This is my first post,I'm looking for some advice on upgrading my DP. I've been playing piano for just over a year now (started at the tender age of 26 haha) but I've worked hard and am doing grade 3 in March and really enjoying it. I currently have a cheap PDP 220 (made in China i think). I was thinking of upgrading to a better piano in the price range of £1500 to £2000. I live near Newport in south Wales and am having a hard time finding a shop that stocks quality DP's that I can go and play. I've been reading these forums intensely for a few days but I'm still confused really.
My main question is this, If I invest all my hard earned into a Clavinova or Roland or something, will I be getting a better quality instrument than I already have? If so I am quite happy to spend it all.
Are there any disadvantages to stage pianos other than amplification because I can build my own amplifier and save myself some money. Plus I could take it gigging in the future. I'm not at all interested in paying for wood, just a quality piano. I would also like something with a record and play back facility but an authentic piano touch and sound are paramount.
Help, advice and model suggestions please!!! Thanks in advance,
Joel

I looked up what you have, it claims a weighted and graded keyboard action. Is there anything in particular you don't like about it? Unless you can get to a store and try other pianos so you can compare, it is difficult to suggest an effective way to spend your money to upgrade.

Thanks for the reply Mark. I don't have much basis for comparison really, I've recently taken a few lessons playing on an acoustic upright piano which is much more pleasant and easier to play. I've read a few reviews on my piano, one on harmony central for example (after I'd had it a few months) and people who seem as if they know what they are talking about say its a a pretty poor piano in terms of sound and feel. However, I have played two other digital pianos which did seem cheap and nasty compared to mine even though mine only cost £279 new (I've forgotten the make of those two pianos). Like I say, I don't know enough about digital pianos to know if I am missing anything. All i know is, I'm progressing well and will never give up piano so I want a nice instrument and I'm in a very rare financial position that I can afford to spend £1500-£2000. I'm just looking to find out what the differences are between a stage piano and a clavinova type piano and what would be suitable for me. Thanks again

check out some DP in your price range, such as Yamaha CLP340/370 or Roland HP series. still you need to try them out to decide which is the best for you.