subject: Acoustic Versus Digital Pianos [print this page] The piano has come a long way ever since Bartolomeo Cristofori invented it in the 17th century. The piano he invented has been improved, replicated, redesigned, and reinvented over and over again which is why you will find a variety of piano styles.
With the advancement of technology however, the sound of the acoustic pianos has been digitally recorded and synthesized and these digital pianos are now becoming one of the popular alternative.
Your playing style as well as your budget will determine what type of piano is suitable for you. Acoustic pianos and digital pianos each have their strong points as well as their significant weak points.
An acoustic piano is complicated in structure. Fingering the piano keys will lead to a mechanical action inside the piano where a hammer will strike a string to produce a sound. This sound is then amplified as it passes through the soundboard of the piano.
It is without doubt that acoustic pianos have a full-bodied, rich, and vibrant sounds which is why they are the piano of choice for concerts and recitals. A musical piece can be played soft or loud depending on the mood of the piece because the sound responds to the weight of the touch of the pianist. The two major disadvantage of an acoustic piano though is that it occupies a lot of space and that it requires money for its upkeep.
There are a few things to consider when buying an acoustic piano. You need to be aware that acoustic pianos need regular tuning especially when the piano is moved or if there is a weather change.
A digital piano is simply a replica of an acoustic piano. Instead of strings and mechanisms to create sound, a digital piano plays notes that have been recorded from a real piano. Portability and affordability is the main advantage of digital pianos.
When purchasing a digital piano, you need to know that their keys are not touch sensitive. This means that they play in similar volume regardless if they have been pressed gently or with force. Digital pianos also do not need any tuning because the sound the produce is created electronically.
There have been lots of debates on which among acoustic or digital pianos is better. Classical pianists will choose acoustic pianos over digital pianos in a heartbeat. However, digital pianos will forever have a spot in music because of the assortment of sound they can reproduce.
