Should I buy a piano or a keyboard? 
This is a commonly asked question that can be difficult to navigate alone. We’re here to help give you a framework for making a decision that is right for you so you can buy your instrument with confidence.

Let’s dive in! Here are three questions to help you decide which to buy:

1. What space do I have available?

The first, and perhaps most important, factor to consider is the space you have available for your instrument.

In order for an acoustic piano to be a good fit, you need to have the right space available. Acoustic pianos can go out of tune, or even be damaged, when in the wrong environment. 

A few key things to consider:

• Upright pianos generally do best when placed along or near an interior wall. 
• Grand pianos shouldn’t be placed too close to windows or exterior walls, as temperature fluctuations will cause tuning and mechanical issues. 
• Additionally, too much direct sunlight can damage a piano’s finish, so a space with little to no direct sun is ideal.

If your space is able to accommodate the size and environment needs of an acoustic piano, then that’s great! If not, then an electric keyboard is the best option.

2. What’s my budget?

Budget is a big factor for many people. Let's take a look at typical price ranges for both piano and keyboards, as well as additional expenses for each, to help you determine which option will be best for you. 

Piano Budget

New pianos can be a wonderful purchase that can serve you well for decades! The price range of a new piano is very wide, beginning at around $5,000 to multiple six figures, depending on the brand, quality and rarity. 

For many, a few thousand dollars for a new piano for a new hobby is not an economic or practical choice. 

The good news is that there are many fantastic used acoustic pianos that can be found at deeply discounted prices, or even free! You will just need to be patient and keep an eye out for the right opportunity.

For our checklist on buying a used piano, download our complete purchasing guide here.

Additional piano expenses to keep in mind:

Moving costs:
You will absolutely want to hire professional movers! Pianos are very bulky and heavy, and the peace of mind that comes with utilizing professionals is worth the cost. 

The typical cost for a piano moving company is $200 - $600 for in-town moves. The price will depend on the number of stairs or the distance of the move. Local piano movers will be able to give you a specific quote if you give them a call. 

Maintenance expenses:
Acoustic pianos need regular maintenance. A piano typically needs to be tuned about once a year by a professional. You can expect between $75 and $225 per tuning.

The bottom line? You can spend as little or as much as you want on a piano. A used piano can even be free! You’ll want to plan on an initial expense of $200 - $600 for moving, and then regularly occurring annual costs of $75 - $225 for tuning and maintenance.

Keyboard Budget

Planning for the cost of a keyboard is a little simpler. 

A quality keyboard can range anywhere from $200 to $2000+. 

For the most part, electronic keyboards are durable and require minimal maintenance. Keyboards don’t go out of tune with humidity changes, which sure is nice! 

Keyboards will inevitably wear out. Well-used keyboard rarely last more than ten years, due to electronic or keybed issues. At that point, however, you can choose to repair the keyboard at a keyboard specialist shop, or replace the keyboard.

Additional keyboard expenses to keep in mind:

Sustain pedal:
The only regularly recurring cost to consider with a keyboard is replacing the sustain pedal. Sustain pedals can often lose their functionality and need to be replaced after a year or two of use. Sustain pedals can typically cost between $15 - $25.

3. What’s my preference?

Answering this question will be completely up to you! 

Is your heart set on the look and feel of an acoustic piano? If so, answer our first and second question honestly and see if an acoustic piano will be a fit for you.

Do you prefer the simplicity and convenience of an electronic keyboard? Then great! That keeps things simple, which is always a bonus. 

Complete Buying Guide:

For more guidance on finding which specific piano or keyboard is right for you, we put together a complete guide to buying a piano or keyboard. Download it for free here!

What’s next?

We know how hard it can be to get started playing piano. It can seem like there is so much to learn without a clear path to get there. 

We made a beginner’s piano course where we show you exactly what and how to practice. We take out all the guesswork so you know exactly what to do.

We are currently offering our “Beginner’s Bundle” promotion which includes our flagship course, Piano Foundations, along with our Chord Bootcamp and Sheet Music Accelerator courses all for a greatly discounted price! 

We’d love to see you thrive on piano, and we know you can do it. We’re here to help and cheer you on. 

Click here to learn more about the discounted bundle and enroll today!