The Piano Shopper's Guide: Acoustic vs Digital, or Both?

What to Look For

Whether you're buying your first piano or upgrading, there are a few non-negotiable features you should look for. Any piano you consider should have 88 keys (a full-size keyboard), 3 pedals (sustain, sostenuto and una corda), and a touch-sensitive keyboard that responds to how hard or soft you play.

These features are essential for developing proper technique and being able to play a wide range of music. Anything with fewer keys or no pedals is really a keyboard, not a piano, and will limit your progress.

Acoustic Pianos

An acoustic piano is the real deal. The sound is produced by hammers striking strings inside the instrument, and nothing digital can truly replicate that experience. The resonance, the overtones, the way the sound fills a room — it's something special.

Acoustic pianos come in two main types: upright pianos (which sit against a wall) and grand pianos (which have a horizontal frame). For most home players, an upright piano is the practical choice. They take up less space and are generally more affordable than grands.

Where to Buy in Berlin

Berlin has some excellent piano shops where you can try instruments in person. I'd recommend visiting Klaviersalon in Prenzlauer Berg, Klavier 24 near Alexanderplatz, and Pianohaus Stieler in Steglitz. Each of these shops has knowledgeable staff and a good selection of both new and used instruments.

Price Ranges

A decent used upright piano typically costs between €1,500 and €4,000. A new upright starts from around €4,000 and can go up to €15,000 or more for premium brands. Grand pianos start from around €10,000 for a used baby grand and go well into six figures for a new concert grand.

Sizing Guide

Upright pianos are generally between 110cm and 131cm tall. The taller the piano, the longer the strings and the richer the sound. For a good balance of sound quality and practicality, aim for an upright that's at least 120cm tall.

Grand pianos range from about 150cm (baby grand) to over 270cm (concert grand). For home use, a baby grand or a medium grand (around 170–190cm) is usually the sweet spot.

Tuning

Acoustic pianos need to be tuned regularly, typically once or twice a year. A single tuning costs between €80 and €120 in Berlin. Keep this in mind as an ongoing cost of ownership. New pianos or recently moved pianos may need more frequent tuning initially as they settle.

Recommended Acoustic Brands

For European pianos, the top names include Bechstein (Berlin-made!), Blüthner, Bösendorfer and of course Steinway & Sons. These are premium instruments with price tags to match. For excellent quality at more accessible prices, consider brands like Yamaha, Kawai, Schimmel, Petrof and Seiler.

Digital Pianos

A digital piano is a great alternative if space, budget or noise are concerns. Modern digital pianos have come a long way in replicating the feel and sound of acoustic instruments. They don't need tuning, you can play with headphones, and many have useful features like recording capabilities and different instrument sounds.

The most important thing in a digital piano is the key action. Look for models with weighted, graded hammer action keys. This means the keys feel heavier in the bass and lighter in the treble, just like a real piano. Avoid anything with light, springy keys — they'll teach you bad habits.

Recommended Digital Pianos

For beginners and intermediate players, I recommend the Casio PX-770 (great value, solid key action), the Yamaha YDP-S55 (slim design, excellent Yamaha piano sound) and the Roland FP-30X (portable, versatile, great feel). For more advanced players or those who want a premium digital experience, look at the Yamaha CLP series, the Roland HP series, or the Kawai CA series.

The Hybrid Option: Silent Systems

Can't decide between acoustic and digital? A silent system might be the answer. Companies like Yamaha (Silent Piano) and Kawai (AnyTime) offer acoustic pianos with built-in digital systems. You play a real acoustic piano, but with the flip of a lever, the hammers stop hitting the strings and sensors capture your playing digitally, sending it to headphones.

This gives you the best of both worlds: the authentic touch and sound of an acoustic piano for daytime practice, and silent digital playback for late-night sessions without disturbing the neighbours.

You can also have a silent system retrofitted to many existing upright pianos. This typically costs between €2,000 and €3,500 including installation.

Final Thoughts

The best piano is the one that you'll actually play. Visit shops, try different instruments, and trust your ears and your fingers. Don't rush the decision. And if you need advice tailored to your specific situation, feel free to get in touch. I'm always happy to help students find the right instrument for their journey.