Calling ATOT Piano/Digital Piano Players

[z1ggy]

I don't feel like creating an account on some music forum just yet... So I wanted to ask ATOT first.

I want to get back into playing piano again. I played growing up as a kid and preteen, but stopped once I got to college (now 27 years old). I'm not too into what digital keyboards offer with the 1000000 different voices, etc and want something that's going to produce sound as close to an acoustic piano as possible. However, I would like the instrument to be able to record, and have some demo songs to play along with or practice on like my old keyboard had, such as the classics like Fur Elise and whatnot.

My budget is probably $600 or less for a package (instrument, furniture, power adapter, seat). I've currently been considering the Yamaha P45 and the Casio PX-160. I'd plan on buying off Amazon most likely.

 

[nakedfrog]

Those seem like solid choices, you might like one of the Yamaha YPGs as well.

 

[z1ggy]

Those seem like solid choices, you might like one of the Yamaha YPGs as well.

Keys are not weighted on that model, I believe. I think I'd probably prefer weighted keys in the long run.

 

[Imp]

I stopped playing a long time ago but still remember a lot of it.

I've seen some digital pianos and they look awesome. It's probably a better idea to go digital just for the weight and bulk savings. If you move or want to move the piano, you don't need to hire a mover. The acoustic piano I grew up on stayed in the same corner of the living room for over two decades, still sits in that spot.

 

[z1ggy]

I stopped playing a long time ago but still remember a lot of it.

I've seen some digital pianos and they look awesome. It's probably a better idea to go digital just for the weight and bulk savings. If you move or want to move the piano, you don't need to hire a mover. The acoustic piano I grew up on stayed in the same corner of the living room for over two decades, still sits in that spot.

That's the plan. I believe the P45 only weighs 25lbs.

 

[Cerpin Taxt]

What level of involvement would you consider incorporating a PC or laptop? How important are having all 88 keys (as opposed to 61, for example)? Would "semi-weighted" keys be acceptable?

You can get something like this and then use software synth programs to get basically any sounds you want. The drawback being, of course, that the unit doesn't make any sounds on its own. It works like a video game controller, with the software in your computer interpreting your input to translate it into sounds.

I'm sure the Yamaha or Casio you mentioned in the OP would be just fine, and without looking up their specs myself, I'm sure they also feature MIDI capabilities -- meaning they'd interface with your PC and be able to play software synths etc like the unit I suggested above.

Just some food for thought.

 

[z1ggy]

What level of involvement would you consider incorporating a PC or laptop? How important are having all 88 keys (as opposed to 61, for example)? Would "semi-weighted" keys be acceptable?

You can get something like this and then use software synth programs to get basically any sounds you want. The drawback being, of course, that the unit doesn't make any sounds on its own. It works like a video game controller, with the software in your computer interpreting your input to translate it into sounds.

I'm sure the Yamaha or Casio you mentioned in the OP would be just fine, and without looking up their specs myself, I'm sure they also feature MIDI capabilities -- meaning they'd interface with your PC and be able to play software synths etc like the unit I suggested above.

Just some food for thought.

That's a pretty neat thing there, but it sounds like I have to have this connected to a computer at all times. I have a PC only so I really don't want to lug the whole set around if I traveled with it. I also don't intend on having the PC near the piano physically.

Looks like the Yamaha actually does not have MIDI but the Casio does. It has a USB connection, but I'm not sure how that changes things.

 

[lxskllr]

Get a real piano free, you move. Record on a pc, and decent mic.

 

[z1ggy]

Get a real piano free, you move. Record on a pc, and decent mic.

I don't have room really for a full sized piano. Plus, I want the ability to plug in headphones and play so I don't disturb my roommate.

 

[lxskllr]

I don't have room really for a full sized piano. Plus, I want the ability to plug in headphones and play so I don't disturb my roommate.

I think he'd appreciate hearing Flight of the Valkyries every morning before you leave for work.

 

[TechBoyJK]

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Casio/CDP-130-Digital-Piano.gc

My gf wanted a piano and she loved this one.

I don't think it can record though, but the feel of the keys is really good for them being fake weighted keys.

 

[brianmanahan]

i love the yamaha clavinovas, but i think they start at about 5$k nowadays

i do own a non-weighted touch-sensitive 76-key casio from 15 years ago which has handled a lot of abuse and sounds good.

whatever you get, i'd recommend:

- 76 keys at a minimum (full 88 if you can swing it)
- weighted keys, the more realistic the better

and i'd stay away from those williams brand ones, they always feel and sound like junk.

 

[z1ggy]

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Casio/CDP-130-Digital-Piano.gc

My gf wanted a piano and she loved this one.

I don't think it can record though, but the feel of the keys is really good for them being fake weighted keys.

I actually was thinking about this one, too. Guitar center guy suggested it. Sometime this week I'll stop in and tinker with it, hopefully a p45 and the px160, too. Potentially a ypg-535 as well.

 

[A Casual Fitz]

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Casio/CDP-130-Digital-Piano.gc

My gf wanted a piano and she loved this one.

I don't think it can record though, but the feel of the keys is really good for them being fake weighted keys.

It can be used for MIDI, which is what I use for recording keys. You can use the sound from the device or get a realistic plug-in to use with the recording software.

 

[brianmanahan]

yep, hook up almost any decent midi keyboard to something like pianoteq and it will sound awesome:

https://www.pianoteq.com/pianoteq5

 

[Hail The Brain Slug]

I have a Yamaha P155 and really enjoy the graded hammer action, why not consider the P115 that has the GHS that is similar? The value pack $610 on amazon as a package with keyboard, stand, and bench.

Link

 

[Bird222]

Forgive my ignorance but is there a difference between this and a synthesizer? If so, what are the differences?

 

[z1ggy]

I have a Yamaha P155 and really enjoy the graded hammer action, why not consider the P115 that has the GHS that is similar? The value pack $610 on amazon as a package with keyboard, stand, and bench.

Link

Yup, from what I've seen on youtube reviews, spending the extra money over the p45 is worth it, if you're looking to grow into your instrument over the years. Quality and finish seem to be a bit better, too.

It's kind of a lot for me to take in and I'm having trouble really trying to focus on 1 or 2 that I want to really look at. In summary, I think my contenders are:

Yamaha P45/115
Yamaha YPG-535
Casio CDP-130
Casio PX-160

Overall, I think what I truly desire is
1)Weighted, realistic feel (as close to real piano possible)
2)Good selection of demo songs, or ability to download many from internet
3)MIDI function if I decide to make tutorials online or record

Looks like the P115 doesn't have MIDI, but some "USB to host Port" function. I don't know enough about specifics to tell which would feel the best, until I go test them out. Kiiiiind of feels like I'm going to end up choosing between the P115 and the PX-160.

 

[sportage]

Nephew has the Yamaha DGX650. Makes one want to learn the piano. Currently around 800$ on amazon. Has the weighted keys and feel and natural sound of a grand piano. Personally, I'd chosen the white over the black. It's pretty big. Some 55" wide. The peddles and bench are extra $.

 

[z1ggy]

Nephew has the Yamaha DGX650. Makes one want to learn the piano. Currently around 800$ on amazon. Has the weighted keys and feel and natural sound of a grand piano. Personally, I'd chosen the white over the black. It's pretty big. Some 55" wide. The peddles and bench are extra $.

That's why I'm not including it. It's out of my price range. I think an entire package (keyboard, furniture, charger, sustain pedal, etc) would run me over $800. Trying to spend <$600 if possible.