Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Digital Pianos - Electronic Pianos - Synths & Keyboards 76 key Weighted keyboard

Hi,

I was wondering if I could get some ideas for my next purchase.
This is what I'm looking for :

-76 or 88 (76 would be preferable)
-Weighted keys (Nice feel)
-'Usable' for live performances (stereo out) and maybe a few stage piano functions
-Midi
-Internal Speakers(Preferable)
-And all of that for the cheapest price possible


I know that I am asking for a lot for something at a low price but maybe you guys know some brands that I haven't looked at yet.

Thanks

76 keys? Kurzweil PC1SE. Discontinued, but you might still find some around, and they are pretty well priced for what they are (though certainly not "the cheapest price possible"). No internal speakers, though.

Cheapest price possible, probably the Casio CDP-100. 88 keys. Speakers. Not in the Kurzweil's league, though. The stereo out is a headphone jack, but you can adapt it.

Thanks

The PC1SE seems just what I would need but I can't seem to find any for sale online.
And just out of curiosity (I wouldn't want to buy a casio piano)how is the sound once adapted?

If you can find a Roland FP-4, it does pretty much everything you've asked for (but 88 keys).

The Kurzweil SP4-7 is semi-weighted 76-notes (better feel than most semi-weighted actions) but doesn't have the speakers.

May I ask why?

Casio produce very good instruments at a highly affordable price.

James
x

Let me correct myself: I would rather not buy the lower end pianos that casio make. But if you can change my mind, then I'll be happy to purchase one.

Both of these pianos are great but unfortunately are not in my price range at the moment.

Thanks anyways

You've made two contradictory statements, Vincent37lam. You don't want to buy the "lower-end" Casios, and yet you state that those that are perhaps slightly better are out of your budget.

I would suggest that you forget things you may have heard/assumed about Casio instruments and check them out for yourself. You may be pleasantly surprised.

You're absolutely right, my assumptions were based on rumors but the only thing is that you can't record stereo out.(on the cdp100) Have you tried the CDP-100? If so can you tell how the output quality is like?(Coming from the headphone jack)


Thanks

I have only played the CDP-100 briefly and so cannot comment on the recording quality using the headphone jack. I have owned the PX-310, PX-320, PX-330 and PX-130. Of those, the first three all had 1/4-inch outputs for taking the signal out to a PA or recorder. I think all these Casios represent outstanding value.

Looks like the "cheapest" 88-note keyboard out there is probably this:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Williams-Allegro-88-Key-Digital-Piano-106063399-i1551911.gc

Sells for $299, which is $100 less than the Casio CDP-100.

Not so sure about the quality, compared with the Casio.

Sound, action, & features, are subjective.

I'm wondering how the sound quality would be coming out of a 'Stereo Mini Jack' compared to the pianos you've owned. Which means would be going through an adapter. Also I was looking at the M-audio pro keys 88, have you had any experience with those?

Seems like the Williams Allegro would be perfect for my needs. Have you had any experience with the Allegro? How is the feel?

Casio Privias are regarded by most people as a (large) step up from the Williams.

You might get a little more hiss from a headphone socket.

It's a long time since I tried the Pro Keys, but I remember it as having quite good sounds and a stodgy/heavy action. Not bad value, but it's certainly not a popular choice these days. I did own a semi-weighted M-Audio piano for a few months. It was OK but not the most sophisticated keyboard I've owned.

I haven't played a Williams myself, however, I believe that I would have to agree with voxpops, above.

I did previously own a Casio PX-130, which I consider to be a very good DP in its price range.

Yes, you're absolutely right. Now that I've taken a closer look at the Allegro I'm not sure it's worth buying.

I forgot to mention that I was hoping to do a little recording with my piano. So I guess the 'hiss' that you said might occur, would probably eliminate the chance of having a good sound once recorded.

I feel that pv88's suggestion is sincere but based upon mfr specs.

Williams seem to have only 1 (not pv88) supporter on this forum and now that supporter is also the target of many jests.

IMO, you'd be better off with an unweighted MIDI controller from M-Audio or similar quality than a Williams.

The CDP-100 is the least expensive option with a passable action. For more and better options, a better action and still a reasonable price, look for the PX-3 from Casio. It has nearly universal positive reviews for it's unique value.

All of the Casio "Privia" models are worth considering...

1) Good weighted action
2) Solid piano sounds
3) Very portable