Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Digital Pianos - Electronic Pianos - Synths & Keyboards Need some advice on what to buy (updated)

Hi!

First off a little introduction to my life, as it will probably help in making decisions on what to buy.
I'm a Dutch researcher, living in Finland to work, often traveling to other countries for conferences or fieldwork, and often traveling to Sweden to see my girlfriend.

As you can see, lot's of traveling with a very non-standard schedule.

However, while I know this isn't the most conductive for learning an instrument properly, I really enjoy teaching myself things (programming, painting, bit of guitar, cooking).
So I've been reading if it's possible to learn Piano online, and came across Musiah, which seems to offer what I'm looking for. The subscription is quite cheap and after extensive reading it seems to be a good way to go (as I don't have the possibility to get a real life teacher with my schedule).

Options I found
However, I've been looking into what to buy for a first instrument. After reading lots of reviews I've found 3 instruments that are also available here:

Roland F20: A true digital piano (88 keys). This one does have weighted keys, but also costs twice the amount of the other ones. The sound is apparently really good, but the weighting is a bit off according to some reviews (595 euro's).

Korg SP170s: Cheaper, but apparently still very good sound, but many people complain about 'sticky' keys, which I'm not sure if I would notice. (439 euro's).



Hoping to get some input from you all! Thanks so much!

Hi,
About half a year ago I started with a Casio 4200. Two month ago upgraded to a Kawai ES-100. This model I liked a lot better. Have a Kawai MP-11 on order now.
My very short experience with this topic is that a better instrument gives more playing satisfaction. So if you are serious in learning to play buy the best you can afford.
Bought both Kawai models at Van Oldeniel in Deventer. The dealer helped/explained me a lot. So if you are in The Netherlands soon perhaps you can give this or another dealer a visit to check the various options.
I use Piano Marvel as practicing tool.
Regards,
Hans

I found the sound of the MP11 to be muddy, however the action I did like very much. I would'nt buy the MP11 but it can be used as a very good controller.

To each his own, but did you play at all with the settings? There's a lot you can do to customize the sound.