Piano vs. Digital Piano
Which is best when just starting out?
A piano is generally better than a digital keyboard, in that the feel and sound quality is hard to beat. However, not all pianos are built equally. In fact, some look great but are so cheaply made that they don't play well or sound good at all. Basically, you get what you pay for.
Recommendation: Money no object, Bösendorfer or Fazioli Concert and Grand pianos are hard to beat, but Schimmel, Yamaha and (new) Kawai's are close and relatively more affordable. Otherwise, consider a new or preowned Yamaha piano U-Series upright or Grand Piano. BTW Yamaha has the best resale value.
Digital Pianos have a very low entry level price and are great if you need portability, would like to use headphones, and for recording songs. Yamaha produces the best overall quality products. The cost goes up based on added features, such as recording capability, more instrument sounds and higher build quality. It's a good tool for composing and producing music. And, it does not require tuning.
FYI If you are hesitant to commit to buying an instrument, most piano stores offer rental options. And in some cases, the rental fees are applied to future purchases.
Tuning a Piano
An Artform
Tuning a piano every six to twelve months is necessary for two reasons: For the benefit of the student, as well as for the longevity of the piano.
Students and professional musicians alike rely on the accurate tones and resonant sound to be able to perform musical pieces for their enjoyment as well as for their audience.
Unfortunately, finding a good piano tuner is not an easy task. It truly is an art form, passed down from mentor to protégé. There are far too many self-taught YouTube piano tuners, which sometimes do an adequate job for non-professionals with less discerning ears.
Ask your piano teacher or local piano retail store for their recommendation. Prices vary, but expect to pay anywhere between $90-175 per tuning, often depending on the condition of the piano and strings.
FYI Professional pianist tune their studio pianos every session day, sometimes twice a day! It's crucial to be in tune when performing with other musicians.
What is the difference between a Digital Piano and a Synthesizer?
Simply put, a synthesizer often has smaller and fewer keys, feels very light to the touch and is quite different than an acoustic or digital piano, and made for a specific purpose; to use for recordings and live performances that require ambient sounds, beats and effects. They may be suitable for small children, but otherwise not recommended.