Many people these days seem to be interested in the industries heavily promoted “hybrid pianos" as an alternative to acoustic models.
Most of the instruments sold as hybrids are actually digital pianos with regular piano actions to get a closer to acoustic feel. The digital manufacturers have been improving the actions since day one to try to come as close to an acoustic experience while playing as possible, and this is the ultimate outcome.
However, you need to understand the instruments are still electronic based and have all the plusses and pitfalls associated with regular digitals. The piano sound is still artificially reproduced, generated, and amplified so some properties of the acoustic sound can be lost.
Please don't get me wrong, there is a place for them in many applications and you should not hesitate to buy one if what they do is best for what you need.
In my opinion, and that of others like myself who have been in the business for years a true hybrid is an acoustic piano outfitted with digital piano electronics therefore having all the properties of both types of instruments.
This combination gives you the best of both worlds for many reasons.
In any case, visit us to discuss which piano would be the best choice for you and your needs.
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