Best Digital Piano Under 500
Best Digital Piano Under 500
Are you looking for the best digital piano under 500? Music to your ears does not have to cost you an and a leg and then more. It is possible to get a great digital piano on a budget. In case you are wondering, allow us to take you through what to expect from a digital piano.
Buying your first digital piano can be quite confusing with all the different types that are available on the market. It is also easy to confuse a digital piano with other piano versions such as electric pianos. Knowing the difference can make all the difference!
Digital pianos are a mix between a traditional acoustic piano and an electronic keyboard. You get more sounds because they allow for sound modification. They are generally larger than what most people know as a keyboard and they are usually the same length as an acoustic piano.
The sound quality is pretty great and you are guaranteed to hit the right notes, whether you are just learning to play or you have been at it a while or maybe you are picking up an old hobby, digital pianos help you get the most out of your investment. In this article, we take a look at the best digital pianos all under 500. If you are just starting then you probably do not want to spend too much money on an instrument you are not sure you will be any good at.
In a hurry
Do you need a quick guide to buying the best digital piano under 500? There are a few things that you will need to know and take into consideration. Let us explore, shall we? You may want to think about length, size, number of keys on the piano, the number of different sounds, the brand, whether it is portable or fixed and how much it weighs. These are all very important factors to consider when thinking about which digital piano is best for you.
OUR TOP PICK
We have done some digging and found the best digital pianos on the market, under 500! Our top pick is the LAGRIMA 88 Weighted Key Digital Piano. It has an appealing tone. This piano has 88 fully weighted hammer action keys which are heavier in the low end and lighter in the high end. This simulates the feel of an acoustic piano and makes for great playing experience. It has a 3 pedal system and multiple instrument sound and also a built-in stereo speaker. In terms of USB/MIDI terminal – You can connect and interact with a wide variety of educational, music entertainment or other applications on a computer or Apple and Android devices. What’s more, this piano also can connect to an external speaker which adds more fun for you
Yamaha P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano
The P71 is an incredibly slim and lightweight piano that does not take up much room. It comes in at just 25lbs which makes it very easy to move from one place to another. To eliminate the need for too many additional accessories and the costs that they come with, this one has a built-in sound system. You will be able to take it with you wherever you go. Most people are surprised at the quality of the sound that the speakers produce. The version that is most common on Amazon is the P71B which is exclusive to the platform. We were not able to pinpoint any distinctive differences between the regular model and this one.
This is a digital piano that is designed for those that are looking to improve their playing skills without breaking the bank. It is a full-sized piano that comes with fully-weighted keys. What is even more impressive is how true to tone the sounds that it produces are. They are incredibly realistic, which is not always the case. The weighted keys give you a realistic piano feel as well when you are playing. To get anything close to this experience you usually have to give up a lot of room in your home, which is what makes this one great addition.
You also have the ability to personalise the piano to your preferences. Most of the settings can be altered by simply pressing a button. This gives you access to the different voices, demo songs and other configurations.
pros
- Comes with a sustain pedal.
- It is a high quality product.
- It is fairly beginner-friendly.
- It is of great value for money.
- Is true to sound of a grand piano.
cons
- Some users have had quality control issues.
- Some users did not get instructions with their device.
Casio Privia PX-160BK 88-Key Full Size Digital Piano
The PX-160 came onto the market following the success of the PX-150. As you can imagine these were some large boots to be filled. I think it has held its own. It makes use of Casio’s AiR Sound Source as well as the Sri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard. In laymen’s terms, it is badass! You get the best of both worlds.
A piano that gives you the authentic feel that you would expect when pressing the keys on a grand. It also produces very good sound quality, which, of course, should be the mainstay. You would think that these incredible features would put this device at a ridiculous price point. Well, have I some news for you. That simply is not the case.
Let us consider the features in a little more detail. One of the biggest changes that you will notice is the look. It is a little easier on the eyes than the predecessor. The speakers have also been improved to deliver a crisper sound output. Speaking of sounds, there have been several additions to the device as well.
The most notable of these being the string ensembles and the electric piano tones. The front of the piano now has two headphone outputs which are doubling the number that was on the previous model. Both the left and right output take the 1/4” jack. Making use of the headphones allows you to practice without interfering with what others around you are doing.
For colour choices, you can choose yours between the black and champagne gold. Your choice will likely depend on the room in which the piano will be placed. Getting it to blend in with the colour scheme is what most people will want. In which case, black is the safest bet. Did we mention that you could also connect this digital piano to your computer for MiDi control? Yep, this can be done via USB. It s compatible with both Mac and Windows. You can find the drivers online.
pros
- It is not too bulky.
- The sound quality is incredible.
- There are 5 grand piano voices on board.
- The keys are somewhat weighted.
- It is narrower than you may expect.
cons
- The keys are not as sensitive at speed.
- The sustain pedal could be better.
LAGRIMA 88 Weighted Key Digital Piano
If it was on the look alone this would be a clear winner. There are not many digital pianos on the market within this price range that look and feel like a proper grand piano. This is what the LG-8813 delivers. It boasts of 88 full-sized, fully weighted piano-style keys.
These are of the Graded Hammer Standard that we love. When you are playing it you will notice that it bears some similarities to what you would expect from an acoustic piano. The keys are heavier on the low end and lighter on the high end.
To enhance your music experience there is a wide range of features at your disposal. The key control for these is the multi-function button that can be used to control volume, metronome, recording and playing of sounds. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Other features foster collaboration between users and create a more wholesome production and creative experience.
For sound output, you can rely on the built-in stereo speakers. You will enjoy the 80 demo songs that come preloaded. What makes a more authentic piano experience if not the 3 pedal system. They do not all do the same thing. They allow you to sustain, soften and sostenuto. Beyond these, you also have the 64 polyphony, a dual voice system.
The dual voice system lets you play two different instrumental sounds at the same time. For instance, you can have a split between a grand piano and a synth. There are a host of other sounds and rhythms on the LG-8813 as well. You also have the ability to connect it to your computer for MiDi control.
pros
- This is a beginner-friendly device.
- It is reasonably priced.
- The keys are weighted.
- It comes with a great set of instructions.
- It is very easy to assemble.
cons
- It is not always durable.
- Quality control could be better.
Alesis Recital 88 Key Beginner Digital Piano
If the name has not already given it away this is a piano that was designed to enhance your piano learning experience. That’s good features that are good for those who are just beginning of their journey as a pianist. For starters, it is a full size 88 key piano with keys that are weighted.
The touch response of this keyboard is adjustable which is incredible for ensuring that the response which is playing at is suitable to your preferred style. They are five premium voices that are including this keyboard. These in our acoustic piano, electric piano, organ, synth and bass.
You also have access to various effects that include chorus, reverb. For sound output, you have 220 W speakers that are built into this piano. The speakers are able to deliver a crystal clear sound that fills the room. For connectivity, you have a quarter-inch sustain pedal input and a quarter-inch stereo headphone output which is allowing you to practice in crowded areas without distracting others or being distracting yourself.
There is also the option to connect RCA outputs to the speakers or amplifiers. These are obviously options that you would make use of if you were looking to perform for an audience.
Speaking of performing for the audience. Besides the usual power adaptor, you also have the option to power your keyboard using 6D cell batteries. These are sold separately. The recital and a general learning experience they are various features of the bill just for this. These include splitting. You also have the option to make use of the three-month premium subscription to interactive online for lessons.
pros
- The sound quality is very good.
- It is fairly lightweight.
- Comes with a power adapter.
- The keys are semi-weighted.
- It is reasonably priced.
cons
- The sustain pedal could be better.
- Volume is not always loud.
Plixio 61-Key Digital Electric Piano
If you are on a tighter budget and looking for something that is perhaps less expensive than the others on this list we have picked one last one. This is the keyboard was designed for both adults and children that are just getting started. It is a practice keyboard. They are a total of 61 keys on this keyboard. It goes without saying that he is quite lightweight and portable.
There is a dual power supply option for this keyboard which allows you the ability to play on the go as well as power it in your home as normal. One of the feelgood features on this keyboard are the sound effects that you have access to. They are 100 rhythms, 60 demo songs, 40 tones, eight percussions and volume as well as tempo control.
If you have a microphone you can also be connected to this keyboard to record yourself performing. This will also be handy if you are performing for a live audience to give them an amplified sound output. It also combines the sound of the vocals with that of the keys. You can connect this keyboard also has a USB port that you can use to connect to your computer. This will give you the ability to control a musical program to the computer using the media.
This keyboard comes with a power adapter and music note sheet holder and an auxiliary cable. As soon as you purchase this keyboard you have a one year warranty to give you the peace of mind and protect you against damage or defects.
pros
- It is perfect for beginners.
- It is a full size piano.
- The sound quality is reasonably good.
- It is very cheap.
- It is lightweight.
cons
- Quality control leaves a lot to be desired.
- Some keys become depressed.
Buyer's guide
Why should I buy a digital piano?
A digital piano is an asset, regardless of your skill level. There are numerous reasons for this. One of the biggest reasons is convenience. A digital piano takes much less space which makes it a great asset. It is also very easy to move around and also to tune. You will not have to call in an expert to do it. Take your time to research and read the manual, this way you will be able to do it right.
Another great feature on this piano is that you can turn the sound down or wear headphones to minimize “noise” for neighbors or other people you live with. A digital piano also comes with extra sounds. By just pressing a button, you can get other instruments’ sounds that can add to the music you are making. It is a very useful instrument to have if you record your music since you can connect it to your computer using MIDI.
How do I connect my digital piano to my computer?
One of the great things about going digital is being able to use your devices together and also connecting to your computer. To connect a digital piano to your computer, the most important thing is to go through your manual and understand how to do this. Different brands connect differently. You can either use a USB A to B cable or a MIDI to USB cable. Once you know how your instrument is set up, you can then make sure you have the right accessories and cables to connect.
What is better, a digital piano or a keyboard?
If you are looking for superior sound quality between the two, then you will need to go fo the digital piano. They have inbuilt speakers and these enhance the sound. However, if portability is an issue for you then you will need to get a keyboard. Digital pianos can be bulkier and heavier too, thanks to the weighted keys. These give a feeling of playing an acoustic piano.
Do digital pianos need tuning?
One of the off-putting things with acoustic pianos is the number of times you will need to get it tuned. What happens if you move to a new town and you know no one who can tune it for you? You would be in a bit of a pickle. A digital piano will not need any tuning whatsoever! Quite a relief. The sounds of a digital piano are pre-recorded and stored digitally within the body of the piano. So you know you will not face the problem of your piano going out of tune.
Final thoughts
If you are an avid piano player, or maybe you are looking to start on a new musical journey, there are a couple of must-haves. The piano is widely known as the instrument to rival all instruments. It has gone through the generations as the go-to instrument. Remember that a good digital piano will have weighted keys, an 88 note keyboard and also make sure that you buy what you see. Don’t fall for bells and whistles that lead nowhere. We have reviewed the top digital pianos on the market that come in under 500. We hope this helps you find your perfect fit. Happy shopping!
If you prefer the 88 key variety, be sure to check out our post Williams Overture 2 88-Key Console Digital Piano Review.
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