Buyer's Guide - Beginners
Piano & Keyboard
Purchase Guide
Choosing the Right First Piano
Choosing the right piano or keyboard can feel overwhelming at first. The good news is that you do not need an expensive piano to get started. This guide will help you choose the right instrument based on your goals, commitment level, and budget. Each of the recommended models has an amazon link.
Keyboards are often the best starting point because they are affordable, portable, and require no maintenance. As a general rule, the closer an instrument feels to a real piano, the more it costs.
The Four Levels
Finding the Right Fit
Level 1 - Starter Keyboard
BUDGET FRIENDLY $150 – $250
When first starting lessons, a 61-key keyboard is a perfectly acceptable and affordable option. Students can learn note reading, rhythm, coordination, and basic technique without a large upfront investment.
Best for: brand-new beginners and young children. Typically works well for the first 6–18 months of lessons.
| Look for these features | when to upgrade |
|---|---|
| Minimum 61 Keys | Shows consistent interest |
| Touch-sensitive keys | Playing with both hands |
| Sustain pedal input | Outgrowing beginner pieces |
| Headphone jack |
Recommended models
Top Pick
E383 includes touch sensitivity — strongly recommended over base model.
Level 2 — Full-Size Weighted Digital Piano
Best Long-Term Choice · $450–$800
This is the best starting option for most families if the budget allows. These instruments help students develop proper finger strength and technique from the very beginning.
| Key Features | best for |
|---|---|
| 88 full-size keys | Committed beginners |
| Weighted hammer-action | Teens and adults |
| High-quality piano sound | Long-term students |
| Feels like a real piano |
Recommended models
best value
Yamaha P71 / P45 →
Reliable, proven beginner digital piano with excellent weighted action.
also great
Casio Privia PX-S1100 →
Slim, modern design with a natural key feel and great sound.
Level 3 — Furniture-Style Digital Piano
Beautiful Home Piano · $900–$2,000
Furniture-style digital pianos sound and feel like real pianos while also serving as a beautiful piece of home furniture. They include built-in stands, pedals, and stronger speakers — an excellent option for students planning to play for many years.
| Key Features | best for |
|---|---|
| Built-in stand and pedal unit | Families wanting a permanent home piano |
| 88 weighted keys | Students committed to long-term learning |
| Cabinet-style design | Those who want furniture aesthetics |
| Feels and looks like a real piano | Households with dedicated practice space |
Recommended models
Top Pick
Reliable, proven beginner digital piano with excellent weighted action.
Top Pick
Step up in sound quality and feel for advancing students.
Top Pick
Slim, modern design with a natural key feel and great sound.
Level 4 — Acoustic Piano
Lifetime Investment
An acoustic piano provides the most authentic sound and touch and can last a lifetime when properly maintained. A well-maintained used piano can be an incredible value.
| Where to look | before buying, check |
|---|---|
| Facebook Marketplace | Kept in air-conditioned space? |
| Craigslist | All keys work properly? |
| Local Piano Dealers | Pedals function correctly? |
additional costs to expect
Professional moving
$300 – $600
Tuning (1-2x per year)
$120 – $180
