Is an acoustic or digital piano better for teaching one’s children and entertaining friends at home?
Entertaining October 19th, 2008
BeachPerson asked:
I have a newish East German baby grand that I inherited and don’t love and a 1965 Baldwin Acrosonic that needs restoration and has a small gouge in the cabinet, but that I have loved for years. I am debating whether I should sell the grand and restore the spinet, or sell both and buy a new acoustic or a new digital piano. I have two young boys that I would like to introduce to the piano, and I like to play and sing to entertain myself, family and friends. Any advice?
I have a newish East German baby grand that I inherited and don’t love and a 1965 Baldwin Acrosonic that needs restoration and has a small gouge in the cabinet, but that I have loved for years. I am debating whether I should sell the grand and restore the spinet, or sell both and buy a new acoustic or a new digital piano. I have two young boys that I would like to introduce to the piano, and I like to play and sing to entertain myself, family and friends. Any advice?
October 22nd, 2008 at 1:40 pm
The problem with a digital/electric piano is you need a superb sound system to adequately reproduce convincing piano sounds. Unless your going to buy and assemble a live sound system, i would stay with the acoustic.
October 22nd, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Here is my suggestion. I would definitely get rid of the baby grand, since you are not in love with it. I would keep the Baldwin Acrosonic, since you do love it. Actually it’s not a bad piano, and the Acrosonics I’ve seen have been very durable. Yet if you sold it in its current condition, you would be lucky to get $100 for it.
I would also suggest purchasing a digital piano. If you are willing to dish out $2,000 or more, you can get one that will suit you nicely. You can get a lot more features out of a digital piano than on an acoustic. This is a great benefit for teaching your children and entertaining friends. Many digital pianos have learning tools that are great for beginners. Some even have very realistic one touch chord accompaniments that are simple enough for a novice to sound great.
Keep in mind that no digital piano will sound exactly like an acoustic piano, but many are very close. I think that Roland digital pianos are the most “authentic.” If you do go shopping for one, just try to play as many models as possible. Find one that has the feel, sound, and features that you would want.