I'm trying to decide between a Yamaha CLP 115 ($1275) and a Suzuki HP97 ($1364). My daughter is 8 and will be starting lessons and I am also going to take them (I took them years ago also). Any feedback on the models? Thanks!

CLP115 may only have 32 polyphony. you need 64 polyphony to be sufficient. so check out CLP120 or above.

Indeed, you are right about the CLP 115 having only 32 note polyphony. The 120 is not too much more, I just thought the plethora of extra doo-dads would be a distraction for the 8 year old.

Any feelings on Suzuki in general? How about a recommendation for any brand in the $1000- $1500 price range putting basic sound and quality as high priority and any extra functionality as low priority? We just want a good quality but simple model.

talking about simple and quality, try Yamaha's P120, which is simply enough in its look but a great piano after all. sorry, i don't know Suzuki model.

Given your price range, I would choose Suzuki piano if you like the feel of its keys. Specs seem to be ok with me. Try Yamaha YDP223 also.($1450). It has good action, study built and sounds good too. CLP115 is too low end to me.

Suzukis seem too cheap as compared to Yamaha with similar features.Are they reliable.Anyone with an experience with both of them