Let’s talk about an instrument for the beginning pianist. There are situations when a student does not have the opportunity to use an acoustic piano. In this case, modern digital pianos come to the rescue. However, there are too many models, they vary in quality and offer different opportunities to play. What is important to consider, as an absolute minimum, when choosing a digital piano.
The main thing is the weighted keys, which provide a good basis for practicing piano technique and mimic the action of an acoustic piano. With these keys, the instrument creates a familiar piano sound and gives the pianist the level of control needed to create expressive possibilities.
In addition, I recommend playing a piano with a full 88-key setup from the beginning.The standard number of keys on a piano is 88. You do not need to choose an instrument that has 61 keys. First, if you progress quickly, you will soon run out of keys in pieces that require the standard 88-key range. And second, the center point on a 61-key keyboard is slightly offset from the center point of an 88-key piano. This is disorienting for the student when they later upgrade to a full-size piano.
Here are some budget digital pianos that are ideal for home use:
- Yamaha P-45. A great entry-level digital piano that features a simple and compact design, a fully weighted keyboard, and 10 different voices to choose from. It is relatively affordable, making it a popular choice for beginners and thrifty buyers.
- Casio Privia PX-160. The model features impressive sound quality and realistic touch response, with 88 weighted keys and Casio AiR Sound Source technology. It also has many features, including built-in speakers, metronome, and USB connectivity.
- Alesis Recital. A very affordable digital piano with 88 full-size keys and five different voices, including acoustic piano, electric piano and organ. It has built-in speakers and a headphone jack.
- Korg B2SP. A budget digital piano that comes complete with a stand and a three-pedal unit, making it a great option for those who want a complete set. It also has a natural weighted hammerhead keyboard and a number of voices and effects to choose from.
- Roland – FP-30X | Digital Piano. With Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano technology and the expressive 88-key PHA-4 standard keyboard, like the premium models, the FP-30X is the perfect home instrument for beginners and experienced musicians alike.
- RockJam 88. A beginner’s digital piano that is easy to use thanks to its simple and straightforward design. It offers 88 full-size keys and a range of voices, including piano, organ, and synthesizer.
