This essay spells out the pros and cons!
Both instruments have keys to make their music and thus are called (per the dictionary) "keyboarded instruments."
However, keyboards are usually thought of as anything that plugs into the wall. Acoustic (erroneously sometimes called "real") pianos do not.
What can you expect with each type of instrument? This essay provides my answers.
Who am I and why should YOU believe anything I have to say?
I have played professionally on all sorts of keyboarded instruments since 1968.
Additionally, I have taught all ages (not just kids!) to play a huge variety of types of "boards" (ranging from acoustic pianos to synthesizers and organs) since 1987.
Thus, I do know what I say.
By the way, if I don't answer all your questions, you can contact me directly (at danstarrorg@yahoo.com).
Keyboards (meaning instruments that plug into an electric socket:)
Pros
1. Cheap to buy and operate. Never needs tuning and has many learning features.
2. Quicker to learn well.
3. Can plug in headphones so folks won't hear you.
Cons
1. Not "traditional" and this is a negative in some markets.
2. Doesn't look like a great piece of furniture to some
3. Piano-only folks will give you crap for owning one.
Acoustic Pianos
Pros
1. Is traditional and thus anyone who sticks it out will learn something that is very traditional.
2. Loads of them already around.
3. Great for music written for the instrument.
Cons
1. Hard to learn well for a number of reasons
2. Expensive to buy and keep up with tunings, etc.
3. New technology - for 1706!
