best digital piano
Digital Piano – Opinions, Analysis and Buying Guide in 2022
One of the largest acoustic instruments in size are pianos, however, there are versions of compact and versatile digital pianos, which provide us with an attractive sound and other accompaniment alternatives, in order to make compositions in a simple and pleasant way, as happens with the Yamaha PSR-F51 piano, which is characterized by a compact and portable design, as well as an intuitive use that will help you learn to play. The Casio CDP130 model also stands out, being useful if you want an 88-key piano, so you don’t lack tones when playing a melody.
Comparison chart
Opinions on the best digital pianos on the market
If you find yourself analyzing purchase options, we invite you to learn about some categories of pianos among which you could find an attractive product. We also provide you with a brief review about their qualities, so that you can get to know them better and evaluate if it could be what you are looking for.
Yamaha digital piano
Yamaha PSR-F51
With a portable piano version, you can enjoy playing your favorite instrument in the place that is most comfortable for you. To offer this, the model we are reviewing at the moment has a size of 38 x 99 x 16 cm, so it can be described as a practical piano. Plus, because the key sizes are standard, it’s easy to transition from playing a digital to an acoustic one.
On the other hand, because you can use it with batteries, you do not have to look for a connection to the electrical network to continue practicing. Because of this, it can be an option to use in various circumstances with ease.
In addition, with this Yamaha digital piano you will have the possibility to play discreetly when you need it, since it has an output for headphones and to add comfort to your practices, it includes a music stand, among other qualities that probably place it as one of the best digital pianos of 2022.
Now, let’s see a summary of the most outstanding features of this model, which is one of the cheapest, so you can get to know it better.
Pros
Sounds: Due to its variety of 120 sounds and 114 included rhythms, it is versatile.
Keys: With a total of 61 keys, or 5 octaves, you can have enough notes to play melodies.
Metronome: By including a metronome, you can improve your musical skills without having to purchase one separately.
Versatility: Because it is possible to use it with connection to the current or through batteries, it is practical.
Cons
Case: This digital piano does not include a carrying case, but it is probably not a basic accessory, so although it would be convenient, it is not considered essential.
Yamaha P-125B
If what you are looking for is to play an instrument with a sound very similar to that of an acoustic piano, but with the advantages of a digital one, the Yamaha P-125B digital piano will probably provide you with everything you need. On the one hand, it has been designed with a standard key size; but also, due to the way they are manufactured and their GHS technology, you can enjoy an experience similar to that of an acoustic piano, because the low keys will have a greater weight, compared to the high ones, that is why many consider it as the best digital piano to learn.
In addition, the sound that can be obtained creates a sense of magnitude, which is due to its 2-way speakers and attractive acoustic qualities. But it should also be noted that among the features that add versatility, you will enjoy the possibility of adding bass and rhythms to your melodies without much complication.
If we talk about its appearance, it includes a design based on the Yamaha CFIIIS concert piano, which can also be described as elegant and classic.
You will be able to decide more easily if this model is the best digital piano of the moment to meet your needs, after analyzing the following list of pros and cons.
Pros
Sound: Due to its Pure CF Sound Engine sound technology, it provides a pleasant timbre, which effectively emulates an acoustic piano.
Sustain: Thanks to the fact that it includes a sustain effect pedal, you can add nuances to your performances.
GHS keyboard: Due to the size of the keys and their construction, it offers an experience similar to that of playing on an acoustic type.
Rhythms: The model includes drum and bass tracks, making it easier for you to play in rhythm and adapt the piano to play various musical styles.
Cons
Cost: Probably not the most affordable digital piano, but due to its sound and other qualities, many may consider this model to be worth the investment.
Casio digital piano
Casio CDP130
If you are looking to acquire a piano with a wide variety of tones, so that you do not lack to play your favorite melodies, this Casio 88-key digital piano can be a good alternative. It is a model specially designed to be useful to those who are starting their learning, but who are looking for an attractive sound. In addition, thanks to its reverberation effect it is possible to achieve a majestic sound, just as if you were in a concert hall.
In addition, you will be able to apply nuances to your interpretations due to the fact that it includes a sustain pedal. Likewise, if you want to interpret other types of musical styles other than the classics, you can do so, thanks to its 48 voices and 8 digital effects.
As for its portability, in case you need to take it with you, it will not be a very complicated project, since it only weighs 9 kg. In this way, we can qualify it as a versatile piano.
Let’s take a moment to analyze in detail this model that is one of the cheapest, so you will know the attractive features that it can offer, with which you will be more sure that it is just what you are looking for.
Pros
Reverb: By including this function, you can create the feeling of a concert hall, making its sound more attractive.
7 octaves: Having 88 keys, it is easier to play melodies that have great contrasts between high and low notes without missing tones.
Key Layout: Because it is designed so that the bass keys are heavier, it can provide a good playing experience.
Metronome: The model offers this important function in its design, so you can play in time without problems and avoid having to buy one separately.
Cons
Beginners: This model is considered as an introductory piano or for those who want to learn, so it may not meet the expectations of professional players.
Casio CTK-1500
A Casio digital piano that could not be missing from our selection is the CTK-1500 model, because it is a very portable version, but also versatile. It is an option that is designed for those looking for an easy-to-play piano; Since everything you need to know to access its functions is represented through intuitive messages in the guides printed on the piano. On the other hand, it can be very well suited to those who want to apply their creativity to make their own compositions.
In addition, it offers you the practicality of taking it wherever you need it without much problem due to its lightness, since it only weighs 3.5 kg. We do not want to fail to mention, on the other hand, that since it has an adjusted cost, it can well be qualified as the best digital piano for value for money; so you can get a piano that will help you spend many hours of entertainment and creativity without costing you too much money.
Pros
Intuitive: Thanks to the labels and guides displayed on the top of the piano, you can easily find the function or sound you need.
Learning: Because of its included digital staff, it can be useful for learning to read musical scores.
Sounds and rhythms: The model has a variety of 120 sounds, with which you can have more interpretation options. In addition, they are combined with 70 rhythms for various musical styles.
Batteries: In case you cannot connect to the electrical network, you have the possibility to choose its use with batteries.
Cons
Adapter: The model mentions that you need an AD-95 adapter to be able to connect to electricity. However, it is not included in the purchase of the model, being necessary that you acquire it independently.
88-key weighted digital piano
Alesis Recital Pro
For those looking for a piano model suitable for professional performance, an 88-key weighted digital piano may be the best choice. To meet expectations, the Alesis Recital Pro model has been designed with hammer technology, providing three levels of pressure in order to give each note a soft, medium or strong volume as the case may be.
On the other hand, in case you are looking to interpret pieces that need a different voice than the acoustic piano, you can also get it, since it has 12 voices in its repertoire. So you can adapt it to styles such as rock, pop, etc. Chorus, reverb, and modulation effects are also included.
Another attractive feature is its transpose function, to adapt the pitch of each note to an octave lower or higher, expanding the number of notes you can achieve with this piano.
We invite you to learn more about this product in the following analysis of pros and cons that we have prepared.
Pros
Keys: Because it has 88 keys and a transpose function, the number of notes you can play can be enough to cover various needs.
Speakers: Thanks to its 20-watt speakers, you can get a good level of volume for indoors, whether it is to practice or make a small presentation.
Sustain effect: A pedal can be connected to this model to achieve a sustain effect.
Stereo connection: Since it includes sound outputs, another amplification system can be adapted if necessary.
Cons
Pedal: The pedal for the sustain effect is not included in the set, but it is not an excessively expensive accessory, so it may not be too difficult to acquire it.
Yamaha P-45B
The 88 weighted keys digital piano version offered by the Yamaha brand is also a very attractive model for those looking to emulate the qualities of an acoustic piano with the versatility and lightness of a digital one.
To describe it, we will start by mentioning that it is a piano with 10 voices, which can be changed or combined, giving rise to a versatile sound, to adapt it to what you need to interpret, creating accompaniment effects.
In addition, it has a polyphony of 64 voices, an amount that may be sufficient for any repertoire played with two hands. While on the other hand, it incorporates useful functions for learning, such as the metronome with bell adaptable to the tempo you need and the demo function, with which you can listen to the different nuances that the piano offers and thus choose the type of sound you want more easily..
If it has been confusing for you to determine which digital piano to buy, we are going to help you with the following analysis of advantages and disadvantages, so that you can decide if this model can be included among your favorites.
Pros
Technology: By including AWM technology in its design, it offers a sound very similar to that of a grand piano.
Portability: Its weight of 11.5 kg is not excessive, so you can even transport it without much problem.
Voices: Since it includes the ability to select 10 voices or combinations, it is versatile.
Polyphony: On this piano it is possible to play up to 64 keys at the same time without losing the sound of any, useful for multiple piano repertoires.
Cons
Sensitivity: It may be that compared to other weighted pianos, this one is a bit sensitive, so playing with piano effect will be slightly more difficult.
How to choose the best digital pianos
Playing a melody on a piano goes far beyond knowing where each note is to press it at the appropriate time and keep the rhythm in each measure. That is why when choosing the best digital piano, you must consider several aspects. Next, in our guide to buying the best digital piano, we mention some traits that you could take into account when making your selection of models.
Shopping guide
piano goal
When playing a piano, each person can have a particular objective, which can range from the simplest of learning, to performing concerts that involve a very specific sound quality and a technology capable of responding to the pianist’s interpretive qualities.
Therefore, to make a comparison of digital pianos, you can start by analyzing what is the objective you are pursuing when investing your money in this type of instrument. In this way you can determine if you need a basic digital piano, which allows you to practice and acquire skills as a beginner, or if the needs demand a higher quality sound and that can adapt to your playing style.
Budget
As with other instruments, the technology that has been used in the design of a digital piano bears a direct relationship to how much the model costs. There are pianos that are very basic and we could say that they only provide good tuning, rhythms and voices to change the sound. These are considered lower mid-range digital pianos, but that’s not to say they can’t provide countless hours of entertainment.
These pianos are a very important useful door, through which those who are just starting their musical education get an interesting and fun access to this instrument. So it is very possible that you will find a good and cheap model in this category, with which you can learn the basics of this instrument, without costing you too much money.
In a comparison of digital pianos, those that are considered to be mid-range or high-end already include other more complex mechanisms in each of their keys, such as pressure sensors. These allow the volume of the note to be altered depending on how much force is used when playing. Thus, it is possible to give the interpretation other necessary nuances that are marked in the scores such as a crescendo, piano or forte. This will prevent the melody from being too flat in sound.
On the other hand, these pianos are specialized in looking for a greater similarity with concert or grand pianos. Being equivalent in number of keys or octaves, but also in emulating the effects and acoustics that can be achieved with this type of instrument. In the same way, its keys allow the interpreter to have an experience very similar to that obtained when playing an acoustic piano, being slightly more difficult to press a low key than a high one.
connectivity
Today it is very common for us to look for a way to transmit what we are playing on the piano to the computer, for mixing or alteration. If you are interested in this type of functionality in your digital piano, you can obtain it more easily if the model offers some audio output ports among its features. It is possible to find from a stereo output, for headphones or even wireless connectivity through Bluetooth.
Brand
There are many brands that currently have digital piano models, however, some have more experience in manufacturing these instruments. To mention a few, you could find good models in the brands Roland, Casio, Kawai, Yamaha, Williams, Alesis, etc. Our recommendation is that you take a moment to analyze the technologies that each of them has managed to develop, in order to provide musicians with an instrument tailored to their needs.
polyphony voices
Another feature that could be interesting to analyze is the number of keys that can be pressed simultaneously, without missing a note. This is especially important if you plan to perform with more than two hands. Among the piano repertoires you can even find pieces designed for 4 hands, which cannot be played on pianos with little polyphony.
effects and sounds
Each musical style has its own sounds, the brightness of a piano being different for jazz, for example, than for a classical piece. Nor is the same sound used on the piano intended for electronic music. In such a way that, if you are looking for versatility in a model, you should review the number of sounds that it can provide you. Some models can even combine them, so that the sound manages to create an accompaniment effect, making it more robust.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: What is the arranger on a digital piano?
The ability of a digital piano to provide a musical background to the pieces that are played, so that it can be heard as melody and accompaniment and also the number of rhythms is what can be commonly known as arrenger in this type of instrument. Each model includes more or less of these options and its versatility will depend on this when interpreting a musical style. Rhythms like rock, pop, jazz, dance, etc. are usually the most common.
Q2: How to repair a digital piano?
Whether it is possible to repair a piano of this type will depend on the damage it has suffered, since sometimes the damage is minimal and does not require more work or specific knowledge to carry out the repair. For example, in the event that a key is damaged and requires replacement, repair will be possible as long as replacement parts are available and the internal mechanism of the piano is simple. However, sometimes the repair involves a meticulous review of internal parts.
In this situation, it is best to go to a professional, probably specialized in the brand that has been in charge of manufacturing it, because they will be aware of the technology that could be included, so that in this way it is possible to return the instrument to its original state..
Q3: Which digital piano to buy to start with?
Developing the ability to play the piano requires time and constant practice, this can be done with practically any keyboard that has at least 5 octaves, so that the hands have enough options to explore them and expand their field of action. On the other hand, so that the practice sessions do not become monotonous, it could be a piano that has at least some voices and rhythms.
It does not have to be too expensive, however, if you have considered learning to play the acoustic piano, with this type of option, when you reach a certain level of complexity in your lessons, you could miss notes. If the budget is not an inconvenience, it would be convenient to choose a mid-range one with a full keyboard, that is, one with 88 notes. This way you will not have to invest money in the medium term to acquire another new digital piano.
Q4: How to record a digital piano?
There are several options, but perhaps the most appropriate is to have an external sound card on hand that you can connect to your computer and act as an intermediate interface between the digital piano and the computer. Now, on the computer side, you will also need to have a recording application downloaded. Currently there are many options that are free or paid, such as Adobe Audition for example. In this editor, you will be able to make modifications to your recording, so that it sounds better and eliminate some type of noise or you can equalize the sound of the piano in an ensemble, to give the melody the enhancement that is needed.
Q5: How to care for a digital piano?
Digital pianos are sensitive to dust. It is advisable that after using it, cover it either with a cloth or, if possible, with a more appropriate cover. This will save you later problems. In addition, it is convenient that you clean the keys from time to time, taking care to use a lint-free cloth; since inevitably our fingers will deposit dirt on them and this can accumulate. In addition, approximately every 6 months it is advisable to open the piano to remove internal dust with compressed air.
Now, whenever you transport your piano, make sure you have a good transport case, which prevents any blow from reaching it.
Q6: How to connect digital piano to PC?
Although you could connect it through the headphone jack and send the signal directly to the headphone jack of your computer, it is not the most convenient. Therefore, an intermediate interface such as a sound card is necessary. This will give you better results.
Q7: What is the difference between a keyboard and a digital piano?
In the strict sense, a digital piano should have a total of 88 keys, the equivalent of approximately 8 octaves, just like an acoustic piano has, since the objective is to emulate this instrument, so that those who want to learn to play one or require their sound to have a more compact and versatile option without missing keys. By contrast, a keyboard would have between 4 octaves and 7 octaves.
Q8: What is a compact digital piano?
It is the one that among its characteristics could have smaller size keys than the standard in an acoustic piano. With this, a smaller and more portable version is achieved, which can be very useful for entertainment purposes.
How to use a digital piano
A digital piano can be an instrument that provides you with many pleasant moments of entertainment. In addition, it is considered by many musicians as one of the best options to enter the world of music, especially if it is about children, because by always offering an appropriate tuning, the ear can get used to a correct sound. Next we will talk a little more about its use.
Analyze the instruction manual
The first thing you have to review in detail is the instruction manual for your model. You may or may not have some notions about what each of the many buttons they typically have in your setup might mean; but it is always better to review the features in detail and take some time to explore them. In this way, you can take advantage of all the advantages that it provides you, since at present there are usually many more than in versions launched on the market a few years ago.
Practice in a disciplined way
Like any instrument, learning the piano can only be mastered through practice, and the investment of time you spend studying your lessons will pay off in constant improvement of your skills. A good idea is to establish a schedule, which as far as possible you can respect most of the time. It might seem unproductive to study for 15 minutes, but if that is all you could spend in a day due to the rest of your activities, it may be enough for the results to be noticeable after a period of time.
Another recommendation is that you have a comfortable place to place your digital piano, especially if it is a portable version. Make sure it’s at the right height so your hands are in a straight position relative to the piano and you don’t have to bend your wrists down, as this can strain the ligaments in your hands and cause uncomfortable pain. It is best if an approximate 90 degree angle is achieved between the arm and forearm when placing the fingers on the keys.
Maintain it regularly
If you have already invested your money in a digital piano, it is best that you keep it in good condition so that you can use it for a long time. For this, it is necessary to provide some care, starting with keeping it clean. Do this activity preferably when you finish practicing. But always be careful to do it with a lint-free cloth, otherwise you could cause a problem. Also avoid brushes that release bristles to remove dust between the keys.
Many digital piano owners often forget to maintain their devices altogether. Therefore, over time they can face a malfunction that does not explain why it has come to happen. This is due on many occasions to the fact that dust has been deposited between the keys, which finally manages to filter into the sensitive electrical parts such as the main card and prevent it from working as expected. To avoid this, the easiest and most appropriate way might be to make sure you give your digital piano a deep cleaning at least once a year. Mainly if it is exposed in a living room.
» Review information from previous years
Kawai digital piano
Kawai CA 78 EP
Decidir cuál es el mejor piano digital puede ser complicado, pero quizá la apariencia clásica y elegante del piano digital Kawai que vamos a analizar te parezca atractiva. Además, se propone como una alternativa para quienes buscan el sonido imponente y grandioso de un piano de cola, en una versión compacta y versátil.
Las teclas son contrapesadas con lo que proporcionan una experiencia agradable. Mientras que por otro lado, al incluir la tecnología Grand Feel II (GFII), además de la experiencia de la marca en el diseño de teclas, incluye ahora una sensación especial para las teclas negras, denominada Ebony touch, junto con otras mejoras en los pesos del martillo.
Además, ofrecen una sensibilidad interesante para intérpretes profesionales, que buscan un efecto piano suave agradable, contrastando con fortes más intensos, gracias a que incluye un sensor triple.
Por otro lado, destaca por tratarse de un piano con 256 voces de polifonía, de manera que no perderás ninguna nota en tu interpretación. También puedes hacer uso de la versatilidad de su función de transposición y metrónomo.
Si te ha resultado confuso determinar qué piano digital comprar, vamos a ayudarte con el siguiente análisis de ventajas y desventajas, para que decidas si este modelo puede incluirse entre tus favoritos.
Pros
Sensibilidad: Gracias a su triple sensor, puedes crear efectos piano y forte sin mayor complicación.
Conectividad: El modelo incluye diversas opciones para transmitir el sonido hacia fuentes tanto externas, como para recibir otras señales, por lo que es versátil.
Polifonía: Al se capaz de tocar hasta 256 teclas simultáneas sin perder notas, ofrece múltiples posibilidades de interpretación incluso a 4 manos.
Apariencia: Su diseño elegante permite que sea un instrumento que lucirá bien en el hogar y cualquier interpretación.
Contras
Manual de instrucciones: Se recomienda analizar en detalle el manual de instrucciones para poder aprovechar todas las opciones que ofrece, ya que no se considera muy intuitivo.
Kawai MP7
Un piano digital Kawai que reúne cualidades tanto de sonido como de diseño y puede cubrir las expectativas de pianistas profesionales es el MP7, debido a su tamaño compacto de 152,4 x 22,9 x 45,7 cm, pero su gran potencial tanto de sonido como de configuraciones.
Además, destaca su facilidad de utilización, ya que a través de su amplia pantalla LCD es posible visualizar información acerca de las funciones que están activas. Mientras que su módulo generador de sonido, heredado del modelo MP11, es bastan
