So I like the look of a console-style DP. I like that when it's not in use, it looks more or less like a console table. It kind of gives the DP a dual purpose so I feel like not only am I buying a DP, but I'm also buying a piece of furniture.

I did the math for building my own console style stand, and it gets more expensive than the $100 stands for stage pianos. (This is mostly because I'd have to pay for some painting labor since I live in an urban apartment with no access to a ventilated garage/tools/etc. But the materials are a lot more than I expected for the "put-together" look.)

So far I've identified a Korg LP350, Casio PX-830, and Yamaha YGP-S31 as console style pianos with the "look" I want. I just bought a PX-130, and the action is okay. I've got 90 days to decide whether I want to keep it or get a full refund, and I figure the PX-830 will be available in that time. But if I'm looking at around $900 (estimated) for a PX-830, I'm not too far off the LP350/S31 price range. Are there other models out there to consider? I'm still up in the air about RH3 action vs GHS.

To be fair, it's not *all* about the look. I mean, I like the sleek like a lot and I'm somewhat willing to pay a bit more for it. But the truth is that I just don't have a lot of space for a DP.

IMO touch is the most important aspect of a DP. Yamaha's graded hammer actions have a good reputation for durability, quality control, and even out-of-warranty service.

Consider also the Yamaha YDP 223. It has a very good action. It is not one of the newest models therefore you should be able to find it, new,
at a good price.

If space really is short it is hart to beat a stage piano. You can stand it on end and lean it on a wall when not in use. But if you are using it once or twice every day that gets old quickly

You pay a bit more for the console style. You get more for the same price buying a stage piano on a stand. Ifyou like the PX130, just buy a stand for it

The good news it that a DP is not a lifetime investment and you get to go through this process again in a few years

I've got a stand for the PX-130 on the way. I think I might be able to come up with a "lid" of sorts that will allow me to lay a few stacks of paper on top of the PX-130 without damaging it.

The YDP-223 has the action I want but not the dimensions, price tag, or added utility that a console-style cabinet really offers. I dug around Yamaha's website and I don't really see anything that looks like the S31 with GH action. Around exams, I've got papers scattered *everywhere*, so having extra table space would be pretty helpful in that regard.

I know that if I stick with piano this time, I'll end up looking at upgrading in a few years. Hopefully by that time I'll have the space for a dedicated DP and a bigger budget. I must admit that I'm not really looking forward to spending a few dozen hours scouring pianoworld threads for info though =P

Casio PX-830 looks like a very nice thing...very slim (ie, depth), a lid and integrated stand. If you like the sound/touch of the 130 it is risk-free to go to the 830.

Steve

True, if the stage piano has built-in speakers. However, if you have to add external speakers that will significantly increase the footprint - especially if you have the monitors placed corrected to form the (sweet spot) triangle.

I bought the Korg. I thought the Yamaha boards with the GHS action were adequate, but in terms of form, function, and sound, the Korg had the best blend. I didn't play the specific Yamaha and Casio models you're looking at, but other boards with the same action.

Later,

K

A lot of talk about Yamaha and Casio... Why don't you mention Kawai AWA Grand Pro II and RM3 when talking good key action? In my opinion these are the closest actions compared to an acoustic, if we leave Yamaha GT2 N1,2,3 etc out of the discussion.

kstrong: thanks for your input. Action is action so that's very valuable information. I just wish I could try the Korg action in person. I mean, ideally I'd be able to try RH3, GHS, GH, and the Casio x30 touch side by side. But the best I have been able to find is a Yamaha P-85 and Casio PX-130 side by side. I haven't been able to find a Korg keyboard of any action anywhere, so going Korg is a blind shot in the dark for me.

Andree: I haven't found any Kawai (or Roland) DPs designed similarly to the Casio PX-830, Yamaha YDP-S31, or Korg LP-350. In my cursory reviews, it seemed like my budget was going to restrict me from considering those brands at all.

The criteria I am juggling are:
1) Good key action
2) Dual purpose- I'd like to use it as extra deskspace when I need to spread out and study
3) Dimensions- Need it to have minimal depth. I'm in a small apartment so there's only one place I can put a DP (unless I start rearranging furniture). If it is more than ~16" deep, I will bump my elbows into it while working at my computer.
4) Absolute price ceiling of $1200 if it meets the dual purpose criteria. If it doesn't meet the dual purpose criteria, I'd rather have a portable so I can tuck it away in a closet. And if I'm looking at a portable, my price ceiling becomes ~$700ish.

I found Yamaha's action a bit light compared with the Steinway I alternately practice on. That may or may not be important, depending on what your goals are.

The Korg LP350 looks very nice. I wonder if it can be dismantled so that the keyboard alone can be carried around.

Alas, it cannot. It can be dismantled, but the board has a small box hanging below it which prevents it from sitting on a desktop or such without some means of support. You'd also need external speakers at that point, too, as the speakers are part of the console. The SP-250 is the slab version of the LP-350, and can be carried around. Alas, it's nowhere near as cool looking.

Later,

K

You will not be able to get everything. One of the four points will have to go. Looks to me like you will have to back down on the key action All of the Yamaha GH based keyboards are over you budget. If you are goin with Casio, you may as well buy the PX130 an lean it on a wall when not in use. All of the *30 casios have the same keys.

I would check out the Yamaha YDP-140 or 160, the 160 will run right about $1200-1300 USD, but I've heard they can be gotten on line for less. The YDP-140 has a slightly lower grade keyboard than the 160, and less powerful amp. but can definitely be had in your price range. You may even find some closeout deals on them soon since Yamaha will is coming out with a replacement model #161.

pandamonium,

I played the PX-830 at NAMM. IMO, it looks really sharp. Way too tough to hear and evaluate the speakers in that environment, but we sold its predecessor, the PX-800. 20x2 watts is nice. The design will fit criteria #2. The top lays flat, and is workable as a side table. I'd say you hit all 4 criteria. Granted there are better actions than Casio's, like ChrisA said, but they're not in your budget. The Yam P85 gets a lot of love here, but Casio's made the most improvements and upgrades to DP's in this price range. Yamaha seems more focused on their leading technology and having a trickle down. I appreciate their innovation, but look at where the new models are, at higher price points.

I've also noticed that with the integrated stand of the PX-830, the feel becomes more solid and stable, maybe psychologically better as well. You may consider the CS-67 stand + SP-32 pedals for your PX-130 to make it into a console. The speakers and features are better on the PX-830, but upgrading your PX-130 won't cost much.

Have you tried the Roland DP990? It's a console piano that my son belives has great sound and touch. We tried the Korg, the Casio and Yamaha models and even blind folded, he selected the Roland. We bought it Friday and no regrets.

What about the Casio Celvianos if you're looking for a console?

The AP-220, 420, 620?

The Roland does look very nice; it's way more expensive than I can afford though.

The Celvanio line is more cabinet-style I guess. It wouldn't really double as a console table when not in use. It might be pretty deep too. Also, I'm pretty sure the PX-830's key action is newer than what is on those Celvanio models.