Digital pianos and portability

In this brief post I want to talk about "portability" in a digital piano. In most digital piano reviews you will come across the word "portable." But what exactly does this mean? That may sound like a silly question, but it's not. Why not? Well, for one thing, digital pianos are occasionally described as "portable" by some people but not by others.

Here are a couple of key points to bear in mind when you're considering the "portability" of your digital piano:


(1) Even if it's portable, it may require some effort - Some reviewers seem to think that "portable" means "light as a feather." But this is a highly unrealistic expectation. A good digital piano should have some weight to it. This doesn't mean it should break your back when you're carrying it.

But it does mean that you should be prepared to make some effort (however small) when moving it about. Remember - your digital piano is not a toy. It's a serious musical instrument. So when you're looking for a "portable" digital piano, look for something you can carry, not for something that's "ultra light."


(2) Portability is not the only consideration - Portability is likely to be an important consideration for you when you buy your digital piano. But don't get so carried away that you forget the other features. Often a keyboard with fewer keys will weigh less than one with 88 keys. But do you want fewer keys?

Similarly, a keyboard without weighted keys will normally weigh less than a keyboard that does have weighted keys. But don't you want weighted keys?

Remember, there's more to a digital piano than portability. That's not to say that portability is not important. It is. You should certainly check the weight of the DP you're considering (in lbs or kg) before you buy, particularly if you want to take it to gigs. But don't forget the other features - such as the number of keys and the piano's "action" or feel. Bye for now!