Piano Buyer's Guide
Click here to skip ahead to specific recommendations.
About Electric Keyboards: What to Look For
Electric Keyboard Recommendations
Keyboard Accessories You May Need
Live, Acoustic Pianos
Acoustic Piano Purchasing
Quick Summary
About Electric Keyboards: What to Look For
Electric Keyboard Recommendations
Keyboard Accessories You May Need
Live, Acoustic Pianos
Acoustic Piano Purchasing
Quick Summary
- Electric pianos contain different numbers of keys (88 keys is a full size keyboard) and come as non-weighted, semi-weighted, or fully-weighted, which determines how heavy and responsive the keys are.
- Fully-weighted keyboards will be the most satisfying to play and most like a real piano, but also the most expensive. Small budget models are available, and there is a large selection of long-lasting mid-level models recommended for beginning students.
- Electric keyboards often require the purchase of a few accessories, including a keyboard stand, sustain pedal, and piano bench. Some also sell the power supply separately.
- Special lightweight keyboards also exist for toddlers to learn on that are better suited for their small, weak fingers.
- Acoustic pianos come in many shapes and sizes, including vertical and grand pianos, and are a major purchase that requires hiring piano movers and regular tunings. The most important considerations are how it sounds, feels, and looks.
- There are a myriad of used pianos that can be purchased inexpensively and then refurbished. Watch out for gray market pianos, and bring a piano-knowledgeable friend or technician to check any piano before you purchase it.
- Many dealers also rent out pianos, and this may be a good first step to testing a piano out in your home and giving you or your child the opportunity to practice on an acoustic piano.
So you want to buy a piano, and you don’t know where to start looking. You’ve seen dozens of options and sizes and want to know what the markers of a good quality piano are, or perhaps you’re just looking for something affordable. This guide is a primer on finding a piano that suits your needs and budget.
As a general rule: electric keyboards will be cheaper than acoustic pianos, but that doesn’t mean they’re always of low quality. And there are a lot of good deals to be found on acoustic pianos. The following will first address issues with electric keyboards, and then talk specifically about acoustic pianos.
Before saying too much, though, I would like to share this message from piano manufacturer Steinway & Sons:
“When you consider economizing on a piano because a [student] is ‘just starting piano lessons,’ consider that making music on a quality instrument is one of the best ways to keep a [new] musician interested. By purchasing the best instrument possible within a comfortable price range, you are encouraging an individual to expect to continue playing and to strive for success. This can make all the difference in the world.”
As a general rule: electric keyboards will be cheaper than acoustic pianos, but that doesn’t mean they’re always of low quality. And there are a lot of good deals to be found on acoustic pianos. The following will first address issues with electric keyboards, and then talk specifically about acoustic pianos.
Before saying too much, though, I would like to share this message from piano manufacturer Steinway & Sons:
“When you consider economizing on a piano because a [student] is ‘just starting piano lessons,’ consider that making music on a quality instrument is one of the best ways to keep a [new] musician interested. By purchasing the best instrument possible within a comfortable price range, you are encouraging an individual to expect to continue playing and to strive for success. This can make all the difference in the world.”
The main differences between electric pianos are in the number of keys and the weight and responsiveness of the keys. A full-size keyboard has 88 keys, but if you're just starting out you can get away with a 61- or 76-key piano. Even a light 25-key keyboard may work for very young students.
Acoustic pianos have wooden keys of a particular weight, providing an ideal amount of feedback and bounce when playing. Keyboards with “semi-weighted” or “weighted” keys are attempting to emulate the feel of real piano keys. Keyboards that are labeled “velocity-sensitive” have the ability to play at different volumes by hitting the keys harder or softer, but their keys are not weighted. It’s important to find a keyboard with at least semi-weighted keys (and preferably weighted keys), not only because it helps build finger strength and develop proper playing technique, but also because it’s simply more satisfying to play! The action (the way the keys feel when being played) of an acoustic piano is also not equal across the whole piano: lower notes are a bit heavier, and higher-end electric keyboards will reflect this.
For very young students (those under five or six), a keyboard with non-weighted keys may actually be ideal for their first couple of years. This is because toddlers’ fingers are smaller and weaker, so a light keyboard will keep them safe and make it easy to play the keys.
A lot of electric pianos include additional features such as a metronome, recording capabilities, built-in song accompaniments, and multiple sounds (for example, organ or guitar sounds). None of these features are essential. Built-in metronomes are helpful, but free metronomes apps are widely available. Kids may have fun with the extra sounds, but it may be worth avoiding these features if it will distract from practicing.
It’s a good idea to tour your local music stores and try out the keyboards they have in stock. Even if you don’t yet know how to play, you can touch the keys and feel how some are a little heavier or more responsive than others, and the store associates can play them for you so you can hear how each one sounds and give their own recommendations.
Read on for specific recommendations on electric keyboards.
Acoustic pianos have wooden keys of a particular weight, providing an ideal amount of feedback and bounce when playing. Keyboards with “semi-weighted” or “weighted” keys are attempting to emulate the feel of real piano keys. Keyboards that are labeled “velocity-sensitive” have the ability to play at different volumes by hitting the keys harder or softer, but their keys are not weighted. It’s important to find a keyboard with at least semi-weighted keys (and preferably weighted keys), not only because it helps build finger strength and develop proper playing technique, but also because it’s simply more satisfying to play! The action (the way the keys feel when being played) of an acoustic piano is also not equal across the whole piano: lower notes are a bit heavier, and higher-end electric keyboards will reflect this.
For very young students (those under five or six), a keyboard with non-weighted keys may actually be ideal for their first couple of years. This is because toddlers’ fingers are smaller and weaker, so a light keyboard will keep them safe and make it easy to play the keys.
A lot of electric pianos include additional features such as a metronome, recording capabilities, built-in song accompaniments, and multiple sounds (for example, organ or guitar sounds). None of these features are essential. Built-in metronomes are helpful, but free metronomes apps are widely available. Kids may have fun with the extra sounds, but it may be worth avoiding these features if it will distract from practicing.
It’s a good idea to tour your local music stores and try out the keyboards they have in stock. Even if you don’t yet know how to play, you can touch the keys and feel how some are a little heavier or more responsive than others, and the store associates can play them for you so you can hear how each one sounds and give their own recommendations.
Read on for specific recommendations on electric keyboards.
Functional and Affordable
Expect to spend around $100-$600, and possibly more when including accessories.
The Alesis Recital 88-Key Beginner Digital Piano is probably one of the best deals on a full-sized keyboard, and what I would recommend if you’re trying to balance cost and functionality. It’s main drawback is having semi-weighted keys as opposed to fully-weighted keys. Of similar quality is the Williams Legato. Keep in mind that both of these pianos run the risk of breaking down within a couple of years; a 2- or 3-year warranty may be advisable.
For the enthusiastic beginner interested in a true, full-weighted keyboard experience, the Casio Privia PX-160 comes highly recommended. It is also possible to find this same keyboard as a bundle with a wooden stand. The Yamaha P115 and its less expensive cousin, the P45 (which has no extra features, but is otherwise the same), are comparable to the Privia, while the YPG-535 or YPG-625 are fully functional, extremely durable, and includes its own stand; its main drawback is a less responsive action than the P series Yamahas.
If you’re really on a budget, there are a handful of small keyboards with non-weighted keys. The Casio CTK2400 is inexpensive and often bundled with other accessories. This keyboard will do if you are just trying to get familiar with the layout of a piano and to understand the basics of music, but it won't work well for developing decent playing technique. The Yamaha PSRE253 and Hamzer 61 are of similar quality to the CTK2400.
Toddler-Safe Pianos
As mentioned earlier, it is helpful to get a small keyboard with non-weighted keys for very young students. These keyboards will generally run under $100, but there are specialized toddler keyboards that are more expensive. The Schoenhut 37 Key Concert Baby Grand and 25-Key My First Piano are such keyboards. The Schoenhuts and other toddler pianos are designed to be an ideal size for small children, with light, easy action. They often do not sound like a piano, instead making a chime sound. Other similar pianos include the Children Wood Toy Grand Piano and the GoPlus Childs 30-Key Toy Grand.
Other “toy” pianos, like this keyboard by Best Choice or this Melissa & Doug Learn-to-Play, can give young students a familiarity with the keyboard while also giving them a lot of extra features to stay engaged and interested in music. You won’t find these at music shops; you’ll have to go visit a toy store. If you are interested in your toddler truly learning about music, avoid single-octave toy keyboards and xylophones. These don’t cover a large enough range to give a student, even toddlers, much to learn, and they may not even be physically designed like a real piano. As pattern recognition is an important part of learning piano, these latter toys won't help much.
If you want a small keyboard that looks less like a toy and more like an instrument, the Casio SA76 and Audster FK-37 will suit your needs. If you’re worried about your child damaging their instrument, or if you want more portability, a roll-up keyboard may be ideal.
High-End Models
The higher-end keyboards start around $1000. These keyboards will all have fully-weighted keys with realistic action. They often come with their own specialty synthesizer sounds and have outputs to connect to external speakers or an amplifier.
You can’t go wrong with most of these models, and their subtle differences are worth testing out before purchasing one. Such models include the Casio Privia PX-870 and the Yamaha YDP143R Arius. For those who want something a little flashier, there also exist digital pianos designed to look like grand pianos. The difference is purely aesthetic.
Side note: keyboards labeled as “MIDI controllers” or “workstations” are professional keyboards with specific purposes for music production and are probably not ideal for your purposes.
Expect to spend around $100-$600, and possibly more when including accessories.
The Alesis Recital 88-Key Beginner Digital Piano is probably one of the best deals on a full-sized keyboard, and what I would recommend if you’re trying to balance cost and functionality. It’s main drawback is having semi-weighted keys as opposed to fully-weighted keys. Of similar quality is the Williams Legato. Keep in mind that both of these pianos run the risk of breaking down within a couple of years; a 2- or 3-year warranty may be advisable.
For the enthusiastic beginner interested in a true, full-weighted keyboard experience, the Casio Privia PX-160 comes highly recommended. It is also possible to find this same keyboard as a bundle with a wooden stand. The Yamaha P115 and its less expensive cousin, the P45 (which has no extra features, but is otherwise the same), are comparable to the Privia, while the YPG-535 or YPG-625 are fully functional, extremely durable, and includes its own stand; its main drawback is a less responsive action than the P series Yamahas.
If you’re really on a budget, there are a handful of small keyboards with non-weighted keys. The Casio CTK2400 is inexpensive and often bundled with other accessories. This keyboard will do if you are just trying to get familiar with the layout of a piano and to understand the basics of music, but it won't work well for developing decent playing technique. The Yamaha PSRE253 and Hamzer 61 are of similar quality to the CTK2400.
Toddler-Safe Pianos
As mentioned earlier, it is helpful to get a small keyboard with non-weighted keys for very young students. These keyboards will generally run under $100, but there are specialized toddler keyboards that are more expensive. The Schoenhut 37 Key Concert Baby Grand and 25-Key My First Piano are such keyboards. The Schoenhuts and other toddler pianos are designed to be an ideal size for small children, with light, easy action. They often do not sound like a piano, instead making a chime sound. Other similar pianos include the Children Wood Toy Grand Piano and the GoPlus Childs 30-Key Toy Grand.
Other “toy” pianos, like this keyboard by Best Choice or this Melissa & Doug Learn-to-Play, can give young students a familiarity with the keyboard while also giving them a lot of extra features to stay engaged and interested in music. You won’t find these at music shops; you’ll have to go visit a toy store. If you are interested in your toddler truly learning about music, avoid single-octave toy keyboards and xylophones. These don’t cover a large enough range to give a student, even toddlers, much to learn, and they may not even be physically designed like a real piano. As pattern recognition is an important part of learning piano, these latter toys won't help much.
If you want a small keyboard that looks less like a toy and more like an instrument, the Casio SA76 and Audster FK-37 will suit your needs. If you’re worried about your child damaging their instrument, or if you want more portability, a roll-up keyboard may be ideal.
High-End Models
The higher-end keyboards start around $1000. These keyboards will all have fully-weighted keys with realistic action. They often come with their own specialty synthesizer sounds and have outputs to connect to external speakers or an amplifier.
You can’t go wrong with most of these models, and their subtle differences are worth testing out before purchasing one. Such models include the Casio Privia PX-870 and the Yamaha YDP143R Arius. For those who want something a little flashier, there also exist digital pianos designed to look like grand pianos. The difference is purely aesthetic.
Side note: keyboards labeled as “MIDI controllers” or “workstations” are professional keyboards with specific purposes for music production and are probably not ideal for your purposes.
When shopping for electric keyboards, be sure to look out for what is included. Keyboard stands and sustain pedals are often sold separately, and some keyboards do not even include a music stand or power supply. You may also want to consider a pair of headphones. Most keyboards with a headphone input require a ¼” cable – your standard mini headphone plug won’t do.
Keyboard stands will run you about $20 to $30. A sustain pedal is also recommended, but not essential when first starting out. They average around $15 to $25. Finally, while you can just sit in any old chair, a piano bench is highly recommended as their height and shape is more appropriate for sitting at a keyboard. Smaller benches like the Yamaha PKBB1 are good for affordability, while larger benches offer more space and stability, and often have a storage compartment inside. Check out, for example, the SONGMICS Padded Bench and the TMS Double Duet Seat. Piano benches come in a variety of colors, so shop around to find what works for your room.
While most electric pianos have a built-in music stand, some do not come with one, or even have a spot to install one. There are many options for music stands that will work in this case.
Keyboard stands will run you about $20 to $30. A sustain pedal is also recommended, but not essential when first starting out. They average around $15 to $25. Finally, while you can just sit in any old chair, a piano bench is highly recommended as their height and shape is more appropriate for sitting at a keyboard. Smaller benches like the Yamaha PKBB1 are good for affordability, while larger benches offer more space and stability, and often have a storage compartment inside. Check out, for example, the SONGMICS Padded Bench and the TMS Double Duet Seat. Piano benches come in a variety of colors, so shop around to find what works for your room.
While most electric pianos have a built-in music stand, some do not come with one, or even have a spot to install one. There are many options for music stands that will work in this case.
An acoustic piano is often a much bigger investment than an electric keyboard. Not only is the piano more expensive, but you’ll also have to pay for movers to transport it, which will cost between $150 and $500 depending on where you live, what type of piano you’re moving, and how difficult it is to get into your home (movers often charge a flat fee, and then a surcharge for every stair step). You will also need to get it tuned regularly, usually every three to six months, but at least once a year. Each tuning costs about $100-$200.
A piano is like a piece of furniture: people often want one that fits the aesthetic of the room it’s in. Their prices are also all over the place, from new and expensive grand pianos to old, but likely highly functional antiques that those with no space are just giving away. Because of the added investment, if you have little experience playing piano, I highly recommend taking lessons on an electric keyboard for a year before purchasing an acoustic piano. After that, bring a friend with a good knowledge of pianos to play them for you and give a second opinion.
Types of Acoustic Piano
There are two primary types of acoustic pianos: vertical (usually referred to colloquially as uprights) and grand. Vertical pianos can lie flush against a wall and take up less space. They are less expensive than grands, but can still sound great. They have two likely drawbacks: most vertical pianos have less dynamic range than grand pianos (meaning they can’t play as loudly or as quietly), and, at least for older uprights, do not have the same pedaling system as grand pianos (though this is rarely an issue, as both have sustain pedals, by far the most widely used pedal). The action may also be slower than on a grand.
There are four types of vertical pianos. From shortest to tallest: spinet, console, studio, and upright. A smaller piano does not mean an inferior sound, though there are technical differences: the action does tend to be slower on spinet and console pianos. Studio uprights are the closest to mimicking a grand piano in overall feel. A traditional upright often refers to older, tall pianos from the 20s, 30s, and 40s.
Grand pianos also come in a variety of sizes. You’re likely used to hearing about “baby grands” and “concert grands”. Baby grands are around 5 feet to 5’5”, while concert grands are about 9 feet long or more. However, grand pianos come in as small as 4’5”, and every length up to 9 feet. While larger pianos generally have a fuller, richer tone, it’s most important to consider the size of the room and space the piano will be occupying. A small piano that fits nicely in its space will sound better than a larger piano that consumes most of the room. A standard grand piano is about 5 feet wide.
Many music stores will have consultants that can visit your home and discuss what type and size of piano will work best for you.
A piano is like a piece of furniture: people often want one that fits the aesthetic of the room it’s in. Their prices are also all over the place, from new and expensive grand pianos to old, but likely highly functional antiques that those with no space are just giving away. Because of the added investment, if you have little experience playing piano, I highly recommend taking lessons on an electric keyboard for a year before purchasing an acoustic piano. After that, bring a friend with a good knowledge of pianos to play them for you and give a second opinion.
Types of Acoustic Piano
There are two primary types of acoustic pianos: vertical (usually referred to colloquially as uprights) and grand. Vertical pianos can lie flush against a wall and take up less space. They are less expensive than grands, but can still sound great. They have two likely drawbacks: most vertical pianos have less dynamic range than grand pianos (meaning they can’t play as loudly or as quietly), and, at least for older uprights, do not have the same pedaling system as grand pianos (though this is rarely an issue, as both have sustain pedals, by far the most widely used pedal). The action may also be slower than on a grand.
There are four types of vertical pianos. From shortest to tallest: spinet, console, studio, and upright. A smaller piano does not mean an inferior sound, though there are technical differences: the action does tend to be slower on spinet and console pianos. Studio uprights are the closest to mimicking a grand piano in overall feel. A traditional upright often refers to older, tall pianos from the 20s, 30s, and 40s.
Grand pianos also come in a variety of sizes. You’re likely used to hearing about “baby grands” and “concert grands”. Baby grands are around 5 feet to 5’5”, while concert grands are about 9 feet long or more. However, grand pianos come in as small as 4’5”, and every length up to 9 feet. While larger pianos generally have a fuller, richer tone, it’s most important to consider the size of the room and space the piano will be occupying. A small piano that fits nicely in its space will sound better than a larger piano that consumes most of the room. A standard grand piano is about 5 feet wide.
Many music stores will have consultants that can visit your home and discuss what type and size of piano will work best for you.
Highly respected brands include Yamaha, Steinway, Kawai, Baldwin, Kohler, Hamlin, and Bösendorfer. However, even obscure manufacturers can make beautiful pianos, and there are many used instruments from makers that are no longer around that may be the perfect fit for your home. A new, quality piano is always going to work properly and come with a lifetime warranty, with prices ranging from $2,000 up to $70,000 or even more, but don’t get caught up in getting the most expensive piano. Ultimately, it’s about liking the way the piano sounds, liking the way it feels, and liking the way it looks.
Used pianos can come in as low as $300. Search eBay and Craigslist, as well as any other local listings. Take a piano-playing friend and try out the piano. Play every key and make sure they all sound. Look inside the lid and check all around for dents or chips. Old pianos can often be repaired or refurbished, just like any other piece of furniture. A broken key or some scratched varnish shouldn’t be a deal-breaker.
Like anything, be weary of used pianos that may simply be worn-out, irreparable, or fraudulent. There are such things as “gray market pianos,” those shipped from overseas or found locally and marketed simply as used and restored, but without any actual restoration having taken place. When in doubt, always have a knowledgeable piano-playing friend or piano technician give the instrument a look.
As an alternative to buying, many dealers also do rentals. Renting a grand piano could really help establish how a piano looks and sounds in your home and also give you or your child the extra motivation necessary to keep practicing through the early stages of their education before you commit to purchasing.
Used pianos can come in as low as $300. Search eBay and Craigslist, as well as any other local listings. Take a piano-playing friend and try out the piano. Play every key and make sure they all sound. Look inside the lid and check all around for dents or chips. Old pianos can often be repaired or refurbished, just like any other piece of furniture. A broken key or some scratched varnish shouldn’t be a deal-breaker.
Like anything, be weary of used pianos that may simply be worn-out, irreparable, or fraudulent. There are such things as “gray market pianos,” those shipped from overseas or found locally and marketed simply as used and restored, but without any actual restoration having taken place. When in doubt, always have a knowledgeable piano-playing friend or piano technician give the instrument a look.
As an alternative to buying, many dealers also do rentals. Renting a grand piano could really help establish how a piano looks and sounds in your home and also give you or your child the extra motivation necessary to keep practicing through the early stages of their education before you commit to purchasing.
Practice Makes Perfect
What’s most important is that you practice whatever piano it is you purchase. At the end of the day, you should find the instrument that inspires you the most!
Feel free to contact me about any questions you have about buying a piano. You may send me links to models you’re curious about, or ask about specific problems you think you’re seeing in a piano you already own or are interested in purchasing.
Good luck, and have fun!
What’s most important is that you practice whatever piano it is you purchase. At the end of the day, you should find the instrument that inspires you the most!
Feel free to contact me about any questions you have about buying a piano. You may send me links to models you’re curious about, or ask about specific problems you think you’re seeing in a piano you already own or are interested in purchasing.
Good luck, and have fun!
Manufacturers update their pianos regularly. If the exact model below is obsolete, simply look for the next one in its product line (for example, the Yamaha YPG series or Roland RD series).
Great for Beginners
Alesis Recital 88-Key Beginner Digital Piano
Williams Legato
Casio Privia PX-160 (bundle)
Yamaha P115
Yamaha P45
Yamaha YPG-535
Budget Models
Casio CTK2400
Yamaha PSRE253
Hamzer 61
High-End
Roland RD-300NX
Yamaha YDP143R Arius
Yamaha CP40
Accessories
Basic Keyboard Stand
Heavy-Duty Keyboard Stand
Sustain Pedal
Small Piano Bench
Medium Piano Bench
Large Piano Bench
Music Stands: 1 2 3
Pianos for Toddlers
Schoenhut 37 Key Concert Baby Grand
Schoeunhut 25-Key My First Piano
Children Wood Toy Grand Piano
GoPlus Childs 30-Key Toy Grand
Casio SA76
Audster FK-37
61 Key Roll-Up Keyboard
Toy Pianos
Melissa & Doug Learn-to-Play
Best Choice Musical Kids Electronic Keyboard
Great for Beginners
Alesis Recital 88-Key Beginner Digital Piano
Williams Legato
Casio Privia PX-160 (bundle)
Yamaha P115
Yamaha P45
Yamaha YPG-535
Budget Models
Casio CTK2400
Yamaha PSRE253
Hamzer 61
High-End
Roland RD-300NX
Yamaha YDP143R Arius
Yamaha CP40
Accessories
Basic Keyboard Stand
Heavy-Duty Keyboard Stand
Sustain Pedal
Small Piano Bench
Medium Piano Bench
Large Piano Bench
Music Stands: 1 2 3
Pianos for Toddlers
Schoenhut 37 Key Concert Baby Grand
Schoeunhut 25-Key My First Piano
Children Wood Toy Grand Piano
GoPlus Childs 30-Key Toy Grand
Casio SA76
Audster FK-37
61 Key Roll-Up Keyboard
Toy Pianos
Melissa & Doug Learn-to-Play
Best Choice Musical Kids Electronic Keyboard
Note: This is simply a guide for your convenience. I am not sponsored or supported by any of the above brands.
