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New to this site.Now that I am retired looking to try piano again.Trying to decide between a Kohler 160 or 165,Yamaha cvp309gp or cvp409gp,kawai cp205 or cp207,Roland kr115r.I know it is a long list but want make sure I purchase the right one.

I don't think it is a long list. Actually it might be too short.
In my opinion, you should spend much more time on each manufacturer's websites (especially Kawai, Yamaha and Roland) to read about all the models offered.
Especially considering that you are looking at the more high end digital pianos: you want to get your money's worth.

jimchi- I am also recently retired and also decided that a digital grand was the best choice for me. I have played all on your list except the Kohlers and found the sound touch and features on each to be excellent.

Even though the the CVP409gp and CVP309GP sounded and felt very good I did not at all like the mini-grand cabinet. I ended up with a Roland KR-17M which has a 5'3" cabinet and excellent sound, touch and features - I am extremely happy with it.

Best of luck in your search.

If you don't mind how much does a Roland go for?

jimchi - Click HERE for a link to the Roland prices and specifications page in the online Acoustic and Digital Piano Buyer (if you move your curser over the page you can zoom in for easier reading).

I can't comment on the brands on your list, other than suggest that you add Kurzweil to it.

Hi,

I have seen/tried all of the pianos you mention

As for the Kohler 160/165, this is what I was told by the Kohler salesman himself - "The Kohler is basically a toy in a nice looking box, where the Kawai is a musical instrument."

That is EXACTLY what the Kolher salesman said, so take it for what it's worth.

The mini-grands from Yamaha are just that, mini-grands, and like a previous poster, it seemed to be like playing a toy, again, instead of a musical instrument.

The Roland is, again, a mini-grand, and I just could not get over that fact.

The Kawai CP205 and CP207 are beautiful instruments, with only minor differences - the CP207 is the newer model. I chose the CP205, it is a full digital grand at 5'3" - the Kohler is only 4'10".

Not sure if that helps at all or not.

Deciding between a Roland 115,111 Yamaha 295gp,409gp or the Kawai 187,205,207 any suggestions out of these models?

I think you want to have a piano with the best touch, wooden keys. If so, go for Kawai CA205 or Kawai CA207.

I think you mean CP205 and CP207, correct?

jimchi,

Are you JUST looking for a piano, ie the best touch sound for a piano?

The CVP 409 would be overkill for you then. I've played it, it's pretty awesome with a huge beautiful LCD screen, built in software that record the score for everything you play, wireless capabilities (with the right home set up) and then teh usual wonderful instruments and tons of other stuff.

Additionally it has the highest quality Yamaha keys (wood, ivory feel) and their best touch. It's really expensive, but if you can afford it, it's wonderful.

I know nothing of Kawais, because I had a horrible experience with our local Kawai dealer and a vintage grand, I never even tried the Kawais.

If you're considering that type of money, you owe yourself the favor of trying the Roland V piano just because....
It's cheaper than the CVP 409, but it's modeled v. sampled, and I think the touch can't be beat.

However, it doesn't have all the other "things"....if I were going to spend big bucks, I'd definitely add the roland HpIs to the list.

If money is no object, I would recommend the new Avant Grand from Yamaha. Absolutely gorgeous cabinetry, arguably the most realistic (sampled) piano tone, and an excellent key action.

It does not offer all the bells and whistles of the Yamaha CVP or KAWAI CP instruments, however if your focus is purely on piano playing, I doubt you will ever miss these features.

Kind regards,
James
x

Correct. I am the one who wants to buy CA. See what it does to me?

Would like one with everything on it so I will not have to upgrade later.

Hi Bill,did you mean the Kr-117?

A CVP or equivalent from another manufacturer is not really an upgrade, if what you want to do is play the piano.

As often here again the standard answer applies. It depends on your taste, there is no obvious winner. You are looking at the top instruments of the top three companies. So you cannot, make a mistake whatever instrument you buy. So simply buy the one that you (!) like most.

jimchi - No, I have the KR-17M (click HERE to see - you can enlarge the picture by double clicking on the piano). I think it is an older model of the current KR-117 as it has pretty much the same specs and the same 5'3" cabinet.

Hi Bill,thanks for the info.Would love to have my baby grand but room only allows for a mini.Decided on the Yamaha 309GP or 409GP

jimchi - Those are awesome pianos - I'm sure you will be very happy with either.