Hello. I cannot play piano but am wanting to learn. The two models I am considering are the Casio AP 500 and the Yamaha CLP320. They both have similiar specifications but the casio is around £680 while the Yamaha is £200 more at about £870. Which of these models does any recommend, and also how many years do digital pianos last? Will it conk out after 5 years of use? thanks for any help.

I am in the same position... The AP-500 is a discontinued model. Casio has new AP models: The 220, 420 and 620 and these are the only Celviano models. The AP-620 is the flagship and replaces the AP-500.

http://www.casio-intl.com/emi/piano/

The 620 cabinet is very attractive and apparently these will be sold with stools.

a quality DP can last more than 5 years. i don't know about Casio APs, but Yamaha CLPs are well built and would last long time.

i agree with eelhc that you would want to buy a new AP model rather than an older AP500, if you're considering Casio. CLP320 is the lowest CLP model, which is similar to YDP160. the better CLPs are CLP330 and above. between those 2 you mentioned, i would consider CLP320, since at least it's a new model.

The Casios are cheaper and have more features for the money. The Yamahas are better-built and have a better action. Which one sounds better is debatable and both are ok.

I would expect both to last at least 5 years, although the Casio will be showing it's age by or before then.

I would also consider the Yamaha YDP-160 and Roland RP-101, which are just as good as the CLP.

Which should you get? Play them both and see how you like the sound and touch on both (plus the ones I mentioned). Then pick the one that you liked better.

Geoffk,



I would also suggest that the quality of action used by Yamaha and Casio is also rather subjective, and essentially comes down to the preferences of the individual.

Really, unless it can be empirically proven (through objective analysis by an independent group) that one manufacturer's action is 'better' than another (indeed, what does 'better' mean in this context?), I would avoid making such sweeping statements. Or rather, I would recommend you preface them with 'In my opinion...' etc.

Cheers,
James
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That's true to an extent, and I certainly wouldn't make a statement like that about Yamaha vs. Roland or Roland vs. Kawai. But I've personally played the Casio PX action and Yamaha GH action, and I honestly feel that the Yamaha action is objectively, noticeably better.

That having been said, yes, this is in my personal opinion, which may differ from yours. This is why I encouraged the OP to play all of these instruments personally before making your choice (for himself).

Thanks Geoff,

Incidentally, I wasn't intending to have a personal dig at you - I believe you're one of the most helpful members of this forum.

Cheers,
James
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No offense taken--I do tend to be a bit sweeping in my opinions at times. On the other hand, I think people asking questions generally prefer blunt, but honest and concrete opinions rather than uselessly broad generalizations. So I do try to be as specific as I can.

Cheers