The digital piano is the modern version of the electronic piano introduced in the 1950s. The electronic piano was produced until the 1980s, giving the user a synthesized sound that was nothing like the acoustic piano or even the mechanical sounding electronic pianos of the ‘60s and ‘70s. With each decade, the electronic piano changed until we settled on the digital piano of today.
The need for digital pianos appeared in the 1980s as a way to replace an acoustic piano that was cost prohibitive for people to own. Additionally, most acoustic pianos were large and required an empty wall to place it on, for an upright piano, or an open space for something the size of a baby grand. Digital pianos, which can sound just like an acoustic piano, were far cheaper. They allow the user to play the instrument in a smaller space and they don’t need to be tuned. The upkeep of a digital piano is minor compared to an acoustic one and they cost between $75 and $175.
Touch is important to anyone playing the piano and the feel of the keys on today’s digital piano are favorable with most musicians. Technology has allowed digital piano manufacturers to simulate the weight of an acoustic piano’s keyboard on the digital piano. This is attractive to serious musicians, giving them the feel of playing an acoustic piano without the hassle that comes with it.
Digital pianos offer the musician a wide range of other features. For example, most digital pianos can transpose a key with the touch of a button, allowing the player to adjust to a key change without having to stop and determine the change manually. This is helpful for those who accompany singers or write their own music. The can easily change a song designed for a soprano so that an alto can sing it.
Additionally, digital pianos have the ability to link into a computer or can even record the music played on it using a compact disk. Musicians who are recording their music or even writing music can use programs such as iTunes to listen to their music and make changes to it at a later date.
Digital pianos today have a better timbre than their predecessors. They no longer have the “tinny” sound that electric and electronic pianos through the 80’s are known for. They allow you to simulate a wide range of instruments in addition to the piano that can be adjusted to deepen or lighten the timbre depending on what they musician is looking for.
Digital piano
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If you are considering learning the piano and you do not have the money or room for an acoustic one, a digital piano is a good option. It will provide the musician with a wide range of options that are not available on the acoustic piano as well as portability, allowing them to practice and write music wherever they go.
