Trying to pick out a piano from the huge selection available these days can be very intimidating. From brands such as Yamaha to Casio, it’s difficult to point to a certain selection to pick from, especially considering how everyone has different needs. However, with enough research you can narrow that field to a specific few keyboards that have all the features and encompass all the traits that you are looking for in a piano. In this article, we will be providing a few criteria that your beginner piano will have to fulfill. These criteria should all be met before you even consider the price of the piano if you’re looking for the best one to purchase. After that, we will point out a few brands and selections that are as cost efficient as they can get with all the right features.
Difference Between Keyboards and Pianos
The first criteria will initially adhere to the fact that keyboards and pianos are both different. When you’re trying to get into playing the piano and you want to invest in a long term instrument. You will want to go with some as close to a Piano as possible. This means that the first criteria revolves around weighted keys. The reason you are going for this is because most of the professional and concert pianos often make use of weighted keys instead of light keyboard keys. This will allow you to adjust to weighted keys and be able to comfortably use them without any issues when you need to. In this case, you will be looking for a piano, not a keyboard, and this is the main difference.
Key Count
The second criteria is that the piano should have all 88 keys. You could go for a 76 or 61 key piano, however, if you want to be able to play all compositions effectively, it is best to go for an 88 key piano. The extra keys will be especially good for songs that encompass the lower notes for the bass and will provide more flexibility in the long term.
Metronome
It is often favorable to choose a piano that has a built in metronome for the sake of convenience. While you may be able to install a metronome on your phone or just find a physical metronome, it won’t be as convenient as a built in metronome in the piano itself.
Key Size
While a piano may have all 88 keys, it still needs to adhere to the full size of a real piano key. This means that you will be looking for keys with a larger volume instead of the flat ones that are sold with digital keyboards. This, again, is to make sure that you will be able to get accustomed to the full size and scale of all acoustic pianos if you ever need to use them. Playing on mini keys will most likely not allow you to be comfortable with playing on regular size keys which could be an issue when you’re going somewhere new to play a composition.
Scaled Hammer Action
The reason that many pianos are cheap is because they are not weighted. As previously discussed, you will want to go for weighted keys, this is also known as scaled hammer action. There are two other types which are called non-weighted (found in keyboards) and semi-weighted (found in portable pianos and beginner friendly pianos). When going for a scaled hammer action piano, you are not looking for heavy keys necessarily but keys are weighted parallel to their notes. This means that the keys should get heavier as you go lower on the scale. This is to replicate the string weight on acoustic pianos.
Sustain Pedal
Another criteria would be the sustain pedal. When looking for a digital piano, it is often very helpful to get one that comes with a sustain pedal. Sustain pedals are tools that allow you to hold notes for a longer time, allowing them to ring out for a longer time. This is especially important when you are playing harmonic compositions and is essentially an integral part of any piano that you will be playing.
Top 5 Piano List
Now that all the criteria are listed, here are 5 pianos that adhere to most/all the criteria mentioned above. These prices may change depending on where you purchase them from.
#5 Alesis Recital Pro 88
This piano is the cheapest of its kind to fulfill most of the criteria, at only $349, it encompasses all 88 keys and provides a smooth and realistic feeling. The only issue with the piano is that it doesn’t have a scaled hammer action. While it is weighted, it does not scale with the notes. The Alesis brand is also not as international as brands such as Yamaha and Casio, making it harder to obtain.
#4 Korg B1
This piano satisfies all the criteria, its quality is also very solid making it have a very high resale value. It’s mostly in the #4 position due to its age and price. Being 4 years old and $400 this piano is a great choice, however, it may not be the best choice for you.
#3 Yamaha P-45
Yamaha is a very strong brand that makes this a very good choice if you may want to resell this piano. It is also well known for providing parts for the piano and has a very good warranty. The only downside is that it’s a bit more pricey than its counterparts at $450.
#2 Casio CDP-S100
This piano is not only made by a well known brand, but it is also the second cheapest on the list at $400. It fulfills all the criteria and has an amazing texture with high quality sounds.
#1 Roland FP-10
Being a new piano, it implements all the recent technology efficiently at a price of $500. Its sound is very unique and high quality making it a solid choice for any beginner that’s planning to go into the professional scene. It also fulfills all 5 criteria making it an all around good piano that you can buy, as long as you don’t mind the $500 price tag that is.
Conclusion
It’s very important to be well informed on the piano that you’re buying. The list is mostly for you to be able to choose what piano will fit you the best. If you’re willing to sacrifice some things for a lower price, then one may be better for you than the other. It really all depends on your needs. If you’re looking to get into the professional scene, a good high price investment may be worth it. For more articles such as this, visit Mello Studio’s Website.
