Different Types of Pianos & How to Choose the Right One
- lancerusselltheory
- Nov 10, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: May 23
Are you considering a new piano for your home? Read all about your options and get my personal recommendations.
Introduction
If you or your child is interested in learning to play the piano, you might be concerned about upfront costs. Pianos can be expensive! A decent upright piano from a retail store can cost well over $2000, at the low end. Then you have to worry about keeping them tuned, moving costs, and finding a large enough place in your home to put them.
Thinking about these obstacles can be discouraging enough for many people to decide against getting started altogether. Fortunately, there are many cost and space-effective options that are available for beginners. There is no need for a heavy investment, especially if you are not sure if the piano will be of lasting interest to you or your child.
Grand and Upright Pianos
If you have decided that you absolutely want an authentic, acoustic piano, then there are two main types to consider. The first type is the “grand” piano. Grand pianos are the larger style of acoustic piano – the standard size is about 5-6 feet in length and width. These are also the most expensive by far, starting at around $3000 for a used one, and between $250-$650 to hire local movers.
The second type is the “upright” piano. The upright piano takes up far less space – only about 2.5ft in length. Upright pianos are also significantly less expensive. To buy one used at a retail store can start around $2000, or you can find private sellers on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist that are willing to part with them for well under $1000. Some people might even offer them for just a few hundred if you can cover the moving costs, which can be around $200.
Each acoustic piano has its own quirks and differences in the sound quality, depending on the style and brand. But to most, the differences are slight and ultimately inconsequential to beginners.
Maintenance on Acoustic Pianos
If you decide to go with an acoustic piano, one other thing to consider is the cost of keeping them maintained. Tuning your piano is important, and it requires a professional. Tuning and maintaining your piano can cost around $150, depending on the condition of the instrument and how long it has been since it was last tuned. If it is the first time tuning your piano, or it has been more than two years, many piano tuners may charge an additional fee, usually around $50.
Electric Pianos
Electric pianos are usually the most affordable option, with decent options coming in at around $500. The quality of the speakers and additional features will vary depending on the price point, but the least expensive options are priced around $300 for a full-sized keyboard. Less expensive models may not be full-sized, which have 88 piano keys, or lack features which I feel are important.
There are a variety of features that different brands will include. Most will have the ability to alter the quality of the sound to mimic a traditional acoustic piano, electric jazz piano, synthesizer boards, and more. They may also include things like a metronome for practicing, or pre-recorded tracks with which to play. However, in my opinion there are two features in particular that are the most important to consider when shopping for an electric piano.
The first is weighted keys. Weighted keys make the keyboard feel more natural, and they let the player have the ability to control the volume and articulation of their music. Without weighted keys, the piano will be limited to an “on or off” kind of sound, and important aspects of musical expression will not be available.
The second important feature that an electric piano should have is a built-in (or plug-in option) sustain and sostenuto foot pedals. The sustain pedal allows a player to let piano sounds persist even after they lift their fingers off the keys. The sostenuto pedal allows for a similar effect, but in a more targeted way. Both are useful musical tools that become more important as a player becomes more advanced.
Personal Recommendations
If you or your child are just starting out on the piano, I would recommend getting a full-sized electric keyboard with weighted keys and foot pedal options. Early lessons tend to focus on building finger dexterity and learning how to read music, and both of these can be done on the most basic of keyboards. Then as the student improves, they will not be stifled by the limited features of a smaller, less capable keyboard model. As an added benefit, the electric keyboard will have a volume dial, so practice time will not be too disruptive for the rest of the household!
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