No enlightenment is/was ever, required for me.
I would imagine that most people here, already know the difference between an acoustic instrument, and a digital one.
Applying the word 'real' to either, is irrelevant, and just pure semantics.
Let's all just get on with playing and enjoying either one.

I'm fine with applying the word 'piano' to them all, as they're automatically ..... note automatically ... real.

Interesting turn this discussion has taken ...

Is a piano type keyboard, connected to a computer (internal or external), that makes sounds historically interpreted as piano sounds, a piano? If so, what if some people think those sounds aren't very piano-like? What if the sounds are more bell-like, or clarinet-like, or (insert sound here)? Are those still a piano?

What about a "toy" piano where the hammers strike chimes or a xylophone? Is that still a piano?

What if it's a piano in the traditional sense, except that the hammers are actuated by a computer, or something like electro-mechanical means instead of pure mechanical?

To all these I still say "No".

I think it would be hard to argue that a "traditional" piano that sounds horrible is "not" a piano. The flip-side of that to me is that something that plays/sounds like a piano, but is really a digital re-creation (or uses a mechanism other than hammers, mechanically actuated by a keyboard, striking strings) is not a piano.

    Yawn

    BKN1964 What about a "toy" piano where the hammers strike chimes or a xylophone? Is that still a piano?

    Yes it is - a piano - if there is 'adequate' and independent soft-loud control of the notes of the instrument -- and I quote adequate because some say that if it does not get 'adequately' loud (as some say for the case of clavichord), then it's not a piano. But I also did mention in the thread that I'm happy to have the toy pianos etc welcomed into the piano family. If you can get 'adequate' piano forte - then it's a piano. I'm fine with it even if you can't get it loud enough - as you could always add a mic/transducer etc - and get it real loud. But once again - it goes back to piano forte, which does relate to dynamic range (and some people say - even absolute audio power/volume levels to some extent). And 'adequate' is subjective. But we get the picture in general.

    I had it all covered before - here and in my other lectures on this subject. If it has adequate soft-loud control of the independent notes (pitch set) - and you can control it by pushing the keys, and importantly it is workable for musical application(s) - then it's a piano. Piano forte - the essence is what it is all about. You, one could also say that you don't always necessarily need to use it for musical applications though, which is sometimes we can just write - in 'general' (mentioned before/above already).

    And - obviously - if one wants a piano that has adequate substance in sound - some 'oomph' etc in the sounds - then sure, we have pianos (in the digital and acoustic categories) for handling that --- the ones we know a lot, ie. the sound of 'struck strings' of a harp structure enclosed in a cabinet or semi-enclosed cabinet. Sympathetic resonance - which is often very nice too - often making the piano music sound good/rich/interesting - with adequate substance etc.

    BKN1964 What if it's a piano in the traditional sense, except that the hammers are actuated by a computer, or something like electro-mechanical means instead of pure mechanical?

    If the generally-agreed-upon condition is that it is playable by pushing levers or keys etc with piano forte, then we have a piano. But if you remove the 'keyboard' levers etc for playing it ... then it's not a piano.

    Everybody usually agrees that a piano does have the keyboard/keys. If you remove the 'keys' components, then you can't use your body to get the piano forte happening.

    The idea is/was to have polyphonic piano forte music instrument for a person to play. This was the idea or goal back in the 'old' days. A piano could probably play itself back then too ... but that is getting into an area where we have to keep the lights on at night (and garlic etc) for a week or so ... just to be on the safe side. Probably a good idea to leave the lights on during the day too.

        I think the Bard had something apposite to say on this topic..

        “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet”

        …and more recently…

        “To be a piano or not to be, that is not the question"

        This nice person here (symbolabmathsolver) also had something significant and nice to say about digital pianos too.

        digital piano - link

        May I be permitted to wonder off at a bit of a tangent with regard to PianoForte. My friend and I have been practising some piano duets and she suggested the next piece could be from Satie's Three pieces in the shape of a pear and she played a recording. Now I guess I would be playing secondo so my immediate reaction to the ff passage on the opening line bar 4 was "that is not going to happen on my piano". I am willing to learn the piece but for the well being of the keys, the action, the strings and the tuning it not going above f.

          keff That is not off tangent Keff. That is just emphasising - like people and populations and other things, there is variety - variation. In the world of pianos, there are different types, different kinds/features. They're all amazing and fantastic of course. The main thing is probably how we handle ourselves on them all - when we encounter them or use them. And the music you play from your piano is excellent, and there is also unlimited amount of music that can be played from your piano(s).

          This is also factoring in beginners and everyone - all can enjoy learning and playing their pianos. I know that you're very good at playing piano. I have heard your music, and it is very nice. It is excellent.

              Pallas I just had a brainwave! Checks ticket. I was here for a debate not a lecture. Forehead slap. CUE MONTY PYTHON FLYING CIRCUS THEME MUSIC!

              oops! ok ... it's a lecture. The subject outline (quoting it) says - lecture - 1 hour - topic --- 'piano'.

              taushi ... read my original post thoroughly ... and my other lectures on this subject.

              That is ok though!!!!! When we have our pianos and play our pianos, we can always look on the bright side of life!

                Pallas Now that I understand, I'll get my squirtgun.

                You can use your squirt gun outside the lecture theatre (just to stay on the piano centre's security staff good side), as we're all heading outside for free barbeque lunch, and everybody gets two burger vouchers with choice of soda/soft drink, beer, or orange or apple or pear or cranberry or grape juice. My shout. On the house. Here's your two vouchers Pallas.

                And then we can all go inside the piano complex and teaching/learning centre again after the barbie to play pianos ... one recital hall for each person.

                Pallas (Ok, perhaps fewer people would have bought a ticket, but details details.)

                Unbelievable what those scalpers get up to! The lectures are free! No strings attached -- ok -- well, maybe hammers and strings attached.