So you’ve decided to learn piano – congratulations. Now comes the part that trips up almost every new student: choosing the right instrument to practice on at home.

It’s a fair question, and one we hear all the time at Manhattan Music. With so many options on the market, it can feel overwhelming. But the good news is, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get started, and the “perfect” instrument is simply the one that keeps you playing.

If you’re just beginning your journey with piano lessons, this guide will walk you through the three main options, what features actually matter, and how much you should expect to spend.

Your Three Main Options

There are essentially three paths when it comes to choosing a keyboard instrument. Each has genuine strengths and trade-offs, and the right choice depends on your goals, your space, and your budget.

Acoustic Piano

An acoustic piano — whether upright or grand — gives you the real thing. Real hammers, real strings, and a depth of tone that digital instruments still chase.

The feel of an acoustic action is unmatched. Every nuance in your touch translates directly into sound, which is why many advanced players and teachers prefer them. They also tend to hold their value well over time.

The downsides are practical. Acoustic pianos are heavy, expensive to move, and need professional tuning at least once a year. They’re also not quiet — you can’t plug in headphones at 10pm when the family is asleep.

Digital Piano

For most students, a quality digital piano hits the sweet spot. These instruments use weighted keys that simulate the feel of an acoustic action, so your fingers develop proper technique from day one.

Digital pianos don’t need tuning. They have headphone outputs for silent practice. They take up less space than an upright, and many models sit comfortably in the mid-range price bracket.

The key word here is “weighted.” A digital piano with fully weighted, hammer-action keys feels dramatically different from a lightweight keyboard — and that difference matters for your development as a player.

Keyboard (Portable/Arranger)

Portable keyboards are the most affordable and lightweight option. They’re easy to move, often come with built-in sounds and rhythms, and they’ll absolutely get you started.

The limitation is the keys. Most keyboards use unweighted or semi-weighted keys, which feel nothing like a real piano. If you plan to progress beyond the basics, you’ll likely outgrow a keyboard within a year or two.

That said, any keyboard beats no keyboard. If budget is tight, start with what you can afford and upgrade later. The most important thing is that you have something to practise on between lessons.

Key Features to Look For

Not all instruments in the same category are created equal. Here are the features worth paying attention to.

Number of Keys

A full-size piano has 88 keys. If you can, aim for 88 — it means you’ll never run out of range as you progress through your grades.

If 88 keys don’t fit your space or budget, 61 keys is the minimum for serious practice. Anything fewer and you’ll start hitting walls with repertoire surprisingly quickly.

Weighted vs Unweighted Keys

This is the single most important feature for a piano student. Weighted keys build finger strength and control. Unweighted keys don’t.

If you practise on unweighted keys at home, you’ll struggle when you sit down at a real piano in your lesson. Your teacher will notice the difference — and so will you.

Touch Sensitivity

Touch-sensitive keys respond to how hard or softly you press them. This is essential for musical expression — playing loudly in a climactic passage, or gently in a quiet section.

Most digital pianos include touch sensitivity as standard. Some budget keyboards don’t, so check before you buy.

Sustain Pedal Input

The sustain pedal is fundamental to piano playing. Make sure your instrument has a pedal input jack. Many digital pianos include a pedal; for keyboards, you may need to buy one separately.

What Should You Spend?

Budget ranges for the Australian market generally fall into three tiers.

Entry-level keyboards with 61 unweighted keys typically sit between $200 and $500. They’ll get you started, but plan to upgrade if you stick with it.

Mid-range digital pianos with 88 weighted keys — the category we recommend most — generally fall between $800 and $2,000. This is where you get the best return on investment for a developing student.

Quality acoustic uprights start from around $3,000 secondhand and go well beyond $10,000 new. They’re a wonderful investment if you have the space and budget, but they’re not necessary to begin.

Worth knowing: Manhattan Music offers a take-home lay-buy system for instruments, which can make the initial outlay much more manageable.

So, What Should You Buy?

Our recommendation for most new students is a digital piano with 88 weighted keys and a sustain pedal. It gives you the closest experience to an acoustic piano without the maintenance costs, and it will serve you well for years.

But here’s the truth: the best instrument is the one you’ll actually sit down and play. If a 61-key keyboard is what fits right now, start there. You can always upgrade as your skills and commitment grow.

If you’re unsure what to look for, your teacher is your best resource. At Manhattan Music, our piano teachers are happy to guide you through the decision and help you find something that suits your level and budget.

Ready to Start?

Choosing your instrument is an important step — but the most important step is beginning. Whether you’re five or fifty-five, there’s never a wrong time to start learning piano.

If you’re looking for guidance from experienced, accredited teachers in Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs, the team at Manhattan Music School would love to help. With over 20 years of experience and teachers accredited through AMEB, Rockschool, and ANZCA, you’ll be in good hands.

You can also browse all our music lessons or learn more about choosing the right music school to find the best fit for you.

Call us on (03) 9439 4800 or book a trial lesson through our website to find a time that works for you.