Those are gorgeous and traditional instruments for the lovers of timeless elegance of the Golden Age of music salons. Since Sauter has built grand pianos and upright pianos with uniquely resonant sound and high-precision keyboard action. The soundboard is made of spruce that grows in Alpine region, which is strong yet light and flexible.
The shape and position of the structural slats are crucial for the precise concavity. These slats are glued together to the soundboard under high pressure which stabilizes the concavity in place. The entirety of the piano in made in-house including the strings which are measured precisely to the nano-millimeter so that vibrations during playing resonate off the soundboard for ultimate tone production.
The metal components such as pins of Concert and Omega Plus pianos are made of pure titanium. Perhaps the most exciting pianos Sauter makes are designed by Peter Maly and are truly works of modern art. Steeped in the modernist esthetic these gorgeous baby grand pianos and uprights are captivating, fresh and beautiful. The exemplary models are Pure Basic and Vitrea — which is semi-transparent upright. The entire line of Sauter uprights is simply the best on the market.
Ambiente and Vivace baby grands are studies in laconic minimal design while Rondo upright is a throwback to the s bubble obsession expressed through its rounded-up corners. No matter who witty and charming the design these luxury pianos are true German precision machines with extraordinary action and acoustic properties.
This stellar piano manufacturer is one of the best recognized brands in the world for their unique innovations that adapt modern grand pianos to performance of period music from Mozart onwards. Amazing features like Mozart Rail and Sordino enable a contemporary concert grand piano to sound like a pianoforte of the Mozart times and create the softest and fastest repeated notes action on the modern instrument. These bells are believed to be the best such instrument in the world by leading opera conductors.
Heinrich Steinweg built his first piano in the kitchen of his village house in Germany. They were building square pianos. Business was growing fast and in first Art case piano was built with highly ornate carved body and legs.
In Steinway patented his cross-stringing — where bass strings go under the shorter strings at an angle — which imbued Steinway pianos with their inimitable resonance and sound. In Steinway became the first American piano manufacturer to receive the Gold Medal of Honor at Paris piano axhibition. By Steinway was making 1 piano per hour. The two factories work in parallel to these days. Over years of its legendary presence in the music world Steinway amassed over patents, completely dominated the piano world and produced some of the most lauded and beautiful pianos the world has ever seen.
If only Steinway could see the fruit of their labor rise to such heights. Today Steinway also leads with hi-tech inventions. In Steinway acquired a private digital player developer company Live Performance for its flagship model XL created by Wayne Stahne and re-branded it as Steinway Spirio. This player piano system is so precise that it truly reproduces the highest caliber of piano performance remotely. Many a reputable piano competition are beginning to utilize Spirio technology to open participation globally.
Steinway also has a metronome app for Android and iOS systems. Among the leading piano brands of the world Japan has two names that are on par with their counterparts: Kawai and Yamaha.
Known for their obsession with details and craftsmanship Kawai is considered one of the best brands in the world. Within Kawai lineup of fantastic instruments Shigeru Kawai is the best.
As piano makers go, Kawai represents the famous Japanese perfectionism and graceful execution. This flagship concert grand is build by a team of Master Piano Artisans — the highest level of piano craftsmanship in Japan. Like piano Samurai these specialists have both technical and musical training so that each detail is part of the wholesome harmonious and sublime instrument. The rarest of premium mahogany, spruce and maple are used in creation of Shigeru Kawai and many leading pianists are endorsing the instrument with great passion and enthusiasm.
While most of Kawai piano range are traditional ebony piano it holds its own among brands producing art case luxury pianos as well. With super limited edition CR-1M Kawai raised the bar even higher. To learn more about digital piano and keyboard types and their unique features, please refer to our in-depth Digital Piano vs Keyboard vs Synthesizer guide.
Portable keyboards a. A portable keyboard is usually the first thing beginners consider as their first instrument for learning the piano. The main reason for this is the affordability of portable keyboards. It uses a spring-loaded mechanism instead, adding resistance to the keys, but still feeling light, unrealistic, and in no way comparable to the real thing. Most of these keyboards are only lbs. You can put them on a table and stow them away when not in use.
Another advantage of portable keyboards is all the extra features and functions they provide. Most portable keyboards are loaded with hundreds of sounds, songs, rhythms, and other so-called bells and whistles. While I prefer quality over quantity , and many of the built-in tones sound plasticky and unrealistic, these features are definitely a plus for those who want to explore various instruments and styles and to have fun with interactive features.
In this case, practicing on a keyboard is better than not practicing at all! In this case, once you become committed to learning the piano, I recommend upgrading to a digital piano as soon as possible. The comparison table below sums up the main differences between digital pianos and portable keyboards.
A synthesizer is an electronic keyboard that generates or copies a wide variety of sounds and is commonly used in music production. Synths allow you to create virtually any kind of sound you can imagine, including sounds of musical instruments, voices, the wind, a burst, a siren, a car, and the list can go on forever.
This allows composers and songwriters to create an accompaniment for a song quickly and easily without calling in musicians to play all instruments live. They usually come with hundreds if not thousands of top-notch sound samples, which can be customized with knobs and sliders that allow you to control various sound parameters on the fly. Watch the video below to better understand the difference between keyboard workstations and professional arrangers:.
They only track your key presses velocity, length, pressure and various control elements knobs, sliders, pads, etc. That data is then sent to your computer or another musical keyboard that generates the actual sound. Most MIDI-controllers have non-weighted keys and are not designed to mimic the feel of an acoustic piano. The non-weighted action facilitates non-piano sounds, like synths, organs, electric pianos, etc. These are giants in the world of digital musical instruments.
Buying a digital piano from one these 7 brands will save you the time and headache of dealing with lesser-known brands that deliver poor build quality and provide an unrealistic sound and feel. Digital pianos from these manufacturers usually look good and are very affordable, but their sound realism and key action leaves a lot to be desired. This, in turn, determines how much force is needed to press a key and how realistic the action will be compared to the feel of an acoustic piano keyboard.
The synth action uses a basic spring-loaded mechanism. The keys are usually thin and small with a light plastic feel. At the same time, for some types of music other than the piano synth action is preferred for its playability and light feel, which is perfect for playing synth leads, organ tunes, etc.
A semi-weighted action feels similar to the synth action, yet it offers slightly more resistance and better control. It uses the same spring-loaded mechanism, but compared to synth action, the keys feel heavier thanks to either stiffer springs or additional weights. Even so, the action is far from what you get on an acoustic piano and is not recommended if you want to focus on piano playing. Many semi-weighted keyboards have blocked-end keys that look like regular piano keys and can be confused easily with hammer action keyboards.
A hammer action keyboard is designed to replicate the touch and feel of an acoustic piano. To achieve this goal, manufacturers have added little hammers under or behind each key to recreate mechanical movement similar to a real piano. As a general rule, the higher the price of the instrument, the more sophisticated the hammer system it uses. High-end models often have real wooden keys with an escapement mechanism that recreate every nuance of an acoustic piano action, including the design of the hammers themselves.
This becomes more important as you develop your playing skills. The longer the length of the keys, the further back you can have the pivot point, which makes it much easier to play further up the keys. This is the only type of key action that facilitates developing proper finger strength and technique. Moreover, it will make it much easier to transition to an acoustic piano further down the line if you decide to do so.
Modern acoustic pianos have 88 keys. Most keyboards have 88, 76, 73, or In reality, 73 keys are enough to play most modern pieces. Some advanced pieces require a full set of 88 keys.
Most digital pianos have 88 full-sized keys, which means the size and the number of keys are the same as an acoustic piano. This gives the keys a nicer, less slippery feel, enhances control, and helps absorb moisture when playing in high humid conditions.
All digital pianos have a touch-sensitive keyboard, which means the volume changes depending on how hard or soft you play the keys. Digital pianos usually have adjustable touch sensitivity, which allows you to tweak the sensitivity of the keys. In other words, you can choose how much force you need to apply to produce the loudest sound.
Sensors are used to detect the depth and velocity at which the keys are played. In fact, I played many keyboards with 2-sensor systems that felt more realistic and responsive than those with 3-sensor systems. The keys on both acoustic and digital pianos inevitably produce some amount of noise when you play them.
On acoustic pianos, the noise is usually inaudible due to high volume levels of that the instrument. Some keyboard actions tend to be less noisy than others, but it all comes down to a particular keyboard.
More expensive models usually have very quiet keyboard actions. The thing to remember is that all the keys should produce roughly the same amount of noise. There are many new terms and names of technologies that you will encounter when looking for a digital keyboard. Here are some of the most common and important ones that you should know and understand to make an informed buying decision.
Not only do digital pianos provide versatility and convenience not available with acoustic pianos, but they also come with a bunch of extra features that make playing and learning more enjoyable and fun. A useful tool for practice that will help develop your rhythmic and timekeeping skills by providing a steady beat to play along with.
Some digital pianos allow you to change the conventional clicking sound of the metronome to various drum rhythms. You may wonder how it is possible to have 32, 64, or even notes playing at the same time, if there are only 88 keys and you will never play them all at once. Furthermore, using the sustain pedal, sound effects Reverb, Chorus , dual-mode layering , and even the metronome ticking sound takes up additional notes of polyphony.
When you reach the polyphony cap, the piano starts to drop the earliest played notes to free up memory for new notes, which in turn affects the quality and fullness of the sound. For example, you can play guitar with your left hand and piano with your right, both at the same time. For example, you can layer strings with the piano sound or combine whatever sounds you like to get some new, intriguing sounds.
Duet Play, Partner Mode, Twin Piano — divides the keyboard into two halves with identical pitch ranges two middle C s , allowing two people to sit together and play the same notes at the same time. Duet Play is particularly useful when you use it with your teacher or tutor so they can play some tunes on one side of the keyboard while you follow along on the other side, playing the exact same notes.
Some digital pianos come with preset temperaments, which means you can change the standard Equal Temperament tuning to tuning systems that are better suited for playing certain styles of music Indian, Arabian, classical, etc. Some digital pianos allow you to turn off the left- or right-hand part track of a song built-in or downloaded from the internet and practice it while listening to the playback of the other part.
Pianos that have this function usually have a multi-track MIDI recorder. A MIDI recorder allows you to record and play back your own performances right onboard needing additional software or hardware.
A multi-track recorder 2 or more tracks allows you to record several musical parts on separate tracks and to play them back as a single song. A MIDI recording is not the recording of the actual instrument sound. You can then share your recording on social media, upload it to SoundCloud, burn it to a CD, etc.
Instead, you get a CD-quality audio recording of your performance that you can easily play back on most modern devices. The auto-accompaniment function can enrich your performance by adding a full backing band rhythm, bass, and harmony that will follow your playing and turn it into a full-fledged song. Some instruments offer alternative methods of chord specifying, for example, using the full range of the keyboard.
So, for example, if you know how to play a song in F major , you can transpose and play the song in C major without actually learning it in a new key. You can also transpose a song written in a difficult key e. The tone of an acoustic piano is quite complex and consists of many different elements. Depending on the model, digital pianos reproduce various nuances of an acoustic piano sound to get even closer to the sound of a real acoustic piano. Some digital pianos also allow you to adjust these parameters to better suit your preferences more resonance, less hammer noise, etc.
When you depress the damper aka sustain pedal on an acoustic piano and start playing, you can hear the notes continuing to sound after you release the keys. This happens because when you press the damper pedal, the dampers lift from the strings, allowing them to resonate freely until you release the pedal.
When you play an acoustic piano, the sound it produces is not only associated with the played keys and their corresponding strings. The other strings with closely related frequencies also resonate sympathetically, making the sound richer and fuller, which is known as string resonance or sympathetic string resonance. This function removes the sense of notes being dry and separated from each other.
Many digital piano today simulate this phenomenon quite accurately. The sound of the dampers falling back onto the strings varies, depending on the speed at which the fingers leave the keys. Some digital pianos have the Lid Simulation feature, which mimics the sound of a grand piano with the lid raised or lowered.
Other elements of piano sound reproduced in some digital pianos typically higher-end models include:. While some of these elements are subtle and obscure, they add to the overall realism and produce a more organic sound. The ability to connect to other music gear and smart devices is another important advantage of digital pianos and keyboards.
By connecting your instrument to external devices you can open up a world of possibilities when it comes to learning, music creation, and performing. The port can be used to plug a flash drive into the piano to exchange files quickly and easily.
This port is often used to save your audio files, recorded with the instrument, to the flash drive. There are tons of other apps that can expand the functionality of your digital piano in terms of learning, composing, recording, editing music. Some brands offer their own free apps designed for certain piano models.
Such apps usually enable you to control the settings and functions of the instrument, via an intuitive graphical interface. The jack allows you to plug in a pair of headphones and practice at any time without bothering the people around you. A sustain jack a. 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. 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 are aimed squarely at that market, the likes of the Yamaha P or Casio CDP S, with their built-in speakers and low cost, are more geared toward the beginner student on the go.
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. So if you have any questions, contact the retailer directly, and they will be happy to help you. 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.
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. 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.
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. MusicRadar The No. Included in this guide: 1.
Yamaha Arius YDP Piano type: Digital Slimline. Effects: Yes. Speakers: Yes. Bluetooth: No. Dimensions mm : 1, x mm x mm. Weight kg : Reasons to avoid - Not as many sounds as others. Roland RPR. Dimensions mm : 1, x x mm. Reasons to avoid - Speakers lack volume and bass - A little basic compared to the others. Korg C1 Air. Bluetooth: Yes - Audio. Dimensions mm : 1, x x Reasons to avoid - Pedalboard unit is a little flimsy.
Yamaha Clavinova CLP Piano type: Digital Upright. Keys: 88 Weighted GrandTouch. Dimensions mm : 1, X X Reasons to avoid - Keys may feel heavy for beginners. Roland HP Sounds: Tones. Producing approximately verticals and grand pianos each year, Sauter factory is situated at the foot of the Alps. Sauter pianos are famous for the variety of finishes and styles in which they are available, many with intricate detail and inlay work.
This year Sauter celebrates a 20 year relationship with renowned European designer Peter Maly, whose designs have resulted in several prestigious awards for the Sauter company. Some extremely unusual models have been created. Warranty : 5 years, parts and labor, to original purchaser. When one thinks of luxury grand pianos, European brand names usually jump to mind.
But the Japanese company Kawai founded in decided to spin off a bespoke piano branch to build the finest quality grand piano money could buy. Shigeru Kawai is the dream product of Shigeru, the son of company founder, Koichi Kawai.
Using only high-grade woods, the latest technology and traditional craftsmanship, Kawai has succeeded in being noticed for all the right reasons with their Shigeru pianos. Each buyer of a Shigeru Kawai receives a visit within the first year by a Kawai master technician from Japan assuring top quality service and proper set up.
Having achieved prominence among educators and prestigious venues around the globe, Shigeru pianos have been selected by many of the leading musical institutions and conservatories all over the world. Warranty : 10 years, parts and labor, transferable to future owners within warranty period. Some of these patents created a stronger frame, a richer sound, and a more sensitive action. By the s, the Steinway piano was already in most ways the modern piano we have today, and in the next generation the standards set by the founder were strictly followed.
The underlying excellence of the Steinway musical designs and the integrity of the construction process are the hallmarks of the Steinway piano. Steinway pianos at their best have the quintessential American piano sound: a powerful bass, a resonant midrange, and a treble with tonal color. The construction process creates a very durable and rigid framework that also contributes to the power of its sound.
Although the quality of Steinway grands fluctuates because of the many changes of the many ownership, Steinway has managed to hold on to market share. Steinway grand pianos, and the Steinway B the favorite of many technicians cannot be ignored when discussing the best piano builders, although the uneven quality of existing product put it at the low end of our list of high-end instruments.
Steinway pianos require committed dealers with technical resources to manage the uneven quality of the product. That being said, when a dealer has properly done his work, Steinway pianos can be absolutely excellent. It is a popular choice for the serious pianist, recording or teaching studio, or small recital hall. Steinway company has done an incredible job over the past decades signing up pianists to their roster.
An innovative designer, Eduard exhibited his first cast iron piano frame at the Paris world exhibition in Steingraeeber is one of the smaller handmade piano builders in the world, making fewer than 80 grands per year for the top end of the market. The smallest one, model A has an unusually wide tail which accommodates a larger soundboard area and longer bass strings than usual for a baby grand.
They made a piano for the physically handicapped who lack use of their legs, as well as working with furniture designers for commissioned projects, and consulting with Pearl River in China toward the end of a new line of premium pianos.
Steingraeber pianos have a unique sound, and an extensive tonal palette with a mix of clarity and warmth. Warranty : 5 years, parts and labor, transferable to future owners within the warranty period.
We are inclined to include a special group of Yamaha grand pianos in this compilation because of their popularity and acclaim by professional artists. The result is an instrument capable of greater dynamic range, tonal color, and sustain than the regular Yamahas. The new CF-series pianos have a thicker rim and more substantial structure than their predecessors.
The models CF4 and CF6 have an open pinblock design reminiscent of some European pianos, which gives the tuner slightly greater control over the tuning pins.
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