New or Second Hand?
If the budget allows, go for a new
piano. Source this from a reputable
piano retailer, where you can go and play the
piano prior to purchasing it. No two pianos are ever the same, even if they are from the same manufacturer and are the same model. All
pianos differ in terms of touch and tone. The choice of
piano from here is yours.
If a new
acoustic piano falls outside your budget you may consider a second hand one. Again your local reputable
piano retailer will probably have some good examples to show you. However, be careful when chosing a second hand
piano. Many are very old and will be more susceptible to tuning issues. The action may we worn, hammers and dampers may need attention. Whilst these
pianos may claim to have been 'restored', invariably corners are sometimes cut, which will be at your cost. Avoid imports, as these
pianos are not manufactured and acclimatised for this country. There are many pitfalls to be wary of if you are purchasing second hand. It is therefore advisable to take someone knowledgable on such matters along with you. At this stage, also consider a
digital piano.
Upright Or Grand?
An
upright piano has strings running vertically, whilst the grand piano has strings running horizontally. Generally, due to space limitations, there is a maximum height that
upright pianos can go to.
Grand pianos on the other hand face no real restriction in this sense and can therefore produce a much longer string length, a great desirability factor in an
acoustic piano. The choice for you is simply down to a matter of space and budget. If you have both, then a
grand piano will make a superb investment.
The
action (complex system of levers and links connecting the keyboard to the hammers) in an
upright piano is above the keyboard, whilst on a
grand piano the action is behind the keyboard. Both types of action are mechanically different due to this placement and string direction difference, giving quite a different feel to the
piano, so again make sure you play any
piano prior to purchasing it.
Overstrung Or Straight Strung?
In an
overstrung piano, the strings run diagonally in two sections across the
piano.
The bass string section crosses over the treble strings, which are in turn running diagonally behind the bass strings. A
straight strung piano on the other hand simply has all of the strings running parallel to one another, in a vertical line, with no crossing over. Due to the increased string length, it is
desirable to have an
overstrung piano. All new
piano designs now incorporate overstrung strings.
Overdamped or Underdamped?
An
overdamped piano has the string dampers placed above the hammers, whereas an
underdamped piano places the dampers beneath the hammers. Due to their more centralised position on the strings, an
underdamper action is usually the more effective system and is indeed the system used on all new
upright pianos manufactured today.
More Money Buys What?
The bigger the budget, the greater the choice. You will generally find that as you go up the range, the
piano will get bigger, giving a longer string length, greatly enhancing the
tonal qualities of the
piano. The finish of the
piano, traditional or modern, whether satin or polished and the colour, will all play a part in the price too.
Your ultimate aim here is to purchase a
digital piano which feels and sounds as close to an
acoustic piano as possible, whilst fitting your budget.
Generally there are three types of
digital piano: Digital Piano; Ensemble Piano; Stage Piano
Digital Piano
A
digital piano built into a cabinet with a full 88 note keyboard, a small palette of sounds and usually a built in metronome. Some basic recording features may also be found.
Ensemble Digital Piano
A
digital piano build into a cabinet with a full 88 note keyboard, a large selection of sounds with an
auto accompaniment section similar to that of a keyboard. As well as a metronome, there will be a vast
recording section allowing for compositions and arrangements to be undertaken.
Stage Piano
Similar to the
digital piano but without the cabinet. This allows for greater portability, should the
piano need to be gigged with or moved/stored around the home.
As a pure alternative to an
acoustic piano, consider the
digital or
stage piano. Only consider the
stage piano if portability is a requirement. The downside to a
stage piano is that they don't look as attractive in the home and with the pedals being free standing, they tend to move around, which can be awkward for the uninitiated.
If you have a desire to explore other aspects of music rather than solo
piano playing alone, then consider the
ensemble digital piano. This will give you access to a vast palette of sounds and rhythms, along with auto accompaniments, allowing many varied
styles of music to be played. The onboard
recording is also very useful for working on compositions and arrangements.
With all types of
digital piano, you also have access to
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) - allowing connection to a computer, opening up a whole new world of music technology.
More Money Buys What?
The greater the budget, the further up the range you will be able to purchase. This will see
improvements in the following key areas:
- Polyphony
- Amplifier & Speakers
- Quality of Keyboard Action
- Main Piano Sample Memory Size
Other bells and whistles will also be encountered, but these are the
key elements which you want to pay your money for.
An acoustic piano needs to be located in a room where the temperature doesn't fluctuate too much, as this may cause tuning issues. The room should be acoustically separated from neighbours and other living areas, so that there is limited restriction on practising due to external factors. If there is no suitable location for an acoustic piano, then you should turn your attention to a digital piano.
Music however should be readily available to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. It is injudicious in my opinion to say that a digital piano is not good enough, if that is the only option presently available for a potential student. I know of many music professionals who have worked with less than the best during their early years. Remember the instrument is second to the musician. A good musician can make even the poorest of instruments 'sing'.
You have a suitable place in your home for the piano to be placed in. This place is in a room where humidity and temperature are stable within reasonable tolerances. The room is free to use everyday, where the sound of a piano will not disturb other family members. The wall that the piano is placed against will not leak sound into other rooms or your neighbours house. You have a reasonable budget, of at least £1500. You have no other prerequisites for the piano other than to learn, play and enjoy piano music.
Space is limited in your home. The room you will place the piano in is often occupied by other family members or may cause disturbance to neighbours. The piano may have to go against a radiator. Whilst you have a desire to play the piano, you are also interested in other types of music. You may also want to explore composition and arrangement. Your budget is below is £1500.