As a professional pianist with 15 years of experience, I have played on countless keyboards and pianos. This experience has given me a discerning ear and a keen understanding of what makes a digital piano stand out. In this guide, I’ll share my top 6 picks, ranging from budget to premium options, and provide detailed reviews based on my personal experiences. Whether you’re a budding pianist or an experienced maestro, this guide will help you make the perfect choice.
Choosing the right digital piano can be an overwhelming task. With the market flooded with countless brands and models, all claiming to be the ‘best’, it’s easy to feel lost and unsure. But worry no more! I’ve taken the guesswork out of the equation and used my years of experience to handpick the top electric digital pianos currently available. In this guide, I’ll give you my honest reviews, detailing each model’s strengths and weaknesses, and providing tips to help you make the best decision
Why You Should Trust Us:
As a professional pianist with over 15 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege to play, test, and review a wide variety of digital pianos, from entry-level to high-end models. This hands-on experience has provided me with a deep understanding of what truly makes a great digital piano, from sound quality and key action to additional features and overall design. You can trust my expertise and my passion for sharing the joy of playing the piano with the world. I’m dedicated to helping you find the perfect instrument to fulfill your piano-playing dreams.
Top 6 Best Electric Digital Pianos
Let’s dive into a detailed review of my top 6 electric digital pianos recommendation for everyone
1. RockJam 61 Key Keyboard Piano With LCD Display Kit: An Affordable Path to Music Mastery
The RockJam 61 Key Keyboard Piano is the perfect entry-level piano for aspiring musicians. It boasts an LCD display, piano stand, bench, headphones, and a power supply. With 100 keyboard sounds, 100 rhythms, and 50 demo songs, it is a fantastic budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on features.
Why I’m Recommending: As an experienced pianist, I understand the importance of a comprehensive, beginner-friendly keyboard. This RockJam model is one of my top picks for anyone looking to start their musical journey. It’s got everything you need in one affordable package – an impressive range of sounds, rhythms, and demo songs.
My Experience: From the moment I set my fingers on the RockJam 61 Key Keyboard, I was pleasantly surprised by its capabilities. The range of sounds and rhythms provided an exciting playground for musical exploration. The piano stand and bench were easy to set up, and the headphones allowed me to practice without disturbing others.
What I Don’t Like: However, the RockJam 61 Key Keyboard isn’t without its shortcomings. One major drawback is that the keys aren’t weighted, which doesn’t replicate the feel of an acoustic piano. This feature might not be necessary for absolute beginners, but as you progress, you’ll want to experience the realistic feel of weighted keys.
2. Alesis Melody 61 Key Keyboard Piano: A Complete Package for Budding Pianists
Product Description: Ideal for beginners, the Alesis Melody 61 Key Keyboard Piano comes with built-in speakers, headphones, a music rest, an adjustable bench, and even a microphone. It offers 300 built-in tones, 300 rhythms, and 40 demo songs, providing an extensive range of options to explore music.
Why I’m Recommending: The Alesis Melody 61 Key Keyboard Piano is a fantastic budget-friendly option for those starting their piano journey. What makes it stand out is the variety of tones and rhythms it offers, plus the added microphone feature, which can be a fun addition for those interested in singing along as they play.
My Experience: When I played the Alesis Melody, I found the variety of tones and rhythms to be intriguing. It was enjoyable to explore the different musical options available. The added microphone was a fun bonus, providing a full music experience.
What I Don’t Like: Despite its many perks, the Alesis Melody falls short in some areas. The keys are unweighted, which might be less satisfying for those who want a traditional piano feel. Additionally, the built-in speakers lack bass, which somewhat limits the sound quality.
3. Best Choice Products 88-Key Full Size Digital Piano: Tailored for the All-Round Pianist
Product Description: This full-size digital piano from Best Choice Products offers a fantastic combination of quality and value. It comes with 88 keys, 10 different voices, built-in speakers, and an accompanying stand and bench. The semi-weighted keys and sustain pedal bring an authentic feel to your playing experience.
Why I’m Recommending: This piano is a superb choice for all experience levels due to its full-sized, semi-weighted keys and a variety of voices. These features allow for a great degree of musical expression, while the stand, bench, and built-in speakers ensure you’re ready to play anywhere, anytime.
My Experience: When I tried the Best Choice Products 88-key piano, I was thrilled with the semi-weighted keys – they provided a closer feel to an acoustic piano than the previous keyboards. The variety of voices allowed me to experiment with different sounds, further enhancing my playing experience.
What I Don’t Like: On the downside, the speakers lack the punch necessary to produce a deep, resonant sound. Also, the semi-weighted keys, although better than non-weighted ones, still don’t match the full weighted keys in terms of giving a realistic piano feel.
4. MUSTAR Digital Piano 88 Weighted Keys: A Delight for Intermediate Pianists
Product Description: The MUSTAR Digital Piano features 88 semi-weighted keys, 64 demo songs, 8 tones, 128 preset rhythms, and two 25W built-in stereo speakers. The USB/MIDI connectivity and Bluetooth function add to its versatility, while the ABS material construction and heavy-duty stand guarantee durability.
Why I’m Recommending: The MUSTAR Digital Piano is an excellent intermediate option. The semi-weighted keys, ample selection of tones and rhythms, and solid connectivity features make this a versatile option for budding musicians.
My Experience: Playing the MUSTAR Digital Piano was a treat. The semi-weighted keys provided a touch-sensitive response, and the diverse selection of sounds and rhythms sparked creativity. The connectivity features allowed me to integrate the piano with other devices for an enriched experience.
What I Don’t Like: Despite the impressive features, the MUSTAR Digital Piano’s build quality could use some improvement. The ABS material, although durable, doesn’t exude the same premium feel as other materials. Additionally, the semi-weighted keys may not satisfy players seeking the authentic touch of fully-weighted keys.
5. ROLAND FP-90X Portable Digital Piano: Premium Features in a Portable Design
Product Description: The ROLAND FP-90X is a premium portable digital piano. It boasts the brand’s proprietary PureAcoustic Piano Modeling sound engine and PHA-50 hybrid keyboard for a rich and expressive sound experience. This model also offers a built-in powerful amplifier and stereo speakers.
Why I’m Recommending: If you’re looking for a premium portable digital piano, the ROLAND FP-90X is the top pick. Its advanced features and powerful amplification system provide a superior sound, while the PHA-50 hybrid keyboard offers a comfortable and realistic playing experience.
My Experience: The sound quality of the ROLAND FP-90X left me impressed. The combination of the PureAcoustic Piano Modeling engine and the onboard speakers delivered a rich and deep tone. Additionally, the PHA-50 hybrid keyboard felt great under my fingers, striking a balance between the tactile response of wooden keys and the durability of modern materials.
What I Don’t Like: While the ROLAND FP-90X is packed with high-quality features, its hefty weight due to the built-in speakers makes it less portable than I would like. This limits its usefulness for musicians who need to move their instrument frequently.
6. Roland RD-2000 Premium 88-key Digital Stage Piano: A Beast on Stage and in the Studio
Product Description: The Roland RD-2000 is a high-end digital stage piano. It features two independent sound engines and PHA-50 keyboard with hybrid wood and molded construction. It also offers eight fully assignable zones for combining internal sounds and external sources, promising limitless creativity.
Why I’m Recommending: I wholeheartedly recommend the RD-2000 for its superb sound quality and advanced control features. Whether on stage or in a studio setting, this premium piano offers unparalleled performance, thanks to its two independent sound engines and highly customizable sound zones.
My Experience: Playing the Roland RD-2000 was an exhilarating experience. The two sound engines offered an impressive range of tonal possibilities, while the hybrid keyboard delivered a responsive and satisfying touch. The ability to mix and match internal and external sounds opened a world of creative potential.
What I Don’t Like: Despite its top-tier features, the Roland RD-2000 comes with a steep learning curve. The plethora of controls and settings can be overwhelming for less experienced pianists. Also, the price may be a deterrent for some, as this premium model is one of the pricier options on the market.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Electric Digital Piano
Selecting the perfect digital piano can seem like a daunting task given the multitude of options available. Here are some key aspects to consider before making a purchase:
- Key Action and Touch Response: A digital piano with weighted keys and touch sensitivity offers an experience closest to playing an acoustic piano.
- Sound Quality: High-quality digital pianos often use advanced sound technologies like sound sampling or modeling to emulate the sound of acoustic pianos. Also, consider the quality and power of the built-in speakers.
- Number of Keys: A full-size piano has 88 keys, but for beginners, a piano with fewer keys like 61 or 76 might suffice.
- Additional Features: MIDI/USB connectivity, Bluetooth, recording capabilities, and a variety of instrument voices are useful features to look for.
- Budget: Digital pianos can vary greatly in price. Decide your budget and try to find the best piano that fits within that range.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a digital piano better than an acoustic piano?
Digital pianos and acoustic pianos serve different purposes. For portability, volume control, and a variety of sounds, a digital piano is better. However, for a rich, authentic sound and feel, an acoustic piano is unbeatable.
2. Is a 61-key digital piano enough for beginners?
Yes, a 61-key digital piano is sufficient for beginners. As they progress, they may want to upgrade to an 88-key digital piano to access the full range of notes.
3. Can I learn piano on a digital piano?
Absolutely. Many digital pianos come with education features that make them great learning tools.
4. How long do digital pianos last?
High-quality digital pianos can last for decades with proper care and maintenance.
5. Are digital pianos good for professional pianists?
Yes, many professional pianists use digital pianos for their versatility, portability, and the variety of sounds they offer.
Remember, the best electric digital piano for you will largely depend on your personal needs and preferences. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pianist, there’s a perfect digital piano out there for you. Happy playing!