How to Choose the Right Piano for You

If you're learning to play piano or plan to learn, then you will of course need your own piano. These days, there are many different types of pianos from which you can choose. There are pianos suitable for everyone from a hobbyist beginner to a serious musician. Not only that, but there are models out there to suit every price range and preference. In this article, we'll explore a few different types of pianos and the features and benefits of each.

The largest choice is known as the grand. Grand pianos are the kind used by professional musicians in stadiums and concert venues. There are several different varieties of grands, with the most notable being concert and baby. A concert grand measures around nine feet in length and are normally way too large for a pianist to keep in their home, unless of course they have a great deal of room. Baby grands are much smaller, measuring five feet or less in length.

A step below the grands would be the verticals. These types of pianos look and sound quite similar to the grands but are normally less expensive. There are four different types, which are categorized by height. The upright is the tallest, measuring around five feet or sometimes a tad more. Then there are studio pianos, which are about ten inches shorter than the uprights. Consoles are next in line, measuring approximately forty inches or so. Then there's the spinet, which comes in around three feet tall. Usually, the larger the model the more you can expect to pay for it. Of course, the condition and manufacturer will also be factors in the cost.

Even smaller than the spinet is the electric or digital keyboard. Believe it or not, today's digital keyboards offer sound and realism that's just as good as a traditional acoustic like those described above. An electric keyboard will cost substantially less than an acoustic, and they're way more portable. Not only that, but you'll usually get a variety of additional features like various sound effects and MIDI options. If you do decide to go electric, choose a model with 88 hammer graded keys for the best feel and sound. Also, you'll want a model that supports attachable foot pedals. For the most authentic experience, choose a model with a stand and bench.

The most important thing to consider when choosing a piano is to select one that feels and sounds right to you. Head to a music store and test out some different choices. If you're looking to buy used, check your local classifieds for instruments for sale by owner. Buying any sort of instrument is a highly personal process, so make sure you take the time to find the best one for your individual preferences.

Copyright 2006 Frances Coleman - All Rights Reserved

How to play piano: The basics, Lesson #1

Piano Lessons News:
Understanding From The Valuable Piano Lessons For Youngsters .
When adults embark on a course of piano lessons, they generally know why they are doing it and what they want to get out of it. With children, it's...


Enthusiastic young casts ready to stage 'Peter Pan,'.
As the historic centennial celebration of the California Rodeo Salinas drifts into history, it's time to go "where dreams are born," the Wilson Children's Theatre in Oldtown Salinas...


Gospel Piano Lessons
Identify your reasons for why you should pick studying about gospel piano lessons and not the more modern or various genres of music that can also be appealing to you. More often than not, students of these kinds of piano lessons devote ...


Piano Lessons : All About Scales
In this group of online piano lessons, you only need to know the ones shown here, in this lesson. For example, both the F Major and D Minor have a B Flat in their key signatures. Click EURNextEUR to play the A Minor scale. ...


It's More Than Just Music When It Comes To Piano Lessons | Piano Tutor
It's More Than Just Music When It Comes To Piano Lessons Piano lessons offer all of us a chance to do much more than learn how to play one of...


Online Piano Lessons ? Advantages | Piano Tutor
Online Piano Lessons ? Advantages As most of you should be aware, there are several online piano lessons available on internet which can enable...


Technorati Tags: , ,