How to Choose Your First Digital Piano

DISCLAIMER: Don’t let buying a piano get in the way of playing the piano. Borrow from a friend, rent one at church, use an old toy piano. Just start playing. You can worry about getting the right piano later.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE KEYS

88 keys

A full size keyboard allows the student to play with both hands in various octaves and establish an accurate spacial sense of the instrument.

Weighted Keys (also called graded or hammer action)

A digital piano should mimic the weight and resistance of an acoustic piano key so that students can build proper strength and technique in their hands, arms, and fingers.

SUPER MODELS

Our favorite beginner digital pianos.

Choose any specific model under these brand families. Older models are just as good as newer ones in any of these series.

• Yamaha P Series

• Casio PX Series

• Kawai ES Series

EXTRA, EXTRA

Important accessories you may want to add.

• Stand/Cabinet: Most surfaces (like a desk or table) are too high. A stand will put your keyboard at the correct height and give you the opportunity to develop posture and be comfortable.

• Bench: Sitting at the correct height is important for technique development and will make practicing much more comfortable, especially for a child. Dining or office chairs are usually not a good solution.

• Pedals: pedals that attach to the cabinet are easiest to use, but a single sustain pedal can also work as long as it is secured to the floor.

WHERE TO BUY

• Sweetwater

• Chicago Music Exchange

• Second-Hand*: Craiglist or Facebook Marketplace

*Buying second-hand is a great option since many people buy a keyboard with high hopes, never use it, then resell it in almost perfect condition.

WE CAN HELP YOU!

If you’d like more help finding a piano, just email us at frontdesk@redcloudchicago.com. Our piano teachers can point you in the right direction!