Digital pianos are increasing in popularity due to the fact that technology has improved. Piano sounds are getting more and more realistic, and best of all, all digital pianos can be volume
controlled and be plugged in with a headphones.
There are many manufacturers today, but the main ones are Yamaha, CASIO, KORG, Roland, Kawai, Kurzweil. And so what are the differences between the different
manufacturers?
Every dollar you are paying for in a digital piano goes to 5 important aspects.
1) The keyboard touch - Generally the heavier it is, the better it is. A grand piano has the heaviest keys.
2) The sampling synthesis - In layman terms, the piano sounds, how 'good' the piano sounds. *Although this can be very subjective to individual.
3) Functions - recording, drum rhythms, editing, different sounds, polyphony, USB, SD slot, etc, self learning capabilities
4) Amplifier and speakers - A powerful amp with speakers will sound much better even at low volumes.
5) The overall design - Portability, polished material, piano cover, slim design, etc.
As you can imagine, every digital piano score well in certain aspects only. For example, the Yamaha DGX 630 has many functions but loses on its keyboard touch. The CASIO PX 830
has stunning slim design and built but loses on its functions. The Yamaha CVP 509 has every aspect but you pay a price for it. Thus, it boils down to your budget, and what you really
want from a Digital Piano. It doesn't quite matter even if you are a beginner because an expensive Digital Piano still benefits.
From our many years of digital piano experience, we can guide you. Consider the following.
1) Do you really need the additional functions?
If you are unsure because you are a beginner, you should go without it. However if you like to have your Digital Piano to be versatile and be able to do many things, you can consider
the CASIO CDP 200, CASIO PX330, or YAMAHA DGX 630 or KURZWEIL Mark pro 2. If you are able to pay the high side, (above $2.8k) you should consider the Yamaha CVP 501.
Do consider that all Digital Pianos should have other basic sounds like Electronic Piano, Strings, Organ, etc. And most Digital pianos also have a metronome built-in and even a simple
1or2 track recording function. If you require to connect your Digital Piano to a computer, look for those models with a USB port. Technically all Digital Pianos can be connected via MIDI
port, but a MIDI to USB interface cable can be expensive (about $100) compared to a $10 USB cable.
2) Are you looking for a very budget Digital Piano?
If so, consider the CASIO CDP 100, YAMAHA P95 or the KORG SP170. The CDP 100 is the cheapest, and has better keyboard action as compared to P95 in our opinion. Yamaha digital
pianos generally produces mellow tones whereas CASIO sounds are brighter. All of these models are below $1k.
3) Is space a constraint for you?
If so, consider the CASIO PX series or the YAMAHA P series. Do take note that every Digital Piano is portable in a way. The piano can be detached from the stand easily. However the
bigger cabinet pianos like the Yamaha CLP and CVP series will be more troublesome to disassemble. Another thing to note, all 88 keys digital pianos share about the same length in
dimension. So it is very much all about the depth of the piano that you should be concern about if space is a constraint for you.
4) Are you concern about dust and do you really need a piano cover?
If so, consider the KORG LP 350. It has a very nice cover, and the price is very affordable. Nice piano sounds and weighted action. You can also consider the CASIO PX730 or PX830.
All Yamaha Clavinova comes with built-in covers too.
5) Do you still need us to recommend?
Most important of all, you have to like the Digital Piano. Even if you like it because of its looks, it is still a valid factor. Yamaha is generally classified as 'Branded', but it isn't as branded
as PRADA as compared to HANGTEN between the different Digital Piano manufacturers. So bear in mind you will technically pay a little more for Yamaha. Casio is always well known
for value, and unlike in the past, CASIO has moved on. Roland and Kawai are extremely expensive and not value for money in our opinion, especially in Singapore. KORG is
surprisingly cheaper in Singapore than in other countries.
We cannot recommend just one particular model for you, we will usually work around with your budget first. If you are looking for the cheapest, the CASIO CDP 100 is it. If you are
able to pay nothing more than $1.5k, you can consider the Yamaha P95, DGX 630, or CASIO PX 130, CDP 200. KORG LP 350. If you are willing to pay above the $1.5k mark, you should
consider a Yamaha clavinova if space is not an issue for you. The CASIO new PX 830 is also a good choice, its high grade and slim and stylistic. The Kurzweil markpro 2 is for you if
you like to have a bit of everything around $1.4k. If you only want the best with no budget constraint, then the Yamaha CLP 330, CLP 340 and 370 should satisfy you. You should not
consider the Yamaha CVP series if your focus is only on piano sounds and good keyboard touch.
These are some common questions about Digital Pianos
Do I need to maintain my Digital Piano? Like tuning?
No. Zero. Don't need. It will never go out of tune. It is Digital.
How long can my Digital Piano last?
Many ten(s) of years if you take proper care of it. Usually, if the piano has to fail, the keys will go 'sticky' first. The electronics usually don't fail. This 'key sticky' problem is more
common for Digital Pianos in the 90s and early 2000s, but most of the digital pianos today don't have such problems anymore. Unless the keys are very heavily abused, (for example if
you keep banging hard on the keys), the keys may give way. The 'sticky' problem happens when the inner side of the plastic keys start to crack, or the springs start to damage.
In summary, Digital Pianos or keyboards do last. And they have a resale value.
Why will anyone connect a Digital Piano to a computer?
Professionals connect the piano to a computer for song transcribing and recording purposes. There are many 3rd party softwares like Cakewalk, protools, etc. that allows MIDI
recording. Hobbyists or students can also use education MIDI softwares that can interact the digital pianos as MIDI controllers with the computer for self piano learning purposes. You
can also download songs from the internet to your digital piano should your piano allows that function.
Can the stand be removed from the piano?
Yes. All of them.
What are the 3 pedals for in a Digital piano?
The right pedal is the all important sustain pedal or the damper pedal. Some digital pianos come with only one sustain pedal to cut cost. The middle pedal in a real piano works as a mute
pedal for practise purpose. But in the digital piano, the middle pedal is pointless because you can simply turn down the volume by turning the volume knob. The first pedal is known as
the soft pedal, where in a case of a real piano, the hammers physically move to a standby position where only 1 or 2 strings are hit, hence resulting in a softer and less-richer tone. In
a digital piano, there are options of choosing different piano sounds that simulate that same effect. Thus, you could say the first 2 pedals are 'useless'. But they are 'free' pedals that
can be assigned for other functions. For instance, CASIO designed all 3 pedals as damper pedals (in a split mode), where the right pedal belongs to the student, and the left belongs to
the instructor, while the centre activates the sustain for both.
In summary, one pedal is usually enough, which is the sustain pedal.
Can I plug in my ear phones or head phones to the digital piano?
Yes, and most digital pianos today come with at least 2 headphone jacks, one for the player, the other for the listener.
If you have other questions or you need further assistance in regards to Digital pianos, please feel free to email us at info@play-by-ear.net
controlled and be plugged in with a headphones.
There are many manufacturers today, but the main ones are Yamaha, CASIO, KORG, Roland, Kawai, Kurzweil. And so what are the differences between the different
manufacturers?
Every dollar you are paying for in a digital piano goes to 5 important aspects.
1) The keyboard touch - Generally the heavier it is, the better it is. A grand piano has the heaviest keys.
2) The sampling synthesis - In layman terms, the piano sounds, how 'good' the piano sounds. *Although this can be very subjective to individual.
3) Functions - recording, drum rhythms, editing, different sounds, polyphony, USB, SD slot, etc, self learning capabilities
4) Amplifier and speakers - A powerful amp with speakers will sound much better even at low volumes.
5) The overall design - Portability, polished material, piano cover, slim design, etc.
As you can imagine, every digital piano score well in certain aspects only. For example, the Yamaha DGX 630 has many functions but loses on its keyboard touch. The CASIO PX 830
has stunning slim design and built but loses on its functions. The Yamaha CVP 509 has every aspect but you pay a price for it. Thus, it boils down to your budget, and what you really
want from a Digital Piano. It doesn't quite matter even if you are a beginner because an expensive Digital Piano still benefits.
From our many years of digital piano experience, we can guide you. Consider the following.
1) Do you really need the additional functions?
If you are unsure because you are a beginner, you should go without it. However if you like to have your Digital Piano to be versatile and be able to do many things, you can consider
the CASIO CDP 200, CASIO PX330, or YAMAHA DGX 630 or KURZWEIL Mark pro 2. If you are able to pay the high side, (above $2.8k) you should consider the Yamaha CVP 501.
Do consider that all Digital Pianos should have other basic sounds like Electronic Piano, Strings, Organ, etc. And most Digital pianos also have a metronome built-in and even a simple
1or2 track recording function. If you require to connect your Digital Piano to a computer, look for those models with a USB port. Technically all Digital Pianos can be connected via MIDI
port, but a MIDI to USB interface cable can be expensive (about $100) compared to a $10 USB cable.
2) Are you looking for a very budget Digital Piano?
If so, consider the CASIO CDP 100, YAMAHA P95 or the KORG SP170. The CDP 100 is the cheapest, and has better keyboard action as compared to P95 in our opinion. Yamaha digital
pianos generally produces mellow tones whereas CASIO sounds are brighter. All of these models are below $1k.
3) Is space a constraint for you?
If so, consider the CASIO PX series or the YAMAHA P series. Do take note that every Digital Piano is portable in a way. The piano can be detached from the stand easily. However the
bigger cabinet pianos like the Yamaha CLP and CVP series will be more troublesome to disassemble. Another thing to note, all 88 keys digital pianos share about the same length in
dimension. So it is very much all about the depth of the piano that you should be concern about if space is a constraint for you.
4) Are you concern about dust and do you really need a piano cover?
If so, consider the KORG LP 350. It has a very nice cover, and the price is very affordable. Nice piano sounds and weighted action. You can also consider the CASIO PX730 or PX830.
All Yamaha Clavinova comes with built-in covers too.
5) Do you still need us to recommend?
Most important of all, you have to like the Digital Piano. Even if you like it because of its looks, it is still a valid factor. Yamaha is generally classified as 'Branded', but it isn't as branded
as PRADA as compared to HANGTEN between the different Digital Piano manufacturers. So bear in mind you will technically pay a little more for Yamaha. Casio is always well known
for value, and unlike in the past, CASIO has moved on. Roland and Kawai are extremely expensive and not value for money in our opinion, especially in Singapore. KORG is
surprisingly cheaper in Singapore than in other countries.
We cannot recommend just one particular model for you, we will usually work around with your budget first. If you are looking for the cheapest, the CASIO CDP 100 is it. If you are
able to pay nothing more than $1.5k, you can consider the Yamaha P95, DGX 630, or CASIO PX 130, CDP 200. KORG LP 350. If you are willing to pay above the $1.5k mark, you should
consider a Yamaha clavinova if space is not an issue for you. The CASIO new PX 830 is also a good choice, its high grade and slim and stylistic. The Kurzweil markpro 2 is for you if
you like to have a bit of everything around $1.4k. If you only want the best with no budget constraint, then the Yamaha CLP 330, CLP 340 and 370 should satisfy you. You should not
consider the Yamaha CVP series if your focus is only on piano sounds and good keyboard touch.
These are some common questions about Digital Pianos
Do I need to maintain my Digital Piano? Like tuning?
No. Zero. Don't need. It will never go out of tune. It is Digital.
How long can my Digital Piano last?
Many ten(s) of years if you take proper care of it. Usually, if the piano has to fail, the keys will go 'sticky' first. The electronics usually don't fail. This 'key sticky' problem is more
common for Digital Pianos in the 90s and early 2000s, but most of the digital pianos today don't have such problems anymore. Unless the keys are very heavily abused, (for example if
you keep banging hard on the keys), the keys may give way. The 'sticky' problem happens when the inner side of the plastic keys start to crack, or the springs start to damage.
In summary, Digital Pianos or keyboards do last. And they have a resale value.
Why will anyone connect a Digital Piano to a computer?
Professionals connect the piano to a computer for song transcribing and recording purposes. There are many 3rd party softwares like Cakewalk, protools, etc. that allows MIDI
recording. Hobbyists or students can also use education MIDI softwares that can interact the digital pianos as MIDI controllers with the computer for self piano learning purposes. You
can also download songs from the internet to your digital piano should your piano allows that function.
Can the stand be removed from the piano?
Yes. All of them.
What are the 3 pedals for in a Digital piano?
The right pedal is the all important sustain pedal or the damper pedal. Some digital pianos come with only one sustain pedal to cut cost. The middle pedal in a real piano works as a mute
pedal for practise purpose. But in the digital piano, the middle pedal is pointless because you can simply turn down the volume by turning the volume knob. The first pedal is known as
the soft pedal, where in a case of a real piano, the hammers physically move to a standby position where only 1 or 2 strings are hit, hence resulting in a softer and less-richer tone. In
a digital piano, there are options of choosing different piano sounds that simulate that same effect. Thus, you could say the first 2 pedals are 'useless'. But they are 'free' pedals that
can be assigned for other functions. For instance, CASIO designed all 3 pedals as damper pedals (in a split mode), where the right pedal belongs to the student, and the left belongs to
the instructor, while the centre activates the sustain for both.
In summary, one pedal is usually enough, which is the sustain pedal.
Can I plug in my ear phones or head phones to the digital piano?
Yes, and most digital pianos today come with at least 2 headphone jacks, one for the player, the other for the listener.
If you have other questions or you need further assistance in regards to Digital pianos, please feel free to email us at info@play-by-ear.net
NEED SOME HELP ON DIGITAL PIANOS?
PLAY BY EAR MUSIC SCHOOL (SINGAPORE) - SPECIALISING IN POP PIANO & JAZZ PIANO IMPROVISATION MUSIC COURSES FOR ADULTS
ADDRESS: 245A / 245B VICTORIA STREET, BUGIS VILLAGE, SINGAPORE (188032) | TEL: +65 63387939 | EMAIL: INFO@PLAY-BY-EAR.NET
ADDRESS: 245A / 245B VICTORIA STREET, BUGIS VILLAGE, SINGAPORE (188032) | TEL: +65 63387939 | EMAIL: INFO@PLAY-BY-EAR.NET
