1. Introduction
Digital pianos are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional acoustic pianos. They provide the same sound quality and playability as a real piano, but without the hefty price tag or need for regular maintenance. Purchasing a digital piano can be a daunting task, however, as there are many features to consider and different price points. In this article, we will take a look at what to look for in a digital piano, how to shop for one, and some tips to help you make the right choice when buying a digital piano.
2. What to Look for in a Digital Piano
When shopping for a digital piano, there are several key factors to consider: action type, polyphony, features & connectivity, and price range & budgeting.
3. Action vs. Weighted Keys
The action of a digital piano is how it responds when you press the keys. There are two types of action: weighted and non-weighted. Weighted keys provide a more realistic feel and response compared to non-weighted keys which tend to be less responsive and have less natural feel.
4. Polyphony
Polyphony is the number of notes that can be played simultaneously on the instrument. The higher the polyphony number, the more complex pieces of music can be played on your digital piano with fewer notes being dropped out or cut off.
5. Features & Connectivity
When shopping for a digital piano, it is important to consider what features and connectivity options are available on the instrument you are considering purchasing. Many digital pianos come with built-in speakers, headphone jacks, MIDI compatibility, USB ports, recording capabilities, and even Bluetooth connectivity so that you can connect your instrument to other devices or apps like Apple Music or Spotify.
6. Price Range & Budgeting
When budgeting for your digital piano purchase, it is important to consider not only the initial cost of the instrument but also any additional costs such as accessories (e.g., stands or benches), delivery fees, and any applicable taxes or fees associated with your purchase. It is also important to factor in any potential repair costs should something go wrong with your instrument down the line as well as any additional fees associated with registering your instrument with the manufacturer or retailer from which you purchased it from.
7. Shopping Platforms & Online Stores
When shopping for a digital piano online, it is important to consider which platforms or stores offer the best selection at the best prices as well as any additional benefits such as free shipping or extended warranties that may come with your purchase depending on where you buy from. Popular online retailers such as Amazon and Sweetwater offer great selections at competitive prices while specialty stores like PianoMart offer more specialized selections at higher prices but often include additional benefits such as free setup and tuning services upon delivery of your new instrument.
8. Demo Pianos & Test Playing
If possible, it is always best practice to try out different models of digital pianos before making your purchase decision so that you can get an idea of how each model feels and sounds in person rather than relying solely on online reviews or videos. Many stores offer demo models that you can try out in store or even rent for a period of time before making your purchase decision so that you can get an accurate feel for how each model plays before committing to one particular model over another.
9. Warranty & Service Support
When buying a digital piano it is important to consider what kind of warranty comes with the instrument as well as what kind of service support is available should something go wrong with your instrument down the line. Most manufacturers offer warranties ranging from 1-5 years depending on their specific policies so it is important to check what kind of coverage comes with each model before making your purchase decision so that you are covered should anything happen after you have taken ownership of your new instrument. Additionally, many manufacturers also offer service plans which provide extended coverage beyond what is offered by their standard warranties so it is worth looking into these options if you plan on keeping your instrument for an extended period of time beyond its warranty period
10 Tips for Buying a Digital Piano
1) Consider action type: Do you prefer weighted or non-weighted keys?
2) Consider polyphony: Higher numbers allow more complex pieces of music without notes being dropped out
3) Consider features & connectivity: Does it have built-in speakers? Headphone jack? MIDI compatibility? USB ports? Recording capabilities? Bluetooth connectivity?
4) Consider price range & budgeting: Are there any additional costs such as accessories (e.g., stands or benches), delivery fees, taxes/fees associated with registering the product?
5) Consider shopping platforms & online stores: Are there any additional benefits such as free shipping or extended warranties available depending on where you buy from?
6) Try out demo pianos & test playing: If possible try out different models in store before making your purchase decision so that you can get an accurate feel for how each model plays
7) Consider warranty & service support: What kind of warranty comes with each model? Are there any extended service plans available beyond what is offered by their standard warranties?
8) Research brands: Do some research into different brands and models based on reviews from other users who have purchased them
9) Read reviews: Read reviews from other users who have purchased similar models/brands to get an idea of how they perform in real life situations
10) Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions when buying a digital piano – most retailers will be more than happy to answer any queries you may have about their products!