07 July 2021
Marco Gandolfi
As with all things of importance, the sound of the piano keys and the player’s effectiveness to deliver it is essential. When beginners start to play the piano more fluently, their ability to listen as they play independently, without the teacher to help them, is all they have to rely on the sound the piano keys make to guide them along. There is much to be considered when it comes to weighted piano keys.
Why is weight significant?
There are a few options of pianos that a beginner player can choose from, and if they are on a budget, then it is usually something in the keyboard or secondhand range. If you have a keyboard, you might notice the lighter plastic keys, which rely on the sound from the built-in mono speaker. The keys are very soft, and the focus was on the ability you will have to move the piano around. What is excellent about that is that you can practice anywhere, but a disadvantage is lighter weight keys.
What materials are used to make piano keys?
Most of us are used to ivory being used in former years. The ivory provided a sleek finish and the right weight to help with the sound. These days, the white keys are made entirely of wood, and the black keys have always been of stained ebony wood. The white keys are produced almost entirely of basswood or spruce, with only the top being ivory. With the world rallying behind to save the rhinos, it is no wonder that alternative methods have been sought out to produce the same quality. There is nothing wrong with having an ivory keyboard, but it is illegal to replace the ivory if it has chipped, and for that reason, we now have the keys in wood to make for easier maintenance. Keyboards use plastic white and are much lighter.
Benefits of the weight
As mentioned earlier, the weight of the keys makes it easier for the player to feel what they are doing and control the sound better. The weight also helps with dexterity and finger strength, allowing the player to control the sound with more composure and a higher ability to hear the sound.
When the keys hit the hammer and then, in turn, hits the strings, the player will distinguish the sound that the key produced and whether the piano is out of tune. They can hear the harmonies between keys, creating a sound much closer to an acoustic piano than the keyboard is. Even if the keyboard had the settings of a traditional piano, the weight of the keys prevents the player from hearing it emanate from the actual instrument as opposed to hearing it play from a speaker.
There are limitations for everyone when it comes to choosing the right piano, especially as a beginner. Still, there are definitive qualities that will make spending the extra money on a more traditional piano worth the while. Speak to a consultant at a piano warehouse before purchasing to get the best out of the instrument you choose to invest in, in the future.
