Hi guys

Im looking to buy a digital piano for a reasonable price, and im a complete beginner (well, I can read music, I know the keys of the piano, I guess all im missing is technique and practice!).

Thing is, ive looked over a few models, and have sivved through these forums for advice, but i just wanted to be sure.
I know that the action is probably the most important thing, but I was wondering about extra things like polyphony.

So, bearing in mind i'll be going into this pretty much as a beginner, i'd like some opinions for my needs; I can get a good deal for a CDP 100 casio, and have heard that it has great feel and sound for its low price and has 32 note polyphony.
The Yamaha P85 has greater polyphony (64), and loads more other stuff (although im not bothered much about too many gadgets). But its almost 200 pounds more for the set.

Should I be worried about things like extra polyphony at my level? I'd like the piano to last a farely long time...

What would you recommend?

The Casio CDP100 is a good deal if you are planning to play with headphones, because the sound from its quite cheap built in speakers is not very good.

if I had a choice between those two and could afford either one, the Yamaha wins hands down, IMHO. I own a Casio PX120, so I've got nothing against the Casio brand, but I do believe polyphony is important, but more than that, the CDP 100's sound samples aren't gonna be as good(again, IMHO) and it is my belief that the Yammy's action would probably last longer, judging from the fact that it has been well tested over several years by many players.

[You have to divide the polyphony numbers in half for stereo samples. So really you can then play either 16 or 32 notes at the same time. If you layer two sounds, say strings and piano then each key plays two notes when pressed. The worst case would be to layer two sounds that have stereo. So you cold get down into 8 or 16 note polyphony.

You might figure you only have ten fingers so 16 notes is OK. But you have a damper pedal. You can play more notes than fingers. But even so if the goal is to learn piano, not make a public performance, then the CDP100 will work. You will not be layering stereo samples, likey just playing the grand piano sound.

If you like the P85 and the CDP100 you might want to look at the Casio PX130. It's a better version of the CDP100 at about the price of the P85. It is a bit different from the older PX120. They say "improved".

You will have to try each to see what it is you like. As yu enter the store take a copy of "teach yourself piano" or some such off the book rack and try the first couple lessons on each piano and see how it goes. Yes actually use the book as it gives you something to do that can be repeated on each piano.

And don't forget to talk about some kind of discounts or a free stand or at least keeping the book.

The P85 is well built, and the sound is very good for single layer samples. (I think they have some kind of velocity based filter) The light "GHS" keys are actually easier to play, at least for beginners

Dan:
The CDP 100 is an OK piano for a starter. It uses the HL sound source which is OK but not as good as what is in the Privia line. Nearly every Privia uses the AIF with 128 note polyphony. The CDP 100 also uses the older action which can tend to become noisy with use. The cheapest Privia is the PX-130 which has better keyboard action and better sound. It offers a 4 layer piano sample which has very good sound quality. I have played this piano and think it is good considering the price. I prefer the touch to the Yamaha models using GHS which is what is in the P-85.
As far as the P-85 goes it's similar to the PX-130. Although technically, the piano sample is limited as it is just a single layer. You might like the sound however as many on this forum do. As mentioned in prior posts, the action (GHS) is on the light side. I have played several Yamahas with this action and don't care for it. You have to decide for yourself if you like the sound and touch of the P-85. I would recommend you play all 3 of these and decide which one best meets your needs and your budget. Any of these would be OK as a first piano.

Thabks for your advice guys!

I took a look into the Privia series, and the PX130 seems pretty sweet.
I also saw some deals for the PX120. Im assuming this is a previous version, yes?
Does anyone have any expeience with these, and would it be a great deal if I bought one over the other?

Yes, the PX-120 is last year's model. It has the older action and older piano sample. One thing it does have that the PX-130 doesn't is on board rhythms and MIDI IN/OUT.If you could get one for a true clearance price, it could be worth it.

I have the PX120 and am well satisfied with it. If you're seeing deals on the PX120, they should be close to the price of the CDP100. If that's the case it's a no brainer. You could not possibly find a better deal.TThe 120 is miles above the CDP100. MHO.