Hi everyone,

I'm new here... but the reason I'm here is because I want to learn to play the Piano again. I bought a $200 eletronic piano (no touch sensitivity, plastic keys) Casio a decade ago to learn to play but it's been in the closet since I graduated from college.

My question is, should I use this piano to get back to practice or buy one with weighted keys? My budget is small, probably $400-$600. I saw one at Costco which is a little bit higher than I can afford but it would be easy to return if I'm not satisfied. Have anyone heard of this model and if you have, how you like it?

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11223714&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=&lang=en-US

The reason I chose this one is because it looks good, not like a piano propped up by two legs (although it might be a better one!) Any recommendations for other models would be greatly appreciated too!

Thank you very much,
-G

For your budget, most people here would recommend you the lower-end Casio Privias. I tried them out a few times. Decent digital pianos that look nice.

As for the Suzuki... I never really hear of Suzuki keyboards being talked about, ever.


Here are the price listings at MusiciansFriend.com:

Hope it helps. Good luck on your shopping.

I recommend that you get one with weighted keys.

I have an older Suzuki SS-90 which I received free with the purchase of my grand piano. It is now my main practice instrument. The keyboard is more realistic and the sounds and features are better than on the entry level Casios but not as good as sounds on the Yamaha and Kawai pianos (that are more expensive).

If the looks and cabinet style are important to you, I think it will be difficult to match the value of this Suzuki offer with an alternative.

Thank you Tuan and theJourney. The Suzuki C-11 is sold in many locations but not widely known... I'm not sure why as they have a lot of accoustic pianos in many of the sites I visited. The reason I'm going to get it is because it comes along with programs to help you play, such as USB connections, teaching software. But if I'm not happy with it, it will be returned. I'll write up a review once I get the piano.

The looks and cabinet style is important to my parents... since I live with them. I already have a large Yamaha $200 piano that sits on top of a table. If I bring home another one that remotely resembles that, they might demand more rent money from me :-)

Thanks again.

Warmest regards,
-Gnimble

Here's a previous thread that talks about Suzuki pianos:

http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/6/2946.html#000000

I would personally be looking for the Casio PX800. This is also a console model that will satisfy your parents.

It is important for you to try these pianos out. It is your preference in sound and touch that matters, not someone elses.

Hope this helps.
Rich

Thanks Rich,

I just read a few posts on the Suzuki piano from the thread you posted. It may be a good thing that I couldn't remember my costco password when I tried to buy it yesterday online. I will look at the Casio PX800.

What do you think of the Casio AP45 and the Yamaha YDP213? I really like the look of that too... although it costs a little bit more than I can afford. I'll just eat less for a few months, lol.

Thank you,
-Gnimble