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The piano is the most popular instrument for both performing and composing since the time of the renaissance. And today, in modern times, we hear the piano in Pop, rock, jazz, and blues, and indeed it is one of the popular most instruments for learning as well. But getting a grand piano or even an upright piano at home is not too easy because grand pianos are expensive and too large to fit easily.
Hence there are alternatives like Digital piano or keyboard. Many people who are starting to learn may have confusion about a digital piano and the keyboard. That's why to clear all confusion; we are providing this article Digital pianos vs. keyboard to distinguish the difference.
Digital Piano vs. Keyboard
From the time when people started loving piano, almost every piano enthusiast has this dream of keeping a grand piano or at least an upright piano at home. Since grand pianos are so big that it is not easy to carry or it does not even fit in the usual houses. The upright piano became an alternative, but upright pianos are also very expensive
Later the musical instrument manufacturers invented the digital piano and electronic keyboard as an alternative. Digital piano or electronic keyboards are far cheaper, light in weight, and less expensive than an acoustic piano. And since then, digital piano and keyboard both became popular and replaced acoustic piano as they are efficient for learning as well.
Many people do not know the difference between Digital piano and keyboard, especially those who are just about to start their journey in the world of music.
Digital Piano
Digital pianos are made with the intention to replicate acoustic piano. Acoustic pianos have a lot of mechanism in it for which it is bigger and expensive. That's why piano manufacturers came up with a digital piano that is smaller, lighter, and less expensive.
In an acoustic, 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. That means more pressure you put on a key, the louder sound you get in an acoustic piano.
In a digital piano, there are no strings or but there are other means to replicate the same feeling so that a piano player can feel the same dynamic and response. This is why digital piano also has the same hammer weighted keys that replicate the original feeling of playing an acoustic piano.
Many artists prefer recording or performing with a grand piano because of the wide and vibrant sound of it. Though a digital piano can produce the same sound yet, there may be some little detail missing. But an acoustic piano is very heavy and expensive, and one cannot carry it easily. That's why digital piano became the best alternative, and some digital piano does produce a decent sound of an acoustic piano.
A digital piano also has other features like recording facilities, built-in sounds, etc. They are also suitable for studio use and performance.
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 large wooden cabinet. They have built-in speakers along with weighted keys.
Though the sound is generated by digital means, yet the sound is much more like a traditional upright. The digital upright piano also has that furniture aspect like a traditional one, but they require less maintenance than a traditional upright piano.
Stage piano
Stage pianos are best for stage performances and traveling musicians. They are a bit sturdier than standard digital pianos and smaller and portable than an upright piano. Many stage digital piano does not have built-in speakers; perhaps they rely on amplifier or external sound output.
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.
Keyboard
Electronic keyboards consist of a design that is much more portable than any digital piano. Sometimes keyboards are best for learners as well as professional use. Musicians who want to make their own sound uses keyboards because most keyboards have this option of creating more sounds.
The electronic keyboard also consists of built-in sounds, and the amount crosses hundreds, and sometimes they are in thousands. These sounds are all digitally generated, and keyboards always have built-in speakers for sound output.
The Digital piano does not have weighted keys. They are best for music producers and composers with experience. But the light keys are also suitable for starters. They are much lighter, cheaper, and smaller than digital pianos.
The Digital piano also comes with rhythm patterns and lessons, which makes it perfect for starters. Some keyboards have the flexible option for the action of keys, which can turn into weighted keys, and if you want, you can turn it off.
Types of keyboard
There are several types of keyboards. The differences that distinguish one keyboard with the others are the number of keys it consists, the type of sound they produce, etc. The keyboard that we find in the toy stores is also a type of keyboard. Then there are highly professional keyboards of strict musicians that consist of ample sound and features.
Standard keyboard
Standard keyboards are the usual keyboards that we see. Some standard keyboards are highly professional made for professional usage as well. But some standard keyboards are for regular playing or learning, which consists of less than 88 keys. Some standard keyboards have the option of weighted keys; some don't.
All standard keyboard consists of a built-in sound output along with hundreds or thousands of sound. They are light and carriable.
Midi Controller keyboard
Midi means Musical Instrument Digital Interface. Usually, midi keyboards do not have their own sound. They rely on the external sound generated by software or Digital Audio Workstations through which you can assign sound samples, and that's how Midi keyboards get a sound.
The midi keyboard does not come with built-in sound output. They provide sound through external sound output like computer speakers or amplifiers.
Synthesizer
Synthesizers are designed for making synthesized sounds, and you can make a sound and also save in synthesizers. They suitable for modern music because synthesized sounds are highly digitalized sound created through digital means. These keyboards are good for performances but not at all for learning or playing traditional western classical music.
What to choose?
Well, among digital piano and keyboard, none is better than the other because only you can decide what is better for you.
If you are a professional musician and looking to make a one-time investment and want something sturdy, durable, and excellent with sound, then digital piano can be a perfect option for you.
For learners, if you feel that you will make a one-time investment and you want to pursue your passion for playing music, then why not a digital piano because they last longer and provide an authentic experience.
But if you are a learner and looking for something very cheap, then you can go for a keyboard. Since they are affordable, so you won't regret it if you don't carry on playing.
If you are a professional musician who wants tweak your EQs for making something new, then a keyboard can provide you all the features for making your sound.
What to choose? Well, it completely depends upon your needs; you need to make sure what is the reason of getting a keyboard. When you know why you need an instrument, then you can find what you need by yourself.
Final Word
There numerous people who wants to learn music. Even today, at this moment someone is probably thinking about his or her starting instrument. Many people choose the piano or keyboard. Unlike string instruments, keys instruments don't have the problem of strings being rusted or getting cuts. The piano has a very blissful sound.
But in this busy life, we all may not get enough time to do our research to find out the instrument we desire. Many may not know whether it's a digital piano or a keyboard to go for. That's why we are providing this article about the digital piano vs. keyboard to clarify the difference and usability.
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