Choosing a digital piano

Technological progress did not bypass the development of musical technology, and the generation of synthesizers, improving, becomes a new type of instrument - the digital piano. There are many models on the market today that match the sound quality of their mechanical hammer system predecessors. The digitized devices combine synthesizers with a large selection of overlay effects and the capabilities of a concert grand piano.

The musical sounds produced by an acoustic grand piano are heard as soon as the hammer strikes the tuned string. The electronic piano is equipped for this purpose with speakers that transmit the playing of sound compositions. The first attempts to create electrical analogs of the instrument date back to the 30s of the last century.

Even then, the inventors were faced with the task of reproducing sounds in an electrical device that were maximally identical to the acoustics of a classical piano. For several decades, musical technology, the sound of which is based on completely different principles, has experienced a constant search for expanding opportunities for musicians' concert activities and convenient work on sound recording of music.

The modern digital piano is more than just a mains-powered instrument - it is a complex electronic device with a wide range of possibilities... With its help, you can study compositions recorded with the help of sheet music, or create your own author's notes.The world's leading manufacturers of digital music technology have been able to reproduce realistic sound that is virtually indistinguishable from the usual sound produced with mechanical instruments.

Your digital music system is always ready to go, as long as you have access to the electrical network. It doesn't need to be tuned like the hammer-string system of conventional pianos. The instrument is several times lighter in weight and smaller in size than classical pianos, let alone concert grand pianos. The compact size makes it easy to place the electronic piano in small apartments.

It can be easily transported between concert rooms or taken to the country for outdoor activities. It will easily fit into any interior thanks to the various colors of the case design. Electronic instruments are available in black, white, red and brown.

The synthesizer feature is sampling - reproduction of quality recordings made professionally and on the best samples of acoustic instruments. The best premium grand pianos are taken as the basis for sound quality. With the help of sophisticated special sound equipment, each individual note is recorded.

Various acoustic effects are also recorded, for example, a large concert hall or different positions of the lid of a grand piano. Resonant sounds are sampled and much of what a musician may encounter while performing live or creating new compositions.

Various companies produce electronic pianos, which are classified according to the external dimensions of the body and dimensions. Some of them are complemented by a lightweight and comfortable stand, but often such a device is selected separately. The types of digital pianos are as follows.

Case stationary models are a heavy construction made of natural wood. They are designed to be played by the professional musician. They are equipped with the most sensitive types of reproducing speakers, capable of transmitting sound as close to natural as possible. This kind of digital pianos is the only one used for large concert performances.

Compact digital synthesizers are available in various octaves. They can be 61, 76 or 88 keys. The body of this small piano is made from light wood or chipboard. Natural and clear sound is achieved by good quality built-in speakers.

Portable electronic devices are made in plastic cases, for which stands are not provided. They are convenient to use at home and easy to carry when needed. Due to their compact dimensions, they are installed on furniture and take up little space even in a small room.

There are many models of musical technology, but it is worth paying special attention to a few of them, which have long been produced by the most famous manufacturers of electronic instruments.

• The simple entry-level model is represented by the Yamaha P-95 digital piano, which can be easily installed on the table. The use of a special technology of microprocessor chips expands the capabilities of the keyboard and allows simulating keystrokes with different strengths. Moreover, in the lower octaves, this requires applying less force than is needed to work with the upper ones. With the help of the same technological features, it is possible to adjust the resistance of the keys to the pressure force.This ability brings the instrument closer to its hammer action counterparts and is useful when teaching young children to play the piano. If the need arises, the settings can be changed and adapted to the emerging creative tasks.

• More expensive models of this series are equipped with a large stock of sound effects recordings, and also have a sequencer for recording author's musical compositions. Advanced digital pianos such as Yamaha YDP-142C, is a full-fledged floor instrument with three pedals and a completely natural sound. The cost of such models starts from 200 thousand rubles.

• In the line of one of the leaders in the production of keyboard electronic instruments - the company Roland - you can find digital pianos for various purposes. Even the sizes of the floor-standing and table-top models differ in them. The mobile version has a function of a sequencer with auto accompaniment. The floor version has a large amount of digital memory, capable of recording up to 600 thousand note combinations. The cost of devices manufactured by this company ranges from 75-125 thousand rubles.

• Among several models of electronic musical equipment produced by the company Casio, you can find both simple and inexpensive instruments for beginners, and more expensive, complete analogs of concert grand pianos. A good model for teaching beginners is the piano Privia PX-350.

• Floor standing type digital piano brand Casio Celviano AP-650BK equipped with a special acoustic resonance effect, which is very much appreciated in real instruments. There are also other models with a wide range of tuning characteristics and backlighting. Among them there are those that can be successfully used at small concert venues. The price range for them is quite wide - from 45 to 100 thousand rubles.

• The maker of large digital music stations, Korg, also makes small digital pianos. Model Korg LP-380 WH - this is a floor instrument in a white case with a stereo game mode. The mechanical hammer system is here combined with the capabilities of electronics, which allows you to reproduce a game filled with many of the sonic nuances of acoustic instruments. The wide stereo base helps you achieve unique effects. Available for sale at a price of 100 thousand rubles.

• In the arsenal of a digital floor piano Kurzweil MP-10, produced by the company of the same name, has a solid length of timbre line. The key mechanics are completely reminiscent of real instruments.

• Leading manufacturers of electronic musical instruments produce models for professionals, among which the stations for work in the conditions of large concert venues stand out - Workstation... They can be classified as digital pianos with a wide range of functionality.

For the correct choice of a tool, it is necessary to determine the purpose and characteristics of its use. This will determine the type, size and cost of the digital piano. Teachers do not welcome the use of electronic instruments for teaching at a music school. It is believed that the correct formulation of hearing and solfeggio classes should be carried out only with the classical type of piano.

Simple compact models are best used for home, when there is a need to play for yourself and loved ones. They are not overloaded with unnecessary effects and functions, and they are also sold at more affordable prices and fit well in the interior. Among the parameters of instruments for training sessions, a complete set of keys is required - 88 pieces.Also for beginners it is important to have a good keyboard resistance, just like on a classical piano. Moreover, it should be more difficult for the small and counter octave.

A convenient and optimal function is the ability to adjust the sensitivity of the keyboard. When choosing, the type of tool design in a portable or stationary, floor structure is also important. Some useful advanced settings include antique or electronic music, imitation of other instruments, and pitch boost. Some will be interested in the presence of headphone jacks, as well as the ability to record musical material. When buying a digital instrument, you should pay attention to its stability, the presence of a stand for notes, the ability to adjust the height of the keyboard for different heights of users.

It is necessary to check the availability of the function of connecting to external acoustic devices. You will also need to play a number of 10 different sample variations that reproduce the different types of acoustic features of the piano playing sound. A high degree of key sensitivity, a backlit display and demo performances of individual songs can be nothing more than a pleasant bonus for both an amateur and a professional.

By connecting your digital piano to your computer, you can greatly expand your capabilities and create an entire home studio. A relatively simple process, you just need to perform correctly and have the necessary tools for this. Using cables such as MIDI-USB or USB, you can connect the keyboard of your electronic device to Apple or Android systems. When you press a key or pedal, a controller is used that generates information in the form of messages. An additional adapter is required to connect to iOS devices.

The computer-piano system requires software that is installed on the computer device and is a type of driver. The PC then begins to recognize the digital piano just as it does when connecting a camera or printer. This will allow, for example, to record a musical composition in a different key only with the help of the program without repeated performance. In different models, individual types of settings can be used that affect the exchange of information between the system from blocks.

The possibilities of digital pianos are vast, and they are of great interest to both beginners in the performing arts and established professionals composing their own works. Electronic instruments are convenient for their small dimensions, which allow them to be placed in the conditions of small apartments. They are easy to carry and carry in a passenger car. At the same time, they create a full touch of acoustic grand piano keys. Playing such an instrument can be mastered in several successive steps.

• First you need to get to know your piano and determine how many octaves and keys it has, what sounds can be produced when playing each of them... You need to learn to play each octave in turn in order to hear the same notes of different tones by ear. The octave consists of eight notes, including the C note of the first and the next row of seven note signs. It is important for beginners to keep track of the timing of the game at the correct intervals.
• To relax and not get tired of concentration, you need to try play the same musical phrases with both hands in turn... This will make it easier to navigate and distribute your fingers when you touch the keys.
• Then you can start to learn chords and composing from them accompaniment to simple songs. It is always a good idea to listen to the advice of a teacher who would be nice to find among experienced teachers.
• With numerous attempts to reproduce a famous song, it must be carefully listened to, memorizing the placement of accents, the duration of individual fragments of the melody. It is useful to divide the work into semantic parts and learn the whole composition from them.
• If your digital piano has a display, it may have a function such as directions for correct hand and finger positioning on each key.... It helps a lot to master the initial skills of playing the instrument. It is not necessary to limit your searches to one style, because digital technology has a large supply of different tonalities and sound effects.
• Persistent and daily practice for at least 30 minutes will help to develop an automatic keyboard feel, in which your fingers will find the desired positions on their own. In order not to be disappointed at the very beginning, it is necessary to gradually complicate the tasks, starting with simple exercises for the first grade of a music school. You can connect headphones to the instrument if you want to protect others from the first awkward experiences and repetitive rehearsals. An important feature of digital pianos is the ability to record your performance and listen to it on a computer in order to better appreciate all the advantages, as well as to find places that require additional work.

Roland's digital piano is compact and easy to play and rehearse in any environment. It was especially appreciated by street musicians, as it weighs only 4 kg and can be autonomously powered by 6 AA batteries. You can even play the accompaniment recorded on a smartphone with it, but there are people who are dissatisfied with the primitive mechanics of the keyboard. The main trump card of the synthesizers of the company Yamaha has always been high quality sound.

There is a reverb and a traditional set of sound effects, a mode of splitting the entire keyboard for playing different parts of other instruments with different hands. You can also play when the mode is on, where another virtual recording is overdubbed onto the live piano part. Casio's digital instrument delights many users with many additional options. Various keys can be used to play drums or accompany your musical performances with birdsong.