The electric piano was invented as an alternative to the traditional harmonic piano. The traditional models were bulky and contained numerous movable components. They were also costly instruments and their usage was restricted to the elite few, who could afford to buy one. The electric piano, when it was introduced, proved to be a less bulky and cheaper alternative for the people. It was cheap enough to be affordable to the general public and its popularity and usage increased in the ensuing years. The electric piano was manufactured and marketed primarily for house hold usage but it was also prevalently used in schools, colleges and musical institutions. Since it was cheaper to buy and maintain, the electric piano also became popular with people who were learning to play the piano. Unlike the traditional piano, the electric piano does not produce sound with the help of strings and hammers; the sound is produced by electro – magnetic components. The sound waves produced is converted into electric pulse, which is then outputted as sound. The electro – magnetic components are less bulky than the string and hammer mechanism and they are also a lot easier to maintain. This feature had contributed to the increase in the popularity of the electric piano, right from its introduction until the late 1970s. The electric piano was eventually replaced by the digital and electronic pianos in the early 1980s but of late, a few piano manufacturers have started producing higher quality electric pianos that have movable, electro – magnetic parts, which produce better quality sound.

It is understood that the electric piano does not produce the desired range of sounds when compared to the traditional or even the electronic pianos because the electric sound pulse is evenly produced. There is no touch and feel aspect with the electric piano, so, a soft touch on the keyboard produces the same sound as a hard touch. This lack of differentiation in sound output is the drawback that has always been associated with the electric piano and this aspect has also contributed to the waning popularity of this instrument. However, during the early times, when there were no other options, the electric piano enjoyed high levels of popularity and usage. There were piano players who specialized only on the electric piano and their skills were adapted to the unique features that are available only in the electric instruments.