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Since the dawn of civilization, music has been a part of our life. Some listen and make music for entertainment, some use it to convey a message, and for some, it is a source to connect with the higher power. From the time of renascence, the piano became the most popular instrument for composing and playing music and composing as well. Even today, the piano is one of the most played instruments.
But it is difficult to get an acoustic piano because acoustic pianos are big and costly. That's why many instrument manufacturers came up with an alternative that is cheaper, smaller, and that can also last long. And that alternative of an acoustic piano is the digital piano. If you are wondering acoustic or digital piano, which one is the best? Then you are reading the right article.
Acoustic vs Digital Piano [A Comparative Study]
Before jumping into the point of which one is the best among Acoustic piano and digital piano, let's see what distinguishes these two pianos from each other. Then you can decide what piano suits your requirement because choosing the best one is an individual choice. The best piano for me may not be the best piano for you.
Reading this section will clarify the purpose of each piano. That means you will know where acoustic piano suits more and where digital piano fits better. Both of these pianos are different from one another. But they are also similar to one another in many cases. From this part, you will have a clear idea of what is an acoustic and digital piano.
Acoustic Piano
Acoustic pianos are the base of the piano and its development. The idea of the piano began with acoustic pianos as the key instrument for classical music. The term piano was derived from the term pianoforte. Piano means soft, and forte means loud, and the piano is the instrument that is the perfect resemblance of its name.
Acoustic pianos are a very sophisticated instrument, and it was developed for centuries, and now there are many types of acoustic pianos. The sound of the piano is pure and consists of a rich musical characteristic that comes from the resonance of the strings. Pianists can play harmonics, chords, and solos at the same time using both of the hands swinging over its 88 keys.
An acoustic piano consists of a wooden frame and a large cabinet where the strings are set. There is a real hammer that stricks the string when someone taps on a key. This string-striking is known as the action. The acoustic piano consists of weighted hammer action that means when someone presses a key of a piano, the hammer strikes the string, and the sound resonates with the help of the cabinet.
Since the entire instrument serves as a resonator, that's why a piano to produce a rich and fulfilling sound.
The action of acoustic pianos is slightly higher than the usual digital piano. And it consists of a lot of mechanism inside it for which it is more expensive, costly, and heavy. Musicians who play the piano cannot usually carry their instruments for which digital piano got attention. But the tone and sound of an acoustic piano are uncomparable.
Types of Acoustic pianos
There are two types of Acoustic pianos Grand piano and Upright piano. They are distinguished by size and different types of cabinets.
Grand Piano
Grand pianos are the father of the piano family. This type of piano was discovered at first before any development took place. They consist of a large cabinet, and these are the largest type of acoustic pianos.
There are several types of Grand piano, and they are essential to have a concrete idea about Grand Piano as well as an acoustic piano.
The type of Grand pianos are
Petit grand piano:
It is the smallest kind of grand piano with a length of about 4′ 5″ to 4′ 11″. Petit Grand pianos are not too loud and powerful like bigger pianos. Therefore, they are perfect for your room and little places.
Baby grand:
Baby grand pianos are extremely popular among the players for its size and outstanding sound quality. A baby grand piano is between 5″ and 5′ 5″, and you can purchase it in a reasonable price range.
Medium grand:
It is also known as a classic grand piano, which measures from 5′ 6″ to about 5′ 8″
Professional grand:
It is a full-size grand piano that measures around 5′ 9″ and 6′ 2″ in length.
Parlor grand:
Parlor grand piano is recognized as the living room grand piano because of its size, competence, and excellent sound. A parlor piano measures between 6'3 ″ and 6′ 10″.
Semi-concert grand:
The standard length of semi-concert grand is between 6′ 11″ and 7′ 8″, and they are also known as the ballroom grand.
Concert grand:
Concert grand is the biggest and can generate the best sound with a superior volume. They are about 8'11" to 9″, in length, and some of them are larger.
Upright Piano
Upright Pianos are vertical, and for grand piano, the mounting of strings are horizontal. Upright pianos are smaller than Grand pianos and also cheaper. An upright piano can easily fit into your space; hence it's widely used. And the sound may not be as loud as a grand piano, but the sound of an upright piano is rich and vibrant as well.
There are several types of an Upright Piano, and they are
Spinet:
Spinet is the smallest of all four types of Upright pianos. Spinet pianos are comparatively inexpensive and generate the most inferior quality of sound among upright pianos. They are suitable for beginners and also pocket friendly.
Consol:
A console piano consists of a direct blow action. That means the keys of a console piano have a direct connection to the action. A console piano is taller than a snipet; hence they produce better sound than snipet too, and they are also similar in price.
Studio:
Taller pianos can produce a better sound. Hence the sound of a console upright piano is better than Snippet and Consol upright piano. The studio piano also consists of a longer soundboard and full-size action. As the action of a studio upright Piano is better, they are also very smooth to play.
Full size and professional Upright Piano:
A full-size upright piano is the largest of all upright pianos. The soundboard of it is as large as a baby grand piano. That means you get the quality of baby grand piano in an upright piano, which takes much less space.
Digital Piano
Digital pianos are designed to replicate acoustic piano. Acoustic pianos have numerous mechanisms in it, for which it is more extensive and costly. That's why piano manufacturers discovered digital pianos that are smaller, lighter, and less expensive.
In an acoustic piano, there are weighted hammers that strike the string, which brings out the sound. That's why the velocity of the sound also depends on the action. This also indicates the more force you put on a key, the louder sound an acoustic piano produces.
In a digital piano, there are no strings, but the idea is to replicate the identical feeling so that a piano player can feel the same dynamic and response.
Types of Digital piano
Here are three types of digital pianos that a distinguished by size, sound, durability, cost, and purpose of playing.
The three types of digital pianos are
Upright Digital Piano
A digital upright piano is just like a traditional upright piano. Most of these pianos consist of a wooden body with a big wooden cabinet. Upright digital pianos also consist of built-in speakers and many other functions. Though the sound is generated by digital means, yet the sound is much more like a traditional upright piano.
Stage piano
Stage pianos are suitable for stage performances and traveling musicians. They are more reliable than standard digital pianos and smaller and than an upright piano.
Standard digital piano
Standard digital pianos are best for keeping at home and learning. They are similar to a keyboard, but most of them have a very authentic sound and weighted keys for a realistic experience.
Which One is the Best?
Among an acoustic piano and digital piano, it is hard to say which one is the best because the answer varies upon your requirement and choices.
If you are a teacher or an agent to keep traditional piano playing alive for which you may need a real acoustic piano that provides an authentic playing experience. Many people love the experience of playing a real full-size grand or upright piano. Then an acoustic piano is appropriate for you.
If you are a learner or a professional musician who plays piano and requires carrying the instrument, then the digital piano is appropriate.
For learners, it is wise to go for an affordable option because at the learning stage; you may not know about the maintenance. Hence getting an expensive piano will not be very wise. Acoustic piano requires a lot of maintenance, which involves a lot of experience.
Final Words
This article has all the information about the difference and different types of acoustic piano and digital piano. This can information will guide you to understand the difference between these two pianos. If you are a piano enthusiast and planning to get a piano for yourself, then now you know what piano to get for yourself.
Everyone all over the world loves music. Western classical music has the elegance and sophistication which touch our core. And a piece in a piano with that authentic sound can be much more powerful than we imagine. We have written this article for you so that you can put less effort into finding the necessary information.
We only hope to assist you in your journey of music, and our only achievement will be your pleasure in the journey of the world of melody.
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