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What’s the best piano for beginners 2022?
When deciding what piano one should buy as a beginner, there is many characteristics that people will consider making the right choice.
At Digitalpiano.com we have more than 100 years of experience selling pianos and a team of experts ready to help you decide what is the piano that suits your needs better as a musician.
As a beginner figuring out exactly what model is the best for you can be difficult, so the best examples of pianos for beginners are: Kawai ES110, Yamaha P125 and Roland FP30X when taking into consideration keys, sound quality, aesthetics, functionalities, and price.
Sound Comparison Yamaha P125 vs Kawai ES110 vs. Roland FP30X
Here you can hear the difference in sound between the three models
Do you need acoustic vs digital?
Before we go more in depth on the different piano models that we recommend, first we have to discuss: Do you need an acoustic piano to learn to play?
Having an acoustic piano is a dream for most players. Even though it would be great to start your piano lessons with a real acoustic instrument, nowadays with all the technology available, having a digital piano as a beginner its more than enough to start creating wonderful music.
Buying a digital piano vs acoustic as a beginner has its benefits:
- Being able to play with headphones
- Saving space at home with reduced instrument sizes
- Generally cheaper than its acoustics versions
- No need of tuning
Therefore, learning to play on a digital piano is perfectly fine and, in some cases, advisable.
What digital piano should you buy?
There are several brands to choose from like Kawai, Yamaha, Roland, Nord, etc. Sometimes is a little bit overwhelming to choose a beginner piano when there are so many options available.
Every person is different, and we always recommend our customers to come to one of our showrooms in Aarhus, Copenhagen, Stockholm, or Helsinki to try the pianos themselves and feel the instrument to decide. As we know that the knowledge of professionals is always handy in this situation, we would like to help you focusing on three different models as examples that will be suitable for most beginners and will fulfil the most common criteria when choosing a digital piano.
Kawai ES-110
Kawai ES-110 |
| Speakers: Yes |
| Watts: 14 |
| Sound: Harmonic imaging |
| Number of Keys:88 |
| Weight: 15 kg |
| Weighted Keys |
| Touch Sensitivity: Responsive Hammer Compact Action |
| Polyphony: 192 |
| Bluetooth: yes |
| Metronome: Yes |
| Recorder: yes |
| Demo songs: yes |
| Pedal: yes |
This outstanding piano is a great introduction to Kawai's digital pianos
This model has a more realistic and classical sound than most of the other pianos in the same price range. This is a characteristic that piano teachers and professionals would recommend when suggesting a piano for a beginner, as you would get used from the beginning to hear a rich and quality sound as if you would be playing a grand piano.
The ES-110 is the latest addition to Kawai's highly respected range of digital pianos. The model combines their leading authentic keyboard action and sampling technology in one lightweight and affordable instrument.
Kawai has been building musical instruments for more than 90 years, thus maintaining the traditional processes while embracing the latest innovation. The technological development of the time gives Kawai's engineers a sea of opportunities to build exceptional digital instruments.
Realistic touch and natural movement
The ES-110's all-new Mechanics Responsive Hammer Compact has been developed to reproduce the characteristic impact of acoustic grand pianos. The springless design and robust construction provide a uniform movement pattern and a soft, natural and authentic playing experience.
With 88 weighted keys with a precise and natural response, the ES-110 is an ideal choice for beginners looking for an instrument to start with. However, the authentic mechanics will also appeal to more advanced pianists who are looking for a new digital piano to practice on or perhaps take with them on vacation.
True character in every one tone
In the ES-110 you can experience the beautiful tone of Kawai's highly regarded concert grand piano as all 88 keys from the exceptional instrument are carefully recorded, analyzed and accurately reproduced using the advanced Harmonic Imaging technology.
Harmonic Imaging technology
On a fine piano, the weight from the beat has not only an effect on the volume of the note, but also the unique character of the individual note. Therefore, not only is each note recorded individually, a wide range of different sound levels have also been constructed, ranging from pianissimo to fortissimo, to construct a realistic portrait of the SK-EX and EX concert grand pianos. The ES-110 offers a highly detailed portrait of an acoustic piano with Harmonic Imaging XL technology that ensures smooth tonal transitions over the piano tour and throughout its dynamic range.
Reverberation, sound and resonance
Additional reverberation effects simulate the acoustic environment from e.g., a rehearsal room, a stage or a concert hall and is used with settings of intonation, resonance and other acoustic characteristics. The result is a rich and active sound that provides a unique, realistic and authentic experience.
Inspirational features
In the ES-110 you can experience a range of inspiring features that complement the instrument's authentic keyboard and tone. The built-in Lesson Function with adjustable metronome is a great tool for beginner pianists, while the library of instrument sounds, the Dual & Split function and 100 drum rhythms allow pianists to unfold creatively.
Lightweight and portable
With its modest 12 kg, the ES-110 is ideal for musicians who need the opportunity to take their instrument with them, as the ES-110 has both an authentic keyboard and high-quality sounds.
Line Out Jack
The jack outputs allow you to directly connect your instrument to PA systems and use the built-in speakers as local monitors.
Bluetooth
In addition to standard MIDI inputs, the new ES-110 also has integrated Bluetooth MIDI, enabling the instrument to communicate wirelessly with Smart devices such as Smartphones and tablets. Once you have paired the ES-110 with your phone or tablet, you can easily expand the instrument's features via a range of Apps - without the need for additional cables or adapters.
Optional original stand and three-pedal stand
Transform the ES-110 into an ultra-compact digital piano for any room with the original HML-1 stand and the F-350 triple pedal system.
Click the button to check the Kawai ES-110 out on our website.
Yamaha P-125
Yamaha P-125 |
| Speakers: Yes |
| Watts: 14 |
| Sound: Pure CF Sound Engine |
| Number of Keys: 88 |
| Weight: 15 kg |
| Weighted keys |
| Touch Sensitivity: GHS (Graded Hammer Standard Action) |
| Polyphony: 192 |
| Bluetooth: No |
| Metronome: Yes |
| Recorder: Yes |
| Pedal: No |
| Demo Songs: Yes |
Our second digital piano recommendation for beginners is from the brand Yamaha, the leading manufacturer of digital piano technology and it can be heard in digital pianos using the Pure CF Engine. The P-125 contains sounds from this acclaimed concert grand piano, the Yamaha CFIIIS 9, and thus there are fantastic opportunities for dynamism and expression worthy of the Yamaha name.
Yamaha's unique Pure CF Sound Engine is the result of more than 100 years of manufacturing acoustic pianos, combined with the latest technology and expertise.
Keys
The P-125 is equipped with Yamaha's Graded Hammer Standard keys (GHS). It has 88 weighted keys, and the weighting is heavier at the low end and lighter at the high end, just like on the acoustic piano.
Authentic, spatial sound
The recently improved 2-way speaker system produces a wide piano sound in both the up and down directions. This allows the pianist to enjoy a rich soundscape, just as if you were sitting in front of an acoustic piano.
The Stereophonic Optimizer
When using headphones, the Stereo Optimizer feature produces the same spatial sound as sitting in front of an acoustic piano - it simply seems as if the sound is coming from the entire body of the piano.
This provides a comfortable, natural experience that eliminates the negative aspects of playing with headphones.
Out and play - everywhere
The P-125 is light and compact, so it can be easily taken under the arm.
There is also a dedicated soft bag so you can protect your piano while it is being moved.
Optimal sound on the table
The new "EQ table" feature allows the pianist to maintain optimal acoustics, so even if you play on a hard, flat surface, you can get the best possible sound.
Keep pace with bass or drumbeats
The P-125 has built-in bass and drum tracks that keep your playing in time. There are different rhythm patterns to choose from, depending on the mood you are going for. From rock to ballads, you can use these rhythms to add a fun element to your rehearsal or use them as a virtual drummer for your performances.
Easy operation with the Smart Pianist app!
The "Smart Pianist" app allows you to control the many features included in Yamaha digital pianos with your mobile device. Sounds, rhythms and other settings can be selected while viewing the screen, making the new features easy to use.
You can also save your favorite settings as pre-set, so you always find your sounds again. You can view the chords in audio files and songs on your iPhone or iPad. Find new ways to enjoy the P-125, using all the smart features that only a modern digital instrument can offer.
More options
Depending on your needs there are also 2 more option from Yamaha that you could look into. Here is a video reviewing the 3 models: Yamaha P-45, Yamaha P-125 and Yamaha P-515.
Click the button to check the Yamaha P-125 out on our website.
Roland FP-30X
Roland FP-30X |
| Speakers: yes |
| Watts: 14 |
| Sound: Harmonic Imaging |
| Number of keys: 88 |
| Weight: 15 kg |
| Weighted Keys |
| Touch Sensitivity: Responsive Hammer Compact || Action |
| Polyphony: 192 |
| Bluetooth: Yes |
| Metronome: Yes |
| Recorder: Yes |
| Demo Songs: Yes |
| Pedal: Yes |
Out last digital piano example for beginners when quality is important, but budget is a factor. The FP-30X is just the thing in Roland's FP-X series. This sleek and stylish portable piano balances affordable price with superior performance and builds on the FP-10 with an improved sound source, more powerful built-in speakers and increased polyphony.
With Roland's SuperNATURAL Piano technology and the same expressive 88-tone PHA-4 Standard keyboard as the premium model FP-60X, the FP-30X is the perfect home instrument for Beginner players. And with its easily portable weight and Bluetooth connectivity for lessons and play-along audio, it is an ideal choice for any pianist who wants to develop their skills or perform at small events.
Features
- SuperNATURAL Piano sound source for a rich expression, from pianissimo to fortissimo
- Contains a wide range of built-in sounds for any musical genre, including electric pianos, organs, strings and synthesizers
- PHA-4 Standard keyboard for authentic acoustic piano touch
- Powerful 22-watt stereo speaker system for room-filling sound
- Dedicated setting to optimize the sound when placed on a desk
- Dual headphone outputs and quiet keys let you play when it suits you, without disturbing others
- Home-friendly compact size
- Bluetooth audio and MIDI connectivity for play-along and online lessons
- Interactive connection to music apps, including Roland's Piano Every Day and Apple's GarageBand
- Optional KSC-70 stand and KPD-70 three-pedal unit for playing while standing and traditional playing styles
- Available in black or white
Authentic acoustic touch and tone
Forget the light keys on typical mid-range segmented portable pianos - with a single tap on the PHA-4 Standard keyboard, you'll instantly notice that the FP-30X is above the rest.
With 88 full-size keys, this piano allows for complete expression as your technical skills evolve and with hammer action, escapement and ivory feel, you'll enjoy the same touch under your fingers as a stunning acoustic instrument, right down to the subtle "click" feel when you press a key.
Behind the authentic feel and playability is Roland's powerful SuperNATURAL sound source, which captures all the nuances of experienced pianists and helps newer players develop more character and dynamism.
Impressive sound wherever you play
The FP-30X's powerful built-in stereo speakers deliver surprising power and character, which complement the sound source to further bring out the expression in your playing. And if you ever need more sound, simply connect external powered speakers through the dedicated output jacks.
For home practicing, you can try the dedicated feature that adjusts the sound to optimal quality when the FP-30X is placed on a desk. If you want to play without disturbing others, you can connect headphones to the two outputs and play either solo or with your piano teacher.
The compact piano with great potential
The FP-30X is the perfect blend of portability and professionalism. With its incredibly compact footprint and very manageable weight, the instrument moves effortlessly between the most comfortable and inspiring places in your home, and it is easy to store when not in use.
The FP-30X can also be customized as your technique evolves, by placing it on the KSC-70 stand for upright performance or by adding extra expression to your game with the easily connected three-pedal KPD-70 unit or DP-10 damper pedal.
Play music tracks and learn faster with Bluetooth and USB
The FP-30X keeps you focused on long-term learning with advanced connectivity options. Use Bluetooth audio and your iOS or Android device to stream music through the piano speakers or headphones; play with your favorite artists and hone your skills by following online piano lessons. Make the experience even wilder with Bluetooth MIDI and connect to music composition apps like Roland's Zenbeats or Apple's GarageBand. In addition, you can connect to Roland's Piano Everyday app to automatically record and play your daily exercises. The FP-30X even has USB audio / MIDI connectivity so you can communicate with computers and record tracks in professional music production software.
Click the button to check the Roland FP-30X out on our website.
The characteristics that all beginners’ players must consider when choosing the right piano
Weighted keys
On pianos nowadays exists three kinds of keyboard: non-weighted, semi weighted and weighted. Weighted means when the keyboard emulates the sensation of an acoustic piano where you can feel the lower keys heavier than higher keys. As a beginner and even if you are looking to improve your piano skills, we recommend that you start with a weighted keyboard, where you will get used to play with an acoustic feeling.
What size of keyboard?
88 Recommended.
Sound quality
The most famous brands will have an optimal sound quality and sampling from recognized pianos. You could check out our YouTube channel (Digitalpiano-com - YouTube) to hear sounds comparison one some of our most popular pianos, including the ones mentioned on this article.
Aesthetics
The way your piano looks will have a great impact on your motivation to play it. Every person likes different aesthetics; therefore, you should choose a piano that better suits you. The three options above are pianos that would look great in any setting, so that’s a good place to start.
Price
Depending on your budget, you will have a big range of products to choose from. Our list Is an example. And pianos with different prices will have a good variety of settings and features. If you are on a budget, you could check our list for best budgets pianos. Otherwise visit our website to compare the pianos that accommodate your budget.