So my 7yo daughter in law just started lessons and we need to get a digital piano ASAP before she starts falling behind in her lessons. I have had very little time to research this, but I am the kind of person that doesn’t like to buy junk. So even thou it is just for a 6yo and she may get sick of it soon, to give her the best chance she needs something fairly decent so I don’t want to buy her that $100 Casio from Target. I don’t need top of the line, but I am looking for a deal so I have been looking on craigslist and stuff.

So far I have found a used YAMAHA YPG-635 for ~$400. The YPG-635 is $700 new so I would assume for $400 it is ok so long as it works fine. I am trying to get it for $300 as it is missing the volume knob, power supply cord and does not have a stand. But it is tested and words and looks in decent shape.

Any thoughts?

The three most recommended entry level pianos are the Casio PX130, Yamaha P95 and Korg Sp170. I like these in the order listed. All are in the $500 range.

The YPG635 is for your purposes very much the same as the P95 so if you can get it for $300 great. But at $400 you might just look at new $500 pianos.

These pianos are about the minimum required for a new piano student. You are right that the cheaper ones are not worth considering, they are not even "pianos". Pianos are defined by their hammer action key mechanisms. Those $100 Casios have "synth action" keys which are different with just springs, no moving hammers, under the keys.

Also, don't forget the stand and bench you need to be able to get the heights "correct".

I would stay away from that YPG 635 without the vol. knob and the power cord. The power cord especially would be almost impossible to find. These are made specifically for each model, and today they often have the AC adaptor integrated with the power cord, and so it is not simply a case of finding a power chord for it, like with a pc.

I see nothing wrong with starting lessons on an inexpensive, unweighted 61-key portable keyboard. In the US it is not uncommon for students to take several yrs. of classical lessons on one. They don't have much of a problem adapting to the upright or grand in the teacher's studio. You can play all of Bach and most if not all of Mozart on 61 keys. The dropout rate is very high in piano, so it makes sense not to spend too much on a starter piano.

These 61-key portables are very convenient and fun to use. You can plop them down anywhere and play. With an 88-key weighted digital piano, you'll 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 take most of the fun out of playing.

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

The power cord especially would be almost impossible to find.

I am very handy and I probably have a 12v 1.5-2 amp power supply at home and a barrel plug that will fit and ...