Congratulations! For taking the brilliant decision of learning piano. Now the next step is deciding which piano to buy? Selecting the correct piano type is crucial for your progress. If you buy the wrong type then you will face difficulties while learning the instrument. There are numerous types of piano available in the market and it’s your responsibility to buy a suitable one. But how to know which one is suitable for you?
For answering this first you need to know the types of piano. Let’s discuss the 3major types of pianos available for you to buy.
Grand Piano
No other piano can match the delight of a grand piano. It’s a classic instrument. A grand piano comprises of approximately 1200 parts. Each of these parts works in unison to create the melodies and the harmonies. Those 88 keys attached to the hammers allow you to create high-quality sound. It’s the interior of the grand piano that makes it grand. On the outside, you can see only the keys and the wooden frame but the real magic lies inside.
Grand piano has a peculiar shape and the reason behind its shape is the 230 strings arranged in the interior waiting to vibrate and play the notes. The strings for lower notes are longer while the strings for higher notes are shorter giving piano its shape. The Grand piano is fully manual. You can control each and every note. You can sustain the vibrations and lower the pitch manually. Grand pianos come with 3 pedals that help you to customize the vibration and the pitch. You can imagine when 12000 employees are working in peaceful coordination then the product is destined to be quality.
To add the cherry on the top you can increase the volume as well. All you have to do is lift the lid and your grand piano will be ready to fill a concert hall with its mesmerizing tunes. Grand pianos are big in size and costlier in price. If you want the quality then you have to pay the price.
Upright Piano
This is another form of acoustic pianos. The string arrangement of upright piano distinguishes it from the grand piano. Upright pianos are designed to occupy less area and thus the perfect arrangement of strings is compromised. The quality may not be as good as the grand piano but you can’t complain either. An upright piano is like the younger brother of the grand piano. It’s smaller and less skilled. But if you don’t compare it with the grand piano then you will find it amusing. Upright pianos help you do wonders and create music while occupying less space and demanding less money. You can experience the feel of an acoustic instrument and Learn piano easily.
Digital Keyboard
Digital piano is the gift of the digital age. The age where people desire more by paying less and people crave traveling. In the generation where every equipment is evolving as a mobile device, how can the piano sit back? The digital age cast its spell on the piano as well and produced the digital keyboard. In the grand piano, the keyboard is just a little segment of the bigger picture but in the digital keyboard, it is the whole picture. It’s smaller in size, cheaper in price, and lighter in weight.
You can buy it easily, learn it quickly and move it conveniently. While the grand piano is webbed with intricate parts working in unison the digital piano attempts to replicate the sound through digital measures. There are speakers assembled in the small interior of the digital keyboard which helps in recreating the grand piano experience.
These are the 3 broad categories of piano that you can buy. There are legion sub-categories that you can consider but for now, let’s not dive deep. It’s your first time so let’s stick to swimming on the surface. Now you know what are different types of the piano so let’s find out which type is suitable for you?
You will find the answer to this question hidden in your answers to the following questions:
How Much Can You Spend?
Your budget is the first and most important factor to consider when selecting your piano. Grand piano is the costliest and it comes with maintenance charges as well. An upright piano is cheaper than the grand piano but still can be termed as expensive. Digital keyboards are the cheapest and you can easily afford them. If your planes with the piano are not long-lasting then the digital piano is advisable. Grand pianos can last up to 100 years so it will prove to be an asset if you commit to playing the piano.
Do You Require To Travel?
If you require to travel along with your piano then the digital keyboard is your piano. Its lighter, smaller, and easily portable. If you plan on hitting the road for concerts then buy a digital keyboard. Whereas, if your home is your stage and concert hall then you can go for the grand and upright piano. You can move all three of them but its easier with the digital keyboard. Furthermore, the acoustic pianos face the threat of injuries while traveling.
How Are You Planning To Maintain The Piano?
Grand piano requires commitment. If you are ready to tune your piano twice a year and take good care of it then you can consider buying a grand or upright piano. If you feel you are not ready for the responsibility then select the low maintenance digital keyboard.
You Want To Start Easy or Start Quality?
As a beginner, you should know the answer to this question. If you select quality then buy the grand piano and if you choose ease then the digital keyboard is the best option. An upright piano is in a middle way, it’s easier to learn than a grand piano and better in quality than the digital keyboard.
How Much Control Do You Desire?
In an acoustic piano where each part functions manually, it’s easy for you to exercise control over the notes. While in digital piano all you can do is press the keys. The pedals in the grand piano help you to customize the music experience and plan the vibrations melodiously. Choose the piano based on the power you desire.
Do You Crave The Feel?
Original remains original. No replication can imitate the feel of the original. The digital keyboard may be advanced and easy to learn but if you want to feel the music then the acoustic piano is waiting for you.
The last question is What do you want? If the above questions carry 2 marks each then answering this question right will gain you 100 marks. After considering all the factors it comes down to your desire. Now you know the characteristics of each piano so you can select wisely. Blend your answers and you will know which piano is suitable for you. Remember, grand gives a peerless feel, upright brings quality and takes less space while the digital is easy to learn.
