Comparison of these two instruments to help you choose!
You want to learn to play the piano and you decide to buy one. You will then be faced with a multitude of choices, but especially with two main categories of instruments: acoustic pianos and electric pianos. But which one to choose? Do these differences have an impact on the quality of your learning?
Differences:
The acoustic piano
An acoustic piano, as its name indicates, is an instrument that does not require any electrical circuit. Its operation is mechanical, the keys are connected to hammers that strike the strings to make them vibrate. The acoustic piano can be "upright" or "grand", differing in size and sound amplitude depending on its soundboard. (resonance body of the strings)
The digital piano
A digital piano is an instrument made entirely of electronics, which reproduces more or less faithfully the sound of an acoustic piano and other instruments that have been recorded and sampled in a studio. As with synthesizers, the electronic piano does not emit any sound "naturally" and requires an amplifier to broadcast sound. Since it does not have a soundboard, its size is relatively small.
Costs
Due to its mechanical complexity, maintenance, and construction, the acoustic piano is on average much more expensive than the electronic piano. Indeed, the entry level of the latter is between 300 and 400 for a portable piano, and 800 for a "furniture" piano. For the acquisition of an upright piano, you must count 3000.00 -, entry level. Prices are obviously higher for the different types of grand pianos, ranging from 15,000 to 250,000. It happens quite often that upright pianos are to be given away on various second-hand sales sites.
Advantages of the acoustic piano
The engineering of this instrument, its mechanical complexity provide an inimitable touch. The strings vibrate and make us vibrate. Even if electric piano designers are making great progress with "heavy touch" keyboards, the "standard" piano gives off a depth of sound that cannot be programmed, due to harmonics and other natural acoustic effects. These differences have a direct impact on our emotions.
Advantages of the electronic piano
First of all, the electronic piano is much more suitable for all types of apartments. In order not to disturb the people around you while practicing, you can simply plug in your headphones and isolate yourself in your bubble. It is also more easily transportable, weighing on average 5x less than an upright piano (25kg against 150kg). Unlike the acoustic piano which requires real maintenance (tuning, mechanical wear, pedals ...), the electronic piano does not need special maintenance. You can also explore a multitude of different sounds thanks to the banks of instruments generally integrated into the instrument.
Conclusions
It is important to understand that learning an instrument starts with the repetition of technical exercises, the placement of the fingers, the understanding of harmony... These different aspects can be worked on all types of keyboards. Before really knowing if the piano suits you, it may be wise to start on an electronic piano for the general understanding of the instrument and the acquisition of the first technical gestures of pianists.
Apolline offers singing lessons in Lausanne as well as guitar lessons, drum lessons and piano lessons to help you perfect your musical skills.
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