Hi!

I'm in a bit of a rage as I've just been kicked off the piano by my family, because of the TV

Since I've started getting more pupils, there isn't as much time to practise during the day, so I really want to get as much done in the evening as I can. The problem is, we only have one living room, and everyone wants to use it at once!

Compromise worked for a while, but I would like to try and get my dipABRSM ( teaching ) by the end of the year/start of next year, and I don't feel I'm getting the time at the piano I need...

I've been looking at digital pianos as a solution, so I can play anytime I want, even though it wouldn't be the same as the real thing - it's better than sitting here seething because I can't play!

The Yamaha YDP131 looks within my price range ( only just ) and seems to be quite popular. Unfortunately money is an object so I can't afford top-of-the-range. Technically I can't afford anything but I'll just have to budget.. even more

Could anyone give me any feedback on whether this model would be suitable enough to use as an alternative practise instrument? Also, if anyone can recommend a different model they like ( <£500 ), that would be greatly appreciated!

Many thanks!

Hi Ad Lib,

I have a Roland HP-1, which is very much the bottom of the range!!! It is absolutely fine. The only things it doesn't have are a metronome and a recording facility. The recording facility is a bit of a bummer, but otherwise I find it fine! I live in an apartment and between me practicing in the morning and my boyfriend using it for composition at night (sometime very late) with headphones in, no one has said anything.

Once you have access to an accoustic piano, it is absolutely fine. The only thing I find is that it is sometimes easier to do more complicated things (like bringing out a particular line, or NOT bringing out a particular line, which is my current problem! ) but practicing on a real piano as well should counteract that!


Good luck!

I would definitely try to go for either Yamaha or Roland - I've known pupils who've bought cheaper imitations and they tend to find them disappointing.

Thanks!

I'll have a look at that one.

Not being able to record wouldn't bother me, and I have a metronome if I need one so that's OK too.

It would be great to practise late, as I don't go to bed early, but everyone else does - so the time could be well spent!

I know mine is 'only' a digital piano keyboard but I find it VERY GOOD, it is a yamaha P70, it has graded hammer technology, fully weighted keys (88 of them). It is 'basic' in the 'digital' sense as it has 'just' the MIDI function, two headphones sockets, a pedal and no metronome, recording etc, but you sound like me: we are not bothered in electronic accompaniments, and all the thrills, just something as close as possible to a piano and I think my keyboard is just that! I can feel the keys have a nice 'resistance to them', I like that as with some keyboards its like you are 'playing on air'.
Anyway, cheapest you can find it is £365 plus P&P on internet (PM me if you want to know which one as I am not sure I am allowed to say in forum).
I have bought a metal stand and stool for it for only £35 (metal stand on its own I think £20).
I highly reccomend it.
Jo

I have a Yamaha DGX-620, which sounds like it has everything you might be looking for, at only £469 + delivery (£15?).

I just love playing it as a piano - 88 note and a fully weighted piano action - and it records and lots else.

See http://www.reidys.com/index.pl?submit=View_PLU&PLU=5841 for full details.

Best wishes,

DomRUK

I highly recommend this too!

This would do too...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CRANES-TG8826-DIGITA...1QQcmdZViewItem

Hello there
I just bought a Roland HP2e from ebay for £510, picked it up on saturday night, absolutely delighted. had a cheaper one before, no good at all. This has everything I need and is very useful. If I have siblings or friends come together for a lesson, one can be using that while I teach the other one. So its worth looking, there are a few on there at the moment.

Thanks so much everyone!

I've been busy reading about all of these pianos, and haven't quite made up my mind yet. It's a major purchase for me ( for most people I guess ) so I don't want to rush. Lots of the websites have reviews, but I thought it would be better to ask the pros also there's less chance of bias...

After all, the sellers are hardly likely to tell me their product is no good

I hope it might have its uses during teaching as well even though that's not specifically why I want it. At least I can get a feel for the instrument some of my beginners are practising on at home.

I'm off to research some of the suggestions you have all come up with!

Thanks again!

I've just been checking out this one and really like the sound of it. I've managed to find it at £427 but the postage is a bit more for where I am so it only works out about £20 cheaper. Still - better than a slap in the face eh?

It does look like just the thing though!