Buying a digital piano, advice?

SteW · 12-02-2009, 05:01 AM

Hi, I'm looking at buying a digital piano, and was wondering if anyone here could suggest a make/model?

I know I want it to have 88keys, weighted keys, be portable (stage piano?), and have a sustain pedal.

Apart from that, I have no clue!

My budget isn't great, about £300, but I don't mind buying second hand.
I've been looking on eBay, but since I don't really know which makes/models are best, I'm not that confident bidding.

Thanks.

DanielListo · 12-02-2009, 07:20 AM

I would suggest Roland digital pianos because it has a light to medium touch... The keys feel nice under the fingers, buy they react a little too much when you're playing fast passages. Their stage pianos are some of the best you can buy (RD and FP range) -- The realistic key touch and sound is just what's required for travelling professionals that perform for a living.

Another thing is the Classenti digital pianos because it offers a resonant, mellow and realistic piano sound. The touch is heavy-weighted, and authentic... with near perfect weighting (slightly heavier than most of Yamaha's digital pianos).

Astronomer · 12-02-2009, 07:47 AM

I've got a Casio and it's fantastic. Weighted keys, full-length keyboard, portable, and a great sustain pedal. I am a pianist and was only used to playing 'real' pianos however when I started gigging unfortunately they were not portable! I was very skeptical when looking into digital pianos as I wanted it to feel exactly like playing a real piano. I am incredibly happy with my Casio. It is very authentic to play and you can adjust the sound settings to your liking.

It was $700AU which was actually very cheap next to all the other models of digital pianos I was looking at, so going second hand would be a great option if you're on a budget. The only thing I regret about mine is that it doesn't have a proper input - just a headphone one. The ones with proper connections were much more expensive.

musicjazzman · 02-15-2010, 09:43 AM

Your budget will limit your options and although I agree that a Roland is a good choice... it may be out of your budget, even in a good used keyboard. The Yamaha has the best bang for your buck on your price range for a new unit, but you could also consider the CASIO Privia 130. It has all of the new stuff on it. I personally like the sounds on the Yamaha better, and they don't cost that much more than a CASIO but for the money they are both good choices.

I came across a site the other day that had some good video review demos on it. keyboardmusicalinstruments.net

Good Luck!

Rob

Psy-Fi · 02-16-2010, 10:32 PM

If I was going to buy a keyboard in your price range, I would probably get a Yamaha.
I had one of their models years ago, and thoroughly enjoyed playing it. I sold it to a friend recently, after I hadn't played it for a couple of years, and it's probably the only possession I regret parting with. They are a good deal for the money and worth looking into.

OperaticRosie · 02-22-2010, 03:58 AM

I would say a Casio is one of your best options, for sure. Always loved mine! My mother used to swear by her yamaha, but think the Casio is much better

12-02-2009, 05:01 AM	#1 (permalink)
SteW Groupie Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Cardiff, Wales Posts: 5	Buying a digital piano, advice? Hi, I'm looking at buying a digital piano, and was wondering if anyone here could suggest a make/model? I know I want it to have 88keys, weighted keys, be portable (stage piano?), and have a sustain pedal. Apart from that, I have no clue! My budget isn't great, about £300, but I don't mind buying second hand. I've been looking on eBay, but since I don't really know which makes/models are best, I'm not that confident bidding. Thanks.

12-02-2009, 07:47 AM	#3 (permalink)
Astronomer we are stardust Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 2,894	I've got a Casio and it's fantastic. Weighted keys, full-length keyboard, portable, and a great sustain pedal. I am a pianist and was only used to playing 'real' pianos however when I started gigging unfortunately they were not portable! I was very skeptical when looking into digital pianos as I wanted it to feel exactly like playing a real piano. I am incredibly happy with my Casio. It is very authentic to play and you can adjust the sound settings to your liking. It was $700AU which was actually very cheap next to all the other models of digital pianos I was looking at, so going second hand would be a great option if you're on a budget. The only thing I regret about mine is that it doesn't have a proper input - just a headphone one. The ones with proper connections were much more expensive. __________________

02-15-2010, 09:43 AM	#4 (permalink)
musicjazzman Groupie Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 1	What will you play with it? Your budget will limit your options and although I agree that a Roland is a good choice... it may be out of your budget, even in a good used keyboard. The Yamaha has the best bang for your buck on your price range for a new unit, but you could also consider the CASIO Privia 130. It has all of the new stuff on it. I personally like the sounds on the Yamaha better, and they don't cost that much more than a CASIO but for the money they are both good choices. I came across a site the other day that had some good video review demos on it. keyboardmusicalinstruments.net Good Luck! Rob

02-22-2010, 03:58 AM	#6 (permalink)
OperaticRosie Groupie Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 7	I would say a Casio is one of your best options, for sure. Always loved mine! My mother used to swear by her yamaha, but think the Casio is much better __________________ I live for [link removed by mod]

12-02-2009, 07:20 AM	#2 (permalink)
DanielListo Groupie Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 3	I would suggest Roland digital pianos because it has a light to medium touch... The keys feel nice under the fingers, buy they react a little too much when you're playing fast passages. Their stage pianos are some of the best you can buy (RD and FP range) -- The realistic key touch and sound is just what's required for travelling professionals that perform for a living. Another thing is the Classenti digital pianos because it offers a resonant, mellow and realistic piano sound. The touch is heavy-weighted, and authentic... with near perfect weighting (slightly heavier than most of Yamaha's digital pianos).

02-16-2010, 10:32 PM	#5 (permalink)
Psy-Fi Aficionado of Fine Filth Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: You don't want to look in there. Posts: 6,890	If I was going to buy a keyboard in your price range, I would probably get a Yamaha. I had one of their models years ago, and thoroughly enjoyed playing it. I sold it to a friend recently, after I hadn't played it for a couple of years, and it's probably the only possession I regret parting with. They are a good deal for the money and worth looking into.