Should I buy a digital or acoustic piano?
This is the number one question asked by parents starting their children in lessons. Cosmo Music is fortunate to be one of the few stores selling many brands of both digital and acoustic pianos so here is the unbiased answer.
The better piano teachers all recommend that if you take piano lessons on a real acoustic piano then your everyday practice is best on a real acoustic piano. The price range of digitals overlaps many acoustic pianos. The best way to tell the difference is to listen to similar priced instruments, a digital piano and an upright or grand piano and play or have the salesperson play a simple and complicated song on each. Pay close attention and you will hear better music coming out of an acoustic piano - more shades of colour, more detail of expression. Regardless of the level from first lesson to professional pianists, the real acoustic piano is the better musical instrument.
So why buy a digital piano?
Digital pianos are sold mainly for 2 functions and are commonly used as a second piano/ keyboard to compliment the acoustic piano.
1.Budget – A quality upright piano, new or used, sells from about $3000 and up. If the family budget is less than $3000, then a good quality digital is a far better choice than the many used ‘piano-shaped objects’ out there. Grandma’s old piano where a few keys do not work and it will not hold tune is NOT GOOD ENOUGH even for a starter pianist. The digital piano will play and sound better until there is budget for an acoustic piano. One option many families choose is a rental purchase of an acoustic upright or grand piano. This enables them to get the right instrument for their children immediately but reduces the initial cost. And when the time is right budget wise, they can purchase the piano.
2.Function- Many university piano majors need headphone capability for practicing so their dorm room-mate can study or need to take a piano out for rehearsals and gigs.
We encourage you to come in and see the selection for yourself. Our experienced staff will help guide you in to the best solution for your family.
Piano Department
905.770.5222 x260
