subject: Benefits Of Electronic Pianos [print this page] Benefits Of Electronic Pianos Benefits Of Electronic Pianos
Like most areas of technology, music has been revolutionized with the invention of the electronic pianos. Of course, you can nonetheless get conventional "analog" pianos constructed with wood, steel, and strings, and they still have the richest sound but there are various tremendous advantages offered by electronic pianos, and the sound is getting very close to the analog model particularly within the up-scale versions.
This article presents some key advantages supplied by electronic pianos as well as the few remaining disadvantages to help you make a wise choice if you wish to buy an electric piano. Incidentally, a digital piano uses samples of real sound to re-create tones electronically, whereas an "analog" piano uses the standard "padded hammer striking metallic strings" design.
As you may expect, not all of the following advantages are supplied by all electronic pianos; more expensive models tend to have more options and better quality sound whereas inexpensive models tend to offer less features or lower quality. I recommend you pick the advantages necessary to you, and then use that as a checklist for evaluating different models.
Advantages Of Electronic Pianos:
Upkeep: Digital pianos never need tuning; they're easy to clean; and most are straightforward to store.
Moveable: Electric piano keyboards come in a wide variety of sizes (primarily driven by the number of keys typically 61, 73, or 88 and sound quality), and if they're designed to be "table top" rather than floor-standing, they are usually simple to maneuver around.
Lower Price: Although you can buy digital pianos that cost more than used conventional pianos, typically, the price range for electric pianos is way lower than the analog "wood and string" variety. Of course, you may get a basic digital unit for less than $100, however you can get a full-featured, quality sound for under $500. You most likely can't even get a used wooden upright piano that won't hold its tune for $500.
Selection: A traditional piano sounds like a piano and a pipe organ sounds like a pipe organ, but electronic pianos usually have a number of buttons that allow you to play automated background rhythms, make your keyboard sound like other instruments, and even play recorded "accompaniment" music so it appears like you might be in a band or orchestra. Many models even allow you to vary the sound to supply the rich sound of a concert hall or Jazz club.
Size and Location: Digital pianos weigh much less and take up much less space than analog pianos. Additionally they don't require stringent temperature and humidity controls or special movers to re-locate them. Most homes have an available desk top where you may play a digital piano, however not all have room for a traditional piano (even the space-saving upright design).
MIDI: Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI; pronounced "mid-ee") enables you to connect your instrument to different electric piano keyboards, computers, and other digital equipment. This allows you to control multiple instruments concurrently (e.g., another keyboard that sounds like a guitar, etc.), record in your computer, and much more.
Weighted Keys: Weighted keys really feel like they are made of heavy wood like traditional pianos which is particularly important if you also have touch-sensitive keys. This is a crucial function usually available on the higher-end models.
Touch Sensitivity: Touch sensitive keys means the harder and faster you push a key the more volume it will create similar to a traditional piano. This is an important feature generally available on mid-level and higher-end models.
Recording: Many digital pianos include recorded songs and lessons and even let you record your individual performances. These recordings can also be transferred to your computer so you can combine your music with other accompaniments.
Disadvantages of Electric Pianos:
Sound Quality: Irrespective of how good the digital piano is, the technology simply does not yet sound and feel like the true thing.
Complexity: The better electronic pianos come loaded with buttons hundreds of them even programmable features which can be pretty complicated to totally comprehend particularly if you determine to interface with your computer. Flexibility does have its cost.
Power: If the power goes out, so will your digital piano unless you have a handy inventory of batteries. On a traditional piano, you can at least play by candlelight if you want. By the way, it's best to always use a surge protector outlet strip to power your electric piano.
So, as you can see, digital pianos are loaded with highly desirable advantages while retaining just a few disadvantages. As said above, I recommend you decide which features are most important for you, and use it as a checklist as you shop to buy an electric piano.
