Starter Pianos Buying Guide

So you’re looking for a piano to learn on? What do you look for? Here is a quick basic guide.

First choose between a digital and an acoustic piano, what are the benefits?

Benefits of a digital piano

• Low price point (from £300+)
• Use headphones!
• Turn down the volume
• Connect to a computer for learning apps
• Some are easily portable
• Some are compatible with batteries

Benefits of an acoustic piano

• The feel of playing an acoustic piano with its vibrations and resonances cannot be replicated on a purely digital instrument
• A new instrument will last 50+ years!
• Purchasing a serviceable or rebuilt second hand acoustic piano is better for the environment. Digital piano parts are often unavailable after 10 years.

The benefits of the digital piano above are in essence often more favourable to those beginning in their piano playing journey. The low price point at which they start means they are very accessible and make a great beginners instrument if you choose the right one.

So what do you look for?

• Choose a fully weighted action (there are semi-weighted, marketed as ‘piano-like’ keyboards that are not the same). Always look for the term – weighted keys.
• We’d recommend to go for 88 keys, as this will last you longer and you’ll never run out of notes if you progress quickly.
• Stick to one of the 5 big brands (Casio, Kawai, Yamaha, Roland, Korg).  Most other brands will be using old technology.

As well as the above we’d recommend you go into a music shop and hear them for yourself.  Recording environments of online videos do not always truthfully represent the sound when you actually sit and play them (you’re using different speakers to start with!).  If you’re inspired by the sound then you’ll want to keep practicing!  Most music shops will be able to play them for you, and we love helping you choose the instrument that’s right for you.

We highly recommend the Casio CDP-S110 model as a good starting point– it’s a weighted piano in a very compact package that’s also lightweight! So if you don’t want your piano out all the time, you can pop it away under the bed or in a cupboard and easily pull it out to practice on!  Or take it on holiday, to uni, or even to family gatherings to show off your new skills. It’s currently available at a fab price.

Want to find out more about the differences between acoustic pianos, digital pianos and keyboards? Check out this blog https://mickleburgh.co.uk/piano-and-keyboard-buying-guide/