Acoustic piano
The wood construction and 88 black-and-white keys of the acoustic piano are a worldwide icon. Nothing else compares to the true acoustic notes and tones created when a hammer hits a string and makes it vibrate.
Whether it’s a grand piano with horizontal strings or a space-saving upright with a vertical string configuration, few other instruments are so accessible, pervasive, and grounded in the public imagination. From Mozart to Gershwin to Eric Clapton, the acoustic piano is a cultural touchstone.
Digital piano
A digital piano is the digital version of the acoustic piano. It works by reproducing string sounds sampled from acoustic pianos through its built-in speakers. As you may guess, the quality of the built-in speakers is very important when you’re choosing which digital piano to buy. Also, the sensor that sends the digital signal to the internal computer can have a big impact on sound quality.
Keyboard
A keyboard looks like a digital piano but it doesn’t necessarily have 88 keys. You can find all kinds of models here, from very basic toys for kids to highly professional gear used by music producers and on-stage musicians. The most common keyboards have 61 or 76 keys. In short, a keyboard is smaller, lighter, and a bit more portable than a digital piano.
Synthesizer
This musical instrument looks like a keyboard or a digital piano, but a synthesizer can replicate and play any kind of instrument sound. You can also use your computer as a synthesizer by installing special software and sound libraries. You’ll find models in analog or digital, modular or semi-modular, and across a variety of price points.
