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This article is from the Digital Pianos FAQ, by Isako Hoshino rmmpfaq@yahoo.com with numerous contributions by others.

8] What's different between the different manufacturers and the different models? (Digital Pianos)

As for *manufacturers*, they usually differ in:

(1) how they sampled the sounds,
(2) key action design,
(3) sound output design,
(4) overall appearance.

Thus each company's product line has a distinctly different
feel and sound. There are many makers out there. (In
alphabetical order) Baldwin, Casio, Kawai, Korg, Kurzweil,
Roland, Samick, Technics, Wersi, Yamaha, to name a few. The
best way to decide what these differences mean to you is to
go to a local dealer and try out the different brands.

Usually, the main differences between various models within
the *same maker* are in:

(1) the weighted key action (how the keys feel),
(2) amplifier power,
(3) number and size of speakers,
(4) number of voices (piano and non-piano sounds),
(5) polyphony (how many notes you can play simultaneously),
(6) the miscellaneous "gadgets" (like sequencing
capabilities, metronome, etc.)

In general, the more money you shell out for a digital piano,
the more closely it imitates a piano and better sound. The
difference between a low-end model and a mid-range model is
usually pretty dramatic. Some low-end models do not have all
88-keys. Some may not even have a sound output system (you
basically play it through your stereo speakers or use
headphones). The difference between a mid-range model and a
high-end model is mostly in the "gadgetry" department and in
amplifier power; most of the key elements don't vary a whole
lot. The majority of the digital piano market is in the mid-
price range, and that's usually good enough to keep most
people happy.

 

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• prev: 7] Are there any magazine reviews on digital pianos?
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• next: 9] What are the most popular brands? (Digital Pianos)

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