Hello. I know there have been a number of questions posted along these lines but I'll try to make mine easy by giving some specific criteria. I am looking for the piano that will serve for a few years while determining if anyone in the house will stick with it. I have a real tendancy to over-analyse purchases and get caught up in research so it is my hope that there might be some consensus here on a few models that might suit my needs.

The wish list:

- Budget $1,500 - $2,000
- Must be digital as I am most likely to practice after West Wing.
- Most important feature is action as this is intended to be a launch-pad to an acoustic.
- Don't care if it sounds like a dump truck as long as it's MIDI
- Bells and whistles not required. Outside a volume control, a headphone jack and (probably) MIDI, it doesn't need to have anything an acoustic doesn't. The last time I checked, Steinways didn't come with reverb controls.
- 64 voices min
- Has to be a consumer model as it will "live" in the living room. The fine furniture look isn't necessary but my wife won't go for a pro stand w/speakers.

Question 2: I've read in several posts that digitals suffer swift depreciation. If this is true, why not buy a good used one?

Thank you very much,
Dave

Dave, one of my personal fav's is the Roland FP series. It meets all your criteria. While it is a pro level keyboard, I do believe the new models have a nice looking stand for home use. Some of the models have built in speakers, but I am not sure about the newest version. To answer your second question, yes, anything with a computer chip inside devalues quickly as newer/better hits the market. A good used digital is actually your best bet. The older Roland FP's have basically the same action as the new ones, (I'm sure they have made a few refinements) and the sound can be upgraded easily with MIDI. Don't count out pro level pianos, as they seem to have the best action, IMO. (Also more value/quality for the same price OR LESS than a consumer piano). If you look around, you may find some that have a consumer stand, (like the FP) or you might be able to find some company that makes 'home stands' for consumers like you. I suggest looking for digitals made by Roland, Yamaha, and Korg first. Let us know what you find and good luck in your search.