The Score Magazine April 2023 issue ft Nikhil Chinapa & Gaurav Mashruwala on VH1 Supersonic The Score Magazine April 2023 issue | Page 27

What is a digital piano ?
A digital piano typically has 88 weighted keys . That means they are heavier keys , harder than those of a standard digital keyboard , emulating the touch response of an acoustic piano . As a general rule , domestic type keyboards , keyboards with accompaniments and synthesizers or workstations usually have a “ lighter ” key , softer when playing . However , the key on digital pianos offers more resistance , which is very important in developing finger strength and dexterity . Even in some models of slightly higher rang es , we can find what is called “ progressive action ”, which means that the low keys offer more resistance to touch than the high ones , something that also occurs in acoustic pianos .
The vast majority of today ’ s digital pianos feature MIDI and Bluetooth connectivity and are available in a variety of styles : portable , cabinet , one - pedal , three - pedal , minimalist - look , vintage - style , and more .
What should we take into account when choosing a digital piano ?
One of the first questions we have to ask ourselves when buying a digital piano is : Do I need it to be portable ? Am I going to transport it regularly to classes or rehearsal ? Or , on the contrary ... Are you not going to move from home ?
If the latter is the case , that is , if we are looking for a piano to install in a room in our house , and it will never move from there , there are a wide variety of options . We can highlight the Korg C1 Air BK as one of the best sellers for its price and quality , with a more modern and minimalist design ; or in a more classic format , the Casio Celviano AP - 470 , with an appearance more similar to that of a wall piano . In both cases , we have very similar features : 88 keys , built - In speakers , pedal board with 3 pedals , keyboard cover , etc .
Generally , “ contemporary ” type pianos ( with cabinets and a more classic look ) come standard with all three pedals . In the case of portable or stage pianos , a single pedal is usually included , which will behave like the sustain pedal of an acoustic piano ( the one on the right ). If you are wondering about piano pedals , don ’ t worry , we ’ ve got you covered .
The pedal on the right is the sustain or resonance pedal . It is an essential pedal for playing the piano . When depressed , notes remain sounding until they die out naturally or the pedal is released .
The left pedal , called a “ unicord ” or mute , makes the sound softer when you step on it . On acoustic pianos , almost every note makes its sound by striking three strings simultaneously . When the left pedal is depressed , only two strings are struck by the hammer , producing a duller , softer sound ( hence the name “ mute ”).
Finally , the central pedal , called “ sostenuto ”, is perhaps the least used . When you step on it , only the notes that were pressed at the time of activation will continue to sound . However , unlike the sustain pedal , any notes you press afterward will sound normally and not be sustained .
Speaking of stage pianos , portable keyboards with piano touch are often referred to in this way , which generally do not have a stand or include furniture . They have almost all the characteristics in common with the most classic digital pianos : a keyboard with weighted action , a bank of sounds mainly based on acoustic and electric pianos , and some complementary sounds , option of three pedals ( although they usually include only the sustain pedal ), etc . They are usually combined with a folding stand . In this case , and given the weight they usually have due to the mechanics of the key , it is advisable to use a support that is robust enough to support the piano .
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