Our Guide to Buying a Piano

Any student wanting to learn an instrument will need to invest in having their own instrument for practice during the week. Without applying the information learned at the lesson during the week, progress will be stunted. Students who practice progress more quickly!

When searching for pianos, we know the options can become overwhelming! We recognize that the quality of the instrument needed may change as a student progresses; therefore, we have shared multiple options at a variety of price points. We hope the pros and cons we have shared will help you make the right decision for your needs!

To note, this post contains affiliate links for items that we recommend and use. We may earn a small commission from Amazon at no cost to you. 

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Types of Pianos

There are three basic types of pianos:

1. Acoustic Pianos are the largest and most expensive but also the best when it comes to developing piano skills. Acoustic pianos include upright and grand designs.

2. Digital Pianos are smaller, more portable, less expensive, and many are able to closely mirror the sound and touch of acoustic pianos. Digital pianos can be purchased with a cabinet-style console, enhancing the aesthetics and mimicking an acoustic instrument. 

3. Electronic Keyboards are the most cost-effective option, however, sometimes they include less keys (which limits repertoire) and they may not have resistance (weighted-keys). These differences make transferring skills to a digital or acoustic piano more difficult. 

For each type of piano, we have shared pros and cons to consider when choosing the right instrument for your student and your family! 

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Acoustic Pianos

Acoustics instruments are made of real wood and real strings, producing the highest quality sound and touch. If you are looking for an acoustic upright or grand piano, we highly recommend visiting Fox Music House Inc. (Columbia & Charleston, SC).

​We are happy to help SC Music Lessons LLC students choose their piano. Email holly@scmusiclessons.com to set up a time to meet at Fox.

Pros

• Sound: Acoustic instruments have the best sound and the most responsive touch for articulation and expression.
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• Aesthetics: Acoustics instruments, in our opinion, are simply the most beautiful option.

Cons

• Tuning: Acoustic instruments are vulnerable to humidity and temperature fluctuations. To keep your piano in tune, it has to be tuned about 1-2 times every year by a professional (usually ranging from $100-$200 per visit). 
  
  
• Stationary: Acoustic pianos are not easily moved. If you are planning to move to another home soon you may want to consider the cost of moving (approximately $200-$500). Additionally, if your child spends time between 2 homes or travels often, a portable instrument may be a better choice.

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Digital Pianos

Digital pianos are created to closely resemble acoustic instruments and the ones recommended below have 88 weighted keys and wonderful reviews! Additionally some include a cabinet-style console. 

​While it’s impossible to fully replicate the experience of playing on an acoustic piano, it is certainly okay to start learning on a digital piano. In fact, a high quality digital piano can be much better than playing a poor quality acoustic piano.

Pros

• Volume Control: Digital instruments have both volume control and a headphone jack to allow a student to practice and not disturb others. 
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• Digital-Only Features: Digital pianos often include multiple sound options, recording features, and versatility in changing the key of the music (transposing). 

Cons

• Power Source Needed: Consider where you are wanting to place your piano in your home and if there is a close by power source to plug it in. 
  
  
• Repair: While digital pianos do not require regular tuning and maintenance, like all technological things, they can still break or stop working. To note, our owner (Holly) has had her digital piano for 10+ years with no technical issues but there are no guarantees. 

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Our favorite brands for digital pianos are Yamaha and Casio. We have listed our recommendations below from most affordable to most expensive with links to Amazon since they have quick delivery and good customer service for returns. Compare the features to decide which is the best model for you!
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Electronic Pianos

Electronic pianos are the most affordable way to begin, however, playing piano on a non-weighted, non-full-size keyboard is not ideal. We recommend upgrading to a digital or an acoustic piano when possible.

Pros

• Affordability: The #1 reason most people purchase an electronic piano is simply because it's the most affordable.
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• Synthesizer: Electronic pianos often have a variety of sound effects and rhythm tracks which younger students enjoy exploring! 

Cons

• Less Keys: The electronic pianos we have shared below have less keys than a "real" piano but at least have 61+ keys. 
  
  
• Non-Weighted Keys: The keys provided no resistance, therefore, it does not feel like a "real" piano.

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Our favorite brands for electronic pianos are Yamaha and Casio. We have listed our recommendations below from most affordable to most expensive with links to Amazon since they have quick delivery and good customer service for returns. Compare the features to decide which is the best model for you!

(Also, keep in mind that some electronic keyboards do not include a power cord, therefore, one will need to be purchased separately.)
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Piano Accessories

If the option you chose to purchase does not include a bench, pedal, or stand these are the ones we use and recommend. We prefer benches with storage and weighted pedals that will not slide on the floor.
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Thank you for taking time to read our recommendations and we hope you will find the right instrument that best fits your budget and your needs. Additionally, if you are not already a part of the SC Music Lessons LLC studio, check out our instructors who all have a degree in music or have taught for 5+ years. With virtual lessons, we can teach anyone anywhere! 

If you have any questions or need additional assistance, just reach out - we are here to help: info@scmusiclessons.com

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