When we first begin to study the piano, one of the biggest questions we have is: Which piano or keyboard should I choose? In the first instance, should I choose an acoustic or digital piano? And then, out of this unfathomable array of options, which one is right?
Your first piano does not have to be expensive
The first thing to know is that the first piano or keyboard you buy, for yourself or your child, does not need to be expensive. The key things any piano needs for a beginner is, firstly, eighty-eight keys; the second, is that it must be capable of dynamic expression; and thirdly, the keys must be weighted, and preferable full size keys.
The first of these is supremely important. A thirty-five or sixty-six key keyboard might be adequate for the first months of learning before your or your child has advanced beyond the basic stages, but the music they are playing can very quickly exceed the scope of such keyboards. Furthermore, a full size eighty-eight key acoustic or digital piano will enable us to practise moving around the keyboard.
The second, too, is significant. If a keyboard has limited or no ability to express different dynamics, this will significantly affect playing later on. Especially for children, it is important that they can practise dynamics early on, so that this manner of expression grows with their playing ability.
The third allows the student to train his or her fingers so that weakness need not affect them in their future playing. Particularly, if you prefer an acoustic, choose one with a heavier touch. If you follow this piece of advice, it will place you or your child in better stead. It will allow you to play well on any piano, rather than finding the subtler tone of some pianos surprising. In other words, you will be a more versatile player.
If your chosen piano or keyboard follows these points, it will be fine for the beginner. There are many inexpensive pianos, both acoustic and digital, both first and second-hand. For the complete beginner, it need only meet the conditions above.
You should choose a piano that sounds good to you
This may seem obvious, but it is vitally important. You must enjoy the sound your instrument produces. If you do not enjoy the sound of your piano, then it is most likely that you will not enjoy practising.
Even different makes of digital pianos will sound different. Always try out an instrument before buying. There are many places that sell pianos both acoustic and digital online, without the need to try first. For new pianos, either acoustic or digital, it is enough to have tested the specific model; for second-hand acoustics, it is imperative to try out that specific instrument, as many different factors can affect its sound and playability. Some used instruments will have been well taken care of or professionally restored, others may have been kept near radiators and allowed to become to dry, or their tuning may have degraded with age.
In conclusion
When buying a new piano, it is important to try out a number of options and types within your budget. Although a more expensive instrument may be higher quality on paper, it does not necessarily follow that the most expensive you can afford will be the best option for you. And, if you are looking at digital pianos, you might be paying for features that you do not need and will not use.
Ultimately, sound, touch response, and eighty-eight keys are the main things that will matter for the beginner.