Graham Howard

We chose Normans to buy it from because the price was on par with other shops and included free stool and headphones and the delivery was free.
Normans also provide a nice shop warranty, providing we take it to their shop (3-4 hours drive away for us) and keep the receipt; a worthy ‘extra’.

We ordered it Friday evening and it arrived the following Tuesday morning.
Normans gave excellent communications via email, keeping us informed of order taken, delivery day and gave us an hour slot on the actual day of when our piano would be delivered. Delivery was when promised.

Review by Viv

—

I ended up being supplied a Yamaha YDP141 in cherry by Norman’s Musical Instruments (based somewhere in the midlands). Delivery was on schedule despite the snowy, icy road conditions prior to Xmas although I hadn’t been made aware, beforehand, that I would have to assemble the instrument myself. It came packed in a large box and took a little while to put together. (This does prove it is portable though!).

Review by Raymond Craine, UK

“After taking on board the comments in your web-site, and testing a number of
digital pianos, finally decided upon the Kawai CA63.  For me, it gives
remarkably similar touch/feel to the keys on my previous acoustic piano; I
also found the sound quality more to my taste than the equivalent Yamaha
models in the showroom – although they were all worthy of note.

Purchased from a specialist musical instrument showroom called ‘The Music
Station’ located just outside the city of Swansea, Glamorgan, South Wales.
Great service, access to all their keyboards and pianos for test as long as
I wanted – great price and delivery. The ‘satin black’ finish matches other
furniture in the house very well!”

John

None yet. Waiting for the first review…

“My son has recently bought a new guitar on line from the parent store ( Guitarguitar ) next door to GG Digital and was delighted with the service he received. I looked on line researching the pianos they sold and then, as I was shopping in Glasgow and in the area, I popped into the store, full of confidence after reading your advice. The assistant who served me showed me the Yamaha P95 in stock and talked me through the features. He didn’t pressurise me into upgrading to a more expensive model as I had told him of my basic requirements, but told me of a similar piano ( not Yamaha ) that was popular at that level. There was not one in stock ( I was keen to see and try out the piano before buying )and it did not have the recording facility which I was keen on, so I decided there and then to purchase the P95.It was safely delivered to me 2 days later at no extra cost.”

Jennifer, Glasgow

None yet. Waiting for the first review…

None yet. Waiting for the first review…

1) ” CLP330 for £1,099 from Dawsons”

Hi Graham,

I asked a question on the site – I am choosing between the clp320 (899) or the YDP161 (781)  – I could stretch to the CLP 330 maybe but I would like to pay over 12 months. I have seen a CLP 330 for 1099 on Dawsons.
The piano is for my daughter who has a real piano at her Dad’s house, just about to start grade 1 and I want to get her something she can really enjoy playing that is not too different from her upright as she has to switch from one to the other.

Would you let me know what you can recommend and the prices you could do for them

Thanks a lot – and your guide really is great!

Sharon

Reply/ Hi Sharon

Both the CLP320 and CLP330 are old, discontinued
models. The current model is the CLP430.

However, the CLP330 appears to be a good deal
from Dawsons especially if it’s interest free.

I recommend getting the CLP330.

The YDP161 isn’t nearly as nice to play as the
CLP330. The key touch is slightly lighter, and
not so sensitive. The sound quality is also
inferior.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

 

2) “I must say the service etc has been excellent”

“I visited Dawsons in Bangor, County Down Northern Ireland (our local store) and the Chris was very very helpful. We plan to return there and purchase a digital piano in the near future.

Chris was not at all pushy but was helpful and well-informed. I will let you know how I get on and will get back to you regarding this store which seems to have about a dozen throughout the country.”

Follow-up:

I followed Graham Howard’s suggestions re visiting a music shop and actually found one right here in Bangor about 5 minutes drive from our new home. It’s called Dawsons and I must say the service etc has been excellent. Price paid was £883. Piano delivered at precisely arranged time 3 days after ordered. Delivered, assembled and packaging removed for £10 charge!! Chris at Dawsons is your man!

Review by Alison Hill, Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland

 

3) “I wanted to support the local music shop, Dawsons in Basingstoke”

I would like to thamk you, Graham, for your frank and informative advice.  I read your guide thoroughly and bought a CLP 440.  I wanted to support the local music shop, Dawsons in Basingstoke.  They were keen on price but i think a lot of suppliers would have done free delivery.

My main reason was based on trying out 6 other pianos in the store, representing a wide price range.  I thought the Yamaha had the best sound, with the right number of features.

Our only problem was that the box was delivered by a single driver who could not lift it it on his own.  We had to get some relatives round to help unpack and bring the piano into the house.

I am delighted with the feel and tone of the new instrument, and it will give me pleasure for years to come.

Review by Alan Seabrooke

 

4) “salesman came to my house and spent over an hour setting everything up for me”

Hello Graham,

Earlier in the year, I was most grateful to be able to read your advice online regarding choosing a digital piano. I think it’s only fair that I let you know what I chose!

I selected a Yamaha Arius 161 and bought it from Dawsons in Chester. The staff were most helpful, (they did try to get me to consider a Kawai, as you say in your guide – but didn’t push it too much…) and on the day the piano arrived (in its huge coffin-like box!), my salesman came to my house on his way home and spent over an hour setting everything up for me, at no extra cost – excellent service.

I’ve had the piano for about six weeks now, and try to play it every day…makes me realise how hectic my routine is… Also I’m having a 45 minute lesson once a week, to keep me focused. I hasten to add that I’m 60, had lessons when a child, and have sung in choirs all my life, so can read music but lack the techniques!

Thank you again for your help to me and many others I’m sure – I’ve recommended your guide & advice to a few friends.

Review by Kathleen

None yet. Waiting for the first review…

None yet. Waiting for the first review…