Characteristics of digital pianos you can tell by the manufacturer, as told by a former music store clerk
As one guideline for choosing a digital piano, I think one approach is to understand the characteristics of each manufacturer and base your purchase on that.
This time, I’ll explain what features each manufacturer offers.
YAMAHA (Yamaha)
needless to sayA musical instrument manufacturer Japan is proud to present to the worldIt is.
Everything—from the touch to the sound—is well-balanced.Because it makes it easy to convey even subtle nuances, Yamaha is optimal if you mainly play classical music.It is.
Given that taking lessons will inevitably involve working on classical pieces, if you’re buying an instrument for practice at home, a Yamaha digital piano is recommended.
Most schools have a music room, and the pianos placed there are usually Yamaha acoustic pianos.
Because of that, many people probably have the image that “piano equals Yamaha.”
Also, many people are familiar with the name “Clavinova,” aren’t they?
Among the customers I assisted, many said they were using a Clavinova from over 10 years ago.
A hallmark of Yamaha is its pursuit of bringing every element—sound, keyboard, and touch—closer to that of a grand piano.
The sound has a brilliance within its mellow tone, and the way it resonates and the decay of the notes are very close to an acoustic piano.It is.
It has a well-balanced, natural response from high to low frequencies, making it a sound that anyone can handle easily.
The keys have a solid, weighty feel.
In addition to the especially satisfying return when you release your finger, it’s equipped with high-precision sensors, giving it excellent rapid-repetition capability and making it well-suited for trills that repeatedly strike the same note.
As an aside, using the know-how gained from making musical instruments, they built engines, then made yachts equipped with those engines, and even applied the yacht body construction techniques to build a school swimming pool.
KAWAI (Kawai)
It’s a domestic manufacturer that stands shoulder to shoulder with Yamaha in the piano world.
Kawai’s digital pianos are recommended for those who want to focus on realistic key action.It is.
The company has a history of nearly 90 years and has contributed to the spread of music in Japan while competing with Yamaha.
Kawai’s flagship grand piano, the “EX,” is used in prestigious international piano competitions, including the highly esteemed International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition.A piano recognized around the worldI'm making one. (Kawai boasts the second-largest market share in the world for pianos.)
Even within its very deep, calm timbre, the sound conveys a clear, sparkling brilliance.
The note decay and sustain are very natural as well.
The keys are slightly heavier compared to other manufacturers.
However, it’s not just about being heavy; depending on the model, the actual length of each key (from the visible part to the portion that extends inside the chassis)Because it is the same as an acoustic piano, and together with the other structural elements, the touch approaches that of a grand piano.there is / there are
And Kawai was the first to use wooden keys in a digital piano.
From these points, it’s clear that they have an extraordinary commitment not only to acoustic pianos but also to the keyboards of digital pianos.
Roland
Roland’s digital pianos are distinguished by their beautiful sound and responsive key action.
Recommended if you not only play classical music but also often perform pop.It is.
From its name, many might assume it’s a foreign manufacturer, but it’s actually a major Japanese musical instrument maker on par with Yamaha and Kawai.
Synthesizer, digital piano, electronic organ,electronic drumsThey manufacture all kinds of electronic musical instruments, such as guitar amplifiers, and many professional musicians both in Japan and abroad use Roland.
Roland specializes in electronic musical instruments, so they do not make acoustic pianos.
Nevertheless, even when compared to Yamaha or Kawai, the quality of the keys and touch is by no means inferior, and I’m simply astonished at how high the overall quality is.
MoreoverTechnologies such as 'ivory-feel key surfaces,' '88-key stereo sampling,' 'reproduction of the distinctive click of a grand piano,' and 'continuous tone variation' were all first achieved in digital pianos by Roland.(I) made (someone) do it. / (I) let (someone) do it.
The sound is very clear, with a delicate and beautiful resonance.
Especially in the higher-end models, you can feel a sense of three-dimensionality and depth in the sound. Even though the sound is coming from right in front of you, it feels as if it’s coming from the other side of the piano.
However, no matter how you play it, it produces a beautiful, good sound, so you might be under the illusion that you’re playing well.
In this way, the fact that the sound is good is both an advantage and a disadvantage.
Compared to Yamaha and Kawai, the keys feel slightly lighter, but the response to dynamics is excellent, allowing for very smooth tonal changes.
Roland is the one pursuing the highest level of refinement as an electronic musical instrument.
CASIO (Kashio)
Casio products are often purchased by adults for their own hobbies, rather than for children who attend lessons.
Recommended for adults who want to casually play whenever they feel like it and simply enjoy the piano, rather than doing serious practice.It is.
Popular ones are the relatively affordable models priced around 50,000 yen to just under 100,000 yen.
At that price range, the size is compact and it won’t take up much space in your room.
Recently, we released a full-fledged digital piano priced at over 300,000 yen, but it looks like it will still take a little time to break through the stronghold of the big three manufacturers—Yamaha, Kawai, and Roland.
That said, the fact that they’ve started making such high-spec products shows they’re putting serious effort into their digital pianos as well.
Wouldn't it be fair to say that, like Roland, it is a manufacturer with a strong focus on electronic instruments?
KORG (Korugu)
It’s pronounced “Korg.”
There aren’t many models in their digital piano lineup, and since they only produce the stylish type, they’re similar to Casio.Recommended for those who want to enjoy the piano casuallyIt is.
Those who play in bands will be familiar with it, but like Roland, it’s often mistaken for an overseas brand.
Korg is also a well-known Japanese manufacturer of electronic instruments such as synthesizers, and has been for many years.
I feel that Korg’s digital pianos put a strong emphasis on design.
The simple, clean look blends easily into the room and creates a stylish impression.Will you do it for me?
For that reason, after all,Popular among adultsthere is / there are
It's relatively affordable, but the touch/feel is by no means cheap for the price, so the cost performance is good.
Lastly
How was it?
If you clearly understand each manufacturer's characteristics and goals, it becomes easier to establish criteria for choosing.
Please feel free to use it as a reference!