Buying a Piano

Buying a piano before starting the education is important if you are serious about your child’s music education. If you consider buying a piano after the kid has begun with the lessons, it will merely cause a delay in the practice and create a break between the lessons and practice, which will cause the kid to forget easily. This is one of the most repeated mistakes that parents make. Consult with the music teacher or someone who has knowledge about pianos for choosing the right kind. Depending on your budget you can also browse the local Craigslist. There you will find often a “good deal”.’

There are 2 basic types of piano available: Acoustic and Electronic. An acoustic piano is fully mechanical and produces the sound by hitting the strings. On the other hand an electronic keyboard produces the sound through electronic circuits and loudspeakers. Since modern circuits are like computers the term Digital Piano is sometimes being used.

Another criteria is the Form Factor: It can either be a Grand Piano or an Upright Piano. Acoustic and electronic pianos offer those two piano shapes, whereas electronic instruments also come with a foldable stand  or table model.

The keyboard of a Grand Piano or Upright has 88 keys. Electronic keyboards come with 49, 61, 76 or 88 keys. 61 keys should be the minimum to be able to play a regular piece. Better would be the full tonal range of 88 keys.

When selecting an electronic keyboard be sure that the keys are weighted. This means that they behave similar to an acoustic piano. This is essential because the finger agility will develop better when using a weighted keyboard.

If you have more questions or need some help in evaluating an offer let me know. I’m happy to help.