I am seeking words of wisdom from those in the know. Having spent a few days canvassing many great posts (a credit to the many talented people who offer their input - by the way), I am no closer in trying to resolve a dilemma I have. The kids have been playing since they were 4yo and are doing well on the piano (10 years on).

I am looking for a ‘weighted keyboard’ (Casio Privia 300 type or similar would suit well) however, the maximum keyboard width space I have is 965mm. The unit is to be installed in a yacht which is the reason for this restriction. I understand that many of the weighted-key keyboards are 88-key and around the 1305mm mark.

Does anyone know of units that may suit please. I would really appreciate any feedback and thank you in advance.

I'm *guessing* you meant 96.5mm, because otherwise, your post doesn't make sense.

I'd be surprised if there was an 88-key DP that would be 96.5mm long or less, but maybe somebody will chime in with one, though I seriously doubt it.

You might have to bite the bullet and get one with lesser keys.

Um, 965mm is 96.5cm which is almost 38 inches.

I found some 76-key weighted, but even those are a little over a meter.

I don't know if there are any decent weighted 61-key digital pianos.

Maybe a 61-key weighted controller with a really sick piano module, a pair of small monitors, and a sub? You're gonna have to resort to being really creative...

Even this is too big for you:
http://www.infiniteresponse.com/

Maybe you can figure out a way where the piano isn't mounted permanently, but folds out?

At 6.5 inches per octave, 965 mm will be about 5.8 octaves, so a 61-key keyboard is the biggest you will be able to fit (assuming minimal material on each side). Or you could get a bigger yacht.

Although this isn't the answer you're looking for...

Have you considered a slab-style keyboard (like Casio PX 200 or Yamaha P85) with a separate, collapsable stand (either an X or a platform-style) and simply stowing it when not in use? It would probably take about 3-4 minutes to set everything up if you had a dry hatch to put it in.

Sorry, I don't know anything about weighted options for a 61 key setup. Maybe a high-end synthesizer is out there that works for such an application.

I vote for the bigger yacht. Priorities: piano first.

Studiologic makes a new 61-note weighted keyboard that you could marry up to a piano module or sampler to get your sound. You may reference it here: http://www.studiologic.net/VMK-161Plus.html (note: the title on that page says 88-note, but it is a typo on their web site. You will notice that it is in fact a 61-note unit.). It does come in 88-note, 76-note, and 61-note flavors, all with wonderful weighted action made by FATAR. Several dealers sell the 61-note unit for under $600 online. I hope this helps.

I vote for a larger yacht too, but that would challenge the marital status in our household. On a more serious note, thank you for all the responses. I intend mulling over the suggestions and may ask a few more at a later stage.
James

I had a similar dilemma when considering a piano for my RV but I've decided to make space for storing a Korg SP-250, it'll run direct off the 12V leisure battery and I can ad-hoc the tubular stand to fold easily, in fact I only have a few days to get this sorted before I'm on my travels again.