Digital Piano as a beginner's piano

[iwantgin]

I fancy learning to play the piano - maybe it's a mid-life crisis!

This summer, on holiday there was a digital piano/keyboard in the property . I can read music a little, and managed to play a few pieces.

So would like to get a piano for home - and take proper lessons.

However, before spending £££ - how would a Digital Piano compare? I have seen one in Costco magazine - it's a Casio Digital Piano - touch response keys. It is £356.

Would it be any good?

[Dropdeadfred2]

we spent about £800 on one for dd and she also learns on one at her tutors, as well as having access to a grand piano there. it fits sound really good...Not like a grand piano by any means but better than a really cheap old upright and never needs tuning...can also be turned up our down in volume...can play other sounds like xylophone for fun...and can have headphones plugged in so none had to hear your mistakes whilst you practice!!!

[buggerthebotox]

I agree that a touch-sensitive digital instrument is better than an old upright (depending on the upright!) but the consensus seems to be that, as pupils advance, a "proper" piano is needed. Digitals have many advantages (size/ practicality etc) and it looks as though you've chosen well. Another advantage is that, if you don't take to it, digitals are easier to sell. If you do take to it, on the other hand, a decent shop should allow you to upgrade to an acoustic. Happy playing.

[Ferguson]

(I have replied to this question many times, so you may find it if you 'search' my name, music etc.)

Although pianos and keyboards LOOK the same, the playing techniques are very different. A keyboard will give many hundreds of sounds, styles and backings, and will provide more 'instant fun' than a piano, which will require YOU to play accompaniments and backings.

If you want to play Classics fairly seriously, a piano is better; if you want to make easy, undemanding music in a variety of styles, then a keyboard could be better.

BOTH can have headphones, be connected to computers for recording, multi-tracing etc, and to hi-fi amplifiers to boost the volume and tonal range.

It is perfectly feasible to teach yourself, from tutor books.

If you let me know what sort of music you prefer, I'll come back sometime and point you in the right direction.

[iwantgin]

Thank you for your replies. Very helpful.

I haven't got any further with my research yet - but have been offered a free upright. It may be pricey to transport though, so will have a think about that.

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

I have a Yamaha P95, it's fantastic, best money I ever spent, was about 400 iirc a couple of years ago .

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

Sorry, just seen that this is an old thread hope you sorted something out OP