Digital pianoforte: description, review, specs, manufacturers, reviews

Today, along with conventional acoustic pianos, their electronic analogues are very popular. They stand, of course, much more, but any digital piano has its pluses and minuses. Now we will dwell on the basic understanding of what such tools represent, and at the same time we will consider some of the most popular models.

What is digital pianoforte?

Instruments of this type appeared on the world market a long time ago. This was due to the fact that in most cases the then synthesizers were equipped with a soft keyboard that could not compete with the piano mechanism to transfer all the subtleties of the sound of the acoustic instrument.

On the other hand, the synthesized sound from the standard General MIDI set was completely different from what you could get from a real piano or grand piano. The first digital piano, according to history, was created in the 30s of the last century by Harold Rhodes. However, such tools have become most widespread by the 90s.

What is the difference between a digital piano and a synthesizer?

As already mentioned, the synthesizers of many musicians did not suit the keyboard. It was to create a full-sized weighted keyboard and the main efforts of almost all manufacturers of this type of equipment were directed.

In this case, you need to take into account the moment that a conventional piano has a hammer mechanism, and the sound is extracted by hammering the strings. Actually, the main task was the problem of how to create an electronic instrument in such a way that it exactly repeats the mechanics of an ordinary grand piano, but at the same time it allowed to reproduce all the subtleties of the game and had an absolutely indistinguishable sound.

I must say that such efforts eventually succeeded, and today you can find quite a few serious models that are not inferior in quality to "live" tools. However, we can immediately note the most important drawback of absolutely all models. The fact is that the electronic pianos, by virtue of their design, are equipped with speakers through which we actually hear the reproduced sound, while the real instrument is acoustic, that is, we perceive the sound immediately after the hammer strikes the string. However, in different rooms and the sound is different, depending on the vibrations of the string, resonance, etc. But modern digitized sampling solutions compensate for this with interest, because many instruments combine the capabilities of a conventional piano and synthesizers with a huge number of timbres and superimposed in real Time effects.

Classification of digital pianos

In terms of classification, it is possible to divide tools to match the professional bar (entry-level, training tools, semi-professional and professional models), by the type of keyboard used (with or without a hammer mechanism), by the availability of additional banks of sounds or effects, by availability Sequencer with the ability to record the parts played, as well as the type of performance (desktop or floor) or the type of outputs and interfaces through which the instruments can be connected to the sound reinforcement Her technique or computer.

Now, we will dwell in more detail on several models from the most famous manufacturers of such equipment. Immediately make a reservation: only models with 88 full-sized weighted keys responding to the force of pressing will be considered. In addition, the question of what kind of digital piano is preferable will be considered. Price, reviews and key features will also not be left without attention.

Yamaha

Let's start with a simple model, perhaps. This is a digital piano Yamaha P95. This tool of desktop type refers to the initial level, its price is about 23 thousand rubles. Among the main advantages is the use of Graded Hammer Standard technology, which, when using a special microprocessor chip, simulates a different force of pressing the keys in different octaves (lower ones require more force than in the upper ones).

The same technology is responsible for the possibility of adjusting the resistance of the keys to pressing. Judging by the opinions of many teachers of music schools, this can be useful in the case when a young child learns to play piano. Over time, the setting can be changed in the direction of emulation of the real keyboard.

More serious models are the Yamaha DGX series. They come with a fairly large bank of sounds and effects, and are also equipped with a sequencer to record their own compositions. The cost of one of the most popular models of this class Yamaha DGX 650 fluctuates around 76-77 thousand rubles.

Even more advanced models are the Yamaha CVP601 and Yamaha YDP-142C. This is already full-fledged floor-type instruments with three pedals, like a real grand piano. They are presented with a hammer-type keyboard, and the sound is practically indistinguishable from the present.

In addition, the instruments have their own bank of sounds and effects, 128-voice polyphony, the ability to record their own compositions and an LCD screen for monitoring parameters. The cost of such models is quite high and starts somewhere from 200 thousand rubles.

Roland

The company Roland - one of the leaders in the market of keyboard instruments. In their line you can find tools for every taste. So, for example, you can especially highlight two tools - Roland RD-300NX and Roland RP-301RW.

The first tool refers to the desktop type, has a built-in sound bank for 200 tones, effects (90 pcs.), A built-in sequencer and the presence of auto accompaniment. This model when buying will cost somewhere in the 120-125 thousand rubles.

The second modification is a real digital piano of a floor type with three pedals. Its main feature is the ability to record up to 600 thousand notes in the memory of the device. Polyphony - 128 votes. As for the cost, it is in the range of 75-80 thousand rubles.

Casio

Casio does not focus on high-end synthesizers and workstations, but the Casio digital piano is not just a tool, it's even a work of art with a natural, incomparable sound. Among these products, you can find both entry-level tools and the full semblance of a real piano.

First, let's look at the digital piano Privia PX-350. In general, it's quite a simple tool from the entire line. Particularly he can not boast of anything, but to learn the game on a real instrument or for use as a MIDI keyboard will do very well.

More interesting models are the Casio PX-850 and the digital piano Casio Celviano AP-650BK. In both cases we have a floor type instrument with three pedals. The first model is interesting in that it has a special function of acoustic resonance, which gives the instrument exactly that natural sound that is appreciated by connoisseurs. On such a digital piano Casio price fluctuates around 67-69 thousand rubles.

The second instrument (Celviano) is distinguished by 256-voice polyphony, the presence of 240 timbres, accompaniment in the form of 1802 styles, a wide range of settings for resonance characteristics, but most importantly - powerful acoustics (60 watts per speaker). If the PX-850 is better to use at home, then Celviano is suitable even for small concert halls and grounds. In terms of price it is somewhere around 97-100 thousand rubles. The younger model AP-420 will cost about 45 thousand rubles.

Korg

Another famous keyboard manufacturer is Korg. The company is mainly focused on the production of professional workstations, but here you can also find digital pianos such as Korg LP-380WH.

This floor type instrument is of interest in terms of using a hammer keyboard with the Real Weighted Hammer Action mechanics, that is, it is on this instrument that you can play all the nuances of the game, as on an ordinary piano. In addition, there is a special function Stereo Piano System, which allows you to achieve an unparalleled effect of stereo widening. There is such an instrument in the region of 100 thousand rubles.

Kurzweil

Another not less famous manufacturer of professional workstations, the company Kurzweil, did not disregard the digital pianos.

For example, the full-fledged digital piano of the outdoor type Kurzweil MP-10, which has in its arsenal not only a solid set of timbres, 78 styles of accompaniment and a complete imitation of real piano mechanics by the keyboard, but also 9 tracks for recording, as well as a very powerful sound.

Digital Workstations

Finally I want to say a few words about workstations. Among the most interesting models can be identified, say, Yamaha Motif, Korg Triton, Korg Trinity, Roland Fantom, Kurzweil PC3X and many others.

As it is already clear, these are professional tools of the highest class, so they are inexpensive. By the way, although they belong to the class of workstations (Workstation), nevertheless they can also be called digital pianos, but only with maximally expanded capabilities.

Conclusion

Now it's probably clear what a digital piano is. Comments from professional musicians, teachers and even parents suggest that you can use unpretentious models for training, though, it is desirable - floor type (especially for children). In addition, sometimes it is advisable to choose those models that are equipped with an output for connecting headphones (and the child will be able to play, and parents will stay in silence). However, for serious musicians semi-professional or professional models are better suited, but everything depends on how the musician is prepared and where he is going to use some particular instrument.