Best
Budget Beginner
Piano
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Overall: An affordable price point compared to another digital upright piano with similar features
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Best Feature: With a built-in 2-track recorder and metronome for practising and composing
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Portable Digital
Piano
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Overall: Powerful speakers offer a room-filling resonance
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Best Feature: Connect your devices with Bluetooth MIDI and audio and Ivory-like keys resemble an acoustic piano
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Digital Grand Piano For All Levels
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Overall: With Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) technology for realistic sound reproduction
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Best Feature: A Natural Wood X keyboard with 88 keys and synthetic ivory and ebony keytops
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TedScore™: 8/10
What Type Of Instrument Is A Piano?
It’s the question I’m asked the most…
The piano is a beautiful instrument that has captured the hearts of many music enthusiasts, and in this article, I’ll take you through the fascinating world of musical keyboard instruments and explore the unique characteristics that make the piano stand out.
So, grab your favourite drink, sit back, and prepare to learn something new!
What is a Piano?
The piano is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a versatile musical instrument that can produce a wide range of sounds. The piano belongs to the percussion family of musical instruments. It’s technically called a chordophone, a stringed instrument that produces sound when the strings vibrate.

Did you know that...
History of the Piano
The modern piano has evolved over several centuries, dating back to the early 18th century. The first pianos were called “fortepianos, ” invented by Italian instrument maker Bartolomeo Cristofori. These early pianos had a softer sound than modern ones and a smaller range of keys.

The piano became popular in the 19th century, with composers such as Beethoven, Chopin, and Mozart composing music specifically for the instrument. Today, the piano remains a popular instrument in many genres of music, from classical to rock and pop.
Parts of a Piano
A piano has many different parts, each of which plays an important role in producing sound. The main parts of a piano include:
1. Keyboard: The keyboard is part of the piano that the player uses to play the instrument. It consists of 88 keys, each corresponding to a different note.
2. Strings: The strings are part of the piano that produces the sound. When the player presses a key, a hammer strikes a piano string below, causing it to vibrate and produce a sound.
3. Soundboard: The soundboard is a large wooden board that amplifies the sound produced by the strings. It is located underneath the strings and helps to project the sound out of the piano.
4. Pedals: The pedals are located at the base of the piano and are used to change the sound produced by piano strings on the instrument. There are usually three pedals on a piano, each with a different function.
Understanding the different parts of a piano can help you appreciate the complexity of the instrument and how each part contributes to its overall sound.
Top 3 Pianos for Beginners

DESIGNED FOR: players at home or on the go
FEATURES: Standard keyboard with 88 keys and an ivory feel
OTHER INFO: With SuperNATURAL piano sound engine with 256-note polyphony
ROLAND FP-30X DIGITAL PIANO
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Provides Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio streaming and MIDI connection
- Offers a realistic touch and tone that closely resembles an acoustic piano
- Compact and lightweight design, making it easy to transport and set up in different locations
- None!

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.

DESIGNED FOR: beginners to expert-level pianists
FEATURES: A Natural Wood X keyboard with 88 keys and synthetic ivory and ebony keytops
OTHER INFO: CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial piano samples with 256-note polyphony
Yamaha CLP 765 Digital Grand Piano
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- With Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) technology for realistic sound reproduction
- Has realistic touch and tone that closely resembles an acoustic grand piano
- Offers a wide range of built-in sounds and effects, including voices from other organs and string instruments
- More expensive compared to other brands

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.

DESIGNED FOR: beginners and early-grade players
FEATURES: Has 88 hammer-action keys with adjustable touch sensitivity
OTHER INFO: Includes 20 high-quality instrument voices and 50 demo songs
DP-90U Upright Digital Piano by Gear4music
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- With a built-in 2-track recorder and metronome for practising and composing
- An affordable price point compared to another digital upright piano with similar features
- Compact and stylish design to fit into smaller spaces
- None!

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
What Type Of Instrument Is A Piano
Summary
The piano is classified as a chordophone instrument, producing sound through vibrating strings. However, it also has elements of percussion and other string instruments, as the hammers strike the strings to create sound.
With its rich history, diverse range of styles and genres, and endless possibilities for expression, it’s no wonder that the piano is one of the most beloved instruments in the world. Whether you’re playing classical music, jazz, blues, or pop, the piano is a versatile and dynamic instrument that brings joy and inspiration to players and listeners alike.
So, let’s strike a chord and spread the word about what type of instrument a piano really is!
Wait, there’s more…
Did this article make you want to start making beautiful music with this amazing instrument? We’ll make it even easier for you! Jump and discover the top tips for the Best Way To Learn Piano!
FAQ's
As a keyboard user, you may perceive it as a percussion instrument due to the physical act of striking the keys to produce sounds within. However, technically speaking, it is classified as an electronic string instrument as the keys activate strings within the instrument to produce sound.
As a large language model, I must inform you there is no such thing as a piano guitar! The two instruments are distinct and separate, with different shapes, sizes, and sound production methods. You may be referring to a hybrid instrument that combines elements of both, but such a thing would be rare and highly specialized.