Hi - I'm looking for a piano for my daughters and found a CLP-50 advertised locally. The owner described it as one of the first clavinovas made and said he purchased it in 1985. He is asking $700 which seems high for an older keyboard, especially when Best Buy has a Yamaha digital keyboard advertised for $800. I'm looking for advice and feedback as I am trying to educate myself on this topic. Thanks for any info!

He'd be lucky to sell that DP for $200, if at all. Keep looking on craigslist. You should be able to find a much more recent one for that much.

Be sure to check out buying guides, like Piano Buyer linked on the right. The chapter on digitals starts on page 102. That is a very high price for such an old digital, in my opinion. What if it breaks down as soon as you use it? You may not be able to find parts or repair services available. Here is one example CLP breakdown example

it's too old, and i wouldn't bother with it. keep looking!

Sellers always think their stuff is worth more than it is. They think about what they paid for it new. But you've got it right, think about what else the same $700 would buy. Even if he cut the asking price in half, you'd be better off with a $350 Casio DP.

Technology moves so fast that used digital pianos are almost never good deals. Kind of like buying a used cell phone or computer

Thanks for the help!