Hi. I'm new here and have read most of the posts and am impressed with the knowledge on this board. I am in the market for a new piano. I would have liked an accoustic but it's impractical since we move a lot. So I am going to buy a digital piano. My budget is anything under $1500. My requirements are that it must be 88-key, feel and sounds like an accoustic, and that it "looks like" a piano -- as in a console type (is that what they're called) as opposed to a stage piano. I don't really care too much about the special added features of a digital piano, though some basic ones are nice. I am a lower-end accomplished pianist, though it has been several years since I've played so I need to regain a lot of my skill. The pinao will also be used by my young children when they take lessons. Anyway, I have shopped around and this is what I have come up with and the prices I can get them for.

Technics SX-PC26M - $1200
Kawai CN380 - $1000
Suzuki HP75 - $1000
Casio AP40 - $800

Does anyone have any experience with any of these brands? Good prices? Good pianos? Good manufacturers? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Considering these choices and my needs, which would you recommend?

Thank you.

Add a Yamaha CLP115 and a Yamaha P120 to your list of pianos to try.

As I sometimes add, have you thought about renting a piano. If it doesn't workout since it's your children who will be taking lessons, you won't be out that much and you won't have to worry about the moving and the setup of the piano.

I did try the Yamahas and I wasn't very impressed. I was at first interested in the P120 but quickly eliminated that because it's a stage piano and I really want something that is part of a full cabinet. Anyway, that Yamahas generally felt too light for me (as in the touch of the piano keys). Plus, our Yamaha dealer here had prices way above the ones that i quoted above.

As for renting, that's not an option. I play and definitely want a piano. I would much rather be putting that money into something that I own rather than into something I have to give back. But thanks for the suggestion...

I think I am now between two pianos. I really like the technics. Either the technics sx-pc26m or the next step up technics (I don't remember the numbers but I think it's something that has 662 in it???). $1200 or $1600. I am very happy with the features of the $1200 but wonder if later down the road I will wish I had the features of the more expensive one. Though finances are STILL a MAJOR issue, so the less expensive one looks real attractive.

Though I still would love input on the technics in particular and the other pianos I originally posted in general.

I thought Technics was out of the piano biz. If you're willing to buy an instrument where service/tech support is going to be scarce, you should at least be able to get some great pricing.

Yea, that concerned me at first BUT I talked to several people and that is no longer a concern because Panasonic, who made Technics, is going nowhere, and will still have parts/service available. They are just no longer making new Tehnics.

I'm not too worried about the future of Panasonic. But I would be a little concerned about available parts. Just because Panasonic is around doesn't mean that parts will be readily available. Just ask any Ramsa (Panasonic's former pro-audio division) owners.

BUT...if the price were right, and I loved the keyboard, I might still consider it given that digitals tend to be fairly trouble-free.

Hi there,
Matsushita Electric Co. is the second largest Japanese electronic giant . So I don't worry about Panasonic division either. pc26m is rather poor in feature. Can you get better price? I have Casio AP38.. has comparable features to Yamaha YDP223 and I got it open box item for 700. I love it's key action. Very close to acoustic. I even checked it inside(after unscrew some screws), has well made, springless key mechanics too. What about Roland digital pianos? I tried MP60 and loves it. Just too much $ for me. If you are not sure, for Technics, get better sounding one. 32 voice polyphony is sometime problem if you plan to play classical. you will hear notes drop.

Thanks for your input. I went ahead and bought the Technics SX-PX663. It is 64 polyphony instead of 32, as is the other Technics I was considering. So far I am extremely happy with it. It sounds great!!!

To the group, I am looking to purchase a digital piano for my 7 year old son. I like the Kawai CN 390/380. Where can I get the best price for it ? Also, can someone suggest similar priced alternatives.

Kidzdad - I sent a message to your e-mail but like I said, I was offered the Kawai CN380 for $1000.00 through a local dealer in Midland, Michigan. Gingrich Piano (www.midlandpiano.com) has been in business since 1903 and unfortunately is going out of business so he is selling his inventory at reduced prices. His telephone number is (989) 832-2681. He is not bringing in new inventory so he only has something until it sells so I have no clue what he has left. Worth a try though.

Thanx Michigan.