We'd like to learn piano as a family. My husband wants a keyboard..I want a "real" piano.

Is an acoustic piano the best way to learn? And if so, why?

Thanks.

-- Heather McLennan (hmclennan@yahoo.com), July 23, 2003

Answers

Heather: THere is more information in some of the ealier threads on this message board where I and others gave information (so look around for more info if you wish). But in a nutshell, the Acousitic piano is the best piano to learn on, to play, to perform etc.

Also, be prepared to spend a good chunk of money for a good piano. There may be some bargains out there, but ... be careful. Usually you get what you pay for.

freddie

-- freddie (freddie@nowhere.com), July 24, 2003.

The answer is subjective. Recently digital pianos manufacturers have improved technology so much that there are keyboards out there (Yamaha's P-Series and Clavinovas) that feel and sound just like a real grand piano. Yamaha seems to be the only manufacturer that I have found, however, to really produce a realistic piano sound. As a matter of fact, it is so realistic that I cannot tell the difference, and I take lessons on a concert grand piano. Two huge benefits are that a keyboard will never go out of tune and there are many other fun sounds to play with. Also, one may record and play back his/her pieces. The additional benefits really enhance the fun and increase motivation in kids (and adults)to practice more. Just my $0.02 I own a Yamaha S90, which is a digital synthesizer with weighted keys. I have also owned a Yamaha P-120 which is just like a real piano in that the keys are weighted with a hammer effect, and the sound sample is from an actual grand piano. One other nice thing...the keyboards cost much less than a real piano. A Yamaha Clavinova CLP or CVP is a great way to start. Go to a piano store and test them out!

Good luck,

MR

-- MR (muddyskies@juno.com), July 26, 2003.

At home I have an old upright and a Yamaha P120 digital and I play almost exclusively on the digital. I love the volume control and headphone features for early morning and scale practice, because I can practice as long as I like without bothering anyone. There is a difference in the key action between the two, but the digital response is closer to a new grand piano than my old upright. The digital pianos are more compact, cheaper, easier to upkeep, easier to move. I don't play classical music much, I am just a lowly Jazz and Cocktail pianist, so you can take my opinion for what it is worth, but one could always sell the digital and buy an acoustic if the people playing decide to stick with it. I'll probably get slammed for this, but that's my opinion anyway.

-- Chris (cahuff2000@yahoo.com), August 05, 2003.