Often when someone is looking to learn the piano, they may want to opt for something cheap, to begin with, that can be upgraded if they continue. This logic is understandable but one factor that must be taken into account when choosing the first instrument is the touch of the keyboard. If you are hoping to learn piano then a weighted key is very important. It will help to strengthen the fingers during practice and in turn develop a good playing technique. If you opt for a non-weighted key as a beginner, your technique may not develop as well because your fingers won’t gain the strength that is needed to play with any kind of force. Of course, even in the category of “digital piano”, there are multiple levels of weighted keys which improve in quality as you move up in range and price. Entry-level digital pianos are generally weighted and have a decent graded action, meaning that the keys become increasingly lighter as you move up the keyboard. This is beneficial as it mimics the way that a real piano would feel and in turn, will improve playing technique. One feature that can affect the feel of the piano is the material underneath the keys. As you rise up through the ranges, this material will be of higher quality and as it is played, won’t wear down as it may in slightly cheaper models after some time. Another feature which hugely affects the touch of a piano is the material that the actual keys are made from. An example of this is that in some high-end Yamaha Clavinovas, the keys are made from wood which is especially dried for use in musical instruments. This makes the touch even closer to that of a real piano which again, will improve playing technique. In these Clavinovas, the keys are coated in synthetic ebony and ivory, which can also help prevent slippage while playing and make practice easier in general. As a beginner, the touch of a piano is incredibly important and so we advise to spend as much as you can afford at the time because, in the long run, it will improve your playing and make practice a more enjoyable experience. If you would like more information on our digital pianos, please give your nearest store a call or pop in and see us.