In the world of digital pianos, the stage piano serves a different purpose than standard digital pianos and keyboards. But what’s the difference?
Reasons to Pick Up a Stage Piano
If you're playing the piano as part of a band, you have three options when it comes to playing live gigs at venues that have no piano available. Option number one is bringing your own keyboard or synthesizer, either of which sets you up with ample sounds and are lightweight and easy to get around. That said, bear in mind that keyboards generally don't come equipped with piano keys. The second option is a standard digital piano, which gets you great sounds and great keys, but also a set of built-in speakers and other features you don't really need on stage. That brings us to the third option: the stage piano. Stage pianos are not only loaded with superior piano sounds as well as piano keys, but boast a portable design and can be hooked up to any PA system.
Another Perk of the Stage Piano
Since stage pianos are aimed at keyboard players in bands and some manufacturers build in extra options such as different sounds like samples of strings, e-pianos and organs.
Electric Stage Pianos and Digital Organs
While most stage pianos are mainly focussed on acoustic piano sounds, there are also models aimed specifically at mimicking vintage electric pianos like the Rhodes. In addition, there are drawbar keyboards: digital organs that simulate classic tone-wheel organs like the Hammond B-3 which is an undeniable staple of rock and jazz. Many stage pianos come with convincing organ sounds, often combined with a set of drawbars for eased control over all of the registers.
Compact Stage Pianos
Is a standard stage piano is too big to fit in the back of your car? No worries, you can always pick up a more compact stage piano that's been fitted with 73 or 76 keys instead of 88 so you can make sure it fits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stage Pianos
What does 'stage piano' mean?
As the name suggests, stage pianos are literally built for use on stage and, as such, generally feature a more portable design, real piano keys and excellent piano sounds.
What's the difference between stage pianos and digital pianos?
A digital piano is designed to fit in any interior while stage pianos are specifically designed to look the part on stage. As such, stage pianos are more portable, have a clean and intuitive control lay-out and come without unnecessary features like built-in speakers and a frame.
What's a good stage piano?
Stage pianos are professional pianos, meaning you'd be hard-pressed to find a terrible stage piano. They don't come with built-in speakers or a beautifully finished frame, so you're mainly paying for first-rate sounds and intuitive controls.
