I've decided I would like to learn how to play the piano. I know you guys must get this a lot here specially from first time posters, but I'm looking for some advice on choosing a digital piano. Any help would be greatly appreciated, as this will be a totally new experience for me, and I don't know where to start.
I'm looking for something that feels like a real piano, what ever that is I'm not sure since I haven't played before. Only time I will move it is from one room to another once in a while, so size and weight are not a big deal.
I am on a budget,as this will be my first. I'm looking to spend (roughly) $700 USD. The only thing that fit my budget at the closest local music store is the M-Audio Prokeys 88, (Long & Mcquade). Is this a good value?
I will most likely be using headphones, so It doesn't need to have speakers.
I will probably be saving up within the next couple weeks hopefully. Pretty excited.
Thanks again for any help and advice.

Hello gixer, welcome to the forum.

The Casio PX-130/PX-330 are generally considered to offer the best price:performance ratio of any digital piano, with the older Yamaha P85 also a popular model.

If you could stretch an extra $300 or so the Yamaha P155 would also be an excellent choice.

Cheers,
James
x

EDIT: Ah, my apologies, I just noticed that you're based in Canada, which rather rules out the P155 option.

^
There are P155's available in Canada. Sure you can't buy them from American sites and such, but you will find them at your local music store.

And I recommend the P155 as well, if the budget allows it.
Edit: Which it doesn't, haha. Well go for the P-85 then. It's probably the most portable (lightest) DP out there.

Thanks for the replies guys.
I'd be nice, but I don't know if I can stretch the budget that far though. I'm also saving up for a new guitar. (Gibson Les Paul Studio)

Sorry for being such a rookie, but Just wondering other than, I'm guessing recording themselves, what are the uses of hooking up the keyboard to ones computer/laptop?
Cheers,

Hi KeVan, yes I know that the P155 is available in Canada, however the popular coupon deal (which brings the online price down to around $960) is only available within the US.

Regardless, the extra $260 or so is probably pushing the original budget too far.

Cheers,
James
x

At this point the P-85 is an OK deal, but I'd recommend you hold off until a real DP comes along. Which could be soon, though not in that price range.

Have you looked for free pianos in your area? Moving and tuning costs can cost you a fair amount over time, but the sound samples in current low and mid-range DPs are nowhere near even a medium quality piano.

If you would consider using a PC as a sound source there are much better and less expensive options.

If your main interest is the
guitar, and you need the money
for an expensive guitar, get
a 61-key portable keyboard. These
can be had for $150 (US) or
less in the US. These are
perfectly okay for learning
piano on--in the US it is
not uncommon for people to
take several yrs. of classical
lessons on one. They are
very light and convenient
and fun to use, and can be
plopped down anywhere and played.
With an 88-key weighted digital
piano, you're going to have to
sit down in one place, on a
bench, and play, and you'll
have to work to get the weighted
keys moving under your fingers,
which can quickly turn piano into
a really unfun activity.

If you get a 61-key portable,
make sure it comes with the
factory adaptor included in
the box, because some don't, and
finding an adaptor with the right
jack can be almost impossible.
If they try to throw in a
universal adaptor, have them open
everything up right there an
prove it works, because chances
are the adaptor jack won't fit
the keyboard jack.

What about the Korg SP250?
IMO it has the best touch in this price range, altho some people are not particulary fond of the sound
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zd3WvfeNf34

Yamaha P85 is a good choice, otherwise, consider Casio PX330.

stay away from anything without decent weighted keys, such as that M-Audio one, or you'd regret it pretty soon.

I bought a 61-key portable about six years ago with the idea of learning piano. They're such junk compared with the real thing, the whole project became unpleasant and unrewarding, and I got sidetracked until I recently bought a PX-130.

Don't settle for something that doesn't feel and act like like a real piano!

Hi Guys,
Thanks for all the advice so far. It's much appreciated. The electric guitar will actually come second after the piano. I currently play acoustic, so I don't mind saving a little more on that one. I guess I'll take the m-audio one out of consideration cause I'd definitely like it to have a decent piano feel. I have a pretty good computer set up at home, so connecting the keyboard to my pc would definitely be an option once I learn. I'm just not sure what it's used for? So far I'm leaning towards the PX330, but I don't mind waiting if there will be new stage pianos coming out soon in my price range as suggested by dewster. What do you guys think?
Cheers,