Dear Folks, Over the past few years, I have occasionally had churchs and schools ask for my opinion concerning electronic keyboards vs. acoustic pianos. There are many opinions about the subject....ummm... I have one around here somewhere....ah! Look; How long will that keyboard last? Will the electronics and goodies that provoked the sale work for 5 years? Probably. Will they work for 10 years? Maybe. Will they work for 20? Doubtful. Parts and service availablility more than 90 days after purchase? The idea fades with each model change and 'feature update'. Most electronic repair these days is a case for swapping out boards that have failed. Once the stock of repair-bits is used/sold/distributed, there ARE NO MORE for that hoplessly outdated creature (...that you bought last month), and it requires a genuine electronics wiz (ie; A competent and trained person.) to identify the problem and solve it, the local store rarely has one on staff (...never mind keyboards from K-Mart, WalMart or from those racks seen at Safeway loaded with Casios!). My point is this; Tell the accompanist or the choir director that the same thousands spent on a decent acoustic piano will get them an instrument that will serve the congregation for the next umpty decades. Which is cheaper in the long run? Hmmmm? True? Jeffrey T. Hickey, RPT Oregon Coast Piano Services TunerJeff @ aol.com ps- Those that 'need' the goodies can do as well & better by purchasing a MIDI capable piano and a decent 'Voice Box' with all the bells & whistles they want to hear. Really.
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC