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debragrant
I want to get a keyboard that is more piano than keyboard.

I like the look of:

Yamaha NP30B-K
Yamaha NP30S-K
Yamaha P70s - expensive

any others?
imlovinit
All three of these would not qualify in my book as "more piano than keyboard." If you find the P70 expensive, it is going to be a difficult search.

I would think that minimum specifications would include 88 proper keys, a weighted keyboard, functional damper pedal, at least 64 note polyphony.

Take a look at the Casio Privia line. They are good value for money on a properly weighted digital piano keyboard and can be had for as little as 295 pounds. This would certainly be good enough to get a student through ABRSM Grade 5 - 6.

Top of the line offerings would be from Yamaha, Kawai and Roland.

Yamaha has a new model the P85 which also seems to be a good value considering what it provides and that it is built on latest technology.
Mad Tom
QUOTE(imlovinit @ May 9 2008, 08:33 AM) *

All three of these would not qualify in by book as "more piano than keybaord." If you find the P70 expensive, it is going to be a difficult search.

I agree with this sentiment. But a good keyboard can still be affordable if you are prepared to buy a used item rather than new. I bought my Yamaha P80 on eBay and saved a lot of money. It's only disadvantage is that it has no built-in speakers - but as it was bought for silent practice - to supplement a regular acoustic piano - that is not a great problem.

You might like to search eBay, or if you are unhappy about the risks in that then scour the small ads in your local papers, and even check out the music stores - because they often have second hand keyboards for sale - or can put you in touch with people that do.

I would not worry about buying second hand. Few people use these instruments enough to cause any significant wear and tear.

piano.gif
joolsters
I am using a Korg at the moment and although the keys are still quite light by my standards (However I usually play grand pianos) the feel is quite acceptable. Plus it looks vaguely nice!
debragrant

Well I find £350 expensive on my budget but will be looking on ebay.

Can I get any keyboard? I mean I will be taking piano lessons & can't afford and don't have the space for a piano.

When somewhere says they offer keyboard lessons is that just piano lessons but on a keyboard?

I used to have lessons on a piano & practice on a keyboard
diapason
QUOTE(debragrant @ May 9 2008, 09:15 AM) *

Well I find £350 expensive on my budget but will be looking on ebay.

Can I get any keyboard? I mean I will be taking piano lessons & can't afford and don't have the space for a piano.

When somewhere says they offer keyboard lessons is that just piano lessons but on a keyboard?

I used to have lessons on a piano & practice on a keyboard


"Keyboard Lessons" could well mean that the teacher will be using the all-singing, all-dancing, left hand chord structure system of playing.
I know - I have many pupils, young and old who want to learn this ! dry.gif ........but it IS part of modern music making.
Confirm to any "keyboard" teacher that you want PIANO lessons

Many of the "keyboards" do have EXCELLENT piano voicing and touch control, but you will need to find out whether it has facilities for plugging in a sustain pedal.
Must fly - first lesson of the day in 30 mins - 14 miles away!!
Blackbird77
I got a Yamaha DGX-620 from ebay, but I got lucky, it wasn't secondhand but brand new, saved £150 on what it normally costs and it turned up 12 hrs after I ordered it. It has weighted keys, sustain pedal and I think it's great. There are bargains to be had on ebay but it is very much a case of "buyer beware".
chocolatedog
Roland keyboards are good - I have a brilliant fp8 but it's no longer made - it was top of their range about 10-15 years ago, and it's superb. More recently I found another cheaper Roland for a pupil - unfortunately I can't remember what model it was and I haven't tried out their more recent keyboards, but I've never been disappointed with them in the past.
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