Thinking of picking up piano again

[Eeezee]

I stopped playing piano when I was 12 because I couldn't see any possible utility. Now I consider it a pretty classy skill to have. I tried playing again and couldn't play two-handed anymore... it'd be great to at least memorize a few nice songs for those few times when there is a piano around.

I live in a quiet graduate student community though, so I'd like something that I can use headphones with. And I live on a small second floor apartment, so there's no way I'm going to buy a real piano

Any tips on the right keyboard to buy? Something with a larger set of keys would be nice...

 

[BoberFett]

I've been thinking about picking piano up again myself recently.

I imagine any keyboard would do if you're just going to messing around but if you're really serious look for something full size with 88 weighted keys. If you start without weighted keys and attempt to impress some girl by playing on a real piano, you're going to stumble around looking silly when the keys don't depress the way you expect them to.

As far as sound quality, again if you're just practicing anything will do. If you're actually going to be playing this for people and want to have a good sound, you'll have to find something higher end with quality piano samples rather than just synthesized piano sound. You'll just have to listen to each one to see what you like. It'd probably be a good idea to bring your headphones to the store and see what each one sounds like that way if that's how you'll be playing usually. On lower end models, the quality of the built in speakers is probably pretty crappy anyway and you'll get better sound out of a decent set of headphones.

 

[nakedfrog]

Here you go, Yamaha YGP-625
The touch still isn't quite as heavy as a real grand, of course, but it's a decent compromise without breaking the bank. My wife has played piano for twenty years and she's satisfied with this one (until we finally move into a place with enough room for her to make me buy her the real deal )
You would need an amp or plug into a PA for anything bigger than a large room. We plug it into the PA in our living room for a fuller sound.

 

[DaTT]

Aren't piano's heavy?

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: DaTT
Aren't piano's heavy?

Non-digitals are. Console pianos can be had pretty cheaply, and can be schlepped around by a couple guys with strong backs, but then you've got to account for refurbishing and periodic tuning.

 

[ethebubbeth]

Korg Oasys, the only keyboard you'll ever need. Only $7500 !

 

[Kelemvor]

For a real piano, check Craigslist in the FREE section. There's always people looking to offload pianos. Just gotta pay a bit to have someone move it for you and maybe give it a tun afterwards.

 

[Eeezee]

Originally posted by: nakedfrog
Here you go, Yamaha YGP-625
The touch still isn't quite as heavy as a real grand, of course, but it's a decent compromise without breaking the bank. My wife has played piano for twenty years and she's satisfied with this one (until we finally move into a place with enough room for her to make me buy her the real deal )
You would need an amp or plug into a PA for anything bigger than a large room. We plug it into the PA in our living room for a fuller sound.

If a real piano player is satisfied by it, then that's good enough for me. I'll have to start saving some money

Wow, the reviews at that link are really impressive! They make it sound like you're almost playing the real thing. When I get back to America in two weeks I'll have to see about buying this!

 

[Eeezee]

Originally posted by: Kelemvor
For a real piano, check Craigslist in the FREE section. There's always people looking to offload pianos. Just gotta pay a bit to have someone move it for you and maybe give it a tun afterwards.

Some day in the distant future perhaps

My apartment is so poorly laid out that you can't even fit a couch through the front door no matter how you angle it. I'm afraid a real piano is out of the question for now. I might move in a year, and if the layout is better then I'll definitely want to look into a real piano.

 

[johnjohn320]

Originally posted by: Eeezee

Originally posted by: Kelemvor
For a real piano, check Craigslist in the FREE section. There's always people looking to offload pianos. Just gotta pay a bit to have someone move it for you and maybe give it a tun afterwards.

Some day in the distant future perhaps

My apartment is so poorly laid out that you can't even fit a couch through the front door no matter how you angle it. I'm afraid a real piano is out of the question for now. I might move in a year, and if the layout is better then I'll definitely want to look into a real piano.

They partially dismantle the piano and rebuild it inside your home.

 

[KK]

Anybody have any experience with the Yamaha CVP 400 series? Wife is wanting to get a piano, and I don't want to get a heavy ass wooden box.

 

[Descartes]

The Yamaha digital pianos are great. I have have a digital piano and an upright, but I play my digital more often.

The Yamahas do have weighted keys, so keep that in mind. Roland pianos tend to have lighter action, and some prefer that. When I first started playing my Yamaha I actually felt like I was developing tendinitis because the action is so heavy.

The CLP and CVP series of pianos are quite good. My recommendation would be to hit up a local retailer and try them for yourself just to be sure. I'm sure you'll be more than pleased.

 

[KK]

Originally posted by: Descartes
The Yamaha digital pianos are great. I have have a digital piano and an upright, but I play my digital more often.

The Yamahas do have weighted keys, so keep that in mind. Roland pianos tend to have lighter action, and some prefer that. When I first started playing my Yamaha I actually felt like I was developing tendinitis because the action is so heavy.

The CLP and CVP series of pianos are quite good. My recommendation would be to hit up a local retailer and try them for yourself just to be sure. I'm sure you'll be more than pleased.

Which yamaha do you have?

 

[Mr. Lennon]

Roland Fantom X8

I have had my eyes on this guy for awhile. Very good reviews around the net concerning this keyboard.

 

[CptObvious]

I like the Yamahas and Casio Privias in the budget range. The Privias have a bit heavier and more realistic piano action than the Yamahas, but the Yamahas sound better IMO.

I currently play a Casio Privia PX200 that I got on clearance for around $400. I'm looking at Kawai for my next digital piano - they sound and play amazing for the type of music I'm into.

 

[Jesusthewererabbit]

Rolands typically have the best grand piano sound you can find, but they are pricier than the Yamahas. My mom has an earlier model of that Yamaha, and it is actually a very nice piano. She also has the 64 key, nonweighted little brother, and they both have very good sounds.

This Casio would be a good buy. It's cheaper and a smaller package. The Yamaha is probably twice as heavy. For a first or started digital piano, I would think pretty hard about that one.

 

[ra990]

Yamaha P250 or CP300

 

[Auryg]

I've got a Casio Privia..something in the 400 or 500 series..575R or something. Anyways, it feels pretty close to a real piano (weighted keys are a must IMO) and the sound is great, especially with headphones.

 

[Eeezee]

Originally posted by: KK
Anybody have any experience with the Yamaha CVP 400 series? Wife is wanting to get a piano, and I don't want to get a heavy ass wooden box.

THREAD NECROMANCER

 

[Ika]

Originally posted by: Eeezee

Originally posted by: nakedfrog
Here you go, Yamaha YGP-625
The touch still isn't quite as heavy as a real grand, of course, but it's a decent compromise without breaking the bank. My wife has played piano for twenty years and she's satisfied with this one (until we finally move into a place with enough room for her to make me buy her the real deal )
You would need an amp or plug into a PA for anything bigger than a large room. We plug it into the PA in our living room for a fuller sound.

If a real piano player is satisfied by it, then that's good enough for me. I'll have to start saving some money

Wow, the reviews at that link are really impressive! They make it sound like you're almost playing the real thing. When I get back to America in two weeks I'll have to see about buying this!

My roommate has this exact model keyboard and as a former piano player (~10 years), I'd have to say it sounds really nice. It sounds best through headphones, though, so I think the external speakers are a little lacking. My home piano is a Kawai, and I think the feedback on the Yamaha is pretty nice for a keyboard. I like playing on it, anyway

 

[KK]

Just bought the wife a yamaha clp230, going to pick it up tonight. The CVPs were just alittle above what we wanted to spend, but they where impressive with all the features they had. Maybe someday we'll trade up and get one. Anybody have any input on headphones?

 

[roboskier]

My dad bought a Roland RD700 four or five years ago at music123. Nice tone on the amp and on the headphones. Music123 has a lot of good deals if you hunt around.

Good luck!