In case you are somewhat of a piano purist and have misconceptions that digital pianos do not provide enough of the same feel as an acoustic version, then think again. Nowadays, technology has advanced as quickly as demand has risen, and the same feel of playing an acoustic piano can be had just as much as from playing an electronic version of the instrument. Each piano key on the synthesizer (another name for it) would be made according to weight similar to that of its authentic counterpart, and they are individually graded. If you have tried your hands playing piano on a Steinway for example, you would have felt that the lower key notes are heavier than the lighter notes. They thump down when you press on them, don’t they?

Electronic pianos of the modern era now also provide enough internal computing intelligence to ensure that the notes do not sound messy or jumbled when they are played. The piano sample sounds that are used are all genuine and provide accurate replication of when an acoustic piano is played. Many of them even provide additional effects and variations of such samples, such as an organ or harpsichord. A key early breakthrough in the design and development of digital pianos came when they were able to produce polyphony which is the combination of more than 60 notes played at the same time.

One factor in choosing a good electronic digital stage piano is of its design shape and size. Many people decide to opt for such an instrument due to the limited space in their homes. As a result, the piano should be placed on a stand (thus the stage piano) and not only must the size of the instrument not be too large, the combined space usage of the piano and its stand must be convenient and reasonable. As a result, most manufacturers of electronic pianos and synthesizers now build keyboards within reasonable sizes and lengths, to cater to the mass consumer market.

Other essential features when looking to buy a good electronic stage piano include the MIDI capabilities, sequencer and recording functions, properly weighted and graded piano keys, piano pedal capabilities such as sustain and half-pedals, basic piano samples and extra sounds such as from different instruments and headphone line ins to allow playing without upsetting neighbors or people in the house with the noise. An extra note is the powerful ability of a digital piano to replicate other instruments through the use of multiple samples stored in it. Additional features might allow extra samples to be loaded into the keyboard and used. This is something that many professional musicians rely on in studios and during live stage performances.

As of today, the digital stage piano manufacturers that provide value and reliability are still the same as from years ago. They include Yamaha, Korg, Roland and Kurzweil. While reviewing the different electronic piano brands, I have personally preferred Yamaha and Korg pianos, and their digital pianos provide the same power and performances. Yamaha has always been the best piano manufacturer around, in my opinion, and they have carried over their technological know-how in building acoustic pianos to that of electronic pianos. Their electronic instruments are the best in replicating the sound and feel of an acoustic piano, and myself and my kids have always enjoyed using both Yamaha piano forms.

Another good choice for an electronic digital stage piano would be that of Korg’s range of pianos. They provide excellent support and the sounds and piano timbre produced are crystal clear with unbelievable warmth. A little recommendation would also be that of Casio digital stage pianos, especially if you are looking for one for your kids who are clamoring to learn the instrument. You never know with kids. They might lose their interest after six months so why take the risk to spend money on an acoustic piano or even a top range electronic piano when you can go for a Casio which is much less expensive and provides all the basic essential features to learn how to play piano. All you need to spend more would be on piano sheet music and lessons.

Therefore, if you want to buy a good electronic digital stage piano, consider the points above and assess the many options available to you as a piano buyer nowadays. There are so many varieties of pianos from Yamaha and Roland to actual acoustic pianos such as Steinway. But as a starting point, a grand piano is not essential at all. Save the money for the extra piano lessons and future piano refinishing, and use it to invest on a powerful electronic digital stage piano instead.

Back in the 1970s and 1980s, the electric piano was extremely popular, aided in part by the widespread use in popular music and rock music, when the synthesizer was all the rage, especially in the 80s style of pop music, when groups from Depeche Mode and the Pet Shop Boys incorporated it into every song they released. The electronic piano was also a viable and cheap alternative to that of the piano, which was made from more expensive material like wood. Advancement in technology allowed mass and affordable production of electronics, and that made the digital piano an attractive substitute for an actual piano.

Not that electronic pianos are not true instruments. They are. The simulation of piano timbres is now very authentic and real. Even audio enthusiasts can hardly note any difference, and it has become acceptable that these instruments are used instead for professional music recordings everywhere.

If you are looking to learn how to play, piano lessons can be taught on a digital piano such as the popular Yamaha models. The Japanese are now world leaders in the production of electronic instruments, and the Yamaha piano is no exception. While starting out as a beginner, you might still be unsure how serious your interest is. Instead of paying thousands of dollars for a grand piano, it might be more economical to purchase an electronic piano for starters. Learning to play piano can be quite difficult at the beginning, no matter how fun it might be. But if you find out later you were not cut out to be a pianist despite having spent hours upon hours practicing, then all that money used on a piano bench, a spanking new Steinway and sheet music would have been a bad investment.

Furthermore, by virtue of being an electronic instrument, electronic pianos can also last just as long as their normal counterparts. As long as you keep them well-maintained and away from the usual rigors of humidity and heat, they would last you a life-time. The chances of you needing piano restoration will also not occur as well, although if you are still playing it by then, it would be high time to get a non-electronic piano.

When I started taking piano music lessons, I had to make a choice. Was I really keen on the instrument, or was it just a passing interest? Not being totally sure, although I was crazy about classical piano music, I decided on the sensible option and paid less for a digital piano. There was absolutely no difference between learning how to play on it compared to a Steinway piano, for example. I figured that if I was still playing it after two years, it would mean my love for it was strong. True enough, till today and after 9 years, I still spend at least 2 hours daily practicing and playing with my electronic piano. Yes, it is still with me.

Therefore, what it comes down to whether you should purchase a Yamaha electronic piano or go for a full scale Steinway, ask yourself if a couple of years from now the interest would remain. Many people take up lessons as a result from being influenced by peers or believing that learning music is a status symbol. But there is a lot of hard work involved playing the piano and being good at it. Without really loving the instrument and the music, it can be a long struggle and most people would not last the distance. I have seen many friends who force their children to learn piano, but these kids grow up hating the lessons and the sight of piano keys would bore them to death. Why spend your time learning a musical instrument unless you really like the process and the music? But if you would still like to test it out, an electronic piano can provide an economically reasonable means of doing so.

Therefore, by learning what an electronic piano is, its benefits and disadvantages, you can logically decide if it would be right and suitable for you to get one. It provides an incredibly sensible and cheap alternative, so getting an electronic piano will never be a bad mistake.