One of the key considerations when buying or renting a piano is deciding between its main types – acoustic and electronic. Choosing between the two is not as simple, given that one must also take into account the sound, costs, maintenance, and everything else that comes with their distinction. As such, to help guide you towards the best option for your needs, we have compared the main features of acoustic and electronic pianos, their pros and cons, and much more.
Acoustic pianos: Their mechanisms and types
Acoustic pianos are the traditional instruments most people think about when hearing the word piano: large and made of wood. It uses keys that move the hammers when pressed, which in turn strikes the steel strings and causes them to vibrate and generate sound. Acoustic pianos are further classified into upright and grand pianos, wherein the former has its frame and strings extending vertically and the latter horizontally.
Another difference between these two types is how their keys reset; on a grand piano, gravity allows the keys to reset and return to their resting positions, while an upright piano uses spring mechanisms to achieve the same purpose, which is subject to wear and tear. Lastly, inharmonicity is a significant factor distinguishing a grand piano from an upright one. Simply put, inharmonicity is how much overtones sound higher in pitch compared to their primary pitch. Thus, sounds with lower inharmonicity are more accurate.
Grand pianos and their longer strings allow them to have less inharmonicity (and richer tone), while upright pianos are the opposite, resulting in octaves sounding less in tune. However, this does not mean upright pianos are inferior, as many other factors determine sound quality, namely craftsmanship and the quality of the materials.
Electric pianos and how they differ from acoustic pianos
On the other hand, electronic or digital pianos are the modern version of their acoustic counterpart, wherein they produce sound digitally instead of manually hitting strings. The keys on a digital piano are likened to switches that correspond to a specific sound that, when pressed, plays over the internal speakers.
Electric pianos are also classified into several types, such as grand pianos, upright pianos, and portable pianos. An electronic grand piano features better key movements and a more sophisticated sound system that come at a higher price tag and rarity. Similar to their acoustic counterpart, digital upright pianos share the same size and form factor but at a lighter weight. Lastly, portable pianos are the lightest of them all due to their generally plastic material, as well as the fact that they use a stand instead of the usual ‘legs’.
Comparison of the different qualities and considerations
1. Sound
Sound is arguably the most important factor when choosing between different piano options. And it is no surprise that the traditional acoustic piano wins in this regard, as it produces the authentic sound that digital pianos rely on to work. It generates warmer and more resonant tones and provides greater control over the expression and articulation of the musical notes. As mentioned, digital pianos mimic the sound of acoustic pianos via high-quality recordings, which limits their acoustic nuances.
2. Touch and feel
The touch and feel largely differ when playing an acoustic and digital piano. One of the main reasons for this is the weight of the keys; acoustic piano keys require more force to actuate, while those on a digital piano can trigger from just a gentle touch.
The absence of touch sensitivity is another reason some pianists do not prefer digital pianos. The movement and strength of the fingers determine the latter’s tone of sound of an acoustic piano, allowing players to produce different variations of a sound on each key. This is not possible on an electronic piano with its digital sound that only lends to a limited number of tones, restricting a player’s expressiveness.
3. Pedals
Acoustic pianos feature three pedals: the sostenuto pedal, sustain pedal, and soft pedal. Digital pianos typically only have the sustain pedal, while more portable versions have none at all. Of course, one can always buy a stand-alone sustain pedal add-on, but the other two are not always available. Thus, it is vital to know whether having pedals or not will largely affect your experience.
4. Durability
Acoustic pianos are generally considered to be more durable than digital pianos for a few reasons. For instance, an acoustic piano is made of wood and metal – these are materials known for their durability and longevity. Digital pianos, on the other hand, are made of plastic and electronic components, which are not as sturdy and can be more prone to wear and tear. Additionally, an acoustic piano has a mechanical action made up of many moving parts. While these parts can wear out over time, they can also be replaced or repaired, ensuring that the piano remains in good working order for many years. In comparison, digital pianos rely on electronic components that can become outdated or malfunction. This unfortunately leads to costly repairs or replacement.
Due to their mechanical nature, acoustic pianos are also more resistant to environmental changes such as temperature and humidity, which can affect the electronic components of a digital piano. Moreover, acoustic pianos are more resistant to power outages and power surges, which can damage electronic components of a digital piano.
Conclusion
Pianos generally classify as either acoustic piano or electronic piano. Each type has its strengths and shortcomings, and it falls on the buyer to choose the one best suited for their needs and purposes so they can get the most out of their instrument and investment.
If you’re considering used acoustic pianos in the best quality for your next rental or purchase, Mun Kai Piano Company is here to help. We are Singapore’s most reputable piano dealer who’s been in the industry for decades and have garnered much expertise on all things piano, from sales to piano services in Ang Mo Kio, including tuning, polishing, repair and removal. Whether you want to buy or rent a piano in Singapore, do not hesitate to visit our piano showroom today to get a feel of the pianos we offer!
