Difference between Piano and Keyboard

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A piano is more grand and organic, whereas a keyboard is more modern and digital. This has led to some to criticize the sound of the keyboard as being a cheap imitation of the piano. However, the keyboard is much more versatile than a piano, which is why it is more popular today. While, the piano must be tuned and maintained properly, the keyboard has not such requirements. It can be stored for years, and then pugged in and played.

KeyboardAdditionally, while the piano plays only one type of sound, i.e. the piano, the keyboard can be used to play hundreds of sounds. It can imitate the sound of a piano, a guitar, a bango, a violin, and so many more. As long as the sound is recorded onto the keyboard, it can play it. Additionally, the keyboard can also be used to play background tracks and keep time, all things that are not possible on the piano.

However, most common keyboards have a smaller key range than the piano. The keyboards commonly have 61 or 76 keys, which may prove difficult for some classical music. Still, there are keyboards available that have 88 keys, the same as the piano. The only caveat being that they tend to be more expensive than the other two types of keyboards. They are still cheaper than a full-fledged piano in any case. A piano tends to be very expensive and is not portable at all. A keyboard, on the other hand, is very portable and typically costs only a fraction of the cost of a piano.

Comparison between Piano and Keyboard:

Piano

Keyboard

Type

Musical Instrument

Musical Instrument

Type of Musical Instrument

Acoustic

Electronic

Age

Traditional

Modern

Sound

Typically plays one sound

Can play various different sounds from recorded instruments

Size

Larger in size

Typically smaller in size

Portability

Not portable

Usually portable

Notes

Has 88 notes

Varies. May have 88 notes, but 61 or 76 keys are more common

Strings

Has strings

Does not have strings

Maintenance

Higher Maintenance

Lower Maintenance

Cost

More expensive

Less expensive

Reference: Wikipedia (Piano and Keyboard), Thought Co, Piano Supermarket Image Courtesy: yamahamusiclondon.com, ebay.com

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