Best digital piano – beginners guide
Your guide to buying the best digital piano for a beginner.
Are you looking to start learning the piano? Great!
On this page, you can read more about the best digital pianos for beginners.
Learning the piano requires one basic thing – a decent instrument to play on.
It can be anything from a concert grand piano, an upright piano, a digital piano – or it can be another type of keyboard in good quality.
If you do not already have a quality instrument, you will need to buy one. Fortunately, over time, it has become cheaper to buy brand new pianos and keyboards – especially electric ones.
In this article, I will give you my personal recommendations and general tips for buying a new piano.
Start with a Digital Piano
You should start with a digital piano because it is much cheaper than a real piano. If you become completely engrossed in playing the piano, you can always invest in a real piano later. A real piano is clearly preferable, but wait to make that investment later.
A digital piano is also called an electric piano, digital piano, or digital keyboard.
So, let’s talk a little bit about digital pianos and keyboards.
I recommend that you buy an instrument that is NOT the cheapest on the market. The very cheap instruments can, of course, play – but you will tire of the sound – and especially the feeling in the keys.
When you buy a digital piano or keyboard, you should ensure three things:
- The keys are “weighted” or “semi-weighted.” This means that you have a sense of weight in the keys when you play.
- The keys are touch-sensitive. This means that the sound gets louder – the harder you hit the key.
- There are built-in speakers. If, for example, you buy an expensive stage piano, the instrument is designed to be connected to a sound system – and therefore does not have built-in speakers. Without speakers, you cannot hear what you are playing.
Finally, you should also consider purchasing an instrument that has an adequate number of keys. Ideally, you should buy a piano with a full range – that is, 88 keys. With a full range, you get all the deep bass tones – and all the bright treble tones.
Alternatively, you can choose the full range’s “little brother” – 76 keys. You should NOT buy an instrument with fewer than 76 keys – because it will limit your piano playing.
With these basic recommendations in mind – let’s dig a little deeper.
Best Digital Piano for Beginners Guide in details
So let’s have a closer look at my recommendations for your first buy. There are many affordable options available that offer great sound quality, touch response, and features. In this section, we’ll explore the best digital pianos for beginners and what to look for when buying one.
- Yamaha P-45
The Yamaha P-45 is a popular choice for beginners because of its realistic sound and touch response. It has 88 weighted keys, which means the keys have a weight similar to an acoustic piano, making it easier to develop proper finger technique. The P-45 also has a compact design, making it easy to move around and store in small spaces.
- Casio Privia PX-160
The Casio Privia PX-160 is another great option for beginners. It has a realistic touch response, thanks to its 88 weighted keys with a simulated ebony and ivory texture. The PX-160 also has a variety of sound options, including grand piano, strings, and organs, and a built-in two-track recorder for practicing and composing.
- Korg B2
The Korg B2 is a newer digital piano that has gained popularity for its affordability and quality. It has 88 weighted keys with a natural touch response, making it feel like an acoustic piano. The B2 also includes 12 high-quality sounds, including three different grand piano sounds, and a built-in metronome and music stand.
When looking for the best digital piano for beginners, it’s important to consider the touch response, sound quality, and features. A piano with weighted keys and touch sensitivity will help you develop proper finger technique and expression. Additionally, having a variety of sound options and built-in features can make practicing and composing easier and more enjoyable.
Best digital piano for a beginner
Now that you have a basic understanding of what to look for when buying a digital piano, let’s dive into some specific recommendations. Here are some of the best digital pianos for beginners:
- Yamaha P-45 – This is a great option for those on a budget, as it typically sells for under $500. It has 88 fully weighted keys and a realistic piano sound. The P-45 is also lightweight and portable, making it a great option for those who need to move their piano frequently.
- Casio PX-870 – If you’re willing to spend a bit more, the Casio PX-870 is a fantastic option. It has 88 fully weighted keys, a beautiful grand piano sound, and a range of other instrument sounds to experiment with. It also has a built-in recording function, so you can listen back to your playing and track your progress.
- Roland FP-30 – The Roland FP-30 is another excellent option for beginners. It has 88 fully weighted keys and a realistic piano sound, as well as a range of other instrument sounds. It also has a Bluetooth function, so you can connect it to your phone or tablet and play along with your favorite songs.
- Kawai ES110 – The Kawai ES110 is a high-end option for beginners, but it’s well worth the investment if you’re serious about playing the piano. It has 88 fully weighted keys and a beautiful piano sound, as well as a range of other instrument sounds. It’s also lightweight and portable, making it easy to move around if needed.
No matter which digital piano you choose, make sure it has fully weighted keys, a realistic piano sound, and an appropriate number of keys. It’s also important to consider factors such as portability, additional features, and your budget. By keeping these things in mind, you’ll be sure to find the best digital piano for your needs as a beginner pianist.
Best digital piano with weighted keys
When it comes to buying a digital piano, having weighted keys is essential for a more realistic playing experience. Weighted keys simulate the feel of an acoustic piano by replicating the resistance and weight of the hammers hitting the strings. This makes it easier for a beginner to transition to an acoustic piano if they choose to do so in the future.
The best digital piano with weighted keys for beginners is the Yamaha P-45. It has a simple interface and an 88-key keyboard with Graded Hammer Standard action, which means that the keys are heavier in the lower register and lighter in the higher register, just like an acoustic piano. The P-45 also has a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to move and store. It is priced around $450, making it an affordable option for beginners who want a quality instrument with weighted keys.
Another option to consider is the Casio Privia PX-160. This digital piano also has an 88-key keyboard with Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II, which provides a more accurate and responsive playing experience. The PX-160 also has a built-in 2-track MIDI recorder, which can help beginners track their progress and analyze their playing. It is priced around $500, making it slightly more expensive than the Yamaha P-45 but still an excellent option for beginners who want a digital piano with weighted keys.
Ultimately, the best digital piano with weighted keys for beginners depends on personal preference and budget. It is important to try out different options in person and see which one feels the most comfortable and natural to play.
Best Digital Piano Under 1000 $
When it comes to finding a high-quality digital piano at an affordable price, it’s important to understand that you may have to make some compromises. However, there are still some excellent options available on the market for under 1000 dollars.
One of the best digital pianos under 1000 dollars is the Yamaha P-45. This piano is well-known for its high-quality sound and weighted keys that mimic the feel of an acoustic piano. It also has a sleek, compact design that makes it easy to move around, making it a great option for beginners who need a portable instrument.
Another excellent option is the Casio Privia PX-160. This digital piano features 88 fully weighted keys and a range of sounds and effects, making it a versatile instrument for beginners and more advanced players. It also has a slim, stylish design that looks great in any home or studio.
The Alesis Recital Pro is another great option for beginners on a budget. With 88 semi-weighted keys and a range of sounds and features, this digital piano is a great way to get started with playing the piano without breaking the bank. It also has a built-in speaker system, making it easy to practice without needing additional equipment.
Overall, when shopping for a digital piano under 1000 dollars, it’s important to focus on finding an instrument that offers a good balance of sound quality, key action, and features. With these options, you’ll be able to find a great instrument to help you begin your piano playing journey.
Best Digital Piano Under 500 $
If you are on a tight budget but still want a decent digital piano, don’t worry, there are still options for you. Here are our top picks for the best digital piano under $500.
- Alesis Recital
The Alesis Recital is a popular choice for beginners due to its affordable price and full-size, semi-weighted keys. It has 88 keys and features five voices, including acoustic piano, electric piano, and organ. It also has built-in speakers and a headphone jack for quiet practice.
- RockJam 88-Key Beginner Digital Piano
The RockJam 88-Key Beginner Digital Piano is another great option for those on a budget. It features fully-weighted keys and comes with a stand, stool, and headphones. It also has 10 different voices and built-in speakers.
- Casio CDP-S100
The Casio CDP-S100 is a slim and compact digital piano that is perfect for small spaces. It has 88 fully-weighted keys and features 10 different voices, including grand piano, electric piano, and strings. It also has a headphone jack and built-in speakers.
- Yamaha P-45
The Yamaha P-45 is a compact and lightweight digital piano that offers great sound quality and fully-weighted keys. It has 88 keys and features 10 different voices, including grand piano, electric piano, and strings. It also has built-in speakers and a headphone jack.
Buying a digital piano on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality. There are many options available for under $500 that offer fully-weighted keys, multiple voices, and built-in speakers. Consider your needs and preferences when choosing the best digital piano for you.
To sum it all up
Purchasing your first digital piano can be a daunting task, but with the right information and guidance, it can be a fulfilling experience. As a beginner, it is important to prioritize certain features such as weighted keys, number of keys, and built-in speakers when choosing a digital piano.
Our guide has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the best digital pianos for beginners, including options under $1000 and $500. It is important to remember that while a high-end digital piano may have all the bells and whistles, it may not be necessary for a beginner.
Ultimately, the best digital piano for you will depend on your budget, needs, and personal preferences. We hope that this guide has helped you in your search for the perfect digital piano, and we wish you all the best in your musical journey.