When looking for a digital piano for classical, you have several options. There are plenty of amazing products on the market that anyone can use to practice without the need for an expensive acoustic piano. Use this guide to find a high-quality product to meet your needs.
In a hurry? Here are our top picks..
Before You Buy a Classical Piano For Classical
You have several things to think about before you purchase a classical style digital piano. There are many on the market, but not all of them are suitable for classical style music because they don’t have enough keys. Here is what you should be looking for in a top-quality digital piano.
88 Keys Are Essential
If you’re going to be playing classical style, you need a full range of octaves. You’ll get this with a full 88-key digital piano. You can buy products with fewer keys, but you won’t have the full octave range that you want. This will help you recreate the sounds of any classical song just like you can on an upright acoustic piano. A digital system that has 88 keys allows you complete freedom to play once you want. You will find quite a few systems that have a full set of keys, which is the best option if you want to play classical-style tunes.
Educational Tools
You may also want a digital piano that has educational tools. This would include things such as demo songs, playing guides, online lessons subscriptions, and so on. Quite a few pianos on the market come with a full host of educational tools. You can use a metronome, for example, to help you play songs in time or to work up to higher tempos. You may not necessarily need educational tools, but they are helpful if you are learning how to play classical.
A lot of systems now connect to smartphone apps. Make sure your system supports your device. Some will work with iOS and Android, while others only work with one or the other. Some work all operating systems, so you may want to ensure that your product offers support. You will end up frustrated if the programs don’t work with your device.
Inputs and Outputs
You may want a full range of inputs and outputs. This will be the case if you plan to play live and want to hook up to other equipment. Most digital pianos come with these sorts of connections, but you need to ensure that your piano has the connections that you want. You may not need all the connections at first, but as you progress on your piano, you may make use of more of them.
Most come with the basics that you need such as the ability to hook up to external speakers or a PA system. Not all devices offer headphone jacks, so if you want this, make sure your system supports that.
USB or Bluetooth
Newer digital pianos may have USB connections or Bluetooth. You can use USB to access online lessons, for example, or to download system files for your keyboard when updates are available. A keyboard with Bluetooth hooks up seamlessly to other wireless devices that you might use with your system. Not every system will have these features, but a lot of the newer ones have this type of connection, which eliminates a lot of the wires and cables which can get tangled.
A lot of the newer systems can grow with you. A lot of the programs and software that come with these systems can be upgraded in the future. Download additional content to expand the capabilities of your digital piano. You can start out with the basics, and then add more programs and updates as you get better.
Voices and Sounds
Digital pianos and keyboards can play a lot of different sounds and not just straight acoustic piano sounds. Many of these systems come with a full Bank of different instruments and sound samples you can choose from to improve the quality of outplaying or the help you create your own tracks. You might not use all of these when playing classical style, but they can be helpful. Many systems come with classical-inspired tracks that you can use for practicing. These systems can also recreate the sound of synthesizers, organs, clarinets, cellos, and other instruments.
Price
There is a broad range of price ranges for digital pianos. You’ll have to decide the amount of money that you want to spend. It can be a good idea to spend a little bit more than you intend. You don’t want to buy products that are on the low end because they won’t have the sound that you’re looking for. You want a system that has a good acoustic sound, especially for playing classical-style. You want a system that is capable of producing you this type of tone, and you will not get it on a lower-end system. This does not mean you have to spend thousands of dollars, but you do have to spend a little bit more than you might want to get a quality product.
Best Digital Piano for Classical Music Reviews
1. Alesis Recital Pro – Best for Students
For those that are practicing classical, you might want to have a look at the Alesis Recital Pro. This piano has everything that you need to get started.
This is an 88-key digital piano. It has plenty of educational features to help students learn how to play. The keys themselves are responsive and feel like a regular piano. You get a full-sized 88 Hammer action keyboard. You have two 20 watt speakers built-in so you’ll have enough sound to fill a room. You have an input for a pedal if you prefer. There’s also a stereo headphone output so you can practice in private. Other inputs include stereo inputs for a mixer, amplifier, or a recorder.
To help you practice, you get three months of Skoove Premium which is an online platform for lessons. You will learn all about the piano and how to play classical and other styles by using this service. Other educational tools include recording ability and a built-in metronome. The system allows you to split the 88 keys into two zones. You can have one zone for the student, and the other for the teacher. It is easy to watch each other play so you can learn at a faster rate. The system will also produce sounds of other instruments such as organs, harpsichords, synths, and a lot more. The Alesis Recital Pro has everything that today’s student needs to learn how to play classical and many other styles.
Pros:
- Educational tools and lesson subscription
- Easy to use
- Split keys to help you learn with a teacher
Cons:
- LCD screen is small
- Could use a bit better sound
2. Yamaha P-45 Compact 88-Key – Best Portable Keyboard
For those looking for a portable keyboard, have a look at the Yamaha P-45. This is an 88-key keyboard that has everything you need to sound great.
The keyboard that uses hammer action keys which have a lighter touch in the high-end and they are heavier in the lower end so it feels just like a regular keyboard. You will learn the proper piano technique when you use this digital piano. It uses the Yamaha classic sound engine so we will have an excellent tone it sounds like a regular acoustic piano. It is lightweight and compact so you can take it with you to lessons s it only weighs 25 lbs.
Control of the system is simple and there are no complicated buttons at all. Change your settings with a single button. Many other digital pianos have complex settings, but this one is easy to operate which makes it the ideal choice for beginners. The unit comes with a music rest, adapter, bench, stand, pedal, and monitor headphones, so you’ll save a lot of money since you won’t have to buy all of these accessories. For those looking for an exceptional portable keyboard to take with you for lessons and one that isn’t a hassle to play, the Yamaha P-45 is a solid bargain.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Lots of accessories
Cons:
- May be too simple for some
- Some accessories are not the best
3. Casio Privia PX-160BK – Best for Authentic Tones
For those looking for authentic piano tone, the Casio Privia PX-160BK is a clear winner as it has a lot to offer you.
This product uses the Casio Air engine. This recreates grand piano tones. You will have an exceptional sound that sounds like a regular acoustic instrument. The 88 keys use a scaled tri-sensor a hammer action. This produces an excellent tone and you will feel like you were playing a regular acoustic piano. You get rich tone and excellent sound thanks to an 8-watt speaker system. You can recreate the sounds of electric pianos, grand pianos, harpsichords, and other instruments.
You can use the split in layer feature to play bass in the left hand and then have two layered tones in your right hand. You can use the dual-mode and have your instruments split into ranges that are equal. The teacher and a student can then use the piano simultaneously. you also have a 2 track recorder. You can record your playing and then play it back to see how you are doing. If you want authentic piano tones the Casio Privia PX-160BK is capable of producing them for you.
Pros:
- Excellent acoustic piano tone
- Tri-sensor hammer action for authentic playing
- Simple controls
Cons:
- Some buyers had quality control issues
- Some experienced sticking keys after playing
4. Korg SP280BK 88-Key – Best Grand Piano Tones
If you need grand piano sound if you want an exceptional sound look at the Korg SP-280. This instrument recreates the sound of a concert grand piano.
You can create vintage electric piano sounds with this instrument. The 88 keys are weighted hammer action and they recreate the tones of a regular acoustic piano. It is lightweight so you can take it with you wherever you go. You get stereo audio inputs so you can plug it into external audio sources. The speaker system produces 15 watts so it is loud enough for a small room.
It comes with 30 expressive high-quality sounds. This includes organs, electric piano, grand piano, strings, harpsichord, and other instruments. Use the optional pedal unit to further enhance your playing. it comes with its own stand to stabilize your keyboard. The Korg Sp-280 is the perfect option for anyone that wants to create authentic sounds.
Pros:
- Authentic grand piano sound
- Expression pedal included
- Comes with stand
Cons:
- The stand could be a bit better
- Small control buttons
5. Casio PX-770 BK – Best Traditional Digital Piano
While digital pianos are easy to play, but you lose some of the traditional acoustic piano experiences. That changes with the Casio PX-770 BK Privia which plays and feels like a traditional instrument.
You get 88 hammer action keys with this instrument. The Air engine recreates the sound of grand pianos. You get excellent dynamics and expressiveness when you play this piano. It includes a stereo amplification system so the instrument is clear and Loud while you are playing it. You can use the dual-mode and take the piano and split it into two pitch ranges which are equal. This allows the teacher and the student to sit at the piano at the same.
You can use the concert play feature to play several known orchestral pieces. It is easy to connect to Windows and Macintosh devices as it has USB inputs. You can also connect to Android and iOS devices and use the Chordana Play app which will help you learn various songs. The Casio PX-770 BK Privia sounds amazing and you’ll be playing classical and other styles in no time at all.
Pros:
- Feels like a real acoustic piano
- Sounds amazing
Cons:
- Not portable
- You need the room for it
6. Korg B2SP Digital Piano – Best System with Bundled Software
Software can be helpful when you are learning how to play the piano. Digital systems don’t ship with a lot of software programs. One instrument you might want to pick up is the Korg B2SP does it has a wide range of software programs to help you learn how to play.
This system looks like a traditional piano. It’s easy to put together on the stand and it also comes with pedals for an authentic look. it is an 88-key keyboard and it’s perfect for anyone from beginners to season players. You get a wide range of different piano sounds. You get organs, acoustic, electric, strings, and harpsichord. It is easy to hook the system up to USB. use your smartphone, tablet, or computer to access the software programs.
There are programs such as Skoove which is an online series of lessons. Use the KORG Gadget 2 DAW production app. The DAW app has a piano sound engine and various sounds for you to play around with. When you purchase the Korg B2SP you have everything that you need to start learning how to play piano in the classical style or any style.
Pros:
- Authentic piano sounds
- Comes with pedals and a stand
Cons:
- Not portable
- Could use more voices and sounds
7. YAMAHA P125 88 – Best for Beginners
For beginners looking for play piano, you can’t go wrong with the Yamaha P125. It comes with 88 weighted action keys. they are light in the high keys and heavier in the low keys like a regular acoustic piano.
It features the CF sound engine which reproduces Yamaha Concert Piano tones. Use the split mode so your teacher can play one part of the piano and you can play the other. It’s easy to connect to MIDI and USB. It has a 2-way speaker system so you get an excellent tone while playing. Connect to your smartphone and change settings, rhythms, voices, through your touch screen via the Smart Pianist app. This system is also portable so you can take it with you to lessons. For those that want traditional sounds, the Yamaha P125 is an excellent choice.
Pros:
- Portable
- Split action
- USB and apps
Cons:
- Some experienced sticking keys
- Stand could be better
8. Roland Digital Piano FP30 BK – Best for Professionals
For those looking for a professional piano, you might want to check out the Roland FP30 BK as it has a lot of great features.
it uses the Roland Supernatural piano sound engine which is renowned for its sound. You get an 88 note standard keyboard with an authentic piano feel. It comes with stereo speakers and a powerful amplifier for improved tone. Practice quietly with the headphones output it is easy to transport with you to the studio or to lessons as the body is lightweight and compact. It has built-in Bluetooth wireless connectivity so you can connect it to other devices for popular applications that you’re already using. It comes with a wide variety of different tones such as strings, organs, drums, voices, and other sounds to help improve your playing. if you want a professional keyboard. You can use for playing classical and other styles, pick up the Roland FP30 BK.
Pros:
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Easy to use
- Authentic piano sounds
Cons:
- Some experienced sticking keys
- Could use a few more voices and sounds
Conclusion
For those looking to play classical piano, it’s better if you pick up an instrument that has 88 keys. This will allow you to explore the full octave range that you will need to play many different classical pieces. You can get by with fewer keys, but its best to get a full keyboard with 88 keys to cover all genres well.
Beginners may want to check out the YAMAHA P125 88 as it is easy to play and sounds amazing. It comes with smartphone connectivity and the Smart Pianist app which makes it easier to learn. If you want a traditional piano feel, the Casio PX-770 BK is ideal. It features plenty of classic acoustic tones as well as many others to enhance your playing. Professionals may want to look at the Roland FP30 BK which features an amazing sound engine for enhanced tones and authentic feel.
No matter what you are in the market for, you will find amazing pianos for playing classical as well as other styles. The systems featured here will make you sound amazing.
