Electronic Pianos

Beginning in the late 1950's, several companies marketed electronic pianos that were more portable than acoustic pianos and could be played through either loudspeakers or headphones. Some of these instruments stayed in tune longer than acoustic pianos.

Since their introduction, the most popular brands marketed in America have been Baldwin, Kawai, Rhodes, WurliTzer, and Yamaha. Each of them incorporates a mechanical action with hammers and dampers.

Servicing electronic piano often includes repairing the electronic components. The same basic operating principles, and repair and regulating techniques for the keys and actions of acoustic pianos, are applicable to the mechanical parts of electronic pianos. To obtain specific regulating and repair information for any of these instruments, consult the manufacturer or a technician who specializes in electronic pianos.

In recent years, totally electronic pianos without mechanical actions have become more sophisticated, less expensive, and more widely marketed. Their keyboards simulate the touch of an acoustic piano, including the capability for both soft and loud playing.