Help!

Cliffs Notes:
I am looking for something that is as close to the feel/sound of a grandpiano as possible. Worried that 32-note polyphony might not be enough(?). Currently looking at YPG-625 and PX-700

My style/skill level:
I play almost exclusively classical. Right now working on Tchaikovsky's June: Barcarolle and Mozart's 12 variations on "Ah vous dirai-je, maman".


The more i research these digital pianos, the less confident I become with my choice!

I started out feeling certain that I wanted the Privia PX110. Simple, affordable, no bells/whistles. That decision changed to the Casio 575(something) and then I learned I could get the Privia PX700 for $499. I went to a local store to try out the PX700 (they were all boxed, none on display). While there I sampled the Yamaha YPG-625. I then figured it was a toss-up between those the YPG-625 and PX-700, I just wanted to be able to play on both. According to the reviews I've found on the internet, both those pianos are rated very high for this price range.

Then... I discovered this forum
Now I'm not sure if the 32-note polyphony is enough for me, so I'd have to look into perhaps the PX200 or PX800?

I read somewhere that each key will take up 2 of the 32 channels and if I use the sustain pedal they will take up several more. This would mean I cannot accurately play 10 keys with the sustain pedal?

I am not really looking for any bells and whistles except for authentic "feel" of the hammer action keys and as accurate a reproduction of grand piano that I can get for this price range.

I don't really care whether the piano can play electric guitar noises or drums or anything like that.

Oh I will add this:
I understand that the "feel" will have to be up to my personal preference, and also possibly the sound I hear from the piano. However I don't think I have the knowledge/experience to know what limitations I may run into (either immediately or in the future as my skills progress) with respect to the polyphony or other features that I don't even really know about.

This piano would be strictly for practice, not for recording or performance...

Bostaevski, i don't know the PX-700, but there is this recent post about the PX range, also you will see that the PX-800 offers a lot more for about the same price:

http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/6/3987.html

For the Yamaha YPG-625, as a classical player, i think you will be disappointed with the keyboard touch. Ok it's weighted, but it's a Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard which is far away from the Graded Hammer 3 (GH3) keyboard that is more realistic and much closer to an accoustic. The GH3 is the best Yamaha has to offer. (Except for the GH3 half wooden keys of the CLP-280 that still feel slightly more realistic.) Also 32 polyphony is not much, 64 (sometimes even 96 or 128) is normal standard now.
I you want a Yamaha you better pay more for a P-140 or CLP-220 wich has a Graded Hammer (GH) keyboard. This is another term for Graded Hammer Effect (GHE) action. (The GH is the first edition of the Graded Hammer system.) The quality of the touch of GH(E) is between the GHS and the GH3.

PS. Did you look at the good priced Kawai CN2 or CN21 ? A lot of people seem to like the sound, features and especially its Advanced Hammer 4 (AHA4) action.

In the Casio line, I would tend to look more at the PX800 or the upcoming PX720 than the older PX700. I would agree with you that the 32 / 16 note polyphony of the Casio PX700 or other older model Casios might not be enough.

However, you can improve the poly by using the keyboard as a controller and using sounds on your computer. This would assume that you have a reasonably current computer that will handle the demands.

As always when looking for a digital piano, touch is the most important consideration, as it is the one thing you cannot alter.

Rich

Thank you for your replies. So I want to make sure i understand - if I select a keyboard that has the best 'touch', then I can overcome any issues/shortcomings with polyphony or sample layers by running it through my computer instead of using the on-board processor? My computer is fairly up-to-date.

Thanks!
-Ian

Yes, exactly. The polyphony limit is how much the piano processor can handle generating sound. Go for the best available keyboard, as the sound shotcomings can be easily overcame.

Polyphony is a measure of how many notes can sound at the same time (some samples use up multiple polys per note) when using the built in samples.

So, if you use midi/line out (or USB) to hook up to any computer, then all that comes across is the midi signal. At this point, the computer program you are using will take that signal and apply it to whatever sample you have selected. At this point, it is the sofware that restricts how many notes can sound at once.

Now, how many do you need in the keyboard? Depends on if you want a keyboard that can function as a stand-alone unit or if it will always be connected to a computer.

Most think 64 is the bottom number for modern samples (some say 96 is the lowest someone should consider, but I find 64 enough for me and what I play). If the keyboard supports less, then that is a clue that the included samples are less then the best available today.

That is correct, but don't forget it comes at a price as well. You'll need around 2GB of RAM (~$100/GB. An ASIO compatible Sound card ($100), and finally a Software Piano (~$300 for Synthogy's Ivory or NI's Akoustik). Add another $50 for a dedicated hard drive for samples (they can take up to 40 GB). That's about $500 right there.

I personally went that route. I got a PX700 last year, and the money I saved on the piano, I ended up putting into the software. On the upside, I can now get up to 164 note polyphony, and samples that are superior to the original ones.
Though I would still recommend you go with PX800, or PX720 (as far as Privias go, as I don't know what Yamaha has to offer).