Key takeaways 

• The piano is commonly used in classical, jazz, and pop music
• Classified as a chordophone, acoustic pianos use hammers and strings to produce sound; digital pianos replicate this through sensors and sampling/modelling
• Organs are designed to provide texture and “fill out” a piece of music, and you’ll commonly find them in religious settings like churches and cathedrals due to their magnificent sound projection
• Acoustic organs are woodwind instruments, while their electric counterparts not only recreate their sound but also add variety with a range of instrument voices

Piano or organ? Key differences to help you decide 

Type of instrument 

A piano is both a string and percussion instrument. It produces sound by hammers striking the strings and, in turn, sending vibrations through the soundboard. More specifically, this crossover between the two instrument families makes the piano a chordophone instrument.

Acoustic pianos rely entirely on this mechanical process, while digital pianos use sensors and sampling or modelling to replicate the feel and sound.

A traditional organ is a woodwind instrument because it uses air to produce sound. Pipe organs push air through pipes, while electric and digital ones, again, recreate the effect with sensors and sampling or modelling. Unlike a piano, an organ holds a note for as long as you press the key, creating a continuous sound. 

Sounds

If you have a digital piano, you most likely purchased it because you want to replicate the crisp, clear, sweet sound of the acoustic with the added benefits of digital design.

Digital pianos use either sampling (the process of meticulously recording an acoustic piano) or modelling (algorithms that simulate how the piano resonates) to achieve an authentic-sounding piano tone.

You’ll also find some additional voices on a digital piano, including strings and electric piano.

Electric organs, though, are built for variety. They can mimic different instruments, particularly woodwind and reed sounds, using built-in voices or ranks.  

Modern electric organs rely on sampling or synthesis to create their sounds, and many let you tweak and layer tones as you play. Unlike a piano, an organ holds a note as long as you press the key, making it great for smooth transitions and sustained chords.  

Organs like the Viscount Legend range give you that classic organ experience with all the advantages of an electric design. But if you’re an advanced organist looking for features like an authentic tonewheel and detailed adjustments such as microphone placement, the Nord Organ 3 displays the very best in organ technology.  

If you want an instrument that feels and sounds like a real piano, go for a digital piano. But if you like experimenting with different tones and textures, an electric organ gives you loads more options. 

Use cases 

You’ll find digital pianos in all sorts of environments: home, studio, stage, and more. They’re ideal if you want a realistic piano experience without the bulk of an acoustic model.

As mentioned earlier, they’re also one of the most versatile instruments out there, meaning they can be used in a vast range of genres and setups, from jazz groups to classical ensembles.

If you’re unsure what your style is or what instrument you want to play long-term, the piano is a great place to start as it lays the foundation for music theory. Many composers write music using the piano before moving each part to its respective instrument.

An electric organ, on the other hand, is ideal if you’re looking for a more varied sound palette. It’s commonly used in churches, theatres, and jazz or pop bands.

Unlike a piano, which is usually a solo or accompaniment instrument, an organ is designed to fill space with sustained tones, making it perfect for leading congregational singing or adding layers to an ensemble. 

So, in the same way you shouldn’t be put off by the size of an acoustic piano, don’t let the bulk of an organ deter you from learning it! Electric organs offer a much more accessible way of learning to play this complex instrument with a huge variety of sounds at your disposal.  

FAQs 

What is the difference between a piano and an organ?  

A piano and an organ differ in sound production, playing technique, and structure. A piano produces sound by hammers striking strings, while an organ uses air passing through pipes or electronic synthesis. Pianos require dynamic touch control, whereas organs rely on stops and multiple keyboards for tonal variation. 

Which came first, the organ or the piano? 

The organ came before the piano by over a thousand years, with the earliest models dating back to ancient Greece in the 3rd century BCE, while the piano was invented in the early 18th century. Evolving through pipe design and bellows, the organ has become synonymous with church music, while the piano is known as a refined hammer-action keyboard instrument. 

Can a pianist be an organist?

A pianist can become an organist, but there are a few extra techniques you’ll need to master. The organ lacks dynamic key touch, meaning it relies on precise finger and pedal control. Organists also use foot pedals for bass notes and adjust stops for tone variation.

Final thoughts 

Whether the piano or organ is right for you depends on the kind of music you’ll be using it for, where you’ll be playing, and, if opting for the digital instrument, how many creative features and instrument voices you need.

In summary, the organ’s drone-like tones allow it to fill space in musical pieces. If you’re looking for a wide range of sounds, an electric organ could be the best choice.

On the other hand, if you want an instrument that exclusively produces piano sounds, a digital piano is the better option. The piano is also well-suited to both accompaniment and solo performances and covers a wider range of genres than the organ.

We hope you found this article informative! If you’re looking for more insights, check out:

The Ultimate Guide to Piano Keys 

How Does a Piano Work? Acoustic vs. Digital Technology 

The 6 Best Electric Organs For All Genres of Music