Digital Piano/Keyboard

[mcvern]

My girlfriend had a baby grand piano at her parent's house that she used to play. I think it was electronic or digital or whatever because it had many sound settings. We've lived together in an apartment for a while, and I want to get her something smaller to play with.

I'm confused as what exactly I should be looking for since I know nothing about key instruments. At musicians friend they have digital pianos, MIDI, keyboard synthesizers, and keyboard workstations. I have no clue what to get!

Does anybody have any experience in this area? Or know somewhere to get me started. I guess my budget would be around $400.

 

[Newbian]

Pics of said gf?

 

[mcvern]

Originally posted by: Newbian
Pics of said gf?

Ok here http://tinyurl.com/ceryel

 

[KillerCharlie]

$400 really isn't much. $600 would get you something a nice step up. In those price ranges, Casio is usually your best bet.

The big distinction between keyboards that emulate pianos and other keyboards is the feel of the keys. Nicer keyboards have weighted keys that respond much more like an actual piano.

It's hard to tell what the keyboard feels like depending on the name (like "workstation" or "synthesizer").

MIDI is just an input/output interface. Pretty much all keyboards have MIDI. For what you're using it for you don't need it.

 

[theflyingpig]

I guess my budget would be around $400.

Don't bother then. You're only going to disappoint her. But I suppose you're used to doing that.

 

[mcvern]

Originally posted by: KillerCharlie
$400 really isn't much. $600 would get you something a nice step up. In those price ranges, Casio is usually your best bet.

Like I said before, I really have no clue about this, just pulled $400 dollars out of the air. If they get significantly better I can definitely do $600 or more.

 

[KillerCharlie]

When I bought my keyboard I asked people on the pianoworld.com forums. They're pretty knowledgeable.

 

[mcvern]

Originally posted by: theflyingpig

I guess my budget would be around $400.

Don't bother then. You're only going to disappoint her. But I suppose you're used to doing that.

FML

 

[mcvern]

Originally posted by: KillerCharlie
When I bought my keyboard I asked people on the pianoworld.com forums. They're pretty knowledgeable.

Awesome. Exactly the type of info I needed. Thanks very much KillerCharlie.

 

[KK]

Yamaha YPG-635

You may be able to get a new one off ebay using live.com cashback for around 700. Also there are lower models, you could look at.

 

[KillerCharlie]

The Casio PX-120 used to be the standard suggestion in that price range. Looking at it on Musician's Friend shows that it (and several other keyboards) are on sale, so maybe you could take a step up.

Really, though, I'd take her to the store and let her try different keyboards out. Lots of the time it's a matter of personal preference.

 

[ghostman]

I have an M-Audio 88es Keystation. It is a midi controller that features the full 88 keys of a piano. As a midi controller, it does not produce any sounds of its own (which a digital piano or a keyboard would). Instead, the midi controller plugs into my computer through USB and is powered by the USB connection. I then need software called Virtual Studio Technology instruments (VSTi's) that provides a virtual instrument for my midi controller to control. Naturally, a piano VSTi is fitting for a midi controller like the 88es, but in theory, you can use VSTi's for any instrument (guitar, trombone, drums... anything!) and control it like a piano. Using the right software, I can more or less create a one-man band. But for simple piano practice, I can load a grand piano VSTi.

The Bad:
- All fake pianos, like keyboards and midi controllers, don't have the same properties like a real piano. A real piano's keys are weighted and are velocity sensitive (if you band the key, it'll sound different than if you just tap it).
- You need to have it hooked up to a computer to work, unlike a keyboard or digital piano. Most of those can act as midi controllers as well.
- You need piano software, which is not included with the package (unless it is... I've never used the included software).
- No foot pedals. I think you can buy one as an accessory.

The Good:
- Since midi controllers don't need to synthesize music on its own, it is often cheaper. The 88es costs around $200 for a full set of piano keys.
- The keys on the 88es is semi-weighted and velocity sensitive. This only approximates a real piano and some say the 88es does a poor job at it.
- There are a few free piano VSTi's out there. You can also choose to buy $1000+ piano software packages.
- If you own a Mac, the 88es will work with Garage Band. Garage Band already includes a piano VSTi, if I'm not mistaken.

 

[mcvern]

Originally posted by: KK
Yamaha YPG-635

You may be able to get a new one off ebay using live.com cashback for around 700. Also there are lower models, you could look at.

Yeah I was checking out lower yamaha models at musicians friend like the 535. MSRP of 900 for 500.

Originally posted by: KillerCharlie
The Casio PX-120 used to be the standard suggestion in that price range. Looking at it on Musician's Friend shows that it (and several other keyboards) are on sale, so maybe you could take a step up.

Really, though, I'd take her to the store and let her try different keyboards out. Lots of the time it's a matter of personal preference.

The Casio looks nice, but what I like about the Yamaha's is that they have hundreds of different voices, where as the Casio I think just has Classic and Modern piano plus reverb and chorus. I know on her old piano it had what seemed like hundreds of different voices that ranged from pianos to bells to guitars and other strange sounds.

And yeah, I figured letting her pick one out would be better. Women like surprises though. At least this way if I do just take her and let her pick one out I can seem somewhat knowledgeable.

 

[mcvern]

Originally posted by: ghostman
I have an M-Audio 88es Keystation. It is a midi controller that features the full 88 keys of a piano. As a midi controller, it does not produce any sounds of its own (which a digital piano or a keyboard would). Instead, the midi controller plugs into my computer through USB and is powered by the USB connection. I then need software called Virtual Studio Technology instruments (VSTi's) that provides a virtual instrument for my midi controller to control. Naturally, a piano VSTi is fitting for a midi controller like the 88es, but in theory, you can use VSTi's for any instrument (guitar, trombone, drums... anything!) and control it like a piano. Using the right software, I can more or less create a one-man band. But for simple piano practice, I can load a grand piano VSTi.

The Bad:
- All fake pianos, like keyboards and midi controllers, don't have the same properties like a real piano. A real piano's keys are weighted and are velocity sensitive (if you band the key, it'll sound different than if you just tap it).
- You need to have it hooked up to a computer to work, unlike a keyboard or digital piano. Most of those can act as midi controllers as well.
- You need piano software, which is not included with the package (unless it is... I've never used the included software).
- No foot pedals. I think you can buy one as an accessory.

The Good:
- Since midi controllers don't need to synthesize music on its own, it is often cheaper. The 88es costs around $200 for a full set of piano keys.
- The keys on the 88es is semi-weighted and velocity sensitive. This only approximates a real piano and some say the 88es does a poor job at it.
- There are a few free piano VSTi's out there. You can also choose to buy $1000+ piano software packages.
- If you own a Mac, the 88es will work with Garage Band. Garage Band already includes a piano VSTi, if I'm not mistaken.

This is very interesting information, thanks ghostman. She's pretty good with technology, and we do have a spare pc lying around, so I can foresee it working. Not sure if she would want to fuss with it every time she wants to play though. Seems like this would also make it easy for her to record if she so desires.

 

[KillerCharlie]

Originally posted by: mcvern

The Casio looks nice, but what I like about the Yamaha's is that they have hundreds of different voices, where as the Casio I think just has Classic and Modern piano plus reverb and chorus. I know on her old piano it had what seemed like hundreds of different voices that ranged from pianos to bells to guitars and other strange sounds.

Personally this wouldn't factor into my decision. You'll be using just 1-2 piano voices 95% of the time. The other voices are usually crappy anyway. If she likes using that stuff though maybe it's something to consider.

 

[KK]

Originally posted by: mcvern

Originally posted by: KK
Yamaha YPG-635

You may be able to get a new one off ebay using live.com cashback for around 700. Also there are lower models, you could look at.

Yeah I was checking out lower yamaha models at musicians friend like the 535. MSRP of 900 for 500.

We were looking at the ypg series online, they seemed like decent pianos. Wife ended up getting one of the lower end clavinova clp's. She likes it, so that's what counts.

 

[mcvern]

Originally posted by: KillerCharlie

Originally posted by: mcvern

The Casio looks nice, but what I like about the Yamaha's is that they have hundreds of different voices, where as the Casio I think just has Classic and Modern piano plus reverb and chorus. I know on her old piano it had what seemed like hundreds of different voices that ranged from pianos to bells to guitars and other strange sounds.

Personally this wouldn't factor into my decision. You'll be using just 1-2 piano voices 95% of the time. The other voices are usually crappy anyway. If she likes using that stuff though maybe it's something to consider.

Oh, you're probably right. Every time I've heard her play she uses the same grand piano sound. I just think the extra sounds are neat

 

[caspur]

Electronic baby grands such as the one you used to have (ex. the yamaha cvp309 or new 409gp) have far better feel and sound than the lower priced keyboards, including those with weighted keys. So you are basically going from a piano around $8-10,000 down to one that cost a fraction of that. Are you sure she is comfortable downgrading to such a low quality piano?

 

[KillerCharlie]

Originally posted by: caspur
Electronic baby grands such as the one you used to have (ex. the yamaha cvp309 or new 409gp) have far better feel and sound than the lower priced keyboards, including those with weighted keys. So you are basically going from a piano around $8-10,000 down to one that cost a fraction of that. Are you sure she is comfortable downgrading to such a low quality piano?

Oh comeon... I'd love a Steinway D, but I'm not going to give up piano because I can't afford one. I buy the best I can that fits my budget and space and make do.

 

[Auryg]

Casio Privia series. Period. They have sound that have hundreds of sounds as well - I have a Casio Px-475r (I think that's it's designation) and it has over 500, about 300 of them that aren't cheap and toy sounding...but I only use about 10 out of those.

 

[silverpig]

Originally posted by: ghostman
I have an M-Audio 88es Keystation. It is a midi controller that features the full 88 keys of a piano. As a midi controller, it does not produce any sounds of its own (which a digital piano or a keyboard would). Instead, the midi controller plugs into my computer through USB and is powered by the USB connection. I then need software called Virtual Studio Technology instruments (VSTi's) that provides a virtual instrument for my midi controller to control. Naturally, a piano VSTi is fitting for a midi controller like the 88es, but in theory, you can use VSTi's for any instrument (guitar, trombone, drums... anything!) and control it like a piano. Using the right software, I can more or less create a one-man band. But for simple piano practice, I can load a grand piano VSTi.

The Bad:
- All fake pianos, like keyboards and midi controllers, don't have the same properties like a real piano. A real piano's keys are weighted and are velocity sensitive (if you band the key, it'll sound different than if you just tap it).
- You need to have it hooked up to a computer to work, unlike a keyboard or digital piano. Most of those can act as midi controllers as well.
- You need piano software, which is not included with the package (unless it is... I've never used the included software).
- No foot pedals. I think you can buy one as an accessory.

The Good:
- Since midi controllers don't need to synthesize music on its own, it is often cheaper. The 88es costs around $200 for a full set of piano keys.
- The keys on the 88es is semi-weighted and velocity sensitive. This only approximates a real piano and some say the 88es does a poor job at it.
- There are a few free piano VSTi's out there. You can also choose to buy $1000+ piano software packages.
- If you own a Mac, the 88es will work with Garage Band. Garage Band already includes a piano VSTi, if I'm not mistaken.

I'm looking at getting the 88es as well. I've never played before and would like to learn, although I am somewhat musically inclined.

 

[Auryg]

The casio privias have weighted keys and they're velocity sensitive. Seriously, find one to play on. For the price they can't be beat.

 

[BoomerD]

Costco has one in this month's coupon book...and they have several available on their website, from decent keyboards to electric/digital pianos to regular pianos.