Ever since the first model was invented by instrument maker Bartolomeo Cristofori around 1700 (Cohen, et al.), the piano has become a significant part of millions of lives around the world. Over time, the piano family expanded as new kinds of keyboard instruments were created. The grand piano, the synthesizer, and the accordion are all keyboard instruments, to name a few. The digital piano is also a keyboard instrument that serves as an electronic alternative to the traditional acoustic piano. There is a variety of digital piano manufacturers and models to this day. Nevertheless, most pianos share similar characteristics. This description focuses on a specific kind of digital piano, which is called the Yamaha P-125. This portable piano is one of the many pianos designed by Yamaha, a corporation that is widely known for its production of musical equipment.

The P-125 comes in two colors: black and white. Its width of 52.2 inches allows it to hold 88 keys in total. Though this is the typical amount of keys that a piano is supposed to have, there are some models that have less and more than this number. The keys of the P-125 are arranged in two horizontal rows – one row consists of only black keys while the other consists of only white keys. When these keys are pressed, the sound can be heard from the two built-in speakers. Because these two speakers are on opposite ends of the keyboard, the piano produces a “rich stereo sound,” as described by Yamaha. In between these two speakers, there is a slider that adjusts the overall volume of the piano. There are also various buttons that serve to power the keyboard on/off, change the type of sound produced, play built-in recordings, etc. At the back of the keyboard (the part that is supposed to face away from the user), there are ports to connect the AC adapter, wired headphones, and more. What makes the P-125 “portable” is the fact that it can be carried around. Unlike the traditional acoustic piano, the P-125 is compact and lightweight. Piano stands can be bought separately to hold up the P-125 as you play.

At this point, you may be asking, “How do all of these components work together?” In contrast to the acoustic counterpart – which is made up of a system of hammers and strings – most digital pianos like the P-125 play prerecorded sounds, or samples, of the acoustic piano (Merriam Music Inc.). In special sound studios, sound engineers play and record each key of the acoustic piano until they have a workable collection of sounds. Next, the recordings are imported into the digital piano’s storage so that they can be accessed by the piano. Then, each key is programmed to play a specific note, which assigns each key their own distinct sound. This is possible since every function of the digital piano is connected to the built-in computer system. And finally, when you press a key, a signal is sent to the computer that reads which key you pressed, and the corresponding sound is played.  This mechanism is similar to that of a computer keyboard. When you press a certain key or combination of keys, the associated action will occur. For example, pressing “A” while in a document will print the letter “A” on the screen. Similarly, when a key on the P-125 is pressed, the computer determines which key was pressed and the corresponding recording is played through the speakers. There are sensors built under each key that detect how much force you apply to them. The more force you put onto a key, the louder the note will be. This musical element is known as dynamic. The Pure CF Sound Engine feature also impacts the kinds of sound that the P-125 can make. With this feature, the P-125 sounds almost identical to the acoustic piano.

Like any other digital piano, the main function of the P-125 is to play music. As stated before, each key is responsible for playing a distinct note and each note is associated with a letter, ranging from A to G. All of the white keys correspond to what are called natural notes. These are notes with no special name to them; they are represented by letters only. The black keys correspond to flat or sharp notes. Flat and sharp notes are represented by a combination of letters and symbols. For example, C♯ is read as “C sharp” and E♭ is read as “E flat.” There are some white keys that also represent a sharp or flat note, but it is common to refer to these notes as their natural equivalent instead (Cazaubon). The note B, for example, is located on the same key as C♭, thus proving that they produce the same sound. There are digital pianos available that use visual aids – either illuminating keys or a digital monitor – to help users get more familiar with which keys are which. The P-125 does not have either of these features, so the learning process with this piano will just be slightly more difficult.

All in all, the Yamaha P-125 is just one of the many digital pianos available to use. It has many of the general features of a digital piano, such as dynamic, an aux-in port to connect headphones, and 88 keys that are arranged horizontally. It also has several unique features that enhance its sound, including the Pure CF Sound Engine. With these features and components available, the P-125 can be used to compose a variety of music. Some may think that the digital piano is just something to toy with in your free time. However, this instrument has the potential to be way more than that. If you’re able to enhance your skills well enough, perhaps you can be like classical composer Beethoven or contemporary singer Alicia Keys and use the piano to make a great impact on society.

References

Cazaubon, Mantius. “Piano Notes and Keys – 88 Key Piano.” Piano Keyboard Guide, http://www.piano-keyboard-guide.com/piano-notes.html.

Cohen, Douglas, et al. Music: Its Language, History, and Culture. CUNY Academic Works, 2015.

“How Digital Pianos Work.” Merriam Music Inc., https://www.merriammusic.com/pianos/digital-pianos/how-digital-pianos-work/#:~:text=A%20digital%20piano%20is%20a%20computer.%20When%20you,is%20played%20back%20through%20a%20set%20of%20speakers.

“P-125 – Specs – Yamaha USA.” YAMAHA, https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/pianos/p_series/p-125/specs.html#product-tabs.