Acoustic Piano vs Digital Piano: Which One is Better?
Acoustic Piano vs Digital Piano: Which One is Better?

Acoustic Piano vs Digital Piano: Which One is Better?

Wow, you’ve realized it: The piano is a sensationally versatile instrument that belongs to every genre and allows you to express any musical idea. ❤ Whether you play classical, jazz, or pop, read sheet music or play by ear, compose your own pieces or cover songs: the piano offers you the entire range of musical expression. 🎹 

Keyboard playing tips meme piano

The piano has a range that rivals a symphony orchestra and can switch from the softest pianissimo to a thunderous fortissimo in an instant. It’s no wonder that it’s the instrument of choice for most composers: you can do almost anything with it, and – a bonus for beginners – all the notes are neatly arranged on the keyboard and can be played at the touch of a button.


Acoustic Piano or Digital Piano – Which Is Better?

Modern digital pianos are so advanced that you can definitely learn to play just as well on them as on a traditional acoustic instrument. However, the classic acoustic version is far from obsolete. So, what are the pros and cons of both options?

Acoustic Pianos

An acoustic piano or a grand piano is a traditional instrument that vibrates and resonates, providing a more direct feel for the sound compared to a digital piano. Unfortunately, this also brings one of its disadvantages:

You can’t lower the volume of an acoustic piano. The vibrations travel through floors and walls, which can bring your neighbors knocking with a broomstick, especially if you indulge in your new passion late at night.

If you want to play an acoustic piano, you’ll need the right space (or perhaps a good lawyer). Tip: Some manufacturers offer acoustic instruments with a mute function, such as the Kawai E-200 ATX3-L SB Piano by Kawai.

Another significant drawback becomes apparent during a move – even if it’s just from one room to another: you’ll need the help of specialized and expensive piano movers.

Yamaha B3 SC3 PWH

Yamaha B3 SC3 PWH

And of course, acoustic instruments need regular tuning – a recurring cost that shouldn’t be underestimated. A clear advantage of acoustic pianos and grand pianos is:

High-quality instruments are a costly investment but retain their value very well, often being passed down through generations. They’re a “lifelong” asset – and possibly more than one life.


What Are the Advantages of Digital Pianos?

Digital pianos, available in various sizes, designs, and price ranges, excel where acoustic pianos have weaknesses: They are more compact, lighter, often significantly cheaper, and – the biggest everyday advantage – they don’t require tuning, and you can simply turn down the volume or practice with headphones.

Piano Chase your dreams

Digital pianos that resemble acoustic pianos in size and design – even some digital grands – are available. If you’re short on space or need to move the instrument occasionally, compact digital pianos are a great option, being far more space-saving and lightweight.

Yamaha YDP-145 WH Arius

Yamaha YDP-145 WH Arius

This is where the line blurs into stage pianos, which often lack built-in speakers – they’re meant to be connected to a sound system for live performances – and are thus less suitable for home practice.

Stagepiano Yamaha P-45 B

Stagepiano Yamaha P-45 B

The quality of keyboards, sounds, and speaker systems in digital pianos has seen remarkable progress. Sophisticated key mechanisms, meticulously sampled sounds, and powerful speakers ensure that with mid-range and high-end instruments, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to tell them apart from an acoustic piano upon first listen.

Even affordable digital pianos, often sold as a set with a piano bench and headphones, no longer need to shy away and provide an excellent entry point for learning to play the piano.

Thomann DP-51 B

Thomann DP-51 B

For beginners, we recommend the Thomann DP-51 B or the Thomann SP-120 Digital Piano. The Thomann SP-120 Digital Piano is the perfect introduction to the black-and-white world of keyboard instruments – at an unbeatable price. Its lightweight design makes it a practical musical companion for stage performances.

Thomann SP-120 Set

Thomann SP-120 Set

This set includes a foldable keyboard stand. Your musical journey can begin – and the Thomann SP-120 will be your perfect companion.


Where Can You Learn to Play the Piano?

Your passion has been ignited, and you’ve done it: your new piano, whether analog or digital, is set up at home. Now, all you need is a master to guide you through the intricacies of playing. One option is to look for a good piano teacher offline, someone who matches your style and preferences and can provide face-to-face lessons tailored to you.

Digital Piano Comparison

Advantages: With in-person lessons, your teacher can cater specifically to your individual preferences and provide immediate feedback.

Disadvantages: Lessons require regular appointments, scheduled at fixed times (which can also be an advantage for discipline!).

Alternatively, you can opt for an online piano school. Today, there are many high-quality options available online, such as music2me, which are well-structured and feature professionally produced video tutorials.

Advantages: You can practice whenever and wherever you want, and it’s significantly more affordable than hiring a personal teacher.

Disadvantages: Despite advancements in artificial intelligence, some learners may miss the personal connection. However, it’s ideal for getting started and taking the first steps.

You are currently viewing a placeholder content from YouTube. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.

More Information

music2me

Advice: Pianos and Digital Pianos

If you have any questions or need advice, feel free to reach out to us – we’re here to help. We provide non-binding consultations.

Contact for acoustic pianos and digital pianos:

Piano Gallery
klaviere@thomann.de
Tel: 09546-9223-34

Contact for stage pianos:

Studio / Synth / Computer
studio@thomann.de
Tel: 09546-9223-30

Piano Department Thomann


📖 Free Online Guide

Our extensive online guide offers information about all instrument categories and much more.

Find more information and tips in our blog: 5 Tips for Beginners…

More information in our blog: Digital piano vs. Stage piano vs. Keyboard


Your Feedback: Acoustic Piano vs Digital Piano – Which Is Better?

Feel free to share your opinion in the comments!

Piano Heart
Author’s gravatar
Joe has been singing since he can remember and started playing guitar when he was 10. He's been using it as a songwriting tool ever since. He is passionate about melody and harmony and admires musicians who create these in unique ways. Check out his alternative / indie projects Best of Feelings and Zef Raček.

3 comments

    Great information, and detail.private piano tutors can be an advantage,as the tutor can respond to your skills,styles, and confidence with the piano keyboard.ken rob

    Very informative many thanks.
    My problem is with Yamaha digital piano (big name). I have been playing digi pianos for the last 30 or more years. First one,”Technics”a fantastic digi piano(3), sadly not made now.Since then Yamaha (4).I traded up a 709 two months ago for a CVP 809 and within 2weeks it gave up the ghost! Yamaha have given me a replacement but 2or3 notes on this one have no sustain,
    and there is a dynamics effect which isn’t working either. All in all I’m pretty well fed up with the sound quality and for an instrument that costs £9000 need l say more!? I’d appreciate your comments.
    Sincerely

    I have always used Yamaha products, digital keyboards and pianos and have never had problems with either in the past twenty years or so.

Leave a Reply

ADVERTISEMENT