Casio Privia PX-770BK. ... Korg C1 Air. ... Roland RP701. ... Yamaha Clavinova CLP-775. ... Roland HP704. ... Casio Celviano GP-310 Grand Hybrid. A digital piano with a hammer action designed by C. ... Kawai CN39 Digital Piano. Fantastic sound and look at a competitive price. ... Yamaha P-45 Stage Piano. Arguably the most popular stage piano out there. More items... •
There's no denying that the piano has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years - and we can't help but wonder if that has something to do with just how accessible the instrument has become. As we see vast improvements in technology - both in the instrument itself and online lessons - the barrier for entry is now much lower, with affordable and cost-effective options readily available in every piano category. Below we've listed what we believe are the best pianos out there right now, featuring both acoustic and digital pianos, as well as stage and slimline options from the best piano brands in the world.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance option that sounds and plays exactly like an acoustic piano - just without the fuss - then skip straight to our pick of digital upright pianos. Worried about a lack of space? Then we have you covered with a selection of slimline options. On the move? Well, look no further than this superb collection of stage pianos. Finally, we have a selection of acoustic pianos that we believe are the best around for the traditionalist among you.
Our comprehensive buying advice will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision on what style of instrument is right for you, as well as cover whether you should buy online and even what to expect when your piano arrives.
Best pianos: Our top picks
It should be stated that every piano player is different - each individual pianist requires something different from their instrument. So, when it comes to finding the best piano for you, it's worth keeping a few things in mind. Think about your current playing experience, the sounds you like to hear and of course, the space available in your house.
For those seeking a digital upright, we have to recommend the Yamaha Clavinova CLP-775 (opens in new tab). We feel this stunning piano is simply one of the best-sounding, best-playing instruments on the market right now. If space is an issue, then it's worth checking out the slimline digital pianos on this list, and our go-to has to be the Casio Privia PX-770 (opens in new tab). For a portable option, then you can't go wrong with the Yamaha P-45 (opens in new tab).
Younger players may get on better with the small size and soft key action on the Yamaha NP-12 (opens in new tab). Although this is really a keyboard - not a piano - it's a great gateway instrument into the piano world.
Our top choice for an acoustic piano is the Kawai K-800. Although its high price may place it beyond the reach of many, it's a beautifully crafted instrument with a stunning sound. More than just a great instrument, it would make a fabulous centrepiece in your home
Best pianos: Slimline digital pianos
1. Yamaha Arius YDP-145 The ultimate space-saving Yamaha Specifications Piano type: Digital Slimline Keys: 88 Sounds: 10 Effects: Yes Speakers: Yes Bluetooth: No Power: PSU Dimensions (mm): 1,357 x 815 mm x 422 mm Weight (kg): 38 Today's Best Deals View at Andertons (opens in new tab) View at Gear 4 Music (opens in new tab) View at Gear 4 Music (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Very comfortable key action + Perfect if space is an issue Reasons to avoid - Not as many sounds as others
We all know pianos aren't exactly small, and the sheer size of the instrument can be a stumbling block for many new players. However, if you find yourself longing to play the piano, but don't have space for a full-sized upright, then the YPD range is for you.
In our opinion, the Yamaha Arius YDP-145 is one of the best digital pianos for beginners and offers the most bang for your buck in the Arius range. Designed to fit in almost any home, this stylish instrument offers the full piano experience in a far more compact size. Boasting all 88 notes, weighted keys and three pedals, there is no need to compromise functionality.
The Arius may not come with as many sounds as the larger pianos on this list, but the ten sounds it does have, are all very usable. There isn't a sound on board that feels like it's just been added to make up the numbers. So if you’re looking for a good-looking piano with a great sound and satisfying touch-sensitive key action, then the Yamaha YDP-145 is for you.
2. Roland F107 Legendary Roland sounds in a slimline format Specifications Piano type: Slimline Digital Upright Keys: 88 Sounds: 15 Effects: Yes Speakers: Yes Bluetooth: MIDI/Audio Dimensions (mm): 1,378 x 410 x 982 Weight (kg): 37 Today's Best Deals View at Gear 4 Music (opens in new tab) View at Andertons (opens in new tab) View at Thomann (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Reliable + SuperNatural sound engine + Brilliant key action Reasons to avoid - Speakers are a little boxy at times
From looks alone, you'd be forgiven for thinking that this compact digital piano is designed purely for pianists at the early stages of their playing career. Now, while it's true that this piano is perfect for beginners and offers a range of fun features to keep you entertained while starting out, the SuperNatural sound engine and ivory feel keys will provide a similar touch for the more advanced player.
Like its much bigger brother, the HP704, the F107 shares the same access to the popular Roland Piano Partner II app. As well as unlocking a wide range of extra voices, this handy app allows you access to a selection of rhythms that you can jam along with. This is extremely fun - prepare to lose hours of your life!
So if the HP series is simply too large for your home or just out of reach in terms of budget, then it's worth checking out the stylish and modern F107.
3. Casio Privia PX-770BK The super-affordable slimline option Specifications Piano type: Digital Slimline Keys: 88 Sounds: 19 Effects: Yes Speakers: Yes Bluetooth: No Power: PSU Dimensions (mm): 1,391 x 299 x 798 mm Weight (kg): 31.5 Today's Best Deals View at Thomann (opens in new tab) View at Andertons (opens in new tab) View at Thomann (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Affordable + Very compact + Nice light key action, perfect for beginners Reasons to avoid - Speakers lack volume and bass - A little basic compared to the others
The Casio Privia PX770 may be the most affordable slimline pianos in this guide, but trust us, it can certainly hang with the big boys. If you're a beginner looking to dip your toe into the water of piano, then this is easily one of the best pianos on the market for you. With its relatively affordable price point, it won't break the bank, while its small stature isn't too imposing in a small bedroom.
Featuring the Casio Tri-Sensor II Hammer Action, the PX-770 does a pretty good job at replicating the feel of an authentic piano. The simulated ebony and ivory keys really help sell the idea that you’re playing the real deal.
It may not have as many voices as the Roland, but the Multi-dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source is designed to reproduce the dynamics of an acoustic piano, therefore the six core piano sounds are of exceptionally high quality, and let's face it, all you really need. So if you’re in the market for a beginner piano that sits comfortably under the £/$1,000 mark, then the Casio Privia PX770 is our top choice.
The best Casio Privia PX770 deals online today
4. Korg C1 Air Japanese craftsmanship and style Specifications Piano type: Digital Slimline Keys: 88 Sounds: 30 Effects: Yes Speakers: Yes Bluetooth: Yes - Audio Power: PSU Dimensions (mm): 1,346 x 347 x 770 Weight (kg): 35 Today's Best Deals View at Gear 4 Music (opens in new tab) View at Thomann (opens in new tab) View at Andertons (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + High-quality sounds + Very lightweight Reasons to avoid - Pedalboard unit is a little flimsy
The Korg C-1 Air proves that a small format piano doesn't need to compromise on style. Featuring a small, well-crafted frame, it would not look out of place in the most swanky of apartments. In addition, the RH3 weighted action certainly impressed us with its smooth feel and responsiveness.
The C-1 Air manages to mimic the heavier touch you expect on the lower notes of a piano and the lighter touch you would find on the upper register. This, coupled with the five sensitivity levels (light, normal, heavy, stable, fixed), makes for a very satisfying playing experience.
The Bluetooth audio means playing along with your favourite songs is a breeze, while the 30 first-rate voices and studio-quality effects mean you'll never get bored while practising.
So, if you’re looking for a stylish piano that does not compromise on playability, then the Korg C-1 Air might be the piano for you.
5. Roland RP701 Family-friendly and compact home digital piano Specifications Piano type: Digital Slimline Keys: 88 Sounds: 324 Effects: Yes Speakers: Yes Bluetooth: Yes Power: PSU Dimensions (mm): 1366 x 463 x 1027 Weight (kg): 46 Today's Best Deals Preorder at Andertons (opens in new tab) View at Gear 4 Music (opens in new tab) View at Thomann (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Lots of great tones + Keenly priced + Perfect for beginners and beyond + Bluetooth Audio / MIDI Reasons to avoid - Odd volume control - Headphone jacks difficult to access
If you are in the market for a Roland piano, you aren't exactly short of options, but if you want to keep the cost down to a manageable level, then the RP701 is a pretty good choice.
This attractive home piano is an affordable and slimmed-down version of the Roland HP702 (opens in new tab) and is primarily aimed at budget-conscious players, beginners and students. Featuring Roland's acclaimed PHA-4 88-key piano action key bed, the RP701 feels just as good as its pricier counterparts, and with its impressive 324 sounds and Bluetooth connectivity, you don't need to compromise on tone or functionality.
As with most Roland pianos, the RP701 is available in four finishes - Dark Rosewood, Contemporary Black, Light Oak and White - so you'll be able to get a piano that perfectly matches your room's décor.
Best pianos: Upright Digital pianos
1. Yamaha Clavinova CLP-775 The celebrated Clavinova gets even better Specifications Piano type: Digital Upright Keys: 88 Weighted GrandTouch Sounds: 38 Effects: Yes Speakers: Yes Bluetooth: Yes - Audio/MIDI Power: PA-500 PSU Dimensions (mm): 1,461 X 967 X 465 Weight (kg): 71 Today's Best Deals Preorder at Andertons (opens in new tab) View at Gear 4 Music (opens in new tab) View at Thomann (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Looks like a “real” upright + Yamaha build quality is second to none + Sounds fantastic Reasons to avoid - Keys may feel heavy for beginners
The term Clavinova is synonymous with digital pianos , to the point where some people use it as a blanket term to describe all digital pianos. Well, in fact, it's a series of Yamaha instruments. It is still one of their most popular lines of digital pianos since it debuted in 1983 - although the technology has changed significantly since then!
The new 700 series might just be the most technologically advanced, best sounding, and best playing pianos Yamaha has ever put out, and that's why it tops our list of digital uprights. The Yamaha GrandTouch key action with Linear Graded Hammer emulation - modelled after the CFX grand piano - offers a truly authentic feel and a gratifying playing experience - and one we absolutely love.
Yamaha has also made marked improvements to the audio quality as well as the keys. Now sporting a redesigned speaker system, for added resonance, it comes loaded with newly re-recorded samples of the CFX grand, resulting in, frankly, the best sounding digital piano Yamaha has ever released, and easily one of the best pianos on the market.
2. Roland HP704 A modern piano for the modern home Specifications Piano type: Digital Upright Keys: 88 Sounds: 324 Tones Effects: Yes Speakers: Yes Bluetooth: Yes - Audio/MIDI Power: AC adaptor Dimensions (mm): 1,377 x 468 x 1,113 Weight (kg): 61 Today's Best Deals Preorder at Andertons (opens in new tab) View at Gear 4 Music (opens in new tab) View at Gear 4 Music (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Bluetooth connectivity + Great range of colours to suit most homes + High-end sound engine Reasons to avoid - The headphone/USB section ruins the sleek look
The SuperNatural sound engine is the ace up the sleeve of the Roland HP-704. As the name suggests, it gives the piano a very realistic and natural tone, which we believe is streets ahead of the rest at this price point.
Housed inside the elegant cabinet is the four-speaker Acoustic Projection System. Grouped in pairs, these clever speakers are designed to reproduce the complex dynamic range associated with an acoustic piano - and we must say they do a great job, especially when you consider the price of the Roland compared to others on the market.
The in-built Bluetooth really unlocks the piano's full potential. With the ability to listen to music, stream piano learning apps, or even create your own sounds via the Roland Piano Partner app, this is more than just a good-sounding piano. This is definitely a piano for the tech lover and worth a look if you enjoy digging a little deeper into the sounds of your new instrument.
3. Casio Celviano GP-310 Grand Hybrid A digital piano with a hammer action designed by C. Bechstein Specifications Piano type: Digital Hybrid Upright Keys: 88 Sounds: 26 Effects: Yes Speakers: Yes Bluetooth: No Power: AD-E24500LW PSU Dimensions (mm): 1,434 x 489 x 963 Weight (kg): 78.5 Today's Best Deals View at Thomann (opens in new tab) View at Gear 4 Music (opens in new tab) View at Thomann (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Real hammer feel + Stunning classic look Reasons to avoid - Limited sounds compared to others
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The name Casio conjures up images of calculator watches and beginner keyboards for most people, but that would certainly change if they played the Casio GP-310 Grand Hybrid. This groundbreaking piano really does offer the best of both worlds. It manages to combine the functionality of a digital piano with the real hammers of an acoustic upright.
They say size doesn't matter, but Casio would beg to differ. This is the only digital piano on this list that includes 88 full-sized piano keys made in conjunction with C. Bechstein and even built using the same materials!
Top all of this off with the new six-speaker Grand Acoustic 2 system, and you have what we believe is the most authentic piano for sound and playability that Casio has produced to date. This is definitely the best piano if you’re unsure about going digital.
4. Kawai CN39 Digital Piano Fantastic sound and look at a competitive price Specifications Piano type: Digital Upright Keys: 88 Sounds: 355 Effects: Yes Speakers: Yes Bluetooth: Yes - Audio/MIDI Power: PSU Dimensions (mm): 880 x 1440.5 x 430.5 Weight (kg): 54 Today's Best Deals View at Gear 4 Music (opens in new tab) View at Thomann (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + A lot of piano for the money + Robust build Reasons to avoid - A lot of extra sounds that you simply won’t use
With Kawai having 90 years of experience building first-rate acoustic pianos - and being one of the best piano brands in the world - it's safe to assume they know a thing or two about what should be replicated in the digital realm. The popular CN series certainly proves this with an authentic feeling touch, warm, rich tone, and a range of modern features.
We have to say, the main piano sounds of the CN39 are beautiful. It's warm, rich, and full of depth. That shouldn’t be that much of a surprise considering it's modelled after the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano - and if you fancied one of them in your living room, it would cost you over $180,000! The speaker system developed by Onkyo does a great job at giving a sense of space to this piano, and at 40W, it's more than powerful enough for home use.
The Responsive Hammer III keyboard action feels responsive and very comfortable and would suit everyone from beginner to pro. This piano most definitely looks the part, sounds incredible, and certainly gives Yamaha a run for their money.
Best pianos: Stage pianos
1. Yamaha P-45 Stage Piano Arguably the most popular stage piano out there Specifications Piano type: Stage Piano Keys: 88 Sounds: 10 Effects: Yes Speakers: Yes Bluetooth: No Power: PSU Dimensions (mm): 1326 x 154 x 295 Weight (kg): 11.5 Today's Best Deals View at Thomann (opens in new tab) View at Andertons (opens in new tab) View at Gear 4 Music (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Affordable + Reliable Reasons to avoid - If you aren't moving it around, better with YPD-144
When it comes to an affordable, lightweight, and dependable stage piano, the Yamaha P-45 has to be one of the best pianos out there. Popular among beginners looking for an unobtrusive, cost-effective option. The P-45 delivers ten highly usable voices, and the two in-built speakers do a reasonable job at reproducing them.
As you'd expect from Yamaha, the 88 note Graded Hammer Standard key action feels robust and comfortable - albeit a little lighter in feel, compared to the Clavinova range. This should suit the majority of beginners while also feeling familiar to the established player.
One of the clever aspects of the Yamaha P-45 is the ability to turn it into a slimline digital piano with the addition of the L-85 stand. This stand is specifically designed to make the P45 look more like its big brother, the P-125. Now, one thing to remember is that this doesn't come with the three pedals. If you need these, you will have to upgrade to the full piano. Although it does come with a single sustain pedal.
The best Yamaha P-45 deals online right now
2. Casio CDP S-110 The truly portable option Specifications Piano type: Stage Piano Keys: 88 Sounds: 10 Effects: Yes Speakers: Yes Bluetooth: No Power: PSU/ Battery Dimensions (mm): 1322 x 232 x 99 Weight (kg): 10.5 Reasons to buy + Can run on batteries or PSU + Super affordable + Aux in for playing backing tracks Reasons to avoid - Feels slightly cheap compared to the Roland and Yamaha
The Casio CDP S-110 is designed to be the ultimate portable 88-note stage piano for the beginner pianist. Its sleek, user-friendly layout is a nice departure from the crowded button-laden home keyboards, while the fully weighted keys mean you can learn to play on something that feels similar to the real thing.
While the key action on the Casio can't compete with the Yamaha P-45, the S-110 does have an ace up its sleeve - the ability to be powered by six AA batteries and only weighs 10.5kg. This makes the Casio the best piano for portability, whether that's taking it to lessons, to gigs, or busking. Casio says you can expect 13 hours of playing time on batteries, but that really depends on your volume setting, what effects you have on, and which sound you’re using. So to be safe, have a spare set with you.
All ten sounds in the Casio CDP S-110 certainly impress, thanks to the new Dynamic Stereo Sound Engine, which has four times the resolution of the previous CDP series - resulting in a broader range of expression.
3. Roland RD-88 Great value stage piano for the gigging musician Specifications Piano type: Stage Piano Keys: 88 Sounds: 3000 tones, 300 programs Effects: Yes Speakers: Yes Bluetooth: No Power: PSU Dimensions (mm): 1,284 x 258 x 159 Weight (kg): 13.5 kg Today's Best Deals View at Thomann (opens in new tab) View at Andertons (opens in new tab) View at Gear 4 Music (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Lightweight and compact design + Huge sound selection + Onboard speaker system Reasons to avoid - Overkill if you just want a piano
At around half the price of the flagship RD-2000, the Roland RD-88 is a compact, lightweight stage piano, bristling with features that, frankly, is terrific value for money.
This stellar stage piano combines Roland's acclaimed PHA-4 hammer action keyboard and Ivory Feel keys with their exceptional-sounding SuperNatural Piano and E.Piano sound engines. Giving you every sound you'd ever need for almost any gig. So whether you’re accompanying a singer, playing in a function band, or just practicing at home, you'll never run out of sounds with this instrument.
Throw in an easy-to-use interface optimised for performance and a powerful, room-filling set of onboard speakers, and you have the perfect solution for both stage and home use. And with its super-slim profile weighing in at only 13 kilos, it won't require a team of roadies to help you move it around!
4. Nord Piano 4 The professional pianist's stage piano of choice Specifications Piano type: Stage Piano Keys: 88 Sounds: 400 locations Effects: Yes Speakers: Yes Bluetooth: No Power: PSU Dimensions (mm): 1287 x 121 x 340 Weight (kg): 18.5 Reasons to buy + Tried and tested technology + Sounds awesome + Looks distinctive Reasons to avoid - No pitch or mod wheels
This crimson piano has been seen on stages around the globe and has - rightfully- earned the status as the professionals choice when it comes to a reliable stage piano.
The Nord Piano 4 comes with a wide range of solid, tried and tested acoustic and electric pianos on board, the sound of which are in a different league compared to the other stage pianos on this list - mind you, the price is significantly higher as well. Nevertheless, we feel the nicely balanced, grand weighted action is playable for pianos and synth sounds alike. In addition, there are some excellent vintage-style effects onboard, including phasers/flanger/chorus, reverb, delay, EQ and amp emulation.
There's sample memory for user samples, pedal noise and string resonance. Unfortunately, there are no pitch or modulation wheels onboard, limiting the expressiveness when using the synth sounds or user samples (and limiting the Nord Piano 4's potential as a MIDI controller).
A solitary pair of audio outputs means you can't route the synth section to its own outputs for independent processing. These are minor grievances, considering this is one of the best sounding and playing stage pianos on the market.
5. Yamaha Piaggero NP-12 portable keyboard The best piano for a pedigree sound on a shoestring budget Specifications Piano type: Stage Piano Keys: 88 Sounds: 10 Effects: Yes Speakers: Yes Bluetooth: No Power: PSU Dimensions (mm): 1,036 x 105 x 259 Weight (kg): 4.5 Today's Best Deals View at Andertons (opens in new tab) View at Gear 4 Music (opens in new tab) View at Gear 4 Music (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Compact, lightweight and portable + Excellent sound + Brilliant for kids Reasons to avoid - Not weighted keys - Only 61 keys
Okay, we admit this isn't exactly a stage piano - it's not even a full-sized keyboard. That said, the NP-12's lifelike AWM Stereo Sampled piano sound and compact footprint make it the best piano for very young kids to learn on or for more mature pianists who have downsized and no longer have room for a full-size piano.
Despite having a lightweight, synth-action keyboard, the 61-key NP-12 really looks the part thanks to its classic styling, red trim and full-size, waterfall-fronted keys. With a selection of 10 sounds, 2 of which are acoustic pianos and 4 basic reverbs, if all you want is simply something with an excellent pedigree that sounds like a piano to just sit down at, switch on and play, you need to look no further.
The NP-12 has the option to be powered by the included mains adapter or by 6 x AA batteries, meaning it's great on the move when you want a keyboard to throw in the back of the car and play on your travels. If you're after an even more piano-like experience, the NP-12 has a bigger, 76-note sibling in the shape of the NP-32.
The best Yamaha Piaggero NP-12 deals online right now
Best pianos: Acoustic pianos
1. Yamaha b1 Acoustic Piano The affordable Yamaha acoustic piano Specifications Piano type: Acoustic Piano Keys: 88 Sounds: N/A Effects: N/A Speakers: N/A Bluetooth: N/A Power: N/A Dimensions (mm): 1530 x 1210 x 610 Weight (kg): 228 Today's Best Deals View at Thomann (opens in new tab) View at Thomann (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Affordable for a Yamaha acoustic + Fairly compact + Same great Yamaha tone Reasons to avoid - Heavy - Some players may prefer a Japanese built Yamaha
It's no surprise that acoustic pianos are expensive. A lot of hard work goes into making one of these beautiful instruments - not to mention a lot of time! Unfortunately, this can see prices exceed the $/£10,000 mark, and frankly, this is just too much for many. Well, luckily, Yamaha has you covered with the b series.
The Yamaha b1 comes in under £3,000 - depending on the finish option - and might just be the best piano if you’re looking for a reliable, well built acoustic upright that you won't have to re-mortgage the house to purchase. This stellar instrument is made in Yamaha's Indonesia factory, from a scale design developed in Japan. This means Yamaha can bring the same quality that makes them one of the best piano brands, but at a more affordable price.
The b Series features a few pianos in the range, each with its own characteristics. However, we recommend the b1 or b2 models for smaller spaces, as these have a slimmer cabinet compared to the larger b3.
2. Kawai K-800 Acoustic Upright Grand piano tone in an upright Specifications Piano type: Acoustic Piano Keys: 88 Sounds: N/A Effects: N/A Speakers: N/A Bluetooth: N/A Power: N/A Dimensions (mm): 1340 x 1530 x 650 Weight (kg): 284 Reasons to buy + Incredible tone + Built to last Reasons to avoid - May be too large for some
Now, we don't all have space at home for a baby grand piano - or the budget, for that matter - but with the Kawai K-800, we can at least get close to the tone in a more manageable size.
This Japanese built piano stands a little taller than most upright pianos at 53", resulting in a truly massive sound. This is helped along by the duplex scaling on the entire upper notes of the instrument. As a result, we feel this upright sounds and behaves like a grand piano, with profound low-end and articulate highs.
It's got to be said that this piano not only sounds good, but it's loud! In addition, the protection on this instrument is intense and would make for a great studio piano, small clubs or piano bars. So if you’re in the market for an outstanding upright, or don't have space for a baby grand, then the Kawai might just be the best piano for you.
3. Yamaha YUS3 SH2 silent upright piano Get the best of both worlds with one of Yamaha's finest instruments Specifications Piano type: Acoustic Piano (with Silent mode) Keys: 88 Sounds: 20 Effects: N/A Speakers: N/A Power: 16 V Dimensions (mm): 152 x 131 x 65 Weight (kg): 257 Reasons to buy + Beautiful acoustic tone + Superbly playable + SILENT mode Reasons to avoid - Incredibly heavy
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Many pianists have an internal debate going on inside their heads. On one hand, they long for the rich, complex tone of an acoustic piano, but on the other hand, they require the convenience a digital instrument brings to the table.
Enter the Yamaha YUS3 SH2. If ever an instrument was to personify the phrase 'best of both worlds', this stunning Yamaha would be it. With the ability to 'switch off' the acoustic part of the instrument altogether and play through headphones. The Yamaha YUS3 SH2 is the ultimate piano for modern living.
So if you are on the hunt for an acoustic piano that you can also play whenever inspiration strikes, then this is the Yamaha for you.
Best pianos: Buying advice
Price is often a deciding factor for many when trying to select the best piano for their needs, but it's not the only consideration you need to take into account.
Once you've set your budget - remembering you may also need to cover the cost of additional accessories, such as a piano bench or a pair of headphones, at the same time - you need to establish where the piano is mostly going to be used, and whether you want a real acoustic upright piano or a digital piano.
Acoustic pianos: what you need to know
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It sounds pretty obvious to state that a piano is heavy, but it is a genuine concern and something you need to consider if you’re thinking of purchasing an acoustic upright piano. Although most retailers will offer some kind of delivery service, this can be very expensive, so remember to factor it into the cost of the piano. Also, this really does need to be carried out by professional piano movers, so please don't attempt this yourself. Not only can you hurt yourself, but you’re likely to damage the piano as well.
Next, you need to bear in mind the cost of regular tuning - and the availability of such a service in your area - and whether or not the atmosphere in your home might adversely affect the tuning. Moisture and damp or rapid changes in temperature can negatively affect your piano's strings and other components. You can have the best piano in the world, but if it isn't maintained and housed correctly, it won't perform to its full potential. Finally, once your piano is in, the lack of a headphone socket means that you'll need a tolerant audience/neighbours for all those hours of playing and practice you have planned!
These concerns aside, if you can afford it and have space, there really is no substitute for a good-quality acoustic upright or grand piano, either sonically or feel-wise.
Digital pianos: what you need to know
Thanks to advances and refinements in sampling and software emulation technology, digital pianos generally sound and feel fantastic these days and come in different shapes and sizes:
Digital upright
The digital upright is for the player seeking the feel, sound and looks of an acoustic piano without the drawbacks of weight and regular tuning. We are currently living in the golden age of digital pianos. The products on offer right now are the best they have ever been, and there are digital pianos out there that behave exactly like the real deal.
Slimline digital pianos
Most manufacturers offer a slimline option. These are perfect if space is an issue, but they typically have a lighter key action and are also ideal for beginners.
Stage pianos
As the name suggests, these are generally designed for the performing professional pianist. Most professional-grade stage pianos don't offer built-in speakers, as they're designed to be connected to one of the best PA speakers or mixing desks . While the likes of the Nord Piano 4 and Roland RD-88 are aimed squarely at that market, the likes of the Yamaha P-45 or Casio CDP S-100, with their built-in speakers and low cost, are more geared toward the beginner student on the go.
Should I buy a piano online? Buying something this expensive online can feel a little daunting, but really it's not that different from purchasing anything else. Like we said before, a piano can be expensive to deliver. Like other big purchases - such as a sofa, bed, or other furniture - it typically takes a group of trained professionals to bring your new purchase into your home safely. Remember to let the retailer know if you require the piano upstairs, as there may be an extra cost. With digital pianos, you will most likely get the option to have it delivered and assembled for an extra charge or delivered boxed for you to build yourself. The thought of building a piano can send some people into a mild panic attack, but don't worry, it's really not that difficult. Digital pianos typically arrive in one box - usually, these take two people to lift. Now, the only part you actually need to put together is the stand for the piano section to sit on, and if you have ever put together flat-packed furniture, you'll be fine with this. However, we recommend having a second person help you, as lifting the top onto the stand can be awkward. Most music retailers are aware of how customers’ spending habits have changed over the years and that most like to shop online. So if you have any questions, contact the retailer directly, and they will be happy to help you. We've gone into greater depth about ordering a piano online with this guide (opens in new tab).
How much does a piano cost? It's no secret that pianos are expensive items, with some costing tens of thousands of pounds, but don't worry, there are affordable options out there. For budding pianists looking to get to grips with the keys, there are plenty of digital instruments on the market that come in well under the $/£500 mark. This means you can test the water and see if this is the instrument for you without shelling out thousands. We would, however, stick to big-name brands at this price point, as this will ensure you get a piano of a certain quality. Yamaha, Casio, Roland and Kawai, all make exceptional entry-level pianos at this price. For those who are a little more advanced, want a furniture style instrument, and would prefer the convenience of digital, you are looking at $/£1,500+. At this price point, pianos typically come with incredibly authentic key actions, very sophisticated speaker systems, and even look just like the real thing. Now, that leads us on to acoustic pianos. Unfortunately, this is where the prices can get out of hand, with some pianos costing as much as a brand new Ford Focus. That said, it doesn't have to cost that much. Although it does depend on spec, pianos such as the Yamaha B1 will set you back around $5,000/£3,000. On average, if you are looking for a reasonable spec acoustic piano, you'll be looking around $/£10,000, with high-end models from the likes of C. Bechstein costing upwards of $/£30,000.
What are the best piano brands? As an instrument, the humble piano is in a rather unique situation, with most of the industry's heavy-hitters remaining the same for over a century. As a result, there's a rich history to delve into with certain brands covering every aspect of the piano from acoustic to digital, uprights to grand pianos. Of course, the piano brand you gravitate towards really depends on what sound and feel you are looking for, with every manufacturer offering its own characteristics. So, with that said, what are some of the names to look out for? Yamaha
Let's start with Yamaha. This Japanese musical instrument titan is well known for far more than just pianos, with high-quality guitars, studio equipment and even motorcycles among their incredibly varied catalogue. The first Yamaha piano can be traced as far back as 1900 and was built by Torakusu Yamaha, and they are still producing top-quality pianos today. Yamaha are assembling both digital and acoustic pianos right now, with a variety of shapes and sizes available. Kawai
From one Japanese builder to the next, Kawai started producing pianos around 1927 and went on to be very respected in their field. Like Yamaha, Kawai are producers of both acoustic and digital instruments, with their Shigeru Kawai concert grand being one of the best sounding pianos on the market. Kawai may not be a household name like Yamaha, but they are most certainly worth your time. Roland
If you are looking for a purely digital option, then one of the world leaders of hi-tech pianos - and synths for that matter - are Roland. They may be a relative newcomer in the world of piano - although that said, they did take on the seemingly impossible task of creating a digital piano way back in 1972! Roland has used the lessons learned from decades of creating some of the best electronic instruments in history, such as the Juno-106 and iconic TB-303 and TR-808, to fully load their prized digital pianos with user-friendly features. Casio
You’d be forgiven for thinking Casio is mainly a manufacturer of beginner keyboards - and calculator watches - but in fact, they actually make some of the most playable digital pianos on the market. The technologically advanced GP-310 is actually a collaboration between the tech-savvy Casio and the historically significant C Bechstein. C Bechstein
When it comes to acoustic piano brands, they don't come much grander than C Bechstein. This historic company's journey started in 1853 and they are still highly regarded today - and better yet, they are still made in Germany. Bechstein uses the finest materials available to create exceptional instruments that are of the highest quality in the world. Steinway & Sons
No, this isn't a local accounting firm, Steinway & Sons are another producer of top-tier acoustic pianos. Like C Bechstein, Steinway & Son also started making pianos back in 1853 and although the founder was indeed German, like their contemporaries, they manufactured their exquisite instruments in Manhattan. We feature the very popular Steinway & Sons K-52 model in our guide to the best acoustic pianos, which was introduced way back in 1903, and houses a larger soundboard than many grand pianos, resulting in a more resonant voice.
Digital piano vs acoustic piano: what's the difference?
How we test pianos
There are too many pianos on the market to count, but you can rest easy, knowing that we only feature instruments that we highly rate. For us to wholeheartedly recommend a piano - or any instrument for that matter - we need to put them through a series of tests.
A natural place for us to start is playability. Now, how a piano feels to play is a combination of the key action as well as the feel of the physical key, so it's vital that we take note of both. When testing the key action, we'll first play the piano at varying dynamics - and styles - to see how responsive the instrument is. A good piano - digital or acoustic - should be inviting to play, with a responsive action that allows you to express yourself with a wide range of dynamics.
Next, we'll test the sound. If it's a digital piano, we'll carefully go through the list of inbuilt voices while paying close attention to the speakers' frequency range. For acoustic pianos, we'll listen to the projection of the instrument and, again, the range of frequencies produced.
Lastly, we will go through any extras included with the piano. The pedals, audio outputs, MIDI compatibility and any accompanying app, are all tested to see how they compare to the rest on the market at the respective price points.
Digital piano basics
To help you choose the best piano for you, our useful Digital Piano Basics series could help. Here we cover everything from explaining what a digital piano is, to key features and sounds, to setting up your new piano and connecting it to a computer. We also look at useful accessories any budding pianist should consider, such as digital piano headphones, a piano stool, foot pedals and more.
Piano Guidance
Photo: Charles Parker
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