Piano Myths Debunked: Everything You Really Need to Know
Pianos, whether acoustic or digital, have long been revered as one of the most versatile and expressive musical instruments. However, navigating the vast world of piano brands can often be daunting, especially with numerous myths and misconceptions floating around. From legendary names like Yamaha and Kawai to innovative brands like Casio, Roland, Korg, Nord, and Donner, each has its unique qualities and contributions to the music world. In this blog, we will debunk some common myths surrounding these renowned piano brands, helping you make a more informed decision whether you are a beginner or a seasoned musician.
GENERAL PIANO MYTHS
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Myth:”Only Expensive Pianos Are Good”
- Reality: While high-end pianos can offer exceptional quality, there are many affordable pianos that provide excellent sound and playability, especially for beginners and intermediate players.5 Affordable Digital Pianos for Intermediate and Advanced Players
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Myth: “Digital Pianos Are Inferior to Acoustic Pianos”
- Reality: Modern digital pianos can closely mimic the feel and sound of acoustic pianos, with added features like volume control, recording capabilities, and various instrument sounds.Why Upright Pianos Are More Popular Than Ever Before
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Myth: “You Need to Start Young to Learn Piano”
- Reality: People of all ages can learn to play the piano. Adult learners often have the discipline and dedication to progress quickly.
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“You Need to Have Long Fingers to Play Piano Well”
- Reality: Piano playing is more about technique and hand positioning than finger length. Many great pianists have had average or even small hands.
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“You Must Learn Classical Music First”
- Reality: While classical training can provide a solid foundation, it’s perfectly fine to start with any genre that interests you, whether it’s jazz, pop, or blues.
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“Pianos Never Need to Be Tuned”
- Reality: Acoustic pianos need regular tuning, typically every six months to a year, depending on usage and environmental factors. Digital pianos do not require tuning.
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“Self-Taught Pianists Can’t Be as Good as Those with Formal Training”
- Reality: Many successful pianists are self-taught. With the abundance of online resources, self-teaching has become more accessible and effective.
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“Playing Piano Is Bad for Your Hands”
- Reality: Proper technique and hand care can prevent injuries. Playing the piano can actually improve finger dexterity and strength.
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“Older Pianos Are Always Better”
- Reality: While some older pianos may be of high quality, others may have deteriorated over time. New pianos incorporate modern technology and materials that can offer excellent quality.
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“Pianos Are Only for Classical Music”
- Reality: The piano is incredibly versatile and is used in a wide range of genres including jazz, pop, rock, and blues.
MYTHS ABOUT YAMAHA PIANOS

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“Yamaha Pianos Are Only for Beginners”
- Reality: Yamaha offers a wide range of pianos that cater to all levels, from beginners to professional concert pianists. Their high-end models, like the Yamaha CFX concert grand, are used in prestigious venues worldwide.
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“Yamaha Digital Pianos Can’t Match Acoustic Pianos”
- Reality: Yamaha’s digital pianos, such as the Clavinova series, are known for their realistic touch and sound, often incorporating advanced sampling technology from their acoustic counterparts.
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“All Yamaha Pianos Sound the Same”
- Reality: Yamaha pianos come in various models with different tonal qualities, catering to diverse musical preferences. Their pianos range from bright and clear tones to warm and rich sounds.
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“Yamaha Pianos Are Only Good for Classical Music”
- Reality: Yamaha pianos are versatile and used in various genres, including jazz, pop, rock, and contemporary music. They are favored by musicians across different styles.
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“Yamaha Only Makes Pianos”
- Reality: Yamaha is a diversified company that produces a wide range of musical instruments, audio equipment, motorcycles, and other products. They are renowned for their innovation and quality across different sectors.
Check out prices and features of Yamaha Pianos at Amazon >>
MYTHS ABOUT KAWAI PIANOS

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“Kawai Pianos Are Inferior to Yamaha Pianos”
- Reality: Kawai pianos are highly respected and known for their quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. Both Kawai and Yamaha are leading brands, and the choice between them often comes down to personal preference.
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“Kawai Pianos Are Only Good for Classical Music”
- Reality: Kawai pianos are versatile and can be used for various music genres, including jazz, pop, and contemporary music. They are favored by musicians across different styles for their rich, dynamic sound.
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“Kawai Digital Pianos Can’t Compete with Acoustic Pianos”
- Reality: Kawai’s digital pianos, such as the CA and ES series, are renowned for their realistic touch and sound, thanks to advanced sampling and action technologies. They provide an excellent alternative to acoustic pianos.
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“Kawai Pianos Are Too Expensive”
- Reality: Kawai offers a wide range of pianos at various price points, making them accessible to different budgets. They provide excellent value for the quality and features they offer.
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“Kawai Pianos Are All the Same”
- Reality: Kawai offers a diverse range of pianos, each with unique characteristics. From their upright and grand pianos to their digital pianos, each model has distinct features
Check out prices and features of Kawai Pianos at Amazon >>
MYTHS ABOUT CASIO PIANOS

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“Casio Only Makes Keyboards, Not Pianos”
- Reality: Casio produces a range of digital pianos that offer weighted keys and realistic piano sounds. Their Privia and Celviano series are well-regarded in the digital piano market.
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“Casio Pianos Are Just Toys”
- Reality: Casio digital pianos are used by serious musicians and educators. They provide features and sound quality that are suitable for various levels of playing, from beginners to advanced players.
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“Casio Pianos Can’t Match Acoustic Pianos”
- Reality: Casio’s advanced sound engines and key action mechanisms offer a highly realistic playing experience. Models like the Casio PX-S1000 and AP-470 provide impressive sound and feel comparable to acoustic pianos.
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“Casio Pianos Are Not Durable”
- Reality: Casio pianos are known for their durability and reliable construction. They are built to withstand regular use, and many users report years of trouble-free performance.
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“Casio Pianos Are Not Suitable for Serious Practice”
- Reality: Many Casio digital pianos offer features that support serious practice, including graded hammer action, excellent sound quality, and educational functions. They are often recommended for students and serious hobbyists.
Check out prices and features of Casio Pianos at Amazon >>
MYTHS ABOUT ROLAND PIANOS

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“Roland Pianos Are Only for Electronic Music”
- Reality: Roland pianos are highly versatile and are used in a wide range of genres, including classical, jazz, pop, and more. Their sound and touch are designed to accommodate various musical styles.
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“Roland Pianos Are Overly Digital and Lack Realism”
- Reality: Roland’s digital pianos, like the HP and LX series, feature advanced technologies such as SuperNATURAL Piano Modeling and PHA-50 keyboard action, which provide a highly realistic playing experience that rivals acoustic pianos.
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“Roland Pianos Are Not Durable”
- Reality: Roland is known for its high-quality construction and durable materials. Their pianos are built to withstand regular use and are known for their longevity.
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“Roland Pianos Are Too Expensive”
- Reality: While Roland offers high-end models that can be expensive, they also provide a range of pianos at various price points, offering good value for the features and quality they provide.
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“Roland Only Makes Digital Pianos”
- Reality: This is true; Roland specializes in digital pianos and electronic instruments. However, their digital pianos are designed to offer an authentic piano experience with advanced digital features.
Check out prices and features of Roland Pianos at Amazon >>
MYTHS ABOUT NORD PIANOS

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“Nord Only Makes Synthesizers”
- Reality: Nord produces high-quality digital pianos, such as the Nord Piano series, which are highly regarded for their sound quality, versatility, and professional-grade features.
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“Nord Pianos Are Only for Professional Musicians”
- Reality: While Nord pianos are popular among professional musicians, they are also suitable for serious hobbyists and advanced students. Their user-friendly interface and high-quality sound make them accessible to a wide range of players.
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“Nord Pianos Are Overpriced”
- Reality: Nord pianos are considered a premium brand and their pricing reflects their high-quality components, build, and sound. Many musicians find them worth the investment for their performance and durability.
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“Nord Pianos Lack Realistic Acoustic Sound”
- Reality: Nord pianos are known for their high-quality sampled sounds and realistic touch. The Nord Piano Library features meticulously sampled grand and upright pianos, providing an authentic playing experience.
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“Nord Pianos Are Only Good for Stage Use”
- Reality: While Nord pianos are favored by live performers for their portability and robustness, they are also excellent for home and studio use due to their high-quality sound and versatile features.
Check out prices and features of Nord Pianos at Amazon >>
CONCLUSION
As we conclude our exploration of piano myths, it becomes clear that understanding the truth behind these misconceptions is crucial for any aspiring pianist or music enthusiast. Whether you’re considering a Yamaha or a Casio, a Kawai or a Korg, knowing the reality behind the brand can guide you towards choosing the instrument that best suits your musical journey. Remember, while myths can influence perceptions, digging deeper reveals the diverse strengths and innovations that each piano brand brings to the table. Embrace knowledge, explore options, and let your passion for music lead the way to finding your perfect piano companion.
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