What should I think about when buying a piano in Brighton & the UK
/When buying a piano or digital piano there are many elements to consider- What is the difference between a digital piano and an acoustic piano?
Digital piano
A digital piano uses the recorded sounds of a piano and when triggered by the keys, reproduces them. This sends information (midi) to the built-in computer within the keyboard which makes the sound. This is then sent to the speakers (if there are any) or to your speaker system. This midi information can also be sent to an external computer to trigger other sounds (E.g drums, strings; whatever really).
They have all different kinds of sounds and key weights. The heavier the key, the more it will strengthen the muscles. However, it’s important to take into account age and strength when deciding, as the very young (under 5) or old (varies a lot but over 75/80) need a bit of help with their muscles. :0)
Digital pianos normally come separate to a stand, pedal and case. They vary in size but can normally be packed away discreetly.
Price
As you can expect, these elements vary in quality and price with the spectrum being from around £50 to £14,000. You can get a good digital piano for £400 second-hand.
Piano
On a digital piano, the keys can vary from something spring-loaded (basic) to something which imitates the feel of a piano. Piano keys are heavier in touch in the low end and lighter in the high end. There are also a lot of techniques that you can play on a piano that affect the sound produced, sometimes dramatically, sometimes very subtly. Digital pianos, although to most people sound good or great, do not have the range of expression a piano has. The touch can be emulated up to a certain point, but I have yet to feel one that is 100% convincing. Basically, it's not a piano.
When a key is pushed down on a piano it lifts a piece of felt which has been resting on the strings. It also simultaneously triggers a number levers and mechanisms which eventually makes a felt-tipped hammer strike the strings. This makes the famous noise! This echoes around the casing of a piano. When you release the key another piece of felt dampens the vibrations of the keys and stops the noise.
There are thousands of different makes and models of piano. The best thing to do is to literally sit down and play them to find the one you like. It's a personal thing. They come in all shapes and sizes from tiny to gigantic, with light keys to heavy keys.
Price
These elements as you can expect also vary in quality and price. If you’re lucky, you could get a second-hand piano for free, but you could also pay over £300,000 for a top-quality instrument. You can get a good upright piano for £700 second-hand.
Plus sides to buying a digital piano
Compared to acoustic pianos, digital pianos are generally less expensive when bought brand new. If they’re second hand, the price is probably about the same.
Most models are smaller and considerably lighter, but there are large ones as well.
They have no strings and therefore don't need to be tuned.
Depending on the model they will have a number of other sounds.
Young beginners (under 5) will find it easier to play on non-weighted keys.
It is a lot more likely that they will be compatible with a computer via midi or USB. (Useful for recording and other more complicated functions)
You will be able to practice quietly on all of the models via headphones.
Plus sides to buying a Piano
The sound quality on most pianos is superior to that of a digital keyboard. This in turn can promote practice and develop an increased enjoyment of the instrument.
There are techniques that are taught on a piano that doesn't translate to digital pianos.
Pianos have an aesthetic value that digital pianos don't.
It's much easier to fall in love with a piano...
If you are buying a piano you need to think about the size and how often you may be moving house. After the initial move it is expensive moving pianos around.
Where can you buy a piano or digital piano?
Brand new
Digital piano without weighted keys
These instruments are probably best suited for someone with a limited budget or of a very young age. These instruments have lighter keys and as such are easier to play for the younger learner. This Yamaha NP11 Piaggero Portable Digital piano is probably the cheapest digital piano you'll find of good quality without weighted keys.
Digital pianos with weighted keys
If you can spend more - say £500 or more - I'd go for a digital piano with weighted keys - Yamaha digital pianos are great. The P-series has a good selection of instruments at different price points.
Gak is Brighton-based. They will match any price you find online and do a 0% finance deal so you pay small amounts monthly:
Second-hand pianos or digital pianos
You can look for second-hand options which are cheaper (but you won't have the guarantee). You can also pick up free pianos from various sources, but the quality is generally not so good. Try Gumtree, eBay and Friday Ad to get you started.
Second hand and brand new pianos or digital pianos
These guys offer 0% Finance discount too on real pianos as well as digital ones:
This scheme allows you to pay the cost of your instrument in installments
The piano warehouse does a government-funded loan scheme as well, which is worth checking out. I can't see it on their website but if you give them a call I'm sure they are still doing it.
Please feel free to get in touch with us with any questions.
All in all, I recommend-
Young pianists (5 years old) - Yamaha Piagerro NP11 non-weighted keys or light-weighted piano
Aspiring midi composers & pianists - Separate midi keyboard (£20) & a piano
People with little room or about to move - Digital piano
Anything else - A Piano
Go to the piano warehouse in Brighton for all your piano needs to speak to Peter and say Kevin sent you. He's lovely!
Good luck and if you need any further assistance. I'll be happy to help with any decision you want to make.
Kevin