Hi,

I reached grade 7 piano some years ago as a teenager, but have not been able to play regularly since then as I did not have access to a piano. I'm now in a position to buy one and would appreciate advice, as I am slightly overwhelmed. I would like to have a little knowledge before I go to a show room to try some out, as sales staff can sometimes be intimidating!


I'm looking for a digital piano, due to space/living constraints, which ideally should be portable due to these space constraints. I would like to be able to mess aorund and try and compose things, so track recording would be useful. I was drawn to the Yamaha cp33 as it has a 16 track recording facility, but then noticed it didn't have any built in amplification. At the moment I know nothing about music creation involving computers, but I presume that you can buy computer software that serves the same purpose that could be linked to the piano?

I am willing to spend between £700 and £900. I'd really appreciate some recommendations/advice,

thanks

J

I use the Roland RD170. The keys are weighted to feel very much like a 'real' piano. I found the key action more authentic than the equivalent Yamaha digital pianos. It has a midi interface for linking to computers. Build quality is exceptional - Rolands are bullet-proof.

I use a Roland FP2 bought new (no longer for sale but equivalents are). This on ebay or an equivalent new should be fine, and within your budget, but make sure you're happy with what you get: Best to shop around and play a few before committing yourself. Don't worry about getting one with all the bells and whistles. Just make sure it has what you need. Good luck.

Most of the recording facilities on digital pianos are in fact a memory device, they remember signals, rather than record sound. Only the more expensive models have storage memory, where you can switch off, unplug etc and yet the piece is still there.

Are you looking to compose music for piano, or larger compositions with other instruments?

The Yamaha CLP range is good as a piano substitute, and only has a couple of extra voices (such as bass, electric piano and stuff) and so would be better for piano composing.

The CVP range from Yamaha has a lot more instruments (Brass, Strings, Guitars, drums etc) and is useful for larger compositions.

Almost all digitial pianos have MIDI capability so you'll be able to connect to the PC, however sometimes I find that technique cumbersome and it interupts the musical flow of ideas. I prefer to do it all on the instrument, so I use the CVP 305.

The link below might help you work out what you want / need. You don't necessarily have to go with these models, but it should help give you an idea of what's out there, and then you can narrow it down to your budget and stuff.

Unfortunately, digital pianos are relatively expensive so you'll have to compromise on some features

Hope it helps,

KB

http://advisor.music.yamaha.com/v41/Adviso..._US&Rnd=912