Digital pianos have made considerable advances in recent years, making their high-quality sound and relatively low cost a great alternative to acoustic pianos for many players.
The weighted digital pianos offer a wide range of functions and features and are available in a variety of designs. They are well suited for beginners and professional players alike. These pianos are feature-rich to give you an excellent experience and help you sharpen your skills.
Read on to get a broader insight into the best weighted digital piano.
Best weighted digital piano – Top 3 on the market
Why do you need to buy a weighted digital piano?
Are you undecided about the weighted digital piano? Below are some reasons why you need to buy a weighted digital piano.
– Convenience and Portability
Weighted digital pianos have a compact design and are much lighter than acoustic pianos. Some are also designed for stage performance, so you carry them in your vehicle to and from your destination.
– Volume/Versatility
The volume of weighted pianos is controllable over a wide range. Also, quiet practice is possible with headphones on most of the models.
These pianos have extensive built-in sound sets that allow you to add drums, brass, woodwinds easily and other sounds to the performance.
– Recording Capability
Most of the weighted digital pianos allow players to record their performance. That is particularly advantageous to beginners who would want to track their progress.
The recording and sequencing capabilities are also important when you intend to create your songs.
– Connectivity
Most of the weighted digital pianos have enabled MIDI connectivity that allows you to connect to your computer and recording equipment.
Moreover, most of them have USB ports for connections to audio gear, while some have flash memory cards so you can transfer music to other computers and devices.
– Teaching and Learning Tools
The electronic pianos that are specifically designed for beginners often include some built-in lessons, metronomes, cote/chord displays, and access to online resources.
Some come with dual headphone jacks and dual-mode to allow the teacher and student to work together silently.
Reviews of the 6 best weighted digital pianos
#1. Best value – Casio Privia PX-870 Digital Piano
Brilliant features
- Powerful 4-speaker system.
- The adjustable touch sensitivity and hammer response allow customization to suit any playing style.
- The duet mode allows teachers and students to sit at the same instrument.
- There are two headphones jacks on the front panel for quiet practice.
Watch out for
- High end.
Casio Privia PX-870 Digital piano is well worth the price. It comes as a complete bundle from Austin Bazaar that includes a furniture-style bench, an instructional DVD, instructional book, online lessons, and a polishing cloth- everything you need to get you started.
This unit has a stylish modern design with an authentic piano sound. It is well designed to give you a real grand piano experience.
Also, it comes with a new and powerful sound projection speaker system making it a brilliant instrument for inspiring brilliant performances. You can use the polishing cloth to wipe clean your piano once you are done using it. The instructional book and DVD can be used between classes to keep you informed.
Additionally, this weighted piano is packed with convenient features useful in a lesson studio, at home, or virtually anywhere else.
There are two jacks on the front panel that you can connect with two sets of headphones, so it is ideal for quiet practice.
Furthermore, this piano has a dual mode that works to split the piano into two equal pitch ranges allowing a teacher and student to sit at the same instrument.
#2. Best Rated – Yamaha P-125 Digital Piano
Brilliant features
- The improved 2-way speaker system
- The split mode lets you play a different Voice with each hand.
- The GHS weighted action makes this piano sound like an acoustic one.
- The pure CF sound engine allows for incredibly dynamic and expressive playing.
- The Smart Pianist app for IOS helps you control the functions of the piano and practice your music.
- The USB to HOST connectivity with MIDI and audio transfer means you only need one cable to connect to your music-making software.
Watch out for
- Some customers may not like the X-shape stand
Yamaha P-125 Digital piano comes as a full package with all you will need. It is reviewed as the most approachable and user-friendly digital piano for all with its simplicity.
This unit is ideal for beginners and intermediate players alike and delivers a perfect tone and touch for their repertoire. This piano is conveniently portable, so you can take it with you to the coffee-house gigs and back to your place.
The package includes a bundle that comes with an adjustable bench and stands among other accessories to get you started.
The sustain pedal that is included in the package complements this piano. Moreover, with this bundle comes a two-month subscription to live instructor-led online lessons.
Furthermore, this piano comes with a newly improved 2-way speaker system that works to produce an expansive piano sound in both downward and upward directions. That creates a rich stereo sound similar to that of an acoustic piano.
It is compatible with IOS, and you can use the Smart Pianist app to practice and perform your music and control the functions of the piano.
And finally, when you are done playing, you can wipe your piano with the included Austin Bazaar polishing cloth and cover it with the included dust cover.
#3. Best with MIDI connection – Ronald F-140R Console Piano
Brilliant features
- It can perfectly fit in small apartments.
- The onboard recording helps you improve your playing and composition.
- This piano delivers the rich and authentic tone of a real acoustic grand piano.
- You can connect your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth technology to turn the sheet music pages wirelessly.
- The PHA-4 Standard keyboard features high-resolution sensing that maximizes the supernatural piano sound engine’s vast tonal potential.
Watch out for
- It does not come with headphones.
Ronald F-140R is built for modern life with its elegant look. It has a compact and contemporary design making it perfect for smaller apartments.
You can count on it for an authentic, expressive piano tone at an affordable price. It comes with built-in stereo speakers that project rich, full-sound, with the Headphones 3D Ambience effect completely immerses you in your performance during your private practice.
There are also onboard rhythm accompaniments that make your playing more fun and give you the control of a backing band that automatically follows the chord you play.
Another thing is, this piano enables Bluetooth connectivity, which you can use with music score apps. The USB port allows you to hook up to your computer.
Furthermore, this piano can help you improve your playing and composition thanks to the onboard recording. The package is inclusive of free online piano lessons for up to three months.
You get access to hundreds of songs and interactive courses anytime on your smartphone, computer, or tablet. This piano delivers a premium piano performance with acclaimed sound, technology, and action features.
It also has a unique lid design that closes to completely cover the keyboard to provide a low-profile appearance when it is not in use.
#4. Best for beginners – Korg B1SP 88 Keys Digital Piano
Brilliant features
- Full-range speakers
- KORG’s NH keyboard action
- KORG’s servo-assisted MFB technology
- The keyboard action delivers a heavier touch in the lower registers.
- This unit is compact and cost-effective, ideal for practice, stage, and home.
- The streamlined design delivers an authentic touch, superior sound, and ease of use.
Watch out for
- The bench is sold separately.
You can never go wrong with the Korg B1SP 88 Keys digital piano. This compact piano comes with a stand as well as a 3-pedal unit. It is also cost-effective and, therefore, an excellent choice for practice, stage, or home.
Moreover, this unit is ideal for beginners. You can count on it to achieve a deep rich tone similar to that of an acoustic piano thanks to the KORG’s servo-assisted MFB technology, passive radiator, and a pair of full-range speakers.
These elements work together to reproduce the rich and resonant tones with particular attention paid to the low-frequency range.
What’s more is, this weighted digital piano comes with a speaker system equipped with an active servo that controls the speaker cone to allow the reproduction of low frequencies with minimal distortion. That helps to achieve an ideal frequency response and reproduces lower frequencies accurately.
#5. Best with 15 voices – Kawai KDP110 weighted piano
Brilliant features
- Responsive hammer compact II action.
- Built-in Alfred piano lessons.
- This piano has a small footprint and an attractive finish for home use.
- The harmonic imaging technology and 192-note polyphony deliver impeccable grand piano sound.
- The responsive hammer compact II keyboard action gives you the feel of a real acoustic piano.
Watch out for
- Pricey.
Kawai KDP110 Digital home piano is highly recommended. If you are looking for a digital piano for your home, and performance and value are your top priority, this unit is the best choice.
It has an attractive finish and a trim footprint to complement any room in your house. Moreover, this piano has a responsive hammer compact II Keyboard action, which gives you the feel of a real acoustic piano.
Another thing is, this digital home piano comes with included features such as dual and four-hand modes to enable more players.
The harmonic imaging technology works together with the 192-note polyphony to deliver an impeccable grand piano sound.
#6. Best portable – Yamaha P115 88-key weighted keyboard
Brilliant features
- The GHS weighted 88-key action makes this piano sound like an acoustic piano.
- The pure CF sound engine reproduces the tone of a meticulously sampled concert grand piano.
- IOS devices’ controller app adds a rich, graphic user interface allowing for quick and easy navigation and configuration.
- There are built-in rhythms for performance or practice.
Watch out for
- No Bluetooth connectivity
Yamaha P115 88-Key Digital Piano gives you the expression your performance deserves. This piano is equipped with a pure CF sound engine, one of the industry-leading piano technology.
Moreover, this piano has a graded hammer standard weighted action that produces a heavier touch on the low end and a lighter touch in the high end-, just like an acoustic piano. The GHS action is ideal for an aspiring pianist as it helps them build the proper finger technique.
Furthermore, a free Digital Piano Controller app allows you to control the piano’s functions from your iPad or iPhone for easy operation.
Rhythms, voices, and other settings can be selected while looking at the screen so you can enjoy new functions with ease.
How to choose the best weighted digital piano?
With the range of features and functions, these pianos offer, finding the right weighted digital piano for your purposes can initially seem daunting. Here are a few tips you can use to find the ideal one.
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Your experience/ skill level
For those who are absolute beginners, you are advised to go for a low-cost model that comes with some built-in learning tools, which may suffice until you are ready to step up to the more advanced models.
You can choose to be more selective about touch response and velocity sensitivity for the intermediates and advanced players.
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Portability/storage
If you intend to travel with the piano or store, you need to find light in weight and be broken down easily for storage.
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Accessories
Some models come with included accessories, so you have everything you need to start playing.
For instance, some packages incorporate an Austin Bazaar bundle consisting of an instructional DVD, instructional book, dust cover, cloth, bench, etc. Some come with headphones and others a top lid to cover your piano once you are done.
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Additional features
Some of the pianos come with additional features such as a USB port that allows connection to the PC, headphone jack so you can enjoy the quiet practice. Some have duet modes to enable both the teacher and student to sit at the same instrument.
How many keys on the weighted digital piano?
#1. 88 key weighted digital piano
These are great if your piano will be stationary and kept in one place in your home. This piano is also ideal for those playing jazz, classical, or any other challenging styles.
They come with a full set of hammer-action 88 fully weighted keys. That means that the size and number of keys are similar to those of an acoustic piano. 88 keys are recommended for those who want to play the classical piano or plan to play the traditional piano.
- Includes the P45 Digital Piano, power adapter, sustain pedal and music rest
- 88 fully weighted piano style keys simulate the feel of an acoustic piano and provide a quality playing experience
- GHS weighted action is heavier in the low end and lighter in the high end, just like an acoustic piano
- Contains 10 different voices, including digitally sampled tones from real Yamaha acoustic grand pianos
- Dual mode lets you combine 2 voices together, like piano and strings, for an inspiring new playing experience. Tuning- 414.8 - 440.0 - 446.8 Hz
#2. 61 key weighted digital piano
If you need a portable option, you may have to sacrifice some keys, which is a way to shed some weight. The 61-key weighted piano can, therefore, be a practical example.
Also, for most of the pop or rock songs, 61 keys are enough. Most keyboards have 61 keys, which are enough to play most of the modern pieces.
They cannot, however, manage the advanced pieces. This piano offers complete portability and has the same notes like that of a full-size keyboard at a shorter range.
- Usb MIDI connectivity
- Built-in carry handle
- Chord an a play app integration, dance music Mode
- 400 tones, 77 rhythms, 60 songs
- LCD display
- Included accessories: Power supply and music rest
#3. 76 key weighted digital piano
These pianos are also great for most rock or pop songs. 76 keys are enough to play most of the modern pieces and not the advanced pieces.
These keyboards are popular and offer the same notes as the full-size 88-key piano, only at a shorter range. This smaller keyboard satisfies the needs of both discerning and recreational professional players.
- 76-Key Graded Soft Touch (GST) keyboard action provides gentle weighting, whilst retaining the soft touch of a digital keyboard
- Advanced Wave Memory Stereo Sampling recreates natural instrument sound in stereo
- The controller App for iOS adds a rich, graphic user interface allowing for quick and easy navigation and configuration
- The USB to Host port allows you to connect and interact with a wide variety of educational and musical creation Apps on a computer or mobile device
- Additional upgrades include 64-note polyphony, a song recorder function, and extended battery life
- Width 1,244mm (49"),Height 105mm (4-1/8"),Depth 259mm (10-3/16")
What are the types of digital piano with weighted keys?
#1. A full weighted digital piano
The full weighted (hammer action) pianos are designed to replicate an acoustic piano’s feel and touch. The manufacturers of these pianos have added a little hammer under each key to recreate the mechanical movement like a real piano. However, not all the hammer action keyboards are the same.
The prices vary significantly from $500 for entry-level pianos to $5000 for high-end pianos. The rule of thumb is that the higher the price, the more sophisticated the hammer system it uses.
If you intend to learn how to play the piano, these types are the best to practice with. They develop proper finger strength and technique. They also make it easy for you to transition to an acoustic piano.
Pros
- The most realistic type of keyboard actions
- Helps develop proper finger strength and technique
- The best choice for piano players
Cons
- More expensive than non-weighted and semi-weighted actions
#2. Semi-weighted digital piano
A semi-weighted action is similar to the synth-action but offers slightly more resistance as well as better control. These pianos make use of the same spring-loaded mechanism.
The action is nothing compared to that of the acoustic piano and is therefore not recommended for wanting to piano playing. Semi-weighted pianos are the middle ground between synth action and full weighted pianos.
Consequently, they are ideal for those who do not want the heavier hammer action feel or continuously switch between non-piano and piano sounds. Many of the semi-weighted keyboards have blocked-end keys that look like regular piano keys.
Pros
- Feels closer to acoustic pianos than non-weighted pianos
- Great for playing the organ and electric piano sounds
- They are relatively light and portable
Cons
- Not really suitable for children
Weighted digital piano vs. non-weighted digital piano
The full weighted (hammer action) pianos replicate the feel and touch of an acoustic piano. They were designed with an added little hammer under each key to recreating the mechanical movement like a real piano.
However, not all the hammer action keyboards are the same. If you intend to learn how to play the piano, these types are the best to practice with. They develop proper finger strength and technique. They also make it easy for you to transition to an acoustic piano.
Non-weighted pianos are the most lightweight action. These pianos are mostly found in synthesizers, organs, entry-level keyboards, and other keyboard-based instruments. They also do not try to mimic the feel of acoustic pianos.
The synth action employs a spring-loaded mechanism. Usually, the keys are small and thin with a light plastic feel. The action is uncomfortable as it’s too quick, feels springy, and lacks resistance.
FAQs
1. What are the weighted keys?
Weighted keys are all about resistance. They are designed to be heavier than the non-weighted keys to play. This design specifically recreated the action of that of an acoustic and grand piano, which they incorporate as part of their playing mechanism.
Moreover, the harder you press, the louder the sampled piano will play, giving a realistic sound and feel.
2. What are semi-weighted keys?
The semi-weighted options are spring-loaded are resemble the keys of synths as well as other non-weighted keyboards. Though, they offer some resistance, which means it does not rebound straight up to its natural position as quickly.
You need to press it a little more firmly to generate sound. These keys are not as realistic as the hammer action but are more true to the feel than other flimsy and cheap non-weighted keyboards.
3. What is hammer action?
This term was generated from the way acoustic pianos often work – they have mini hammers attached near the keys, which provide some resistance when the keys are pressed.
This action differs from other keyboards, which use a spring that works to spring back up after playing each key. Hammer action adds actual mechanical hammers to enhance the response of the piano.
Therefore, Hammer action is a key feature that uses small hammers to trigger notes to re-create the feel of an acoustic piano.
4. Do I need a weighted keyboard or weighted digital piano?
One of the main differences between a weighted keyboard and a weighted piano is the feel of keys. Piano keys tend to have some resistance that results from their mechanical components, including the hammers that strike the strings inside an acoustic piano
. Digital pianos can mimic acoustic models are therefore transitioning from a traditional acoustic piano to a digital piano will be easy.
A weighted keyboard and a weighted digital piano are two different instruments designed with different purposes in mind.
It would be best if you put in mind that whereas all digital pianos can be called digital keyboards, not all keyboards can be called a digital piano. The main difference lies in their purposes – you will prefer one over the other depending on your needs.
- The weighted digital pianos aim to mimic the sound and feel of an acoustic piano. Noticeably, all digital pianos come with a full set of 88 full-weighted, hammer action keys.
- Weighted keyboards, on the other hand, usually have only 61 or 76 semi-weighted or non-weighted keys. Moreover, digital pianos come with over 20 to 30 built-in tones. Their main priority is to give the natural and nuanced sound of an acoustic piano.
Conclusion
Weighted digital pianos are a great alternative to acoustic pianos thanks to their impressive sound quality and cost-effectiveness. They offer other benefits to the users and have, therefore, become very popular among players.
With this article’s knowledge, you can be sure to find the right weighted digital piano for your needs.
