Hello all,

I apologize if this question has been asked in this forum. We have a 5-year-old child who has just started taking piano lessons. We'd like to buy a digital piano so he could practice and be motivated to continue learning/playing. Unfortunately, the more research we've done and the more we talk to sales people at piano stores, the more confused we are with which DP to buy. Some people recommend just any small keyboard to begin with (even at a Yamaha education center), and then upgrade later when we're sure he's going to continue; while some recommend skipping the keyboard part and go straight to a nice graded hammer action keys. Our budget was originally under CDN$1,000 but we are told the FP4 (which is probably around 1700) and the HP201 (which I believe is a couple hundred dollars more) are great for our purpose.

What I'd like to ask is whether we should invest more money and buy a good DP or if we should get just any small keyboard to start with. Both hubby and I don't play but we (or at least I) would like to start learning too.

Sorry for the longish post. Any recommendations for other DPs beyond the 2 models I mentioned are welcome (as long as they're not too expensive). Oh, and how about the Yamaha YDPs30 and Casio Privia PX-130? They're on sale at Costco right now.

Sad to say, we can't rely on touching the keys to know how it feels because, as mentioned, hubby and I don't play.

Replies are much appreciated!

For a 5 year old, I'd certainly go with an inexpensive keyboard. It's highly likely that after a few months it will sit neglected (unless you think you or your husband may become interested).

If that's not the case, then consider a better unit.

I started when I was about 7 on a Yamaha G2 grand piano.
If you feel you have the commitment to support your kid, do so with no limit.

We recently replaced the grand with an FP4. No regrets. I love it

Thanks for the replies! We are still undecided on which DP to get, but this forum has certainly broadened my knowledge on DPs (which ones to consider and which ones to avoid). I'll keep watching this topic for more info. Thanks again!

Hi,

The Casio you mention seems to be a very good piano to me...there have been a few reports of key problems on Casios but that wouldn't put me off...for the price I think it would be hard to beat.

The Roland FP-4 has (in theory) an inferior key action to more expensive Rolands. The HP-201 has a better action in most models, depending on the case finish so check the spec of the particular piano you see...with Roland you are looking for PHA II (progressive hammer action II), which is a very good action indeed. That said, some people like the FP-4 action a lot as it has a softer keybed.

The new Casios (PX-130 included) have a great piano sound and their action is very responsive. You have loads of options but the Casio will not cost that much more than a smallish keyboard and will provide the quality to go a long way on the piano if your child (or you) stick with it.

If you have considered spending FP-4 money then the Yamaha P-155 is a little bit cheaper and very popular with a great sound and action and is very portable...if you bought the proper Yamaha furniture stand you would have the best of all worlds and still have money in hand compared with the Rolands.

Anyway, I hope I haven't confused you. Good luck and try to enjoy the choosing/buying experience!

Steve

Thanks, Steve, for your advice. I called a local guitar store and they do carry P-155. However, the nice keyboard guy I spoke with suggested that a P-85 should be sufficient for our purpose (beginners). I must admit that I am tempted by the idea of spending under 1K for a decent DP.

I have a question about connecting the DP to a computer, though. I was told that P-85 and P-155 do not have a USB port, but instead a MIDI in/out, and that I would need something like a MIDI-USB connector/adapter (is that the right term?) to hook it up to our computer.

I'm asking this because we just bought a mac computer recently and discovered that it has a program for learning to play the piano.

I'm not sure how often we'd be using the DP-computer connection, but thought it would be something I should look into prior to the purchase of a DP.

Thanks again for everyone's help!

PS> Question: am I being sensible in giving up buying an FP4 and getting a P-85 instead?

^I would go with at least a P-155, unless you think your child will stop being interested in piano.
The P85 has a very light keyboard, and might not be sufficient for long. The P155 and the FP 4 have a middle weighth keayboard, but the FP4's keaboard feels kinda "spongy", and I would recommend the P155 over it.
The HP201 has the heaviest keyboard of the 4 models. Also, you need to be carefull to get the maple version, since it's the only one that has the PHAII keayboard. Well, the older PHA isn't that much worse, but still...
You should also note, that there's a new HP series coming out soon, and the prices of the HP2xx series are probably going to drop.

For a child I'd suggest the P-155, the keyboard of which is pretty light, but still realistic = perfect for a youngster.

So I went to a store today, hoping to look at their P-85 and P-155 (they don't carry Roland ones). But the staff I spoke with recommended the DGX630 over the other two - this was when I asked about the USB connection (or the lack thereof of the P-85 and P-155).

The place where my son takes piano lessons is trying to sell me the FP4 (or HP201, which is even more expensive).

I guess my question now would be: is the DGX-630 any good? It claims to have Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keys.

Thanks again for all your help!

^I would rather buy the P85 than the DGX 630 personally.
The DGX 630 is a mix between a synth and a piano, while the others (except the FP4) are pianos in the first place.
It's action is pretty much the same as the one on the P85, but the latter one has better piano sounds.
The P-155 still beats both of them pretty easily.

There is a large difference between the P85 and the P155. The P155 uses "GH" keys. While both the 630 and 85 use "GHS". You should think about which keys you like FIRST. Everything else is secondary. The GH keys are used on Yamaha's higher end products.

In the Roland line there are also two different key actions. "PHA Alpha II" is used in the FP-4 and "PHA II" in the FP7. The non-alpha is far better and worth the money. I think the GHS and "Alpha II" keys are comparable, but both are at the low end and low cost. If you have the budget go for something with "GH" keys and f you have even more budget go for the PHA II keys. But if $1K is to much buy the lowest priced DP with the GHS keys -- that would be the P85.

If you need MIDI, and most people will want MIDI, then having a USB connection is a very minor point. A MIDI to USB cable cost only $35 vs. a plain USB cable that sells for maybe $10.

You really want those two round DIN MIDI plugs. I would not settle for a DP that had only USB and no conventional MIDI plugs. USB is only able to conect with a computer but MIDI is universally compatable. Make sure you get those round plugs. You can live without the USB.

Technically, "MIDI" is a standard for the format of the data and the cable and plugs. MIDI uses two round DIN plugs. But few computers have built-in MIDI plugs so people buy USB or Firewire MIDI interfaces. Noticeing this some piano makers have stated to include the MIDI/USB interface into their pianos. But then some have gotten way-cheap and dropped the MIDI connectors. Don't accept that. In 10 years USB will have gone the way of the parallel printer port when everything has gone wireless but MIDI will still be a standard in the music industry.

Prediction? Based on what? You seem to dislike USB, eh?

Just to clarify, I've been reading a lot about the P-155 lately (I also just ordered one the other day), and they do have a USB port in the back.

Hello,

I just want to say THANK YOU to all of you who have replied to my post and have thoroughly (and patiently) explained to me about the various digital piano models and their strengths/weaknesses, as well as the kind of keys to look for or avoid.

I've finally decided on a P-155 (hubby supports my decision as I am the primary 'researcher' on this matter). In fact, we picked it up today - our very first piano! Our 5-year-old was so excited to try out the new piano. I think we are going to be very happy with this decision.

And yes, AnotherSchmoe, you are right. There IS indeed a USB port at the back - I was surprised to see it (I didn't even realize it was there until after we've brought it home!). I was told by another store that P-85 and P-155 don't have it. Weird, isn't it?!

Anyway, I just want you to know how much I appreciate all your help. You guys are the best!

Take care!

Glad I could be of some service! I hope you and your child enjoy the new piano. Mine will be here Tuesday and I absolutely cannot wait.

Congratz on the purchase!

Also, the USB is only for saving songs, not for connecting it to a computer, if I recall correctly...

That is correct, it is USB to storage device. It does have midi in/out and line or aux in/out.