Is it possible to develop a good touch on a digital piano? Or will this ruin your sense of touch completely? Is the digital piano fundamentally inferior to the acoustic piano? This long-running discussion concerns piano enthusiasts, musicians, and teachers alike. And it’s no surprise that opinions and experiences vary as much as individual perceptions of touch and sound.
Generally speaking: If you want to learn how to play an acoustic piano properly, then you need to have a good acoustic piano. If you want to learn how to play a grand piano, it is best to learn and practice on a good grand piano. Nevertheless, digital pianos are generally suitable for learning to play the piano. They are excellent instruments for beginners: If you start with a digital piano, you can transition to an acoustic piano later and apply and expand the skills you have learned.
When comparing acoustic and digital pianos, the differences seem obvious. After all, one is (a real) acoustic instrument, while the other is an electronic imitation. But even acoustic pianos can be worlds apart, depending on the price range or brand. You’ll read statements like “…it’s better to play a bad (acoustic) piano than a digital piano!” or the opposite. But in the end, it’s all a matter of opinion. One thing you can be sure of, however, is that each instrument has its individual playing and sound characteristics. Take your time getting to know it!
As you gain experience on many different pianos, you will eventually adapt your playing to each new instrument. In most cases, this happens intuitively while practicing on the instrument. Few performers enter a concert hall without first familiarizing themselves with the instrument available. It is also not uncommon for a technician to work with the pianist to tune and intonate the piano.
Again, there are big differences, as the keyboard quality of digital and stage pianos varies depending on the price range. Although you can expect to find 88-key hammer action keyboards even in the entry-level class under $500, the quality of a home piano in the $3,000 price range is significantly better. No matter what price range you are looking at, be sure to take the time to compare a few models when shopping! Digital pianos from different manufacturers all have a unique sound and playing feel to them.
A graded hammer action keyboard is essential for developing and practicing a natural piano touch on a digital instrument.
While the hammer action produces the sound in an acoustic piano, in a digital piano, it only simulates that mechanism. It’s a mechanical component, not part of the sound generation itself.
However, weighted keys are crucial if you want to shape each note through your touch. The more accurately the keyboard responds to your finger movements, the better your touch control will be. With a well-designed keyboard, you can even draw out subtle tonal nuances from an entry-level digital piano.
Two advantages of a digital piano are the ability to practice with headphones and to play at a controlled volume through the built-in speakers. However, a disadvantage is that the piano sound changes each time you adjust the volume. Therefore, you should “warm up” for a while before practicing or performing. This means you should always take time to adjust to how the sound reacts when playing a specific keyboard, which is especially important for those who don’t play or practice regularly. Incidentally, the same is true for acoustic pianos!
It is important to maintain a certain volume when studying or practicing, whether you use headphones or built-in speakers. But how do you find the “right” volume? After all, sound perception is very personal. The first step is to find a comfortable volume for you. Focus on the mid-range, and play longer notes and chords with the pedal depressed.
Have you ever noticed that your piano sounds different when played through headphones than when played through speakers? This is more or less normal with digital pianos. In most cases, the sound is actually much better with a good pair of headphones. You will likely also find that you need to adjust the volume control differently depending on whether you are playing through headphones or speakers. Take the time to find your “comfort level” for both situations.
Useful Links
Piano World Piano Forum – Will a Digital Piano Ruin My Touch?
Piano World Piano Forum – Proper Hand Technique
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