Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Digital Pianos - Electronic Pianos - Synths & Keyboards Newbie seeks advice.. thanks in advance..

greetings..

as a 40+ year guitarist, who's spent the last 5 months venturing into keys, I'm looking to upgrade from my Yamaha DX203 portable grand.

I had been looking to go with a Yamaha, (ydp133 or 233) (Yamaha seems to be favord by many on this board..)

I have checked out a few Rolands, and some Korgs, of these two brands, no surprise to me that the Roland was the one I walked away with higher regards for.

My piano teacher recently mentioned the new casios were great values. (not as good as the yamahas, but for the money, hard to ignore)

A local store that I've done tons of bizz with will cut me a pretty good deal on either the AP38 or AP24.

any advice before I check these out this week..

What is your price range? How serious are you about playing the piano?

Chris

Price range - like to keep the cieling at $1,500

I'm motivated and serious. playing 90 minutes a day, and taking weekly lessons.

as mentioned previously been leaning towards a yamaha YDP233, but I'm wondering if the AP38 would be a good option for a little less cash.

For about $1,100, you can get a Yamaha P-120, which sounds far better than the Yamaha YDP-223 and Casio AP38. The P-120 has built in speakers, as well.

You could also get check out the Yamaha P-90, which you can get for $1,000. It sounds very similar to the P-120, and it has no built in speakers (you would need a set of headphones or a sound system.)

Chris

Thanks cem.

the P-120 seems to get RAV reviews where ever I go. I'll have to check them out..

Trying not to rush this purchase, all this is great to know going in..

Really appreciate the advice..

Thanks again.

/kb

No problem, kidblast.

But really, the difference between the Yamaha P-120 and YDP-223 is very large. The P-120 has a much more detailed sound (sustain samples, key release noise, etc), and it uses larger samples.

Chris

Ah thanks for claryfing that.

I was wondering what the differences were.
Based on previous accolades and you're great advice, the P120 sounds like the right choice for me.

Thanks again..

kb

JazzP120/cem...

You've bought a P250??? I thought the P120 was superior to P250?!

Quote

Ah thanks for claryfing that.

I was wondering what the differences were.
Based on previous accolades and you're great advice, the P120 sounds like the right choice for me.

Thanks again..

kb

Your welcome.

Chris

Even the P60 is good

looks like the p250 is very nice, much nicer built in spearker system, but, is almost twice the cost of the P120 however..

I don't have a problem however going up to that, I would expect I would never have to buy another piano...

kidblast.

If you were originally considering the ydp133 or 233, take a look at the Yamaha PF500 which has much the same function, sound, keyboard and price as the PF250 but in a "Jetsons" style floor standing cabinet, complete with 3 pedals (if you're not looking to haul it around).

if you can afford a P250, then you would take a look at PF500, which has a fixed stand and a 3-pedal set and also is good looking enough to be placed in a living room. P250 is considered a portable (not including a stand?), although it's still too heavy to move around.

thanks everyone... Will be following up in a few weeks after the shopping around is complete...

someday, I may actually be able to play the darned thing. 40+ years of playing guitar, and have found a whole new level of admiration for accomplished "pianists"

it looks so easy ya know?

I spent the last few days running around trying out about a dozen or so new pianos.

It was a toss up between P120, and YDP233 despite the previous comments, in the headphones, the sounds were identical to my ears, I just could not hear a difference. I went back and forth, about 3 or 4 times, I could not hear a difference.

The YDP233 was on sale for 1,299 the P120 was $1,195 w/stand

I went with the YDP233 which, acoustically (using the on board speakers for each) defintely sounded better than the P120, and I like the 3 pedals as well.

I have about 30 days to change my mind, if I do, I'll move up to a PF500, but it's at least $1,000 more.

I'll have to satisfy my curiousity in the next few weeks I guess, GC will glady take the 233 back in exchange for the PF500.

I just don't know if I will really hear that much of a difference. The 233 sounds beautiful.

My teacher played it for about an hour, ( I've never really heard the guy let go like that, classical stuff, jazz, boogie woogie,, my mind was blown, he is amazing..) anwyay he thought the pinao was excellent, amoung the best he's played...

I found several sites offering the PF500 for $2000.

Evena bit less from Musician's Friend (which I think is part of GC).

O.k.. I'm returning the YDP233 and the PF500 should be in by Monday,

The YDP233 is a fine sounding piano, but I only want to buy this once..

(it's the one I originally wanted anyway, I let myself get carried away I guess)..

Full report in about a week.

thanks everyone..

I picked up the PF500 yesterday.

it's great. I like it a lot..

outstanding instrument.. I'm very pleased I did this exchange.. this goes well beyond the YDP233.

i'm glad for you. it's a great choice!

kidblast:

Congratulations. Glad you are happy after going through the trouble of the swap.

Saving my pennies so I can join the PF500 club soon!