KVR Audio

arp_laszlo · Post by **arp_laszlo** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 7:15 pm

I've been looking at digital pianos for a couple of days and there's a vast range in price and features. I'm looking for something that would be good for learning basic piano, has speakers so a 5 year old can turn it on & just play (I assume an audio out would be available too), and has a midi out. This doesn't sound like something that should cost $1-2k, so perhaps I should be looking for something used. A used upright piano might be more cost-effective, but I'm going to be moving abroad and would prefer something with less overall mass. Any suggestions would be most appreciated

GreyLion · Post by **GreyLion** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 8:24 pm

The new one that I've been obsessing about lately that mostly gets rave reviews is the Yamaha NP-30. Has 76 keys, supposedly an amazing feel, and good built-in pianos. Also has MIDI out. the main thing I'm hesitating about is the audio out is for headphones, so I'm not sure how that would transfer for recording, though I suspect it'll be okay. Haven't played one myself yet, though I'm hoping to check one out at Guitar Center tomorrow.

Cost is a wonderful $300.

arp_laszlo · Post by **arp_laszlo** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 2:24 am

$300 would definitely fit the bill. I'll have to see what my precise budget will be in a couple of months, but $300 is most doable. I wonder if missing 12 keys would make a difference or not for someone who's not exactly a player.

hackenslash · Post by **hackenslash** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 3:33 am

Roland RD series. Best bang for your buck short of Kurzweil.

I have an RD300SX and it's fabulous. The action is beautiful. I have also played an RD700 a fair bit, and that's just brilliant.

Played a few Yammys before buying the Roland. Not a bad sound, but cheap feeling under the fingers, and the pianos are a bit on the harsh side.

arp_laszlo · Post by **arp_laszlo** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 1:52 pm

A Roland would be great, especially with some nice non-piano sounds. I used a JD990 quite a bit a few years ago and wouldn't mind some good Roland sounds. The RD300SX is much more costly and lacks speakers. I've been wondering about the Casio Privia line (keeping in mind that one of the uses will be something for young kids to learn and play with). I imagine that some day in the future I can move to an RD300SX, but for now I need to keep the cost down. It took me long enough to convince the Mrs. that a real used piano is not the only option

considering a digital piano