What do you think

[robman304]

Hey guys, I started learning the basics on a Yamaha keyboard and I'm thinking of getting this digital piano
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/701593/

Opinions? Is there a better digital piano for the price? I'm looking for a real acoustic piano sound, without the huge space taking piano that I can't really afford to have.

[retard_robbie]

i would buy one if youre just starting... i only own 2 keyboards, but i am poor. i would also recommend trying the same one in some random music shop before buying

[Ned]

I don't know this particular model, but I've tried many electronic artificial pianos, and they all sound and feel like ****. An eighty-eight-key electronic piano will not use appreciably less space than a real upright, and many used real uprights can be had virtually for free--you just pay for moving and tuning and maybe a nominal fee.

[robman304]

Okay Ned, from what I've seen through the posts, you know your stuff, so I have a few questions. Or anyone else who can answer them..probably most people on this thread. What is a good upright to get in the 1,000 dollar range? I've been told by all of the "smart" piano guys that I should buy a used upright piano from Yamaha or another brand that is familiar. Is this a good idea? I do realize this is a lot of opinion, and if it helps, I want to be able to use this for at the most 5 years before I upgrade to something professional, it's something I really want to pursue. And also, relatively how much would it cost to get a piano tuned?

[CuShMaN]

Ned is right. There is nothing.. absolutely nothing that takes the place of a REAL piano.

The question is whether you care?

If you want to be a "pianist", get a piano.

Back in college, I finally broke down and decided to save all my money and buy an upright.
Most of my friends were spending their money bling, so it was sort of strange.. but who cares.

My first tip is: take your time. Soooooo glad that I did.
I mean, everybody wants a top of the line, yamaha or something comparible. But the truth is, there are plenty of older piano's that are just as good - or better - that are wayy cheaper.

Set your limit. $$ then start hitting used piano stores.. you may have to drive to find one. I ended up finding "my baby" about 3 hours away at a "new" piano store that took in old ones and held them in the back.
I felt like Glen Gould, going from piano to piano.. hundreds of them until I struck gold. It was a "Cable", which is the last brand that was fully made in America... it feels wonderful.
Take your time. This is your instrument. You gotta absolutely be in love with it or don't buy it. Borrow a truck and go get the thing. Get somebody to help you move it. And keep it in your budget. I would suggest staying away from pianos that feel "plastic" or "heavy"... but to each his own. Make sure you can hear the tone. Avoid echo-y, or muffled sound boards. Make sure none of the keys stick. Look inside. Look at the quality of the felt and strings.. compare it to the new pianos.
Grab the whole piano and try to move it. You don't want one that is off balance. Try all 3 or 2 pedals. make sure they work properly. Once again.. take your time. Don't impulse shop. But if you find one.. tag it.

OK, now, if you DON'T want to be a pianist.. Just a keyboardist?

AHHH, now thats a different matter. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!!!!!!

Absolutely DO NOT BUY that, that, that, thing! that you have in your link.

Look. You have a computer, right? Why waste money on another one... What I mean, is all you really need are the keys?

Which leads me to the AMAZING truth. Your computer can do everything you need. All you need is a MIDI controller. 88 keys to be exact.

Here you go.

a) Get the correct software. Any one of the following. Reason, sample tank, cubasis, protools le, etc. If you need more info.. start doing your research..However, sample tank has a free version that should do nicely. Of course, if you have a MAC.. forget all this.. Garageband is ALL YOU NEED. And it's bundled, if you got osX after 2004. Price.. FREE
B)Get a cheapy Midi converter , Like this Midisport (http://www.trushkin.net/B00007JRBM/M-AUDIO_USB_Midisport_Uno_MIDI_Interface.html) .. there's millions out there.. I have a motu fastlane. Price .. 30-40 bucks.
C) AND MOST IMportantly. Get a controller. like this TMK 88 (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=key/search/detail/base_pid/708339/) . Here's the scary part. People look at this thing and say, "where's the audio output.. where's the sound bank". EXACTLY! There is none. What? You say. Huh? How does it work? It has 1 output.. total. Midi out. It has a power plug. And a pedal plug. PERIOD. Total midi. Totally through your computer. 250 bucks.

Total. 300 bucks (if you add in the cables and a stand)

There is unlimited support out there for how to hook this studio up. Plus you can record your piano pieces on your computer to share with your family or even compose.

If you start salivating over the Motif or a triton with all of their "sounds" keep in mind that you can have all of those sounds and more by running them on the computer.

If you don't believe me. go by a used music store. Wonder why there seems to be more and more keyboards and racks and sound equipment?

Computers are getting better. Things are changing.

I hope this helps. I have both. -A piano and a keyboard studio. -

I love them both. But nothing can replace a real piano. Nothing.

My weblog at Ghost Notes (http://ghostnotes.blogspot.com/)