Electric Piano and Keyboard
There are differences between an electric piano and a keyboard. Electric piano aims to be more closely similar to an acoustic piano, therefore all keys are weighted (feels heavy to depress), and it takes sound sample from a real acoustic piano, normally a grand piano. Whereas, keyboards are usually lighter in the touch (despite some of the keyboards having weighted keys), and lighter in the weight making it more portable than an electric piano. Most keyboards feature more choice of synthetic sounds and rhythms. Although these electric instruments are often intertwined in meaning, we should think that they are very different instruments; the method of how to play are different as well. Here are some features both of the instruments share:
Characteristics of an Electric Piano and Keyboard
● Unlike acoustic pianos (wooden upright pianos and grand pianos), this needs an electric source
● Sound of the piano, which is recorded from the real piano, is coming out from a speaker, not from a piano-like action
● Generally, far smaller in depth and height than an acoustic upright piano
● Unlike acoustic pianos, there is no need of tuning
Pros and Cons of Electric Piano and Keyboard
Pros:
- Smaller floor space required compared to an upright piano and grand piano. And lighter in the weight compared with both upright piano and grand piano.
- Usually cheaper than any acoustic pianos, so a popular choice for a beginner.
- It can be very quiet by adjusting the main volume, or it can be used with a head phone, so no need to worry about noise to neighbours.
- There usually is a function to change the piano sound to other instruments, such as organ, guitar, violin and so on, so it can be fun for children or a beginner.
- Metronome is already inputted.
Cons:
- Need an electric source.
- Although technological advances have developed, playing touch, dynamics sensitivity and expression sensitivity are still not as good as (or even close to) a real acoustic piano.
- Life span of 10-15 years (acoustic pianos can survive more than 100 years with a regular maintenance).
- Environmentally unfriendly - Disposal problem: cannot be recycled, unlike most acoustic pianos which are primarily made of natural materials.