I am about to make a decision on whether to buy a Yamaha CLP-280 or CLP-270. I don't want to wait for the CLP-380.

How much more does the CLP-280 cost than CLP-270 at whole sale prices?

CLP280 costs about $800-1000 more than CLP270, but things are different now with CLP300 series coming to market. you might get some really good deal on either.

CLP280's main advantage over 270 are: NW action, 4-level dynamic sampling vs. GH3 and 3-level on 270. most of new CLP300 models have 4-level dynamic sampling now. however, now only CLP380 has 5-level dynamic sampling, string resonance and iAFC, but CLP370 is no longer an upgrade from 270 (except dynamic sampling).

if you can get a good deal, then get a CLP280.

I remember 270 also has 4-level dynamic sampling. I remember the print (and Yamaha online) spec says that the only difference between 280 and 270 is the keys (wooden white keys vs. plastic). Are the wooden white keys worth the extra $800-1K?

I think that the 280's Natural Action has a different action mechanism. Yamaha's tech support should be able to confirm that.

An even more economical alternative is to
simply stick with your YDP, which is already
grand piano-like. A 280 would of course
be much more sophisticated. I tried
one and thought it was terrific
(maybe even too good: an analogous
situation would be trading in your grand
for a $100,000 concert grand; what good would that
do, really, for your playing?), but I just
don't see the real advantage to it over the YDP,
since you already have a grand piano
(what the 280 offers overlaps with
what you already have with your YDP and grand
combo, so getting one is redundant):
you work out the technical stuff on the dp, in
anticipation of playing the pieces on the
grand on Sundays. This would be similar to
the concert pianists in the 1930's who'd
develop their technique on a silent keyboard--
saving their ears and nerves and good
relations with the neighbors--and then put
the finishing touches on a piece on a grand.

Thank you all for your input! I have bought the 270 today.

The sales manager mentioned that because of the wooden keys in the 280, the keyboard cover should be left open. I already do it for my grand, but dust is not good for electronics.

(Gyro, the new 270 is to replace my YDP-223, which will be moved to my pareants home.)

Ma, you're right, 270 has 4-level dynamic sampling. sorry for my mistake. congratulations on your purchase, and enjoy your new piano!