.

For those who have already learned to play the acoustic piano, the digital piano with 128-voice polyphony is perfect - this is enough to play even a difficult piece.

Loudspeakers

How the instrument will sound depends on the power and quality of the speakers. Even high-quality samples and polyphonic polyphony can be spoiled by a weak speaker system.

For home use, a total speaker power of 10–20 watts is sufficient. If the piano will be located in a large room, you can connect an external amplifier.

It is also worth noting that the digital piano can be played with headphones so that no one is disturbed by loud sounds. But in most models, they are connected via a 6.3 mm jack (for comparison: ordinary headphones have 3.5 mm), so it is better to take care of an adapter or headphones with the right plug in advance.

Additional functions

For those planning to play mostly classics, many features like the touchscreen display are unnecessary. Additional effects can degrade the main timbre and increase the price. There are three things worth paying attention to.

Metronome. Tapping out the rhythm at regular intervals helps keep the pace. Needed by everyone, especially useful for performing pieces with a strict rhythm.
Recording. You can listen to your game and analyze errors. Or play an ensemble with yourself: record one part, turn it on and play the second.
Other tones. Manufacturers typically include several grand and piano tones, as well as other instrument sounds.

What are digital pianos?

Digital pianos come in two flavors: portable and cabinet.

Portable digital pianos

The portable piano looks like a keyboard - you need to buy a stand for it separately. Such a tool is more compact and lighter than a cabinet one. It is easy to take it to a performance or rehearsal, or take it with you to the summer cottage to continue your studies. Often, you don't even need an outlet to work: many devices run on batteries.

Compact models are suitable for people who perform with the instrument in different places, tour or move frequently. Well, if there is not enough space in the apartment for a full-fledged cabinet piano.

Also, a portable piano is perfect for a child who is learning music. It costs less than a cabinet one, it also takes up less space: if the child abandons the game, the instrument will not collect dust in the middle of the room.

In addition to the piano itself, you will need a bench, a stand and headphones to play, so that you can practice at any time and not bother your family and neighbors. If you are choosing a set for a child, pay attention that the bench is adjustable in height - for growth.

But the compact version also has its drawbacks: the speakers are not as powerful as that of a cabinet instrument, and the pedal to prolong the sound can leave from under your feet, so you have to grope for it.

Checklist: what to consider when choosing a portable piano

Well-known manufacturer: Casio, Yamaha, Roland, Korg, Kawai and others.
88 full-size hammer action keys.
Weighted keyboard.
Touch sensitivity.
Non-slip coating.
Polyphony: 64 notes or more.
Speakers with a power of 8-10 watts.
Sustain pedal.

Up to 45,000 rubles per set

Digital Piano CASIO CDP-S100BK

The best option to start learning to play the piano. The instrument has three levels of keystrokes, 10 timbres, 64-voice polyphony and a relatively light weight - 11 kg. There are also two 8W speakers - enough for an average room. Includes a pedal and music stand. Powered by simple AA batteries.

Rack Rockdale 3201

The height-adjustable X-stand when folded takes up little space, and weighs only 2.5 kg - it is suitable for home and stage.

Bench QUIK LOK BX9

The height of the chair is adjustable from 43 to 60.5 cm - a wide range, which will come in handy if you are buying a child. However, it is also suitable for an adult, as it can withstand a weight of up to 112 kg. When folded, it takes up little space and fits even in a small trunk.

Up to 60,000 rubles per set

Digital Piano ROLAND FP-30-BK

This model has a hammer-action keyboard with three sensors and an ivory imitation. The “two pianos” mode divides the instrument into two with a smaller range so that the student can repeat after the teacher. Polyphony with 128 voices and 35 tones with different effects will make you feel like in a concert.

Stand OnStage KS7591

The height of this stand is adjustable from 50 to 99 cm and is fixed in five positions. Weighs about 5 kg.

Bench QUIK LOK BX8

It is adjustable in height from 48 to 58 cm and can carry a weight of up to 112 kg.

Up to 70,000 rubles per set

Digital Piano CASIO Privia PX-S1000BK

This piano is battery operated and can be tuned using a smartphone app. 192 voices polyphony provides a spacious and deep sound. In addition to the standard 6, 3 mm jack, there is also an additional 3.5 mm jack - for ordinary headphones.

Stand QUIK LOK T10 BK

A versatile sturdy stand to suit all sizes.

Bench QUIK LOK BX14

The height is adjustable from 46.5 to 64 cm - suitable for growth for the youngest musicians.

Cabinet Digital Pianos

Cabinet instruments are also called cabinet instruments. Their speakers are more powerful and louder than portable pianos, and the sound is closer to acoustic. But it is worth noting that such a tool takes up more space, it is heavier and more expensive.

If you have free space and money, you do not plan to transport the piano and are going to play on it for a long time, it is better to buy a cabinet one. It will delight longer and will not require updating as your skill grows.

Checklist: what to consider when choosing a cabinet piano

Well-known manufacturer: Casio, Yamaha, Roland, Korg, Kawai and others.
Classic case.
Weighted keyboard.
Touch sensitivity.
Non-slip coating.
Polyphony: 128 notes or more.
Speakers with a power of 10–20 W or more.

Up to 80,000 rubles per set

Digital Piano CASIO Privia PX-770BK

This tool is well suited for study because it has a Duet mode for student and teacher. Polyphony - 128 notes, 19 timbres. The sensitivity of the keys can be adjusted.

Bench Tempo Turris153 / MB

Standard bench with music compartment inside. More suitable for an adult, since the height is not very much adjustable.

Up to 90,000 rubles per set

Digital Piano CASIO Celviano AP-270BK

192 voices polyphony and two 8W speakers for deep surround sound. Duet mode helps with instructor-led lessons, while the USB port turns the piano into a MIDI keyboard for recording tracks.

Bench Roland RPB-100BK

There is a compartment for storing notes. You can also choose in white if you want to buy a white piano.

Previous models are primarily designed for those who are just learning to play the piano. If you already know how to play and want to practice and improve, choose from the more professional options. Some instruments sound indistinguishable from an acoustic piano or even a grand piano.

Up to 120,000 rubles per set

Digital Piano YAMAHA YDP-164B

The keys are covered in faux ivory. There is Bluetooth support and a smartphone app. The speaker power is 40 W, which is more than enough to arrange home concerts.

Bench YAMAHA BC-108DR

This bench has a sturdy wooden body and an eco-leather seat. Designed to match the included digital piano perfectly.

Up to 360,000 rubles per set

Digital Piano Roland KF-10-KMB

This digital piano is handcrafted from natural wood. The maximum polyphony is 384 notes, and the keyboard has five sensitivity levels. Two powerful 30W speakers, triple pedal and bench included.

Up to 1,000,000 rubles per set

Roland GP609-PW Digital Grand Piano

This instrument is made for musicians and composers. The speakers have enough power for a small concert hall. Polyphony - 256 voices, 543 onboard tones, over 20 effects and assignable pedals. Bench included.

What headphones to buy for a digital piano

When choosing headphones for your digital piano, convenience is key. They should be light, do not put pressure on the ears and head, so that it is comfortable to practice for several hours.

It is better to choose from well-known manufacturers: AKG, Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, Sony, Bose, Yamaha. Chinese cheap nouns are not suitable for an expensive instrument - the sound quality of such headphones, as a rule, leaves much to be desired.

Be sure to try the headphones on before buying and listen to how they sound. We advise you to pay attention to the following models:

AKG K52, 2,400 rubles →
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x, 3 889 rubles →
Sennheiser HD 200 PRO, 4 290 rubles →
AKG K240 MKII, 6 190 rubles →
Sennheiser HD 280 PRO, 9 890 rubles →
SHURE SRH940, 14 390 rubles →

An important point: the headphones must have a 6.3 mm plug - a stereo jack - or an adapter included. All headphones from the list above already have such an adapter. You can also buy it separately, it costs less than 100 rubles.

The kits were compiled with the help of experts from audio equipment stores - Anton Popruga (Muztorg) and Artem Solomatin (Jazzis), as well as Denis Rutgers from Casio. Special thanks for the help in preparing the review and videos to the editor Marina Andreeva.

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