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Hi all!

I've been doing some reading on here trying to work out what my options are as far as digital pianos go. I wanted to learn how to play piano as a kid, but we could never afford one so I'm going to take the opportunity now as an adult. Based on my research so far, I think Kawaii and Roland are going to be out based on how much I'd like to spend ($600 max). I've mostly been looking at Yamahas and Casio Privias, with a slight preference for the Privia b/c of the faux ivory finish keys and it was mentioned that the key action is better on the Privias.

So if anyone has any thoughts on the options below, or other suggestions, I'd much appreciate it.

Locally:

PX-130 ($450) - Comes with CS67 stand and 3-pedal unit. While the stand is nice, I'm not sure this isn't a bit high given the age? Although, the specs are still better (from what I can tell) on this piano than a P45. It didn't mention a bench so I might still need to purchase one of those or use a chair at home for now. Not sure if I could negotiate on this price and, if so, what would be appropriate?

Online:

P71 Amazon special ($380) - Would still need to pick up a stand and bench, which would likely make this closer in price to or more than the PX-130, which while used, is from what I understand a nicer piano.

PX-160 ($530) - This is also on Amazon. It's a bundle that comes with bench, a double X stand, and a sustain pedal. Only downside I see is that there are a lot of complaints about the stand not adjusting low enough for sitting (it's the Casio ARDX Double X Keyboard Stand) so I'd maybe need a new stand.

PX-160 ($600) - This is through Kraft Music and would be me going all out. Comes with the CS67 stand, 3-pedal unit, bench, and headphones. This seems like the most bang for my buck, but it's pushing what I wanted to spend in case I either a) am terrible or b) don't stick with it.

The price on the px130 is steep.

Amazon is selling the P-45 holiday bundle for $400. Comes with furniture style stand, bench, and dustcover. The P-45 comes with a cheap plastic sustain peddle. Fine to start out, you can add the triple peddle to the stand later on if you stick with it.

Kraft has the px160+x stand bundle+bench for $500

http://www.kraftmusic.com/casio-privia-px-160-digital-piano-black-bonus-pak.html

If you want more bells and whistles, guitar center has in cart pricing on the PX-350 in white for $480. Comes with a sustain peddle. A triple pedal bar, stand, bench are extra. This model is probably being discontinued for whatever that's worth.

If you go coupon hunting or use the live chat on music sites (especially erpiano) you can get the price knocked down a bit. You wouldn't have a stand or bench included, but you could probably get the Kawai es100 or Roland FP30 for a bit under $600.

The PX-160 has a better action, and better sound generator, than the PX-130.

. . . I'd spend the extra money, for the newer DP.

The PX-350 for $480 is a great deal, but it _is_ an older model, and it _will_ be discontinued. It's got way more sounds than the PX-160, and decent auto-chording and accompaniment features. I like mine; I got the triple pedal, but use an X-stand.

As far as a new DP with modern design in your price range, PX-160 is probably the best bang for the buck out there.

If you go with an x-stand or similar econo stand as opposed to the furniture stand accessory, you will have a few $$ left to possibly afford some other accessory, headphones or perhaps buy the better metal pedal as an upgrade to the plastic foot-switch pedal included with this model. X-stands do not have a lot of room/clearance but they have enough for an average sized person. I use an X stand with a Kawai portable DP; at 6' tall and about 40"/220lbs around, I find there is ample leg room.

If you are near any dealers, music shops or shopping centers, try out a 160 if possible.


Good luck.

Thanks, guys! I'm actually going to head over to Sam Ash tonight. They have both the P45 and PX160 as floor models. I may not be able to play, but I can see them in person and see what the keys feel like. Will report back. I've written off the PX130. As I suspected, and you all confirmed, it's priced too high.

Well, this is going to be a short-lived thread. I just bought a Roland FP-30 from erpiano bundled for just a hair over $600.

My thoughts from the trip to the store:

P45 - OK. I liked the smoother keys on the Yamahas better than the Privia (opposite of what I expected), but I didn't like how light these keys felt. Also, the speakers weren't very loud (both speakers and with headphones). But who thought it was a good idea to put the headphone jack on the back of the keyboard?!

PX160 - Liked the weight of these more than the Yamahas; they felt heavier. Speakers louder than the P45. But the "ivory" keys were weird. The surface didn't remind me of a real piano at all. Way too coarse.

P115 - Better than the P45 but definitely more expensive than either it or the PX160. Key weight still too light like the P45, but speakers were better.

Then he mentioned they had a Roland. I asked which; he said FP-30. I decided to look at it just for fun. Bad idea.

It was the perfect combo of everything I liked about the other DPs. Smoother keys than the Privia but not as glossy as the Yamahas. Good speaker volume and keys weren't as light as the Yamahas (good). So yeah, that happened. Oops.

I do kinda feel like this was the equivalent of me picking out skis if I didn't know how to ski, but the Roland just felt better in every way.

Good choice, the FP30 is a great DP, enjoy

Congrats on the new piano,

I'm an adult beginner too, who only last month took up the piano and also chose the Roland FP30 as the instrument to learn on and I've found it great to play although like you I don't really have any frame of reference but sometimes that must be a good thing right ??

I've been having great fun ever since and making a bit of progress too. Good luck in your journey !!

When I set up my P105 I purchased a used double X stand which didn't adjust low enough for my tastes. I just drilled an extra hole in the plate and lowered it a few inches.