How to buy a piano

Choosing a piano can be confusing, and it is easy to mistake a standard keyboard for a true digital piano. To avoid disappointment, please contact us with the model you are considering; we are happy to double-check it for you before you make a purchase.

• Fully weighted keys: These replicate the feel of acoustic and grand pianos, which is essential for developing proper finger strength and technique.
• Touch sensitivity: The instrument must respond dynamically to how hard or soft the keys are pressed. This is crucial for expressive playing and accurate musical phrasing.
• 88 keys: This matches the full range of a real piano and is necessary for playing classical repertoire and maintaining proper hand positioning.
• Why this matters: Starting on a non-weighted or semi-weighted keyboard often leads to poor habits and discomfort when transitioning to an acoustic piano later on.

• High-fidelity sampling: Realistic piano tones are vital for ear training and developing musical imitation.
• Avoid "toy-like" sounds: Inexpensive keyboards often produce metallic or robotic tones that can hinder musical development. Since children learn by reproducing what they hear, a rich, natural sound is essential.

The term "keyboard" is typically reserved for electric instruments (often five octaves) that emulate piano sounds but also feature hundreds of other instrument voices. They often include automatic rhythmic accompaniments that allow you to play melodies with one finger. While some keyboards are touch-sensitive, they never have weighted keys.

A "digital piano," by contrast, is designed to replicate the experience of playing an acoustic piano.

Acoustic pianos are beautiful, but they do come with practical considerations for modern homes:

• Maintenance: They are sensitive to humidity and temperature, meaning they require tuning by a professional at least once a year. Digital pianos never require tuning.
• Noise management: Acoustic pianos cannot be silenced, which can sometimes be an issue for neighbours or other family members. Digital pianos allow for silent practice via headphones.
• Size and weight: Acoustic pianos are bulky and heavy. Moving them requires specialised (and often expensive) professional movers. While some digital pianos are substantial, they are much easier to transport.

Prices are approximate and subject to change.

• Yamaha P-145: Affordable with realistic action (£300). View on Amazon
• Yamaha P-45: Good quality, but limited availability as it has been discontinued (£280). Search for second hands on this one.
• Casio CDP-S110: The most budget-friendly option, suitable for students up to Grade 7 (£255). View on Amazon
• Yamaha P-225: More sophisticated with improved sound quality compared to the P-145 (£480). View on Amazon
• Roland FP-30X: A high-quality choice (£550). View on Amazon
• Yamaha ARIUS YDP-145: A classic, elegant home piano (£750). View on Amazon
• Yamaha ARIUS YDP-S35: A sleek, compact home piano (£680). View on Amazon

If your budget allows for an investment of over £4,000, these are excellent options:

Silent pianos
These are acoustic pianos fitted with digital mute systems. A mechanism stops the hammers from striking the strings, and sensors detect the key movement, converting it into a digital signal that you can hear through headphones. Example: Yamaha Silent Series (e.g., YUS1 SH3).

Hybrid pianos
These blend traditional acoustic mechanics with digital sound engines. They combine real wooden keys and hammer actions with the ability to record and play silently. Examples: Yamaha TransAcoustic series, Roland LX/GP series.

Visit in person: If you would like to test these instruments, we recommend visiting Yamaha Music London, 152–160 Wardour Street, Soho, London, W1F 8YA.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.