This is my first post here, so please be patient .

I am a high school student in Canada. I play tuba in our school band but always wanted to pick up piano from very young. From what I've read online, a good choice would be the Casio Privia px150, but that seems a little expensive for me. I did find a second hand Suzuki Hp-8 for $300 CAD, which I might be able to negotiate for $200. It's in nice condition and seems to play alright, but I don't have too much experience with pianos, obviously, and I have nothing to compare it with.

Has anyone played HP-8, and if so, do you think it would suffice as a starter piano, or should I shoot for something with a better feel. I know Suzuki digitals haven't done too well , but a somewhat weighted 88-key piano with cabinet, two pedals, and some nice extras for $200 seems hard to pass...

Thanks in advance.

I don't think there will be much love from here for this DP.

My initial reaction would be if the action is ok, no loose, clicky, sticky, noisy keys, then make an offer even lower than $200, because you can always extend the sound using its midi capability.

But, the spec does not say 'weighted hammer action' just 'weighted action' so I wonder if it's enough? Some people, including me, started out on a non-weighted action, and my enthusiasm took me through for a few months learning basics. Maybe that would be OK for you too, since it sounds like you've tried it? Get a piano playing friend to give an opinion about the key action.

First check prices of CDP-120 and P35 where you are though, and if in budget reach try them too first.

The Suzuki just sold, for better or worse. But thanks for the quick reply

Right now Costco has a deal for the Casio CDP 220 with stand, bench, and one pedal (doesn't support any more) for $337. The main downside is that it only supports one pedal, but it does have (according to their spec sheet) hammer action. Do you think I would need the extra pedals when I first start out. The pedal is programmable to have different functions, but only one function (sustain, etc.) at a given moment.

Thanks again. I didn't see about the non hammer action. I was pretty close from pulling the trigger.

No don't worry about having just the single sustain pedal. I'm not clear if it supports half pedal, but again for a beginner I would not worry about that either. I've not played the 220, but have played the 120 which I thought pretty decent for the price and beginners. So the 220 should have more functions; although that's only useful if you plan to make use of them.

How would you compare the cdp 220 to the old Privia's (px135). From what I gather, they're superior, but is it enough to warrent the extra cost? I know this is off topic and thanks for bearing with me

I've never played a Suzuki piano. What are they like compared to Roland or Casio?

I may be biased (I just bought a PX-350, and I'm still wringing it out), but:

. . . If the PX-150 is only "a little expensive",
. . . save your pennies until you can afford it.

It'll give you better sounds (based on specs) and probably better keyboard feel than the other DP's on your list. The 3-pedal add-on is around $70, and you can tie it to an X-stand and use it that way.

. Charles

What he said....+1

K.

I've heard that Casio had redone their keys between the 130's and the 150's. Would it be wiser for me to buy a Privia px150 or shoot for the older, cheaper, 135. I have tried out the Privia's (not sure which one), and they do feel like a piano.

According to the AZPianoNews review, and to the Casio website, the keyboard has been changed between the PX-x30 and PX-x50 models.

I haven't played a PX-130/PX-330, so can't comment on what they feel like, compared to a PX-150. And I don't know how you'd get an unbiased opinion, or whether people would agree on which was better. You can check the DPBSD thread for a comparison of the old and new sound engine.

Try them both -- new and old. Figure out how much money the difference is worth, to you. There's no simple question of "wisdom" here -- it's a cost-benefit trade-off, and you have to make it yourself.

. Charles