Choosing A Digital Piano Options

[pialinist]

Hello..
From personal experience I can help ypu..
I wanted a digital piano with match to a sound which was as good as an acoustic piano...
I looked around and found that the Yamaha Clavinova Range CLP series was the best... I looked deeper into this and found the CLP 270 (the model) i have sounded best... The model above 280.. was merely less sound and more aesthetic. though i felt the sound of the CLP 270 as well as some other more professional pianists thought that the sound of the 270 was brilliant.
Ive had this piano for almost 3 years now and never regretted it... A great purchase

[Solari]

I looked deeper into this and found the CLP 270 (the model)

I have the same (in Rosewood). Agreed with the iAFC it sounds great (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) It is no longer made, however. I think the 370 is the replacement. The 280 just had wooden keys if I remember correctly, that was about the only extra feature.

[lois]

I have a second hand Technics which I love but it's almost as big as an acoustic so probably wouldn't suit!

I have an expensive set of "DJ" headphones that I use with it and I get a really good rich sound through them. Much better than the sound through the pianos own speakers.

This works fine for me as I do all my practising at stupid o' clock in the morning but on the odd time I unplug the phones I really notice the difference in sound quality

Lois

[bristol_paul]

Thank you once again for the comments.

I don't really think the software route is going to be all that great for me, my computer is no where near where I practise and I don't have any particularly good speakers (and I'd prefer headphone practise only at silly 'o'clock.)

One of the comments above got me thinking about negotiating a price in a shop. Is this practical/possible/acceptable/expected with instruments? If it is any tips? I know manufacturers guide prices are normally way above what people would expect to pay, but if they've already knocked 10% off that would is it realistic to ask for more, or ask for an adjustable stool, decent(ish) headphones etc?

Thanks

Paul

[Solari]

One of the comments above got me thinking about negotiating a price in a shop. Is this practical/possible/acceptable/expected with instruments? If it is any tips? I know manufacturers guide prices are normally way above what people would expect to pay, but if they've already knocked 10% off that would is it realistic to ask for more, or ask for an adjustable stool, decent(ish) headphones etc?

Thanks

Paul

In the current climate I wouldn't hesitate to haggle on such a large purchase. Get some quotes from other places as ammunition. Bear in mind shops have overheads and hence smaller margins, but may still be willing to haggle. Alternatively you could (shock, horror!) try out several models in a palce like Chappell's, find something you like, then shop around online for the cheapest price.

I know that suggestion will get a few peoples' backs up but it's still valid (until all the shops go bust!)

[bristol_paul]

One of the comments above got me thinking about negotiating a price in a shop. Is this practical/possible/acceptable/expected with instruments? If it is any tips? I know manufacturers guide prices are normally way above what people would expect to pay, but if they've already knocked 10% off that would is it realistic to ask for more, or ask for an adjustable stool, decent(ish) headphones etc?

Thanks

Paul

In the current climate I wouldn't hesitate to haggle on such a large purchase. Get some quotes from other places as ammunition. Bear in mind shops have overheads and hence smaller margins, but may still be willing to haggle. Alternatively you could (shock, horror!) try out several models in a palce like Chappell's, find something you like, then shop around online for the cheapest price.

I know that suggestion will get a few peoples' backs up but it's still valid (until all the shops go bust!)

As it's a family owned place I'm slightly less willing to do that, and they currently do the Take It Away scheme (government scheme, £2k interest free loan for 10 months to buy any musical intstument) which will help cash flow (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif).

I'll just have to see if I can hold my nerve in the shop, hmmmm.

[Solari]

As it's a family owned place I'm slightly less willing to do that, and they currently do the Take It Away scheme (government scheme, £2k interest free loan for 10 months to buy any musical intstument) which will help cash flow (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif).

I'll just have to see if I can hold my nerve in the shop, hmmmm.

Yep, that's fair enough. I didn't realise that scheme existed! I am personally averse to any sort of credit but if it works for you, then so be it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)