Digital pianos

A digital piano is an electronic musical instrument designed to replicate as closely as possible the sound and playing feel of a traditional acoustic piano. Unlike electronic keyboards, which often provide a wide range of sounds and functions, a digital piano is specifically focused on delivering a realistic piano tone and playing experience. On a digital piano, you can adjust the volume and always play with headphones.

Piano Samples

When building a digital piano, recordings are made of each individual note of a high-quality acoustic piano. These recordings, known as samples, are then stored in the digital piano’s memory. When the pianist presses a key, the corresponding sample is played back, taking into account the force and speed of the keystroke, to produce a realistic and expressive piano sound.

Weighted Keyboard

Most digital pianos feature a weighted keyboard with 88 keys. On an acoustic piano, the keys are connected to hammers that strike the strings and produce sound when pressed. This gives the keys a certain amount of resistance and weight, requiring pianists to apply specific force to press the keys and produce sound. This affects the playing experience, technique, and expressiveness. On digital pianos with a weighted keyboard, this playing feel is reproduced as accurately as possible.

Speakers

Digital pianos are equipped with built-in speakers that translate electronic signals into piano sounds. The quality, number, and positioning of the speakers have a major impact on the sound reproduction. Digital pianos with multiple high-quality speakers deliver a richer piano sound and therefore provide a more realistic simulation of a true acoustic piano.

From a musical perspective, it is always better to choose an acoustic piano. However, in certain situations, a digital piano can be an interesting or more practical choice. Here are some examples:

1. When the budget is limited, it may be better to invest in a quality digital piano rather than a low-budget acoustic piano. In addition, a digital piano does not require annual tuning. If you want to limit your investment, you can also choose to rent or use a rent-to-own option for either an acoustic or digital piano.
2. With every digital piano, you can play using headphones, allowing you to practice without disturbing others. This is especially useful if you like to play in the evening or live in shared housing. You can also adjust the volume on a digital piano, making it possible to practice very quietly. It’s worth mentioning that acoustic pianos equipped with a silent function offer the same advantages.
3. Digital pianos offer many connection and interactive features. This is especially appealing to creative musicians. Many models are equipped with MIDI and USB ports, as well as Bluetooth Audio and MIDI, making it easy to connect them to computers, tablets, and smartphones. For beginners, digital pianos also include many additional learning features.
4. Digital pianos are more compact than traditional acoustic pianos, which makes them ideal for smaller living spaces. They take up less room and are easier to move. For pianists who perform frequently, it may be better to choose a portable or stage piano.

How do you choose a digital piano and what is the best option for you? There are many different models from brands such as Yamaha, Roland, Kawai, Doutreligne, Casio, Donner and Nord. In general, the quality of a digital piano is determined by 4 factors:

1. Keyboard
2. Sound
3. Extra features
4. Design/finish of the cabinet

Digital piano keyboard

Every digital piano comes with a weighted keyboard with 88 keys. This is essential for developing proper playing technique and expressiveness. The more the keyboard resembles that of a real piano, the better. Higher-end digital pianos often feature wooden and sometimes longer keys, resulting in a far more authentic and realistic playing feel that enhances the pianist’s musical experience.

Sound: speakers and samples

Digital pianos are equipped with built-in speakers to produce sound. The greater the power of the amplifier and the better the samples, the richer the tone. The size, number, and positioning of the speakers also play a major role. Think of it like the difference between your smartphone’s speakers and a high-quality hi-fi system: the hi-fi, with more power and better speakers, will always deliver a much richer sound, regardless of the volume.

Extra features

Digital pianos offer a range of basic functions such as a headphone jack, recording options, a metronome, and multiple sounds. Some instruments provide many extra features such as accompaniment styles, additional sounds, interactive learning tools, and extensive connectivity options (USB, MIDI, Bluetooth, Audio, etc.). In general, higher-priced instruments offer more options than entry-level models.

Cabinet of a digital piano

For many people, a piano is also an aesthetic choice. Digital pianos come in all shapes, sizes, and finishes. You can choose a compact entry-level model or a taller piano that resembles a real acoustic piano. There are also small and large digital grand pianos. By default, digital pianos are finished in black matte, but many alternative finishes are available, such as white, rosewood, oak, w walnut, etc., in both matte and high-gloss versions.

At Piano’s Maene, you will find a wide range of digital pianos from the most renowned brands. The Japanese brands Yamaha, Roland and Kawai have been benchmarks in quality and innovation for decades, while the Swedish brand Nord is loved worldwide by professional musicians. The brand Casio offers excellent value for money and continues to innovate with stylish home and stage pianos. There is also Donner, a brand that stands out with its modern design and contemporary look. Finally, Piano’s Maene has developed its own line of digital pianos under the Doutreligne brand, with a broad range of stage pianos, home pianos and even digital grand pianos. All these brands and models can not only be ordered online but also extensively tested in our 8 stores in Belgium and the Netherlands.

There are different types of digital pianos to meet the needs and preferences of various musicians. Below is an overview of the main types of digital pianos.

1. Home pianos (console pianos): These digital pianos resemble the shape and look of a traditional upright acoustic piano. They usually feature a full keyboard with weighted keys and provide an authentic playing experience. Home pianos can range in size and functionality, from entry-level to high-end models.
2. Stage pianos: Designed for portability and performance, these instruments are generally more compact and lighter than home pianos. Popular for live performances, studio recordings, and musicians on the move, they often provide advanced sound options and effects.
3. Portable pianos: Lightweight and easy to carry, these pianos are ideal for beginners, students, or players with limited space. Although more compact, many portable digital pianos still offer a realistic playing experience.
4. Digital grand pianos: A variant of the home piano, these models mimic the appearance and sound of a traditional acoustic grand piano. They are designed to reproduce the tone, touch, and aesthetics of a real grand.
5. Hybrid digital pianos: Hybrid models combine the qualities of acoustic and digital pianos. They feature a real upright or grand piano action to reproduce the touch and sound generation. Well-known series include Yamaha AvantGrand and Kawai Novus.