Choosing your first piano doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s what I’d look for.
If you’re thinking about learning the piano, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is:
“What piano should I buy?”
With so many different types, brands and price ranges available, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed.
The good news is that buying your first piano doesn’t have to be complicated.
In this guide, I’ll explain the different types of pianos and keyboards, what I’d recommend looking for, and hopefully help you choose an instrument you’ll enjoy playing for years to come.
Before We Begin…
Before we start talking about different pianos, I’d like to say one thing.
Don’t worry too much about buying the “perfect” piano.
I’ve seen people spend weeks, sometimes months, comparing every specification imaginable before finally making a decision.
Personally, I think that time would be far better spent actually learning to play.
A good piano that encourages you to practice every day will always be a better choice than the “perfect” piano that you’re still saving up for.
Grand Pianos
Let’s be honest…
If money and space weren’t an issue, I’m sure most of us would love a beautiful grand piano sitting in the living room.
They look incredible, sound fantastic and are a joy to play.
Unfortunately, they also take up a lot of room and can cost many thousands of pounds.
If you’re fortunate enough to be considering one, I’d definitely recommend visiting a piano showroom and trying several different models before making your decision.
Upright Acoustic Pianos
For many people, an upright piano is a much more realistic option.
You still get the authentic feel and sound of a real acoustic piano, but in a much smaller space.
There are, however, a few things worth bearing in mind.
Acoustic pianos need tuning from time to time, they’re very heavy, and once they’re in place they’re not something you’ll want to move very often.
If you enjoy practicing late into the evening, you may also find yourself keeping one eye on the clock if you have neighbour’s or family nearby!
Silent Pianos
If you like the idea of an acoustic piano but also want the flexibility of practicing quietly, a silent piano could be worth considering.
These instruments allow you to switch from the traditional acoustic sound to headphones, giving you the best of both worlds.
They’re wonderful instruments, although they do tend to come with a higher price tag.
Digital Pianos
For most beginners, this is usually the type of piano I’d recommend.
Modern digital pianos have improved enormously over the years.
Many now have beautifully weighted keys that feel remarkably similar to an acoustic piano, realistic piano sounds, built-in speakers and the ability to practice with headphones whenever you like.
They also never need tuning, they’re generally easier to move than an acoustic piano, and they’re unaffected by changes in temperature or humidity.
The digital piano I currently use is a Kawai CN39, and you’ll actually see it throughout many of the lessons and photos on this website.
Over the years I’ve become a big fan of Kawai pianos because I really like the feel of their keyboards and the warmth of their piano sound.
That said, Yamaha, Roland, Casio and several other manufacturers all make excellent instruments too. If you have the chance, I’d always recommend trying a few before deciding which one feels right for you.
Stage Pianos
Stage pianos are becoming more and more popular, and they’re a great option if space is limited.
Unlike a traditional digital piano, a stage piano doesn’t come with a built-in cabinet or furniture stand. Instead, it sits on a separate keyboard stand, making it much easier to move around or store away when you’re not using it.
If you don’t have a dedicated music room, this can be a really practical solution.
A good example would be something like the Kawai ES60. It offers the feel of a digital piano while remaining compact enough to pack away after you’ve finished practising.
They’re also ideal if you regularly play at different locations or simply want something that’s easier to transport.
Electronic Keyboards
If your budget is a little tighter, don’t worry.
An electronic keyboard can still be a perfectly good place to begin learning.
There are all sorts of keyboards available, from simple beginner models to arranger and workstation keyboards packed with hundreds of sounds and features.
While those extras can be useful, I honestly wouldn’t make them your priority if your goal is learning the piano.
Personally, I’d rather have a keyboard with a good feel and a nice piano sound than one with hundreds of buttons and features that I’ll probably never use.
Which One Would I Recommend?
People often ask me what I would buy if I were starting again today.
For most beginners, my answer would be a digital piano.
It offers the closest playing experience to an acoustic piano without the maintenance, tuning or higher cost.
If space is limited, I’d seriously consider a stage piano instead.
And if you’re working with a tighter budget, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with starting on a good 61-key keyboard, provided it has the right features.
Remember, the best piano is the one that encourages you to keep practicing.
What Should You Look For?
Rather than worrying about every technical specification, I’d focus on getting the basics right.
If you’re buying a digital or stage piano
I’d recommend looking for:
- 88 weighted keys
- A piano sound that you genuinely enjoy listening to
- A sustain pedal (or at least the ability to connect one)
- A headphone socket for quiet practice
If you’re buying a keyboard
I’d recommend:
- At least 61 full-size keys
- Touch-sensitive keys
- A sustain pedal input if possible
Touch-sensitive keys are especially important.
Without them, every note plays at exactly the same volume no matter how softly or firmly you press the keys, making it much harder to develop musical expression.
Don’t Get Distracted by Fancy Features
When you start comparing pianos online, you’ll come across terms like graded hammer action, polyphony, virtual resonance, sound engines and many other technical specifications.
Those things certainly have their place, but I wouldn’t let them become the deciding factor.
Ask yourself a few simple questions instead.
- Does it feel comfortable to play?
- Do I like the sound?
- Does it fit my budget?
- Can I imagine myself enjoying practising on it?
If the answer is yes, you’re probably looking at a good choice.
When you start comparing pianos online, you’ll come across terms like graded hammer action, polyphony, virtual resonance, sound engines and many other technical specifications.
Those things certainly have their place, but I wouldn’t let them become the deciding factor.
Ask yourself a few simple questions instead.
- Does it feel comfortable to play?
- Do I like the sound?
- Does it fit my budget?
- Can I imagine myself enjoying practising on it?
If the answer is yes, you’re probably looking at a good choice.
Should You Buy New or Second-Hand?
Both can be excellent options.
A good second-hand piano can save you a considerable amount of money.
If you’re buying an acoustic piano, ask when it was last tuned and whether it’s been regularly maintained.
If you’re buying a digital piano or keyboard, test every key, every pedal connection, every button and every speaker. Listen out for crackles, check the headphone socket and make sure everything works as it should before buying.
Try Before You Buy
If you have a music shop nearby, I’d definitely recommend visiting.
Even if you’ve never played before, you’ll quickly notice that different pianos feel different under your fingers.
Some have a lighter touch, others feel slightly heavier.
Some have a brighter sound, while others sound warmer.
There isn’t a right or wrong choice.
Choose the one that feels and sounds right to you.
My Final Thoughts
If you’re waiting until you can afford your dream piano before you start learning, I’d encourage you not to wait.
Some fantastic musicians began on very modest instruments.
What matters isn’t whether your piano cost a few hundred pounds or several thousand.
What matters is finding an instrument that makes you want to sit down and play.
Because the piano you practice on will always teach you more than the one you’re still thinking about buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I learn piano on a 61-key keyboard?
Yes. Many beginners start on a 61-key keyboard and make excellent progress. While you’ll eventually benefit from having all 88 keys, 61 full-size, touch-sensitive keys are more than enough to learn the fundamentals.
Do I need weighted keys?
If your budget allows, I’d definitely recommend them. They feel much closer to an acoustic piano and help you develop good technique from the very beginning.
Is a digital piano better than an acoustic piano?
Not necessarily. They’re simply designed for different needs.
For most beginners, I think a digital piano offers the best balance of affordability, convenience and playing experience. If you have the budget and space for an acoustic piano, they’re wonderful instruments too.
Which piano brand is best?
There isn’t a single best brand.
Kawai, Yamaha, Roland, Casio and Korg all make excellent instruments.
Personally, I’ve grown to prefer Kawai because I enjoy the feel and sound of their pianos, but I’d always encourage you to try a few different brands if you can before making your decision.
Is a stage piano suitable for beginners?
Absolutely.
A stage piano is simply a more portable version of a digital piano. If you need to move your piano regularly or store it away after practicing, it can be an excellent choice.
Should I buy a new or second-hand piano?
Both can be great options.
A well-looked-after second-hand piano can offer excellent value for money. Just make sure you check everything carefully before buying, or take someone with you if you’re unsure what to look for.