Newsgroups: rec.music.makers

> >In summary:
> >
> >   Reasons to get a Digital Piano (keyboard, synthesizer, whatever):

This subject comes up every once in a while, and I have begun to wonder if I
live on a different planet than everyone else, since there seems to be this
widespread agreement on a few "fact" that are not true at all in my experience:

> >     1. You need an instrument that stays in tune no matter where you
> >	go.

How often do you really plan to move the thing?  Are we really talking about
a truly portable, one-person-can-pick-it-up-and-throw-it-in-the-back-of-the-car
kind of thing?

If you need portability, obviously, an acoustic is not a good idea, but most
consumer model "digital pianos" are not especially portable, so take that into
consideration.  I hear the Yamaha pf-85 has been discontinued, which would be
a shame.  I'm trying to figure out what to replace it with when mine dies.

> >     2. You have been unable to rely on a decent-sounding piano to be
> >	available wherever you practice or perform.

This essentially duplicates #1.

> >     3. You can't afford a good acoustic piano.

This is the one that has me completely baffled.  I know I can get a good
acoustic for $1000.  Are there any "digital pianos" (88 weighted key, sampled
sound, including possibly separate amp/speaker) for anywhere near that amount?
I keep hearing about there mythical cheap digital pianos, but I've never seen
one, and whenever I call this bluff, I never get a response.

> >     4. You like the other sounds you can play on a keyboard.

Good reason - also, the interface to sequencers, et al.

> >     5. The keyboard has a reasonably good-sounding piano setting.

Not a reason to prefer it over acoustic, though.

> >     6. You need a portable instrument.

You've essentially said this twice already.

> >     7. You can also afford to get a sound system and mixer.
> >	(Some electric/digital pianos come with built-in speakers.)

Huh?  Are you saying that the fact that you can afford a sound system and mixer
should determine whether you go with an electronic or acoustic instrument?
Nonsequitur.

> >   Reasons to get an acoustic piano:
> >
> >     1. The type of music you perform demands the "real thing".
> >
> >     2. A decent, tuned piano is available wherever you expect to
> >	perform.  You don't really need a portable instrument.
> >
> >     3. Your ears demand the "real thing".
> >
> >     4. You have the money to get a good piano.
> >
> >     5. If you play keyboards at all, you should have a good 
> >	acoustic piano.

I don't understand the distinction between 1, 3 and 5 - they all imply an
acoustic sounds better, which is certainly true to me.  Don't forget "the
audience's ears demand the real thing".  2 is the portability question again.
4 is still the mystery statement from hell, as far as I'm concerned - if it
were true, it would be wonderful, but I haven't seen any evidence in favor of
this statement.  Don't most of these digital pianos cost well over $1500?
Certainly any portable system I've ever tried to piece together would cost
over $2000, unless someone makes an <$1000 88-key weighted controller that
nobody has been telling me about.

Also, as someone else observed, feel is important as well as sound, but I have
to say I'm pretty happy with the feel of virtually every weighted keyboard I've
ever played.

> Another one in favour of the digital piano:
> 
> 	8. You wants to play at any time of the day without bothering
> 	   your neighbours (or even your partner -- depends on your level ;-)

You can have your acoustic fitted with a piece of felt to dampen the strings -
this helps somewhat, but obviously is not the same as a pair of headphones.
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marc Sabatella           Winner, 1992 First Annual Bill Evans Lookalike Contest
marc@fc.hp.com
Newsgroups: rec.music.makers,rec.audio