1 - There is NOTHING like the real thing. No matter how good the samples get, when you play a real piano you not only hear it, but you feel it. All the best digital pianos and samples in the world do not give me the personal satisfaction of playing on a a real piano. And a real piano inspires me in ways that no digital can (shrug). If your primary motive is to practice or to enjoy the experience of playing a piano, then get the real thing.djdorian wrote: Just curious, how do the Mason & Hamlin, Yamaha, and Bosendorfer compare to a Steinway? I almost bought a used M&H for $5000 myself, but settled on a Clavinova instead. I haven't completely ruled out purchasing an acoustic sometime in the future, however.
2 - A real piano can be expensive for a good one, takes work to maintain, big to move around and locate in or near your actual studio and for most of us, difficult to mic for recording. If your primary goal is recording, then keep going with digital. You can always use your Clavinova as a keyboard controller and use Ivory or whatever for easier recording.
3 - or get both!
4 - As far as the different famous pianos, this is purely personal preference. You have to go try them all yourself. This is a huge subject on its own and there are piano forums for that. They all feel and sound different and you will definitely notice the difference. My all time favorte sound is M&H but I love the feel of the yamaha C7. Most classical pianists were trained in steinways and are snobbish about it. (shrug). Try them out and pick one that works for you. There are also many fine uprights out there if you don't need to record or don't have the space.
