TYPES OF PIANOS
The piano comes in many different designs, styles, shapes and sizes But there are two main types of pianos:
- Acoustic piano
- Digital piano
Acoustic piano
This produces sound because when the keys are pressed, the hammer moves which strikes the wires and produces vibrations. An acoustic piano has the hammer and steel wires enclosed by a wooden exterior.
Acoustic pianos are further divided into two categories
- Horizontal pianos
- Vertical pianos
HORIZONTAL PIANO
The horizontal piano consists of a damper closer to the hammer and at the top of the string, the soundboard is inside a supportable opening platform.
Types of Horizontal Pianos:
- The Petite Grand,
- The Baby Grand,
- The Medium Grand,
- The Parlor Grand,
- The Ballroom Grand.
VERTICAL PIANOS
Piano in which the soundboard and plane of strings are vertical and perpendicular to Keyboard. this type of pianos is the vertical piano. It takes less floor space than a horizontal piano. They are ideal for achieving concert-quality sound.
Types of Vertical Pianos:
- The Upright,
- The Spinet,
- The Console,
- The Studio.
Acoustic piano
The pros and cons
Pros:
If you want a piano that will support you for a long time, then the acoustic piano is a good option. You can use it comfortably for 30 to 40 years, with the same feel. Longevity is a great advantage of this piano.
Cons-
Acoustic pianos require tuning at least once a year and twice a year if overused. A sudden change in the humidity can cause problems with all wooden parts of the piano. This is why it is very essential to monitor the humidity and keep it stable. The main disadvantage of an acoustic piano is its careful and costly maintenance.
DIGITAL PIANO
The digital piano is designed as an alternative to the acoustic piano.
A digital piano is a type of electric keyboard.
Its keys are weighted, the sound produced from which equates the digital piano to the acoustic piano, and it produces an acoustic piano-like sound.
Types of Digital Pianos:
- Home or Upright Piano,
- Portable or Stage Piano,
- Grand (Digital) Piano.
Digital upright piano
Digital portable piano
Digital baby grand piano
DIGITAL PIANO
THE PROS AND CONS
Pros –
The 2 main advantages of digital piano are maintenance and price. Unlike an acoustic piano, digital pianos do not require timely maintenance. At most, you have to pay for the electricity bill. If we talk about the price, the digital piano provides a similar tone, experience, and action with new technology and quality as the relatively expensive acoustic piano.
Cons-
Digital piano is great for beginners. However, if you are a serious piano learner and want to master your art, then an acoustic piano is recommended. The acoustic piano provides in-depth dynamics and feels that the preliminary level digital piano fails to provide.
Acoustic piano vs Digital piano
| Acoustic Piano | Digital Piano | |
| Price | expensive | less expensive |
| Space requirement | large space required | less space required |
| Portability | bulky in weight, at least two people and special equipment are required to move from one place to another. | Light in weight, only one person, is enough to carry it from one place to another. |
| Power source | not needed | needed |
| Pedals | 2 or 3 pedals, including the sustain pedal |
Some models come with pedals, not all models |
| Tuning | 1-2 times yearly | not needed |
| Technology | Not equipped | Can connect to PC/Laptop using MIDI or USB connector |
Top Brands
Acoustic Pianos
Steinway, Bösendorfer, Kawai, Boston, Hoffmann
Digital Pianos
Yamaha, Casio, Roland, Korg, Kawai
