[knowingathing]

Experience: A piano doesn't have an on/off switch. It can't be anything but a piano. Electronic pianos can be guitars, drum-kits, or entire orchestras! It can feel more like a toy than an instrument, especially for younger children. So right off the bat, a piano will give you or your children focus when they sit on the piano stool.

Sound: a hammer hitting real strings vs a speaker replicating the sound. If a speaker gets dust in it or becomes damaged in some way, the sound is greatly diminished. Also, pianos are made of wood which vibrates. The strings at the higher end which aren't dampened vibrate. If I sneeze loud enough, the piano in my room sometimes hums with vibration. It's a living thing.

Yes, pianos need to be tuned and electronic pianos don't... but if you or your child is actually taking lessons and practising, you want a piano. Your technique, I think, will be much better if you learn on a piano with real hammer action vs an electronic piano.

I think the trick to buying a piano is taking your time and only buying the one that sounds right to you. Some people like a more warm, mellow tone. Other people like more brightness and brilliance. The "family" piano we have was purchased 20 years ago and it's a standard upright piano. It's absolutely rock solid, still sounds beautiful.

[bossyTeacher]

I disagree. This is like saying that a electric guitar that makes piano sounds can be a piano and more of a toy than an instrument.

Digital does not make something worse.

Think about your average person, they won't be able to fork out much more than $800 in some instrument be it acoustic or not. That money won't get them anything remotely playable (acoustically) but it will get them a digital device that will inspire their practice.

I never understand why so many pianists seem to forget that acoustic pianos are not cheap, especially compared to other instruments like the guitar or for people that are just starting and might quit in a couple of years because their practice in an acoustic piano has made the neighbors complain to the police 8 times for noise related matters

[iainmerrick]

It can feel more like a toy than an instrument, especially for younger children. So right off the bat, a piano will give you or your children focus when they sit on the piano stool.

This is a really good point.

[criddell]

When we bought a piano for my daughter 15 years ago, the ability to make funny sounds was a key factor in picking up a digital piano rather than an acoustic. It made practice more fun which meant longer practice sessions. Plus, I think noodling and pure play is important. It should be a toy.

I think it was the right call for my kid. She became an amazing player and still loves playing today.