Below are my recommendations for beginner digital piano equipment. It should cover the basics without breaking your wallet.
If you have a real piano that’s in great shape – or can get a good piano where the noise won’t be an issue – that is the way to go. But a lower tier real piano that isn’t regulated or voiced, or has other problems, can be less useful than a really good weighted digital keyboard. The technology just keeps improving. Though nothing imitates the rich, varied sound of real strings and moving parts, a really good digital piano feels more like a professional piano than an older neglected piano. Pianos have so many parts that wear and need adjustment over time, and many people don’t want to pay to maintain them properly. It’s not uncommon for the middle keys to be so loose that it’s almost impossible to play pianissimo in a useful way.
A piano in great shape is the most wonderful thing – but keep in mind if something seems too good to be true price-wise, it almost always is. If you can, avoid free and cheap pianos on Craigslist.
The most important thing when buying a keyboard: it must be touch-sensitive. Without touch sensitivity, you can’t control dynamics – loud or soft – and that’s a fundamental part of learning to play. I won’t recommend any keyboard that lacks this feature.
For the Committed Beginner
For a student who is serious about learning piano, you want a fully weighted, 88-key digital piano. This is the real deal – it responds like a piano, builds proper technique, and won’t limit your progress.
My top picks (I’ve had students practice on all of these):
- Yamaha P-225 – My top recommendation for most students. Excellent weighted action, Yamaha’s CFX grand piano sound, and sounds great through headphones. Around $750.
- Yamaha P71 – Amazon-exclusive model, essentially the same as the P-45. Great value for a first weighted piano. Around $430.
- Casio PX-S1100 – An excellent option if space is tight. One of the slimmest full-weighted pianos available. Around $650.
In general, Yamaha, Casio, Kawai, and Roland are all trusted brands – but each also sells inexpensive keyboards that aren’t suitable for piano lessons. It’s important to get the right model.
For detailed reviews and side-by-side comparisons of all these instruments, I also run a dedicated review site – Best Digital Piano – where I go deep on which pianos are worth your money at every price point.
For the Casual or Uncommitted Beginner
If a student isn’t sure they want to commit yet, a touch-sensitive 61-key portable keyboard can be a lower-cost way to start. Just keep in mind it won’t build proper piano technique the same way a weighted keyboard will – it’s a stepping stone, not a substitute. After a year or two, most students who stick with it will want to upgrade to a fully weighted instrument.
Accessories You’ll Need
You’ll also need an adjustable keyboard stand – make sure it’s height-adjustable, not a fixed-height Z-stand.
Lastly, an adjustable piano bench is important. Having the student seated at the right height is what enables them to play with ease and avoid bad habits – which can be difficult to undo later. Good posture affects not just health but sound and progress. I like the On Stage KT7800 Plus Keyboard Bench because it’s fairly wide and has a lot of height adjustment options. In general you just want something that’s very adjustable with a little padding. The nicer benches have a wheel for more fine-tuned adjustment.