Nothing equals the sound and touch of an acoustic piano, but it is good to know about alternative types of pianos.
Both an acoustic and an electric piano amplify the sound
generated by hammers hitting wire strings. An acoustic piano uses a soundboard
to do this work, and an electric piano typically uses electromagnetic pickups,
circuitry and a speaker system. There is a variety of electric pianos. Some
have a traditional soundboard that has a electric-based pickups attached. Other
electric pianos use flat steel reeds that are hit or plucked. The struck element
can also resemble a tuning fork with two vibrating parts.
Technically, an electric piano is actually an electro-mechanical
instrument, unlike a synthesizer. The latter converts electric audio signals from
an oscillator into sound waves, and does not try to replicate a piano sound.
The quality ones are costly and are designed for professional musicians and
composers.
The first electric pianos were produced in the late 1920s,
and became popular by the 1950s. Now electronic pianos, which emulate the sound
of an electric piano, have largely replaced electric pianos because of their
portability and their ability to sound like a variety of musical instruments. Electronic
pianos use analog synthesis to generate sound while digital pianos use digital
data sample-based synthesis. Portable digital pianos also exist, sometimes
called slab pianos. They contain the full 88 hammer-action keys.
If you are thinking of buying a digital piano, consider the
following factors:
- · Acoustic pianos need tuning, but their sound and touch feel more “authentic” than a digital piano.
- · A digital piano does not have the same resonance and layered reverberation as an acoustic piano.
- · Digital pianos can be adjusted for different sound levels, but they require a power source to play, so are less ecological.
- · Acoustic pianos cost more initially but they depreciate more slowly than a digital piano.
- · Digital pianos may have several built-in sounds, and may include recording features.
In choosing a digital piano, consider:
- · Its keyboard action and touch response
- · Its sound quality – and the number/kinds of sounds and tones
- · The number of individual notes that can be produced at once (polyphony); at least 32-note polyphony, but 64-note polyphony can create complex sounds
- · Learning tools
- · Its amplification and speakers
- · Its accessories: cables, stand, cover, case, bench
If at all possible, try a variety of pianos and see which
one “resonates” for you and other users of that instrument. If it is uncomfortable,
you won’t enjoy it and not matter the cost, it will probably be a waste.
