An electric piano functions electro-mechanically. It produces sound mechanically before turning it into an electronic signal using a pickup. It is different from an electronic piano, as some of its physical components are required to move to produce the electronic signal.
Invented in the 1920s, the electric piano became most popular between the 1960s and 1970s. It was used to replace the large and heavy piano that took up a lot of space when used on stage. Today, it is commonly used in homes and schools as an alternative to a grand or acoustic piano.
Types of Electric Pianos
Kinds of Electric Pianos include the following:
Home electric piano
A home electric piano is designed for home and school use.
It is used for learning the basic concepts of piano playing and practicing musical pieces.
It provides a rich and realistic grand piano sound.
It has excellent damper resonance.
It usually has a compact hammer-action keyboard that provides varied touch resistance.
It usually comes with three pedals, a sliding cover, a cabinet, and a matching bench.
It can have a built-in metronome.
It has a sturdy base that provides a secure and semi-permanent placement in a particular area or room.
Stage electric piano
A stage electric piano is specifically designed for stage use such as in music halls, concert venues, and churches.
It is lighter and more compact than the home electric piano.
It is a portable instrument.
It features a high-quality and durable construction.
It is made with sturdy stands instead of a wide, built-in base.
It usually has a compact hammer-action keyboard that provides varied touch resistance.
It can have a built-in metronome.
It can be made with a modulation wheel and a pitch stick.
It is available with an 88-note or 76-note keyboard.
Choosing Electric Pianos (Buying tips)
Graded hammer effect: To make your electric piano work like a traditional grand piano, choose one made with the graded hammer effect featuring light keys for high registers and heavy keys for bass registers.
Key weight: To get the sound of an acoustic piano, choose an electric piano with keys that weigh the same as those in an acoustic piano.
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