When it comes ot digital pianos, there are a lot of different options. But which ones are the best and which ones should you avoid?
From the keyboard legends like Yamaha and Casio to the relatively modern brands like Novation and Nord, we’ve put together a list of ten best digital piano brands in the world. Let’s get started.
1. Yamaha
Up first and one of the most iconic brands in digital pianos, Yamaha has a rich history of musical innovation since its founding in 1887. Little did Torakusu Yamaha know back then, when he built his first reed organ, that the company he founded would become one of the best keyboard brands in the world
Today, Yamaha is known as one of the largest manufacturers of musical instruments, creators of innovative instruments, and teachers of musical education.
The company spent a century perfecting their Yamaha acoustic pianos and even more decades translating that perfection into the digital kind, resulting in digital pianos that boast the sound and feel of their acoustic versions—and more!
Yamaha is based in Japan but boasts locations across the globe, including New York City, Los Angeles, Germany, France, the UK, Switzerland, and more. So if you’re interested in one of their digital pianos, find an authorized dealer near you.
2. Nord
Hans Nordelius founded Nord in 1983 when he developed technology for an innovative drum pad. After seeing success with this musical device, Nord expanded its musical collection with synthesizers.
It wasn’t until the 2000s that Nord finally released their digital keyboards and the initial prototype for the iconic Nord Stage. Today, the company maintains its reputation as one of the best brand names for digital pianos by continuing to specialize in high-quality and innovative keyboards and drum pads.
If you’re wondering where Nord’s synthesizers went, look no further than their keyboards. Nord has integrated synthesizers into their digital pianos to give musicians everything they need for an epic performance.
The most sought-after Nord instrument is the Nord Stage 3, with its award-winning technology and a vast selection of features, like sample playback, polyphony, song list mode, and many others.
3. Kawai
With its history founded on research and innovation, Kawai Musical Instruments is considered one of the top digital piano brands. In fact, before Koichi Kawai and seven colleagues formed what would be Kawai Musical Instruments, the eight co-founders worked as researchers for a leading piano company.
In 1927, the group got together and founded Kawai in Hamamatsu, Japan. They created the first Kawai Grand Piano in 1928 and haven’t looked back since. In the 1960s, Kawai released its first electric organ, paving the way for its iconic digital keyboards.
Kawai is known for crafting pianos that adhere to the highest standards of quality and performance. This extends to its award-winning digital keyboard selections.
Each one is like playing on a grand piano, down to its wooden keys, but with additional digital features, like adjustable parameters, Bluetooth connectivity, LCD touchscreen with an app for Android and iOS, varied instrument sound options, and so much more!
4. Roland
As one of the leaders in professional digital instruments used by music producers and musicians worldwide, Roland is easily one of the best electronic piano brands.
Founded in 1972 in Osaka, Japan, by the innovative engineer Ikutaro Kakehashi, its early innovations were rhythm machines and synthesizers until releasing keyboards in 1974. True to its origins, Roland’s digital keyboards and synthesizers remain its top-selling products.
Roland boasts that their digital piano looks as good as it sounds, with designs as classic as the upright piano or as portable as stage keyboards. Its digital technology allows you to play along with your favorite pieces, connect to your smartphone, or use a headphone for private playing, among many others.
This well-known brand name in the music industry also offers endless options of keyboards, pedals, headphones, and more designed to make your audio experience one to remember.
5. Casio
Most everyone knows the brand Casio. It is an exceptional Japanese brand known for its innovative technology in watches, calculators, and digital keyboards.
Though the brand got founded in 1946 by Tadao Kashio, it wasn’t until the 1980s that Casio stepped into the spotlight as one of the best digital piano manufacturers.
Its first release was the Casiotone 201. Since then, Casio has consistently delivered high-quality electronic musical instruments for musicians worldwide. Today, the top-selling Casio keyboard is their sleek and stunning Casio Privia PX-S3100.
From Casio’s keyboards to standup digital pianos to hybrids, musicians will find professional-grade sound, intuitive features, and quality they can trust with one of the best keyboard brands.
6. Korg
Founders Tsutomu Kato and Tadashi Osanai dreamed of creating new experiences in music and performance art, and so Korg was born. They developed innovative digital instruments like rhythm machines, Japan’s first synthesizers, and the first needle-type turner in the world.
Today, Korg specializes in digital instruments and accessories, like synthesizers, production software, drums and percussion, mixers, effects devices, and of course, keyboards and digital pianos.
They have a number of series to choose from their digital piano catalog, from the Concert to the Stage series.
Most of Korg’s digital pianos have a slim line design perfect for traveling or for studios with tight spaces. All feature rich, quality sounds capable of emitting the gentlest of pianissimo to booming fortissimo.
Depending on the model, digital features will vary. For instance, with their digital Concert G1 piano, you can have the sound of a German, an Austrian, or a Japanese piano all in one instrument.
7. Dexibell
The Italian brand Dexibell doesn’t typically come first to mind when thinking about the best brands of digital pianos, mainly because this company is young, having introduced its first product in 2015.
However, while the Dexibell brand may be young, the minds behind it are some of the most experienced engineers and instrument designers in the business, earning its spot on this list of the best keyboard brands.
Today, Dexibell specializes in keyboards, digital organs, and mini grand pianos for homes, studios, and stages, with the VIVO Stage line of keyboards as their highest-selling instruments.
If you want a more piano-like look, their VIVO Mini Grand Piano series might interest you. It features keys similar to their acoustic counterpart, unlimited polyphony, a Platinum sound library, 15 loudspeakers, and so much more.
8. Novation
You can’t spell innovation without Novation, and that’s what Novation Digital Music Systems aims to do. This digital instrument brand from the United Kingdom first started in 1992 when founders Ian Jannaway and Mark Thompson combined their love of electronic music with their love of invention.
Novation is one of the best keyboard brands because it collaborates with industry hard-hitters for some of the most innovative audio interfaces, apps, and software.
With their keyboards, you have the power of control in your hands. Their LaunchKey 88, in particular, is an SOS Award winner. It has a number of integrated features to help you create magical music with ease.
With over 30 years as a renowned name in the music industry, Novation has developed countless products that continue to influence electronic music and its creation. Alongside their exceptional keyboards, Novation is well-known for products like groove boxes, synthesizers, and other accessories.
9. Kurzweil
If you want a digital piano and keyboard brand that guarantees professional quality fit for the world’s most famous musicians, look no further than Kurzweil.
Computer scientist Ray Kurzweil and software engineer Bruce Cichowlas founded Kurzweil together in 1982 after visiting the famous pianist and musician Steve Wonder on tour. Stevie wondered if it’d be possible to build a digital piano with the sound and quality of an acoustic one, and thus Kurzweil was born.
In 1983, Kurzweil unveiled the prototype for the Kurzweil 250. By 1984, the Kurzweil 250 was tested and approved by musicians worldwide.
Now, the company offers an array of professional keyboards and home digital pianos. For those looking for a classical look with the convenience of digital features, their digital baby grand might be something you’re interested in.
10. Alesis
Last but not least, Alesis is one of the best digital piano and keyboard brands, with its early history starting in Hollywood. Founded by Keith Elliott Bar in 1980, Alesis Studio Electronics actually went under in 2001.
When Alesis was acquired by Jack O’Donnell soon after, the company hasn’t stopped innovating and releasing affordable, studio-quality instruments and tools for musicians.
Their 88-key digital pianos feel and sound like the acoustic deal. With built-in voices and, in some models, instrument sounds, accompaniment is made easy. Alesis keyboards are perfect whether you’re a beginner player or a pro.
Summing Up Our List Of Best Brands Of Digital Piano
Feel deepened appreciation for the artistry and innovation that goes into creating exceptional musical instruments now that you know the history and interesting facts about the best digital piano brands.
From recognized names like Yamaha to Alesis, musicians have no shortage of quality instruments that satisfy listeners’ ears and produce impeccable sounds, even if they’re silent to everyone else.
Pick up a new hobby or hone your skills with digital pianos from one of these best keyboard brands. Whether you want a trustworthy brand name or innovative technology, these reputable and renowned keyboard brands are sure to exceed your expectations.
