Your child might have taken an interest in the piano when he watched a musical performance at his school. If you want to support your child in playing the piano, then you would eventually have to invest in his equipment. It is to ensure that he would be able to learn properly how to play the piano. However, if you do not have a musical background, it may be difficult to choose among the many pianos for sale in Singapore.
Piano for Kids: A Choosing Guide
Before jumping right into shopping, take some time to do some research first. Check out some blogs and learn what the different types of piano are. To make it easier, just narrow down the choices that are suitable for children.
In Singapore, pianos for sale are often divided into two:
- Acoustic
The acoustic piano is the traditional piano. It is what you always see in classic musical shows in which it is made of a wooden exterior with strings and hammers. In simple terms, it is a manual instrument. Once you press the keys, the hammers will touch the strings to produce a sound.
Moreover, there are two kinds of acoustic pianos: grand and an upright piano. When doing price comparison for pianos, the grand pianos are typically more expensive because they have a longer and larger frame. Meanwhile, the upright piano is more compact. When it comes to sound quality, the grand piano is better because it has lower inharmonicity. However, this still depends on how the piano was crafted.
- Digital
Digital pianos are modern pianos that make use of recorded sounds. However, these are not only your typical radio-recorded sounds. They are of high-quality, so when you press the keys, it will sound like the actual acoustic piano.
Just like acoustic pianos, digital pianos also have a grand and upright version. What’s more, you could find a portable piano. These types of piano sometimes have an autoplay feature. It is like a self-playing piano where you can see that the keys will move on their own. Your child could use this feature when learning an unfamiliar, complex piece.
If it is too difficult to choose between the two types of piano, then you just remember to consider these three factors:
- Size of the Piano
Since you would have to display the piano in your house, you have to make sure that it will fit. Fortunately, you can find some compact ones like the upright piano.
However, when you start browsing for different pianos for sale, you should not only consider the available space in your house. You should also take into account the number of keys. Usually, piano teachers would recommend a full range, 88-key-piano. It is for your child to try out a wide variety of piano pieces. If you choose to buy a piano with fewer keys, it will only limit your child’s learning progress. Also, you would have to upgrade the piano in the future, and this will cost more.
- Weighted or Unweighted Keys?
Between the two, of course, a piano with weighted keys is better. If your child got used to it, then it would be easier to transition to an electric keyboard. He could play all types of piano at ease.
If you are not sure what a weighted key means, then think of it this way: when you press a key, it should feel slightly heavier. It is a common feature in acoustic pianos. One of the benefits that a child will get from using a weighted piano is that it would help increase their finger strength.
To understand further the different types of key weight in pianos, check this out below:
- For most digital pianos, the keys are usually either weighted or have a hammer action. Both produce a sound and feel that is similar to the keys of an acoustic piano. It is heavier than the keys of cheap keyboards. Between the two, of course, it would be better to choose a piano that has a hammer action. It would be easier for your child to work with unique sounds if you let him play on it. There will be more “dynamics” when he starts playing on an acoustic piano.
- Most often, keyboards only have a “spring action”, and it’s divided into two kinds. The first one is a touch control in which the volume will increase once you try to press harder on the keys. Meanwhile, the other one is a simple touch response.
- Budget
Lastly, you have to consider your budget. You are not sure if your child is only going through a phase. It could also be that he is serious about studying the piano. Because of this, it would be difficult to determine whether you should go all out when you buy a piano.
Sure, you may have to do a price comparison of all the pianos you have been eyeing to buy, but remember not to base your decision only on price. You also do not want to buy a cheap-priced piano that does not have weighted keys. You would only be wasting your money if you do. You should get something that is practical but has basic features. You could ask a piano teacher for some recommendations for some good options.
Get a Quality Piano at Steinway Gallery!
If it is your first time buying a piano for your child, then you should check out Steinway Gallery! Their pianos are made with great craftsmanship, so you can rest assured about the quality of their instruments!