Being a musician is a lot of fun, but it can also be expensive. It is even more challenging if you choose to learn how to play the piano or keyboard. It is an instrument that can’t be carried around like other musical devices. Pianos are also one of the most expensive musical instruments to buy. They can cost up to thousands of dollars even if you decide to buy a second-hand piano. Buying this type of instrument is never easy, especially if you are just learning about them for the first time. For this reason, when choosing to purchase pianos or keyboards, one must know what to look for to avoid costly mistakes. Therefore, in this article, we will outline a list of the most common mistakes you must avoid when buying a piano or keyboard.
The Difference Between Digital Piano and Electronic Keyboard
A lot of people confuse the two. One common reason for this is that they both produce sound and are played using keys. However, there are notable differences in their design, size, weight, price, and overall usage. As you can read in any online guide to digital pianos, they produce the sound through electrical pickups under each key called “hammer action.” This also applies to when playing an acoustic piano with pedals plugged into outlets that produce the same effect as the pickups on a digital piano.
Electronic keyboards usually do not have hammer action and use an electronic mechanism to play sounds. The latter is usually much lighter than pianos and has fewer keys than most pianos (usually 49 or 61). It doesn’t take long for an experienced piano or keyboard player to notice the difference, however, if you are just starting, it is easy to confuse the two instruments, so make sure you consult with a professional before making a purchase.
Choosing The Wrong Size
The size of a piano or keyboard is determined by its number of keys. There will be 88 keys on a full-sized piano and 49 for an electronic keyboard. If you are just starting, it is recommended to get an electronic keyboard or one with at least 61 keys. You can also go for the larger version if you want more keys to play around with while using your instrument especially when you will use them for songs that require complicated chord progressions where each key makes up a different chord. It’s not advisable to purchase large instruments such as grand pianos unless you plan to do some serious practicing or performing in front of live audiences because they take too much effort and time to maintain due to their heavyweight and complex design. Purchasing a smaller piano or keyboard can suffice.
Picking The Wrong Make And Brand
This is another common mistake made by many first-time buyers of pianos and keyboards. It is best to consult with experienced players before purchasing an instrument, especially if you have a little background knowledge about the different brands in the market. Experienced players will recommend starting with products from reputable manufacturers such as Yamaha, Casio, Roland, Korg, Kawai, and Suzuki because they are known for producing high-quality instruments at all price points. Unfortunately for beginners shopping around for prices without guidance might lead to choosing instruments that are not suitable to their playing level due to lower quality sound produced by cheaper models.
Buying Unbranded Pianos And Keyboards
There are many instruments on the market that carry unfamiliar brand names. This does not automatically mean that these pianos and keyboards are of poor quality, however, it is a good idea to consult with experienced piano players before purchasing them. It is important to note that some brands do produce higher-quality instruments than others even though they may be more expensive. Buying an instrument online without prior research is also a bad idea as doing so might lead to buying an inferior model from unknown manufacturers, which will only result in wasting money due to its low quality.
Additionally, there have been instances where consumers have bought cheaper models from rogue sellers only for them to turn being stolen or counterfeit products. It is advisable to avoid any deals that are too good to be true because they probably are.
Spending Too Much On Accessories And Add-Ons
When purchasing a piano or keyboard it is important to not get distracted by accessories or add-ons that might seem necessary for your playing habits. These include stool samples, music racks, headphones, pedals, key covers, and other items you can safely do without. These will usually cost extra money and most beginners don’t need them in the beginning stages of learning how to play. Most beginner players will only need a few basic functions to practice and play at a lower level in their early stages before focusing more on advancing their skills and enhancing their playing experience. However, if you are purchasing a used piano or keyboard, such add-ons might already be included with the product so it is best to check before purchasing.
Not Considering The Acoustic Piano
In the modern world, electric pianos have become increasingly popular because they are cheaper and lighter to carry around compared to acoustic models. However, there is still something special about playing acoustic pianos that makes them stand out from other models. If you can, try and play an acoustic piano before buying one to see if its sound and weight are something that will be easy for you to handle and carry around. Some people find the overtones produced by electronic instruments more annoying than the rich acoustics of acoustic pianos so it would be best to experience both kinds before investing in your new instrument.
Forgetting To Check The Pedals
When playing a piano or keyboard, it is important to make sure the pedals are working properly. This is one of the most underrated features in many pianos and keyboards today but these simple mechanisms can make a huge difference in your music. Most beginners don’t realize how much they will need to use the pedals as their playing skills advance which is why it is necessary to make sure your instrument has good ones before purchasing. While all pedals might not be the same, some basic standards should be checked such as how much tension they have and if the pedals can sustain long notes or chords. Many people find that spending more money on an instrument with better pedals is worthwhile because it makes their playing experience more enjoyable.
When investing in a new instrument, it is important to do your research and not be hasty when buying. There are many common mistakes that even seasoned players often commit if they are not careful enough. Keep these things in mind before spending any money on your next piano or keyboard purchase and you will be able to find the perfect instrument for your need with no problem.
