Start with how you will use the piano
Before comparing models, answer a few plain questions. Who will play it, a child, an adult beginner (see learning piano as an adult) or an experienced player? Will you practice at night or in a shared home where volume matters? How much space do you have? How long do you expect to keep playing? Your answers narrow the choice more than any brand name will.
The main types of piano
- Acoustic upright: strings run vertically, so the piano fits against a wall. It is the usual choice for homes and teaching rooms. See types of upright piano for the size categories.
- Acoustic grand: strings run horizontally and the action works with gravity. Grands need much more floor space and usually cost more.
- Digital piano: an electronic instrument designed to imitate the feel and sound of an acoustic piano. It needs no tuning and can be played through headphones. For how it differs from performance-oriented models, see stage piano vs digital piano.
- Hybrid and silent pianos: these combine a real acoustic action with digital sound or a mute system, so you can practice quietly. They tend to cost more than a plain digital piano.
- Portable keyboards: the cheapest and lightest option. Quality varies widely, and entry-level models often lack piano-like key feel. See keyboard or piano for beginners.
What a beginner should look for
If you are buying a digital instrument, these features are generally recommended for learning piano:
- 88 keys so you do not run out of range as pieces become more demanding.
- Weighted or graded keys that resist the finger somewhat like an acoustic piano. Unweighted keys feel quite different.
- Touch sensitivity so that playing softly or firmly changes the volume and tone.
- A real sustain pedal, ideally a piano-style pedal rather than a small switch. The sustain pedal guide covers what to check on a keyboard.
- A stable stand and an adjustable bench, since posture matters for comfortable practice.
For an acoustic piano, prioritise the condition of the instrument over its looks, and see the inspection notes below.
Space, room and noise
Measure the wall where the piano will go, plus the doorways and stairs it must pass through. Uprights are deep enough to need a clear wall but are not wide; grands need a large room. Acoustic pianos are also sensitive to conditions: strong sunlight, damp, and heat sources such as radiators can affect tuning and condition, so place them with care. If neighbours or sleeping family members are a concern, a digital or silent piano with headphones may suit you better.
Setting a budget, including hidden costs
Prices range from a few hundred dollars for an entry-level digital instrument to very large sums for hand-built acoustic pianos. Do not forget the extras:
- delivery, and a professional mover for an acoustic piano
- a bench, stand, pedal and headphones
- tuning after the piano settles in at home, and regular tuning afterwards
- repairs or regulation if the piano is older
New or used
Used instruments can offer good value, but they carry more risk, especially acoustic ones. Pianos are sometimes offered free or very cheaply, often because moving them is costly and they may need work. A cheap price can be expensive once repairs are added. A new instrument usually comes with a warranty and a known condition.
How to check a piano before you buy
- Play every key and pedal. Listen for sticking keys, buzzing, or notes that do not sound.
- Look for obvious cracks in the soundboard, loose tuning pins, or signs of damp and pests.
- Ask when it was last tuned and serviced.
- For a used acoustic piano, consider paying an independent piano technician to inspect it first. This is widely recommended and is usually worth the fee.
- For a digital piano, test the keys, pedal and headphone output, and check the warranty.
If possible, play several instruments in a shop, even if you plan to buy elsewhere. Your hands will tell you more than a spec sheet.
Identifying a piano’s make and model
Most pianos have the maker’s name on the fallboard or above the keys. The serial number is usually found inside, often on the plate or near the tuning pins, and can be used to look up the age through the manufacturer or a serial number reference. A technician can help if the markings are unclear.
A simple decision path
- Need silent practice or minimal upkeep? Look at digital or hybrid.
- Want the feel and sound of a real instrument and have space? Consider an acoustic upright, and see studio piano vs upright if you are comparing sizes.
- Tight budget or just testing interest? A weighted-key digital piano is often a sensible step up from a basic keyboard.
- Buying used? Budget for a technician’s inspection and moving.
FAQ
What type of piano should a beginner buy?
Many teachers suggest either a decent acoustic upright or a digital piano with 88 weighted keys and a proper pedal. The right choice depends on budget, space and noise limits.
What are the different types of pianos?
The main types are acoustic uprights, acoustic grands, digital pianos, hybrid or silent pianos, and portable keyboards.
Do I need to tune a digital piano?
No. Digital pianos do not need tuning, though keys and pedals can wear over time.