Hello,

I am a freshman in college who recently just purchased a cheap casio keyboard from Target in hopes to learn as much as I could between studying and classes. This cheap keyboard without even touch sensitive keys has been okay for now, I want to upgrade. I have been reading and researching and have found that this keyboard isn't the best thing to learn on. That being said, I would like to upgrade to something that will get me through college.

Things I would like to have in keyboard- (in order of importance)

1. Fully weighted keys
2. Full set of 88 keys
3. $300 to $400 range (Closest to the $300 if possible)
4. If used, still in great condition

I have been watching my local craigslist and seem to not see anything that is close come up. I see a few options on ebay. Any advice?

ZacharyM, welcome to the forum!

I would suggest you hunt down the Casio CDP-120 ($399) in a Guitar Center or equivalent, and see if you like it. Then haggle! Failing that, you may be able to pick up a Casio PX-130 used for the same sort of money, or a used Yamaha P-95.

I'd mainly say go with one of the name brands: Roland, Yamaha, Kawai, Casio, and with a hammer action keyboard. Buying new, there won't be many options in that price bracket - maybe the Casio CDP as suggested above, or you might manage the Yamaha P-35.

In used, there's a whole heap of possible digital pianos that might come up. It pretty much means searching the specs of each model as you find the ad.

Yeah, Casio PX is probably your best bet. That or the Yamaha P-35 mentioned above. Kawai and Roland don't make anything of note in that price range but on the used market I suppose anything is possible.

I agree, stick with the name brands. If nothing else, you'll find them much easier to sell if you later want to upgrade to something better. Some other models you might find used in this price range could be the Casio CDP-100, PX-100, PX-110 and Yamaha P85.

Thanks for all the advice guys!Im looking towards the casio cdp-120. Is there anything else I should plan on purchasing that is important?

IMO, what is better than the CDP-120 and very nearly as affordable is Yamaha's new model P35B.

I have been able to locate a new Casio CDP-120 online shipped for $340. Should I snag this deal before its gone, or wait?

kraft music is selling the yamaha p95 for 499 free shipping, its 100 over your budget but man...this will get you through college and then some, its a great piano and really outshines the cdp in every way, especially action wise which sounds like what you want.

theres a nice used one on ebay for 400 plus 35 shipping, and a couple more for 469 with free shipping