Hi all

I'm currently using a yamaha np30, the lack of hammer action on this keyboard is driving me crazy so i need to upgrade to a keyboard with wayyy better action and sound, weak build in speakers are not an issue cause i use headphones or external speakers 98% of the time.

What's the best action and sound i can get for around 1k. i dont mind a stage piano as cosmetics isn't as important in this case. weight is also not a problem since i never move it.

edit: and what are my options for 1200?

thanks

I can highly recommend the YDP-140 from Yamaha. It's the wood paneled one, with the GHS action. You can find it for about $900, I love mine. If you want to save a couple hunder you can get the P-085 with stand and pedal for around $700 total. The action is the same on either, you are looking at least at $1200 for the higher grade action from Yamaha. If the GHS action is too light for you, you might want to check out the offerings from Casio. The Casio Privia 830 is equivalent to the YDP-140, similar style, heavier action and more polyphony than Yamaha, maybe $100 more. The build quality didn't seem quite as high to me, and the warranty was 1 year vs 3, but plenty of people prefer it. You can get the stage style 330 or 130 for a bit less, but with pedal and stand you may not see too much in savings, especially since you don't plan to move it anyways. I hear Korg has a decent option in this price range as well, but under $1000 limits you from much else. Any of these options should see you pretty happy.

no replies?

anyone have experience with korg sp250?

Best for under $1K? The Yamaha CP33 is now selling for $999. It is the lowset priced Yamaha with the GH key action. Not built-in speakers but otherwise the feature set is very good. the thing is built sturdy too

If you can wait for a sale, some times the Yamaha P155 is discounted to just under $1K.. I paid $960. It has speakers and more advanced sample technology than the CP33 and the same GH keys. The P155 sells for $1,200 but 10% off gets it to $1080

The SP250 has a very nice action, good stand, decent speakers, proper line outs etc. It's good value for money, I think it's ugly as sin but that's a matter of taste! It's getting old though - released around 2005 I think - and it's samples aren't as good as the latest DPs. Even Korg's budget priced SP170 sounds better. Actually it sounds really good! In many ways the SP170 is a better piano so I'm sure Korg will be replacing the SP250 soon.

If you can go as high as $1000 I agree with ChrisA on the CP33 or if you can get a bargain P155 even better!

Numa Piano has become available in these days, at less than 1000 euro.

DEMO
SPECS

It looks very very interesting!

I'm looking at p155 too, and I could find $1050 so far. It seems like it's the best for the buck I think. Please post after you decide/ buy

For $999 you can buy a new Yamaha CP33.

link

Casio PX 830 console piano. Slim, modern, great piano sounds and great speakers (20 + 20 W).
I am very happy with mine.

thanks everyone for your input, i found a few keyboards at steves music and i tried everything out..i like yamaha's action the best, specificaly the ydp 160 and 140, the p85 was nice but didnt feel as good, cp33 was over 1100 the p155 was 1200 and thats the lowest they will go...

the korg was priced at 750(down from 1200) and thats alot cheaper than the yamahas, eventhough it didn't feel quite as nice it was still good none the less. so unless i run into something else i think thats the one.

YPG 635, on sale now at one of the dealers (I think Music 123) for $799 with the upgraded 3 pedal unit included for free.