Acoustic piano VS Digital piano

By: Peterson Sukhumvit#26
What is an acoustic piano?

Acoustic pianos have been around since the early 18th Century. In all of that time though, their fundamental design hasn’t changed or evolved that much. Tweaks have been made to key lengths and cabinet sizes however, in order to improve the feel and acoustic qualities of pianos. But as a whole, most manufacturers have seen little point in vastly updating a timeless look and sound.

A real piano will typically feature 88 keys, providing you with a whopping 7-octave note range. If you’re a classically-trained pianist, this may be an essential feature. As you’ll be more accustomed to performing complex pieces of music, playing super-low or high notes may be necessary.

What is a Digital piano?

Digital piano are designed as modern alternatives to acoustic pianos. Featuring electronic circuitry and requiring power in order to work, the digital piano is an innovation that has only reached mainstream popularity within the last couple of decades.

Featuring a set of keys just like its acoustic counterparts, digital pianos are played no differently to real pianos. But In terms of variety and what’s available, digital pianos can come in all different shapes, sizes and specs.

From small and compact 61-key digital pianos to full-sized 88-key offerings, there’s a whole range of digital pianos out there. Many also feature intuitive screens and controls that allow you to access and adjust loads of different piano sounds, making them extremely flexible.



Acoustic piano VS Digital piano

  • Acoustic pianos hold their value over time whilst digital pianos depreciate quickly due to new models being launced frequently with advancements in technology.
  • An acoustic piano has pure and live tonal resonance due to the combination of natural materials and physics. Wool covered hammer-heads striking tensioned strings, blends of harmonics and a wooden spruce soundboard as a natural amplifier are unique features of these musical instruments.
  • A digital piano imitates the sound of a real piano using digital sound samples and speakers, and despite huge advancements in sampling technology, it is not possible to obtain the same nuances experienced from an acoustic model.
  • The construction of an acoustic piano is far stronger and many more times durable. The casework of an acoustic piano is of traditional cabinet build and damage to it can be repaired easily and often invisibly.
  • If there is a problem with the mechanism of an acoustic piano, it can be fixed by a piano tuner very quickly and inexpensively. There are far fewer electronic engineers who understand digital pianos and replacement parts can be very costly or even not available, especially when out of warranty.
  • The touch of an acoustic piano cannot be replicated and is far more touch-sensitive with physical escapement despite technological advancementsin digital pianos. Digital pianos have a finite number of tones even if the key isplayed differently, causing long periods of playing to sound robotic which manymusicians find uninspiring.
  • Acoustic pianos mostly have a longer manufacturer’s warranty – some up to 12 years, whereas a digital piano will usually have a lesser guarantee due to a shorter lifespan.
  • Acoustic pianos do not require an electrical power supply whereas a digital piano does.
  • Acoustic pianos should be tuned at least twice per annum to maintain the instrument at concert pitch.
  • The life expectancy of acoustic pianos is usually in excess of 50 years with various renovation and restoration options available, this is not possible with digital pianos as their lifespan is uncertain and most models are quickly out dated with technological advancements.