Acoustic Or Digital Piano? The Choice Might Be Easier Than You Think

Acoustic or digital piano? Let’s try to cut through the classical elitism and get real about digital and acoustic pianos, shall we? WARNING: I may be about to step on some toes…

Acoustic Or Digital Piano: Touch and Feel

(Ivory Tower vs. The Real World)

Acoustic pianos are the old-school darlings of the piano world. To the die-hards who insist on their supremacy, it’s all about hammer and string, weight and resistance, and the ‘feel’ of the real thing. I suppose it’s a bit like a classic car: beautiful, but temperamental (piano joke?) and you need to know what you’re doing.

Digital pianos, for me, are the everyday heroes. Yes, I know they don’t flawlessly mimic the nuanced response of their acoustic counterparts. But in case you haven’t checked recently, let me tell you: they come pretty close! With the latest advances in binaural sampling, progressive weighting, escapement modelling, pedal nuances, and even sympathetic resonance, the latest digital instruments are, for most of us, more than good enough.

(NOTE: I’m talking about digital pianos here, not electronic keyboards. I’ve discussed those here.)

Sound Quality Compared

(Concert Halls vs. Living Room)

True, the structure and design of an acoustic piano causes it to sing with unrivalled depth and richness. So when you’re choosing between acoustic or digital piano, there’s no doubt which you need to fill a concert hall. But who’s got space for a concert hall at home? Digital pianos offer a sound that’s clear, consistent, and in my opinion, more than adequate for your living room or studio. Being able to practise without bothering the neighbours is a win, too. They might not share your enthusiasm for all that “depth and richness”…

Acoustic Or Digital Piano: Upkeep and Practicality

(Continuous Adjustment vs. An Easy Life)

An acoustic piano is high-maintenance, like a pet that needs constant care (but drops less hair.) As soon as you pay a small fortune for tuning it (and fixing whatever the tuner managed to find – or break – this time), the flippin’ thing starts untuning itself again. Its sensitivity to humidity, temperature, movement, or just the way you looked at it a bit funny yesterday, is not for the faint-hearted. By contrast, a digital piano is your easy-going, low-maintenance friend. No tuning, no environmental dramas – just more cash in your pocket for chocolate and wine. Who wouldn’t?

The Value Of Versatility

(One Trick Pony vs. The World At Your Fingertips)

So you’re deciding whether to buy an acoustic or digital piano…what could possibly match up to the singular, time-tested sound of the acoustic? I tell you exactly what: an entire orchestra at your fingertips! Plus, headphones for silent practice, connections for recording – oh and did I mention the built-in lessons? If you’re willing to see past the snobbery of the acoustic aficionados, you’ll discover a world of endless possibilities!

Acoustic Or Digital Piano: Cost Considerations

(Investment Piece vs. Smart Buy)

Investing in an acoustic piano is like buying a piece of antique furniture: it’s expensive, doesn’t look quite right in a modern house and takes up far too much room.  “Yes, but…” – I hear them protest – “…like an antique, it will keep its value if you look after it…” Tell that to the trustees of my local church who are struggling to even give away their regularly-tuned and carefully played grand piano. It was replaced years ago with an excellent Roland stage piano and is now just in the way. Digital pianos are budget-friendly and save on space. Accessible, practical, and most likely the smart choice for you.

Convinced?

So, what’s it going to be? The grandeur and faux-prestige of an acoustic piano or the practical, versatile charm of a digital? Don’t get me wrong: if you’re studying piano beyond ABRSM Grade VIII, or kitting out Carnegie Hall, it’s a high-quality acoustic you need – and you might need to sell the kids to afford it. However, I remain unconvinced of the need for acoustic pianos for the 99.99% of the rest of us.

It’s about finding what works for you, in the real world. It’s your journey, your music, your money, and your choice – all so easily forgotten by those inhabiting the highbrow, slightly-out-of-touch world of many classical pianists, piano teachers and over-enthusiasts. As for me, you can keep your acoustic piano. Give me a digital (like my Kawai Concert Artist) and an extra couple of great holidays instead; it’s a no-brainer.

One caveat: don’t stray too far towards the cheaper end of the market. Unless you’re a complete beginner, if you spend less than £1500/$1900 on a digital piano, you run a risk of being disappointed. But beyond that, there are some absolutely lovely instruments to choose from. Happy playing!

• Do you think digital pianos can match the feel of acoustics?
• What features of digital pianos do you find most beneficial?
• What’s your dream piano, and how does it fit into the digital vs. acoustic debate?

Share your thoughts below!