Hi there, I'm new here and a novice player (I would think) - I can read sheet music and I can play some things...but they take me a significant amount of time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JDaY8Kw7l4&feature=related

That is probably the most complex thing I can play well, though I'm sure I can do better if I work at it.

Anywho I own a WP Haines & Co Piano upright (It's pretty large...compared to what I see, it's very tall) 88Keys, but the two C's after the Middle C are busted (Physical Hammers actually gone) So it makes playing a lot of songs difficult.

I've been wanting to get something a little less space consuming since I really don't think the upright is fixable. (The strings are also rusted) out of pocket would be $$$.

I'm lucky enough that it's tuned fairly well.

I have been looking around but really haven't found a Piano I like with weighted keys that delivers a sound and response I like.

I am in the market for about $300-400 for the Digital Piano and want it to be full sized with weighted keys and want your guys opinions.

Also some websites would be cool too, I know GuitarCenter an MusiciansFriend are some...and there are physical stores, but both of those do tend to charge you an arm and a leg for otherwise inexpensive merchandise.

I am very picky, I tried some Williams and I was not a fan at all, the keys were too springy, and some of the less expensive Casios keys weren't heavy enough. (Of course my upright is old...so it may just be a flaw--the heavy feeling)

I appreciate the responses!
If you need more info just put it in your post

I think your budget is low by at least a factor of 2X or 3X. Either the budget or the requirements will have to change.

If I'm wrong and you do find a weighted key digital piano with key action better then the Casio PX-130 for under $400 please let me know.

Yeah if you're very picky probably nothing less than a Yamaha p155 at $1200 would suit you. If you are willing to compromise, go to your local keyboard store and tinker around with some more Casios, some of which have sort of decent action at that price range. I played one at Guitar Center... I think it was $300 or $400 and I liked the action and it was fairly heavy (I don't remember the model). It only had an input for a sustain pedal though, which made it a no-go for me.

I was looking at the Yamaha P30? (I think that's the number)
There was a labor day sale at GC for a Casio PX575R for $370. I'm regretting passing up on that deal since it's like $600 now.

That's the other thing, I like the models with additional features and sounds...but I've noticed the natural piano sounds aren't the same grade as the more spartan models that might only have 2 Pianos, a Harpsichord / Clavichord, Organ, etc. etc.

The Casio CDP-100 is priced around that, but I haven't actually played one.
My only concern over those models is that they are so small I worry the built in speakers will really limit the potential.

Obviously it won't mimic the decibel of the upright I own. :P

Also I wonder if they will drop the Casio PX-700, that was $400 on Labor Day as well.

If you are picky you just have to get to a store and try them. I'm very happy with my Casio PX-330 and the Casio PX-130 has (I believe) the same keyboard and piano sounds for around $500. But it may not do it for you. You can get lots of good advice here but it won't really replace trying it for yourself.

Note that the dimensions of
all 88-key keyboards are the
same, and so an 88-key digital
piano will take up approximately
the same amount of floor space
as your current upright, even
though it seems to look much
more compact.

You apparently are never going
to be satisfied with a digital
piano, and so you should probably
fix the upright. You might
be able to get those hammers
replaced for $300-$400. Rusted
strings are not a problem.
The fact that it can still be
tuned means it's good for many
years to come.

I'm going to the store today to try some more out and get a feel for things.

I am a picky guy, I have a keyboard (50 or 60 Keys, something along those lines) and I cannot stand the fact that the keys aren't weighted; so practicing on that (In my room) doesn't cut it vs the upright (Basement).

I know that the physical width of the piano will be the same, with the exception of some structural fixtures on the upright but the depth is significantly greater, it is about 1.5' deep, that is after the keys.

As far as fixing the hammers, would that $300-400 cover the cost of replacing all of them? I find it a little much for just two, there are some that don't hit with the same velocity as the rest, and some when the damper is down won't hit at all.

That sounds like a key issue though, not a hammer..

hates has frozen over

I don't follow, lol?
"Hates" - You mean Hades? If so, what has happened that normally would never?

I have decided; Casio PX-130 or the Casio PX-575R
Those I like the most, the PX-330 is nice, but too pricey.

I'm hoping the PX-575R drops...otherwise the PX-130 is seeming the most likely.

The PX-130 has a very full bodied sound above middle C but the lower tones are missing that body and sound flat.

The PX-575R is odd because it has the opposite, while the low tones are amazing and full and have a lot of force, the higher tones from middle C on don't resonate the same way, nor do they have much body, they almost sound metalic.

Why won't you wait until Boxing day? It's only a month and a bit away. :P
You'll probably get a cheaper piano for a better cost, or haggling wouldn't take much effort.

Boxing day?

Ishbar,

I think he is referring to after Christmas sales.

Also, make sure you are listening to these pianos with good headphones as well as speakers. Your description of problems in the Privia sounds might be due to the speakers.

Rich

Anyone have some input on the Casio CDP-100 v the Casio CX-130?

if y could, i would strongly recommend yamaha ypg series, either 635 or 625 or 535. the best of these is 635, less than 1k.some may even offer $800. 625 is about $600.
It may be a bit expensive, but trust my, it's worth the price. these has very good review. do some research online. google it.
It may be too much, but y are not going to play for just couple weeks, are y?

Nah, I'm playing for the long run. I want to practice a lot more.

yeh. then i guess y should go for ypg series my friend, honestly my uncle has it, i tried it many times before and it is great perhaps y should like to check it out at your local dealer.