Digital Piano Questions
Graham Howard, Piano Adviser
Send me an email if you have any questions or need advice: grahamhoward@ukpianos.co.uk
Or call 020 8367 5107
“Broadway BW1 versus Gewa DP300G”
Dear Graham,
I was just about to email you when your mail arrived. Perfect timing!
Thanks so much for the bible. It really is incredibly useful. I don’t know how I would have found my way through all the choices without it. It must have taken you a huge amount of work.
Having read it I had pretty much settled on the Broadway BW1, when I looked more closely at what divides the BW1 from the GEWA DP 300G. Though I’ve seen you say in your replies to questions that the Broadway ‘compares well’ with the equivalent DP 300G, and the BW1 obviously ranks one place above the DP 300G in your top ten, I notice you actually score the GEWA much better in some pretty crucial departments:
Touch: DP 300G 7.9 vs 7.2 for the BW1
Sound 8.7 vs 7
Build quality 8.5 vs 7.5
Reliability 8.7 vs 7
In fact it looks like it is mainly the Broadway’s popularity and resale value which give it the edge overall, and neither is high on my list of priorities.
The GEWA’s higher score on touch, build quality and particularly reliability (1.7 points higher) impresses me and makes me wonder if I wouldn’t do better to pay a bit more and get that instead of the Broadway.
What would you advise?
I’ve been playing for 18 months on a lightly weighted Yamaha keyboard and now want to have the real feel under my fingers as I progress, hence the touch criterion seems important. I am 63 and don’t want to have to buy another piano, so reliability and build quality are also important. I know the BW1 has Bluetooth but that’s a minor consideration for me.
I guess the choice between the BW1 and the DP 300G is always pretty finely balanced but I wonder which way you would tend in my case.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts you have on this. And many thanks again for the unique bible. It really lives up to its name!
Best wishes
Anthony
PS Is Broadway a British make, by the way? I assume so, which is a plus, but their website is very sparse and gives no company history or even contact address.
Reply/ Hi Anthony
The sound is more natural on the Gewa. It was
sampled on a Steinway concert grand and has a
warm, resonant and natural tone.
Other than that, they both have fully-weighted,
touch sensitive keys that feel close to a real piano.
I would say that either piano is suitable for you
to learn and progress on up to a high level.
Kind regards
Graham Howard
“My friend is looking for a good digital piano”
Hi Graham
Some years ago, I was already looking about a digital piano and I had a csv file from you with all the parameters. It helps me a lot!
Your reference was given to me by an English friend. The result was for me to buy the GEWA DP240G.
Now I try to give some help to a Belgian friend who is a very good pianist but very bad with the Internet…
The particularity of this guy is the fact he has a very good grand piano (located in his mother’s house) and he is looking for a high quality of numeric piano in order to play in his small apartment…
So any advice from you is welcome, he is a classical pianist with a big experience but never he has had a digital piano.
Do you still have the ‘csv’ file with your selection list? I have not seen it in your ‘bible’.
From my side, il a little bit disappointed with the GEWA as I am still a beginner but not a classical pianist. My preferred sound is the blues and the boogie-woogie music. So if you have some advice for a numeric piano which is more dedicated to this style of music, I am interested in it.
Regards
Marc
Reply/ Hi Marc
There is a new range of Gewa digital pianos now.
These are the 300 series.
The Gewa UP360G is a beautiful piano to play.
It has a sensitive and balanced key touch (a vast
improvement on the previous model).
The sound quality is warm and resonant.
It is perfect for playing classical music.
This is the one I recommend.
You can see it here
Alternatively, there is the Kurzweil MP120
This is a top piano, and the sound is brighter.
More striking than the Gewa. So this would
be more suited to jazz playing.
Let me know if you would like to order one
of these pianos.
Yours pianistically
Graham Howard
“Please recommend a suitable digital piano”
Thanks for caring. Piano bible very useful. Brilliant actually!
Many things to consider, such as the usual hammer action, sound quality and pedals, but I’m not sure if ‘finale’ music notation software will be possible to link up.
I understand most pianos can cope with notation of what’s played, but can I have the piano play things I’ve transcribed onto finale (mostly violin and piano compositions)? I know my computer can play back finale scores, but the sound isn’t great.
I’m looking in the region of £1000-£1500. I attended Guildhall school of music and drama grads course way back in the early 80s – main instrument violin. No longer playing or teaching. I am therefore not a beginner on piano, but not looking to play as a professional either. Just personal enjoyment.
I have a VERY old Casio CPS-700, but obviously it’s not a full 88 keyboard, and lacks the tonal quality etc.
I could rant for ever, but this is where I’m at.
Reply/ Hi Jane
Hi Jane
I’m not very technical when it comes to software,
So wouldn’t be able to advise you much about this.
Although having Bluetooth would probably be useful.
I recommend looking at either a mid range Yamaha
Clavinova or a Gewa.
Two pianos worth considering are the Yamaha CLP735
and Gewa UP355.
Both are similarly priced and play equally well.
The Gewa has a warmer, more resonant tone, as
it’s sampled on a Steinway concert grand.
The Yamaha has a brighter, crisper tone.
It all comes down to personal preference really.
Yours pianistically
Graham Howard
“Gear4Music DP6 or DPX10, any good?”
Hi Graham
My daughter who is only 6 has recently started learning to play piano. We have a very old and battered piano and some of the keys don’t work (only at the very end though so not a problem for now). My daughter is however asking for a digital piano and I have been looking at the gear 4 music ones. As she is very young I do not want to spend too much at the moment until I can see that she will definitely keep it up. I have been looking at the gear 4 music DP 6 and DPX10 and was wondering if either of these are good option. If there is anything else you can recommend it would be appreciated.
Kind regards, Yvette
Reply/ Hi Yvette
Both the Gear4Music DP6 and DPX10 have only
weighted keys. So the key touch is lighter than
a real piano, and closer to a keyboard.
I only recommend learning on digital pianos
with fully-weighted keys so you can learn to
play with the correct resistance and technique.
I would like to recommend for you the Hadley D10.
You can see this here:
The Hadley D10 has a lovely key feel.
It has fully-weighted keys, so the key touch feels
the same as playing on a real piano.
This is the most important thing when learning to play…
With fully-weighted keys your daughter will learn
to play with the correct technique and pressure
of the keys so the fingers will get stronger, and
when the time comes to play on a real piano
it will be much easier for her to switch.
The D10 is a brand new model, so it’s up-to-date
with the latest technology, has the newest designed
keyboard and a pleasing to the ears, warm piano tone.
Another advantage is its large speakers (2 x 25 watts).
I’m not talking about the power output here (although
it has plenty of that if you ever needed it).
The large speakers give it a deep, warm tone that
sounds natural (not electronic sounding like most other
cheap digital pianos)…
What’s more, these speakers are built in to its cabinet
body, so the whole thing resonates beautifully inside.
I like this piano very much, and there’s certainly
nothing that comes close for value.
Let me know if you would like to reserve one.
Yours pianistically
Graham Howard
“What’s the difference between a keyboard and a digital piano?”
A KEYBOARD usually has 61 keys. It’s much smaller
and lighter than a digital piano. And you can carry
it under your arm.
The key touch is much lighter compared to an acoustic
or digital piano.
You also get hundreds of instrumental voices, percussion
sounds and effects.
A DIGITAL PIANO is designed to replicate the sound
and touch of an acoustic piano.
A digital piano’s key touch is heavier and has more
resistance than a keyboard.
Most digital pianos have a substantial wooden cabinet.
This cabinet holds the keys, music rest, electronics,
speakers and pedals…
So the overall weight is substantially more than a
keyboard. But still 3-5 times lighter than an
acoustic piano
“Gear 4 Music Digital Piano”
Hi Graham
Can you tell me is it normal for a digital piano to sound clunky ?
It’s actually ruining my enjoyment of learning the piano .
I purchased from Gear 4 music. At only £300. I don’t expect the world but didn’t expect the keys to be like they are.
Thank you, Angela
Reply/ Hi Angela
Which model did you buy?
I am afraid that all digital pianos in this price bracket
have clunky keys.
They use the cheapest materials possible in order
to produce them for this price.
I advise getting something else from them if they
are willing to upgrade it for you.
Let me know if you would like some recommendations.
I would say to spend between £600 and £100 really.
The Broadway EZ-102, B1 and Gewa DP300G all have
a good key action and sound quality.
Kind regards
Graham Howard
UK Pianos
Further/ Hello Graham
“Which digital piano for a concert pianist?”
Hello Graham,
I’m concert pianist standard and wish to buy a digital piano. However I only have £1,000 to spend, therefore can you suggest the best digital piano you have in stock (ie. best tone & hammer action) for this price.
Also, do you have any of these models for rental? How does the rental work – for example, can you rent for one month only? And do I have to pay the £45 delivery to return the piano to you?
Many thanks,
Alva
Reply/ Hi Alva
I don’t believe you would be happy to play any
digital piano around this price point. There is
simply nothing that has a good enough feel
and tone.
However, if this is the most you have budgeted
for then you might consider these to:
Roland RP501R
Kurzweil MP120
My first choice is the Kurzweil.
This has the nicer sound.
Let me know if you would like a price quote.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Which digital piano to buy?”
Hi Graham.
Thank you for the email.
I am still thinking between a few models. Read a lot of the reviews on your website and others.
Before I got the piano guide from you. I thought Roland FP4f would be the one all along, after
reading a bit more and the list of top ten piano… I have noticed F110 which is similar and the
good thing is with cover and stand already.
Roland RP201 is also came in to my mind…now i have added on Kawai CN33 on my list!!!
Do you think you can give me some advice?
Just want to tell you something about this ‘new’ piano, we have got a acoustic piano at home already.
It would be for my son 11yr (on grade 5) and daughter 8.5 (on grade 3) an extra piano to play and
practise. He likes to play in silence sometimes and other extra functions on a digital.
I think i will keep my budget on around £1000.
Best regards,
Jacqueline
Reply/ Hi Jacqueline
The pianos you mention are all popular ones. But
they do vary considerably in sound and feel…
The FP4 is a stage piano. This has been designed
to be easily portable. It weighs about 25-30kg less
than a standard digital piano. Its overall dimensions
are much smaller too.
But, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages
if you plan on using it mainly in your home…
It has smaller speakers than standard digital pianos,
this results in a thinner, less vibrant piano sound.
Also, the key touch is lighter. This is mainly due to
the shorter overall key length.
If you want a digital piano that feels like your
acoustic piano, and sounds as close to it as possible
then the Yamaha CLP430 is the one I recommend
for you. The cost is about £300 over your budget
though.
As a second choice, the Kawai CN33 is a safe bet.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“The piano teacher is quite insistent that we shouldn’t choose a digital piano”
Hi Graham,
Thank you so much for the exhaustive buying guide, it helped clear up a lot of questions we had especially around the terminology. My 8yr old is just starting lessons and based on your guide and information online, we’ve narrowed down on the new Yamaha Arius YDP 162 as the one to buy.
The problem is that the piano teacher is quite insistent that we shouldn’t choose a digital piano and instead go directly for an upright. She has a poor opinion of digital pianos and thinks that they may not last beyond a couple of years max. This is of course subjective and her opinion, but the real issue is that she also suggested that if we insisted on going with the digital then it would only be suitable up to Grade 2 and we’d need to buy an upright then.
The sales person at the shop we visited suggested that they’d be fine up to Grade 5. My question is which of them are correct or is this also a matter of personal preference? And, if there is this limitation with the Arius range, should we look at the clavinovas (440/470) as a one stop solution that will potentially take you to at least Grades 5-6 if she gets there. Or is she right and are we better of investing in an upright right from the start (although this is personally not something I’m in favour of for the reasons you mention in your guide)?
Unfortunately, my wife and I have no idea around the exams or the pianos beyond sound and aesthetics and feel quite helpless at the moment.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope you might be able to help us with our quandary.
Kind Regards
Rahul
Reply/ Hi Rahul
Many piano teachers are anti digital pianos.
I do understand the way some of them think,
because years ago digital pianos were really
quite poor…
I remember what digital pianos were like
20 years ago. Most of them had a key touch
that was too light… the keys made a
clickety-clackety sound. And the piano tone
was a really awful replication of a real piano.
But things have changed drastically since then!
Nowadays most digital pianos are a pretty
good replication of the real thing. Only
the cheap end of the market has some of
those old problems.
If you want a digital piano to take your
daughter up to grade 5 or 6 then I recommend
either the Broadway B1 or Kurzweil M110.
as being the best options. These are both
lovely pianos and good value for money.
You can see these here:
ukpianos.co.uk/kurzweil-m110
ukpianos.co.uk/broadway-b1
If you’re willing to spend more, then the
Yamaha Clavinovas are the very best digital
pianos.
The CLP645 or CLP675 will take her up
to grade 8.
You can see these here:
ukpianos.co.uk/yamaha-clp645
ukpianos.co.uk/yamaha-clp675
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Is it advisable to keep a low wattage heater if the digital piano is kept in a cold room?”
Graham,
You certainly deserve a full 5 stars, based on the depth, quality and free-availability of your advice, your competitive prices, and tremendous responsiveness.
But obviously it makes sense for me to do this after the Broadway piano has arrived on Friday!
In the meanwhile, I do have a question.
Question: St. Meilyr’s church is quite a damp building. Would it be advisable to keep a low-wattage heater in the vicinity of the piano? (perhaps one of those little tube ones?).
Also Wendy is planning to make a cloth cover for the piano both for aesthetic reasons and to discourage casual playing by visitors. But this could attract and contain dampness around the piano.
You also asked me about the table in which you evaluate the sound and sensitivity of dozens of digital pianos. It is a superb piece of research – fantastically useful!
In principle, it would be even better with the current prices of these pianos included. But the link you sent in your email is to the previous version of the table – I couldn’t see the prices.
Finally, I am still considering buying a better quality digital piano for myself (better than the Broadway, I mean). I am not in a hurry to do so, as I still have my 30-year old CLP-560.
But it is definitely feeling its age and of course lacks new technology.
I would be willing to pay to get a good quality instrument.
But on the other hand I don’t want to pay for capabilities which I won’t use. Or for unnecessary “bells + whistles” (I am thinking here of your comments on the inclusion of the escapement effect for example).
I would value your recommendation.
Thank you again,
Chris
Reply/
Hi Chris
Digital pianos don’t suffer in the same way as acoustic pianos,
so you you might be OK. If it does get really cold in there
then you could put the low wattage heater. This would help
to keep the keys moving freely, because cold for prolonged
spells can make the keys a bit sluggish sometimes.
I would be happy to recommend some digital pianos for you
whenever you are ready. Just let me know.
Kind regards
Graham Howard
UK Pianos
“What is the best piano for around £700?”
I don’t know which one really and need advice here. Personally, for me, there is nothing like an acoustic piano, and if I only had myself to consider, then it would definitely be a real piano. Apparently about 5,000 parts, and such workmanship. It’s funny that I don’t see the same skill and workmanship in a digital piano and think them overpriced. In fact I think that there was far more involved in the electric organs, Technic and others, which could perform the most amazing feats with a simple touch
but I am evading the issue again, so back to the point and digital pianos. It’s quite clear that I am not sold on this digital business but I want a nice instrument for my home and my first thoughts were not mdf with a keyboard, so I suppose I am disappointed at what is available, so Howard I don’t know what I want but I will when I see it. I can spend as much as I like on the right item, meantime the scores per price list may be helpful and, incidentally, if you find me the right item I will most definitely buy it from you. The fact is I don’t just want notes for over £700. I want something better for which I will pay more.
Your help to everyone is really something Howard, and this is customer service second to none. It is very much appreciated and your patience with us all. Thanks. Audrey
Reply/ Hi Audrey
Most digital pianos are way over-priced.
I completely agree with you!
For £700, there isn’t anything amazing out there.
The one that’s best value for money is the Broadway B1.
It has a fully-weighted, touch sensitive key touch.
Its 4 dynamic levels allows you to put feeling into
your playing without struggle.
It also has a nice tone.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Just wondering what your thoughts were about the Axus AXD2”
Hi Graham,
I am looking for a bit of advice. I have had a Yamaha Clavinova a few years ago but had to get rid of it when I moved but now looking to purchasing another digital piano. I have a babygrand acoustic but like the digital piano for playing with headphones.
I was wondering if you knew anything about the Axus AXD2, I think it is made by Norman’s. I have had a listen online and I have heard some pros and cons but just wondering what your thoughts were about it.
Would really appreciate your reply.
Many thanks,
Yours sincerely
Ruth
Reply/ Hi Ruth
The Axus AXD2 is a good all round digital piano.
The only slight drawback is the fact that it has
only medium-weighted keys.
Fully-weighted keys are better for practising on
and maintaining the correct technique and
finger strength.
This is very important, because you will find it
more difficult to play an acoustic piano if you
have been playing regularly on a lighter touch piano.
A better piano for you would be the Broadway EZ-102.
You can see this piano here: EZ-102
The Broadway EZ-102 has a fully-weighted key touch.
This makes it feel closer to a real piano.
For these reasons the Broadway EZ-102 would be a
better choice, and certainly worth the extra cost.
If you’d like more information then please call
me on 01327 300 016.
Yours pianistically
Graham Howard
Further/
Hi Graham,
Thank you for your quick reply. I wonder if you could advise me what the equivalent Yamaha model is to the Broadway EZ 102.
Thank you
Ruth
Reply/ Hi Ruth
The equivalent Yamaha model is the YDP 144.
Although the speakers are smaller on the Yamaha
and tone quality is not as deep and warm, the Yamaha
is a similar piano functionality wise to the Broadway.
Kind regards
Graham
“My question is basically: Which digital piano is going to sound and feel most like my piano?”
Hi Graham
Thank you for offering the chance to ask you questions (and indeed for being so sharing with your vast knowledge and enthusiasm regarding anything ‘piano’)
We bought a Zender (7octave) new about 30 years ago. a luxury we could not really justify, though looking back, one of the best things of course. My children play, one of them extremely well, and in turn have pianos in place for their children.
I am about to move to a flat that is surrounded by other flats and really need to go digital so the sound can be controlled through headphones.
i need to therefore somehow sell my beloved Zender and find a close digital version
could you please advise me?
Marjo
Reply/ Hi Marjo
The Yamaha AvantGrand range sounds and feels closest
to the real thing… but the price is high.
Do you have a budget in mind so I can recommend
something good that fits within that?
Kind regards,
Graham
“I’m confused as there seems to be so many options”
Hi there,
I have been looking at your articles about digital pianos (along with a range of other information) a lot recently and am becoming more and more confused as there seems to be so many options. I am also finding many conflicting views – some people say Yamaha aren’t reliable and the quailty is poor, while others say Roland is the best. I am taking piano lessons and currently only have a keyboard which I am finding it hard to practice on given my lessons are on pianos, so I decided to buy a portable piano (I haven’t got much room). The problem is that I don’t want to be in a position where I need to get something better in a year or two, so would rather just pay a little extra now and have it for ever! I was wondering if you could offer me any advice on this – my budget is probably from £500 up to £1200 maximum. The following are a few models that I’ve been looking at but I’m no longer sure given all the mixed feedback i’ve had:
Roland F140
Foland FP50
Yamaha YDP163
Yamaha YDP181
Yamaha P115 (though one shop told me not to waste my money on this!)
The problem I have is that I liev in Orkney so can’t access any shops to try these out, so I am really depending on what others say when it comes to this. I would really appreciate any advice you could give me on this as I am at a bit of a loss!
Many thanks.
Mharee Rendall
Reply/ Hi Mharee
Your short list contains portable pianos.
If it’s mainly for home use then I recommend
getting a digital piano that has a fixed wooden
stand with three pedals.
A piano with a fixed base is more sturdy, usually
has much larger speakers (better sound) and a
firmer, more realistic key touch.
This leaves the following models:
Roland F140R
Yamaha YDP163
Yamaha YDP181
The YDP181 has a slightly richer piano sound
and a few extra voices. It is a better piano than
the YDP163, but it’s not worth all that extra money.
The Roland F140R has a nice sound and smooth
feel to the keys, but I would give the edge to
the YDP163.
This is the order I rate them based on value for money:
1) YDP163
2) f140R
3) YDP181
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Piano for 5 year old daughter”
Hello Graham,
I want to buy a digital piano for my 5year old daughter who has been having keyboard classes and absolutely loves playing piano.
My budget is very limited (350 – 400), but I would like to have a dig.piano with pedals( as I would like my daughter to work
towards her Gardes later), and a cover ( at the moment we have a Casio Celviano AP-220 to practice on, but that is going soon).
What I have found so far are these models: DP10 Digital Piano by Gear4music; Hemingway DP-501; Axus D2. Would you please give
your opinions on these? Thanks.
Kind Regards,
Sanita
Reply/ Hi Sanita
If you could nudge your budget up to £550
or £600 then you have the choice of a better
range of better pianos.
Here are some I recommend:
Broadway EZ-102
Korg SP170S
Classenti P1
The Broadway EZ-102 is the best value. It’s a
nice sounding piano with a fully-weighted
key touch. Ideal for children learning to play.
The Korg SP170S also has a nice key touch.
But, being more of a portable-type piano,
the speaker system isn’t so nice.
The Classenti P1 has a very nice, fully-weighted
key touch – a tad more responsive than the
Broadway. Its speakers are also bigger. This
results in a richer, more vibrant piano tone.
You can see these pianos here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/broadway-ez102
www.ukpianos.co.uk/korg-sp170
www.ukpianos.co.uk/classenti-p1-portable-piano
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“We need a digital piano with USB for writing songs”
Hi Graham,
My daughter has just tried out a Korg SP280 in a shop, which she really loved. Although she is very musical and sings, this is our first digital piano, hence needing advice! On further inspection she realised that this model does not have a recording facility or a USB port. It is a reasonable price for me, so we were dissappointed. I would appreciate it if you could offer me any advice, as she is currently writing her own songs, I feel she needs to be able to record easily.
Thank you,
Jackie
Reply/ Hi Jackie
If you’re looking for a piano that has a USB port
then I recommend the Roland RP501R.
The Roland has a lovely piano sound. The key
touch is also nicely weighted and responsive.
This piano is ideal for your daughter to learn
and progress on.
You can read more about it here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/roland-rp501r
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Why is the sound quality better through headphones?”
Hi Graham,
I have a question for you if you are able to answer it. I noticed that when I play my digital piano,
the sound quality seems to be better than when when the sound comes through the speakers of the piano.
I noticed that with my old piano too. I was wondering if the speakers were a limiting factor with
regard to the sound quality, and that if it was played through different, and better, speakers
then the overall sound might be better. Any ideas on that?
Regards, Ian
Reply/ Hi Ian
All digital pianos sound better when played
through headphones. This is because you
are listening to the original sound source.
When played through the speakers of the
piano the sound quality is significantly reduced.
Connecting to larger, external speakers
will improve the sound markedly.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Could you advise me how many Dynamic Levels each of the following”
Dear Graham,
Thank you for sending me the ‘7 things you must know..’ booklet – it’s a very useful read.
Could you advise me how many Dynamic Levels each of the following has:
Yamaha CLP470
Roland HP507
Classenti CDP3
Thanks again and best wishes,
Andrew Sharpe
Reply/ Hi Andrew
They all have 5 dynamic levels.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Will learning on a digital piano impair technique?”
Dear Graham,
Thank you so much for your excellent e-book. It is very generous of you to offer your knowledge and experience in this way.
My main reservation about digital pianos is whether they are likely to impair technique – e.g. if my daughter were to learn on a Yamaha CLP-430, would she fail to develop the technique she might acquire with an upright?
I don’t mean to prey upon your generosity – this was intended primarily as a thank you – but if you do have any thoughts on this I’d be grateful for them.
Many thanks,
Tim Gay
Reply/ Hi Tim
It is, of course, always best to learn on a real piano.
But if you must get a digital one then I recommend
something that has fully-weighted keys with at least
4 levels of touch sensitivity.
The Yamaha CLP635 is a good one.
As a comparison I also recommend the Roland
RP501R and Kurzweil MP120. Both these pianos
cost a lot less and would be just as good for her
to learn and progress on.
You can read more about these pianos here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/roland-rp501r
www.ukpianos.co.uk/kurzweil-mp120
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Do ‘toys’ reduce the piano’s sound quality?”
Hi Graham
We’re replacing a technics
The “toys” like rhythms and sound effects are not essential but they can be fun
or useful. Is there a piano that includes this kind of features or does it mean a
significant reduction in the quality of the piano?
Many thanks
Nathan
Reply/ Hi Nathan
Having toys on a digital piano either means a
reduction in quality of the piano sound or, if
you want a decent piano sound, a big increase
in price.
There’s no middle ground, unfortunately.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Yamaha is not affordable, is the Classenti a good second best in my price range?”
I’ve just reluctantly sold my Yamaha upright (‘real’) piano as we just didn’t have room in our little living room for it. I’ve been playing on and off since I was a child and studied music at university; I now play for pleasure (classical) and sometimes for performances, usually accompanying singers. So I’m looking for an electronic piano in about the £700 range that I can have upstairs (narrow steep stairs) in my study, and that would be fairly easy to bring downstairs and/or take in the car to a performance if possible. But I don’t want a stage piano – I don’t like the way the pedal creeps away along the carpet as you play! And I find most stage electric pianos that I use are really strange on my fingers – they always ache afterwards.
Ideally, I’d have a clavinova of some sort with the most responsive keyboard sampling the best kind of piano and with a sustaining pedal that is responsive to different pressure – yes, the Yamaha CLP (is it?) 635 or 645… but I can’ afford it! And I think it’s a bit too heavy.
Is the Broadway a good second best in my price range? I can’t find information about the way the sustaining pedal works, and the kind of music that is played on the demos is not really impressing me very much.
Any suggestions? I’d be very grateful for some help!
Isobel Brown
Reply/ Hi Isobel
The Broadway B1 is about the best piano you can
get for around £700 – £800.
It has a nice, firm, fully-weighted key touch that
feels very close to an upright piano.
The sound isn’t as good as the Yamaha Clavinovas,
but is still pretty good considering it only has
2 x 15 watt speakers.
The Broadway B1 has four levels of touch sensitivity
on each key. This is enough for quite advanced playing.
The sustain pedal is fixed in the wooden pedal board.
So you won’t have to chase it around the room like
most of the portable-type pianos.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“I could eat baked beans on toast for 2 months, then I can afford the CLP635”
Hi Graham
First of all, I wanted to say thanks very much for the excellent and thorough advice that you have provided in ‘7 Things You MUST Know Before You Buy A Digital Piano’, which I downloaded yesterday.
I am currently considering ‘bidding’ for a Kawai CA7 – (a predecessor to the CA71 which itself has been superseded by the current CA67 I believe).
I see that you rate the CA67 quite highly in terms of the overall rating at the back of your buyer’s guide. Have you any thoughts on the CA7? I have viewed it together with an experienced pianist friend of mine who has owned and played a number of electric pianos before, and he says I should go for it, as the feel and action are excellent in his opinion. The seller claims it was £3000 new, but I’m a bit sceptical about that as the current (better?) CA67 seems to be over £2000. I’m not sure what a fair price would be for this instrument second hand (the condition is excellent) – any ideas?
I heed you advice however about buying an old Electronic Piano. It’s clear that you are a huge fan of Yahama electric pianos, having read yours and other’s reviews of the current Yamaha CLP635, I am very tempted to get one of those – a bit outside my price range (limit of £1,000 – but this could be stretched to £1300 at a push, especially if I just eat baked beans on toast for a couple of months). Is this likely to be better than the Kawai CA67 (in terms of responsiveness/touch) in your opinion?
Many Thanks
Dan
Reply/ Hi Dan
I do prefer the feel of the keys on the CLP635.
It just feels a bit firmer. More sure.
The Kawai has a good sound, but the softness
of the keys when they reach their lowest point
is a bit off putting.
By the way, Tesco has some good deals on
baked beans at the moment 😉
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“If I want a quick measure of the realistic sound of the digital piano, which parameter should I be looking at?”
Graham,
I’ve completely read your report now, and, thanking you again for it, perhaps I could ask my question more clearly now. Is “realistic piano sound” then measured by the combination (excluding the touch parameters) of polyphony and brilliance? One thing I did not get from your work was the question of how “brilliant” the average acoustic piano is. Would you say that that the better the acoustic piano, the more brilliant? Or is brilliance something artificially available only through digitalization? My question is just, if I want a quick measure of the realistic sound of the digital piano, which parameter should I be looking at? Again, it would appear that polyphony and brilliance are the two relevant measures. Is this correct?
Thanks again.
Ken
Reply/ Hi Ken
The best sounds are natural. You should listen to
the pureness of the sound, and the natural decay.
Most of the cheap pianos have a synthetic,
unnatural sound. You can hear this quite clearly.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Which model would you recommend?”
Dear Graham:
Could you please advise on a digital piano that is suitable for me:
Im diploma level but not a professional pianist.
I used to play yamaha/steinway grands at home but since im working in
the UK now so its not realistic for me to get one. Therefore im opting
for a DP.
Currently im using a Casio PX700, the touch of which, im sure you know
better than me, annoys me. So im looking for an upgrade.
Ive tried some yamaha CLP ones and they feel much better than the Casio
version, so im thinking about getting a Yamaha.
Which model would you recommend? I do not want all those bells
whistles because all Im interested in is the touch and sound that can
get as close to an acoustic piano as possible.
Thanks very much for your help!
Regards
Meng
Reply/ Hi Meng
Well, it really depends on how much you are
willing to spend on your piano…
The CLP625 is good value for money, but the
lightish key touch might not be firm enough
for your liking.
The CLP635 is better. The CLP645 is a leap
up in sound quality and touch.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“My brother rates it alot higher than the Yamaha’s he uses at school”
If it was not enough that Graham had provided a comprehensive guide on the best digital pianos to buy and explaining all their selling features, I was even more pleased when Graham personally responded to my email providing further advice…
I told him I was on a budget and he suggested the ‘classenti CDP1’ stating that it was like owning a piano (non digital!) I later contacted him that I had a bigger budget and I found him honest and refreshing when he did not tell me to go for something more expensive and that in fact the classenti CDP1 was still recommended.
Susan Kumari
“My daughter wants to learn piano. Should I get her a keyboard just to get started?“
Dear Graham,
My daughter has expressed an interest in learning the piano so I’ve
enrolled her for beginner lessons. However, I am not sure whether this
is on a whim or a ‘proper’ interest so we’ve decided to give her six months
playing on a keyboard to ascertain that she truly enjoys learning, before
purchasing a digital piano. Do you have any suggestions for what keyboard we
should go for – one that is relatively inexpensive but has a decent touch, not
too unlike a real piano?
Thanks for your help!
Regards,
Ann
Reply/ Hi Ann
I don’t advise your daughter to start out on a
keyboard…
Keyboards have a lightweight key touch. This
is likely to produce bad habits and will make
it very difficult for her to transfer to an
acoustic or digital piano later.
If you want to keep the budget under £500
then you might consider the Hadley D10.
This piano isn’t brilliant. But at least it has
fully-weighted, touch sensitive keys. This would
be a hundred times better for a child to
learn on.
You can read more about the Hadley D10 here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/hadley-d10
Better still would be a digital piano in the
£700 – £800 price range.
The one I recommend for your daughter is the
Broadway B1.
This piano has the exact same key touch as an
acoustic piano. It also has a very real piano
sound.
You can get this piano on a Rent-to-Own
programme for only £45 per month.
You can read more details about this here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/piano-rental
Let me know if you’d like more information.
You can call me on 020 8367 2080 anytime.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“If my cat jumps on the piano will it scratch it?”
Hi Graham,
After downloading and reading your informative book – I have decided to plumb for the Classenti CDP2.
I wish to order online today but I just have a query regarding the colour and hope you don’t think it is silly.
I would love to pay the extra for the black polished ebony. However, I have a pet cat who I know for a fact will regularly hop onto the piano case inquisitively; and I’m wondering which would be the best surface if that happens. Is the ebony tougher material than satin? Will his jumping onto the instrument cause a lot of visible scratches to the ebony do you think?
Any feedback would be most helpful.
Regards,
Keith.
Reply/ Hi Keith
The polished ebony is a superior, high gloss,
mirror-type finish. It looks stunning!
But, scratches do show up more on this type
of finish. So maybe the satin finish is
more practical?
If you do decide to go for the nicer finish
then I advise covering it over with the
Classenti CKC5 (cat proof) dust cover ??
You can get this for about 20 quid here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/classenti-ckc5-keyboard-cover
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“What do you recommend?”
Hi Graham,
Absolutely no problem with buying today or tomorrow, but it is more important to get absolutely the right piano. I need to narrow down the choice, even if it means stretching the budget a little.
I have a major concern over the Yamahas because my DGX630 or whatever has a very clunky keyboard, but if this is no longer a concern, I would like to go with them for the brighter sound.
I notice that both the Roland and the Classentis have a quieter action than the Yamaha in your shop (I went there Saturday morning).
For better or worse, if I’m paying out over around 1500+ I want all the sounds too.
What do you recommend for bright piano sound, lots of sounds, quiet keyboard, real piano pedals, compact build, suitable for Grade 6-8 studies? I know it’s probably Roland or Yamaha.
Please get back as soon as you can. Thanks.
Best regards,
Reply/ Hi Graham
A piano that meets all your requirements is the
Roland HP302.
This piano has a very nice sound. The keys are
smooth and responsive, and it has a wide
variety of voices and features.
Also, it would be a good to practice on for
the higher piano grades.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Yamaha or Classenti. Can you help me choose?”
Good morning Graham
Firstly, many thanks for producing your book ‘Digital Piano Buyer’s
Guide’. I have found it to be so full of information and relevant
explanations. I now feel I know so much more with regard to digital
pianos, whereas I knew absolutely nothing just a week ago.
I seem to be favouring the Classenti CDP2 but feel the Yamaha CLP320
is very close. So, here is where I am, hoping you might be able to
finalize this, with your considerable expertise and knowledge of the
particular pianos.
I played the piano, up to Grade 3, as a child on my fathers beautiful
and well-kept Bechstein upright and, although I have played little
since then (now aged 60 yrs) I seem to instinctively remembered the
feel of the keys. This piano had (and still has) a beautiful tone,
according to those who were accomplished musicians and pianists. I
certainly always liked to hear it being played.
So, I have recently (just a couple of months) been having weekly
piano lessons, having rekindled my interest by acquiring (free) a
Casio keyboard, which is what I am using at the moment. My piano
teacher has a very old piano which, to me is a bit ‘clunky’ (ie not
the lovely touch the Bechstein had). It has become very clear that
my Casio keyboard is far from suitable for learning the piano, hence
looking at digital pianos.
I don’t want to over spend but I’m not so restricted in price. When
I buy something, I like to be sure it is ‘up to the mark’ and that I
am sure I have the best for what I need. I am not intending to go
for any grade exams. I just want to enjoy playing the piano, and
have good quality sound.
I’m put off the Yamaha CLP330 purely because of the extra weight. I
feel I that would need help to assemble it and help if I decided to
change the furniture around. Pricewise, it is a bit more than I feel
necessary for my needs, although not out of the question.
I appreciate Yamaha are much better known than Classenti but, I have
to say, I like what I’ve read about them. I think the main reason
for wanting a digital piano is for feel of an acoustic piano, but
also the sound of my father’s beautiful Bechstein. Unfortunately,
there is no way I could accommodate the Bechstein as I live in a
terraced house so have to think of the neighbours. The walls aren’t
very soundproof! Besides, a friend of mine from church, an
extremely accomplished pianist has bought the piano (parent’s
situation changed and Dad in Care Home). Oh, she is so happy with it
and it will be so loved and treasured there. The best place for it,
really!
So, to sum up. Having read my requirements and situation, do you
have any feelings or intuition that would help me make the decision.
It’s vaguely possible I might be able to get down to Enfield at some
stage, as live 35 miles east of Cambridge, so a decent route.
However, I might decide to buy ‘blind’ as it were but I will see
after I have heard from you.
Thanks very much
Sorry to be so ‘verbose’ – can’t help my nature!!! ??
Look forward to hearing from you
Julie
Reply/ Hi Julie
Well… Both the Yamaha CLP320 and Classenti CDP2
are good choices.
They both have a very nice piano sound.
The feel of the keys is slightly heavier on
the Classenti. This would feel closer to the
Bechstein piano you grew up with…
What’s more, the Classenti has 5 levels of
touch sensitivity, and the Yamaha has only
4 levels.
Having said that, the Yamaha is more well
known, more popular, and has a slightly
higher resale value.
You’re welcome to visit our showroom anytime.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“What is the most suitable piano for me and the kids for around £1,000”
Hi Graham,
Thanks for the copy of your digital pianos guide; it was a good read and well informed. I’m setting out on a voyage of discovery, both with learning the piano and learning music itself, aged 44! I bought a Yamaha PSR-233 after Christmas and have been receiving lessons since. I have to say I’m hooked; it is a real thrill when one starts making music that is both familiar and pleasant to listen too.
Whilst I’m enjoying the Yamaha keyboard, I feel that I would like to progress towards both a proper weighted keyboard and fuller piano sound. That said, the children love the range of sounds and songs on the Yamaha and I would be loathed to reduce their interest in music by going for a ‘pure’ digital piano. So I’m looking for compromise solution, that would prove a great tone and keyboard action for me to learn on, but also have the song and sound range that the children enjoy. My budget is up to £1,000.
I have noticed the Yamaha DGX-640, but they seem very similar to what I have already, except with a proper weighted keyboard. So my concern is that the electronics will be the same and hence the tone will be very similar, albeit for over £500! Do you have any suggestions? Am I wise to look for a compromise or will I ultimately be disappointed with the piano capability? If I had more space I would simply keep the Yamaha and buy a pure digital piano, but space is limited!
Any help would be welcome.
Regards
Jeremy Lewis
Reply/ Hi Jeremy
The Yamaha DGX640 has a heavier key touch
than your PSR-223, so this would feel a bit
closer to playing a real piano.
But the sound is still quite thin on the DGX.
A better option – whilst still keeping within your
£1,000 budget – would be the Casio AP420.
The Casio has a realistic key touch, larger
speakers (so a fuller sound) and many features,
voices, songs etc.
You can see this piano here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/casio-ap420
Please call me on 020 8367 2080 if you would
like to place an order.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“What is the best ‘singing all dancing’ multi digi piano?”
Hi Graham Howard
I need some advice please?
What we wanted is the best ‘singing all dancing’ multi digi piano. That can be used as a top of the quality sound for use as a normal piano and also to let it be used for young people to synthesise as well. So it could be used in the ‘pop music composition‘ and make quality sound as, say a flute or trumpet or percussion or other such instruments or all and any. We also need it to be bomb proof if poss! Do they still have all the needed extras too?
The best storage that is lockable would be good. Or do they have a secure system in the works? How easy would it be to transport? And when it goes wrong or if it has hard use, are the bits easily available to put it right? Our ‘hall’ colour is a deep claret other than the Finnish wood.
Please say if I am nuts, but I think youngsters under supervision could have their opportunities widened if we did. At this stage in the community it should have the widest
possible remit.
Cheers, David (Morgan)
Reply/ Hi David
Well, the Yamaha CVP pianos offer the
most versatility along with the best piano
sound and realistic key touch.
But (i) they are quite pricey and (ii) they
aren’t available until early next year due
to Yamaha’s production problems.
The Casio AP620 would be a good one
to look at…
This has a pretty good sound and feel and
also most the functions and features you
are looking for.
The current price is £999.
Let me know if you would like more info
on this.
“My daughter is used to a light key touch and finds it a struggle to play a digital piano”
Hi Graham
Not having any luck linking up on the live chat, so here’s the question via email.
I’m looking for some clarification about renting digital pianos. My 16 yr old daughter is studying piano at Higher Grade (we are in North Scotland) and is becoming quite an accomplished player and composer. Ironically (and sadly) she does not read music too proficiently, being more of a natural “by ear”, expressive person.
We currently have a Yamaha DGX 500 and an old, poorly Witton upright, that is badly out of tune and beyond repair due to poor storage before we inherited it, sadly.
She is “attuned” to the very light action of the DGX 500…and this is the problem now. We had opportunity to sample two Yams this weekend: the 141 and a 440..and she far preferred the 141 feel. (The 440 is too expensive for us anyway – it would be more likely to be a 430 unless we found a 340 somewhere)
However.. you previously advised me, and write extensively about, the CDP2. My question is (finally you say!) – if we were to rent a CDP2, to try to “convert” her to its heavier key action, but it didn’t work out, would we be able to upgrade (downgrade?) to a 141 or similar in a month’s time or so? The website indicates this is only an option for uprights?
Her preferred music style is in the general mould of Ludovico Einaudi: she is slightly built with long but very slender fingers.
The other alternative would be if you are able to tell us if anyone in the general Inverness area has bought a CDP2 from you, and would be willing to demo it?
I wish we could just nip in to your shop but you can appreciate the cost of the 600 miles or so journey is a slight deterrent, sadly….
Best wishes
Ian
Reply/ Hi Ian
Sorry for the delayed reply – I took my little boy
to Lands End for a few days…
If your daughter is used to the lighter key touch
then it would be a bit of an initial shock for her to
play on a Classenti digital piano or acoustic piano.
It would take her a few weeks to get used to the
heavier, firmer and more resistant feel of the keys.
But, this is a real benefit for her in the long run…
The heavier key touch will strengthen her finger
Muscles. In turn her technique improves, and
playing on an acoustic piano would be a much
easier transition for her later on.
You could, of course, try the Classenti out on our
Rent-to-Own programme, but, unfortunately,
you won’t be able to change it for a different
digital piano later.
The Yamaha CLP430 is also a good option.
It also has a similar, heavy touch.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“We had a flood, and water poured over the keys”
Hi Graham,
Please can you help. We have a Yamaha Clavinova CLP-120 digital piano. We had a flood over Xmas. The piano lid was left open and water poured onto the keys and all over it. Today the damage control electrician pat tested all the items in the room and found that the piano was fine. My son played it and unbelievably it sounded fine. The keys were a bit sticky but I was told to clean them. I followed your guide , vinegar and warm water, damp cloth and it is now cleaner. I can’t help thinking that there MUST be some damage considering the water was pouring on it overnight and for several hours before our neighbour switched off the mains.
Should I be looking for anything else? I am not a musician so even stating the obvious would be helpful for me.
Many thanks,
Marilyn
Reply/ Hi Marilyn
The main concern is the electronics. In particular the
contact boards under the keys.
But, if it’s playing OK then maybe you were just lucky.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Best digital piano for £2,000?”
Hi Graham
I am very interested in buying an electric piano. I have just passed my grade 1……at 41! And looking at grade 3. Both my daughters are taking lessons. We acquired an old piano which we have played to death and have decided on an electric for the neighbours sake. What do you suggest? I have read your booklet and still feel like a fish on a bicycle. The yamaha’s look good, especially the £5k clavinova’s. But I’m a gardener on a limited income with no aspirations of becoming a concert pianist. But I like the idea of attaching an i pod and downloading music.
Guess you need a budget figure? Say £2k. Do you do finance? I believe we can discount as the kids are taking lessons. Oh so many questions!
Kind regards
Steve
Reply/ Hi Steve
If you want a superb digital piano from the
outset (one you will never need to change)
then I recommend the Yamaha CLP470.
The CLP470 has the best sound you can get
around the £2,000 price range.
It also has a heavy, firm key touch that
feels just like you’re playing a Steinway
grand – a smooth, silky feel to the keys.
You can read more about this piano here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/yamaha-clp470.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Kawai CL26 or Classenti P1?”
Hi Graham,
I’m beginning to tickle the ivories once again on my piano, but even though we have a piano at home I’d prefer the security of wearing earphones while I struggle through songs, what with a new child on the way to our home and being told off by the neighbours tonight that I was keeping their children awake!
I’m worried that if I buy something too expensive and don’t stick at it that it will be a serious waste, but I want something that will leave me felling happy and satisfied when I complete a song. I had heard a lot about the Yamaha P95S, but after reading your guide, it was clear that empty vessels make the loudest noise!
I have read good reviews about the Classenti P1, it seems to have a greater touch sensitivity (4), whereas the Yamaha P95S only has 3 levels.
You mentioned that this was the most important thing to base your choice on (apart from budget!).
The top 2 choices in your medium-priced range were: Kawai CL26 (£650 – £750) and Classenti P1 (£610 inc delivery) – is there a stand included with this?
(What adds to the confusion is that Kawai is better ranked (2nd) among the top piano makes than Classenti (4th). I suppose it’s hard to get the ‘perfect’ product!)
I couldn’t find the Kawai CL26 on your site. Do you think I should settle for the Classenti or is there anything else you would recommend? I know there is the Classenti CDP1, the next model up- it’s much bulkier, but is the sound any better or worth the extra money?
I’m sorry for all the questions and hassle, it’s just that I want to get the right product at a price that is reasonable for me.
The Classenti P1, with its good warranty, portability and decent touch sensitivity seems a good bet, but I’d be most grateful if you knew of others with as good/better sensitivity. (I take it I’m on the right track with my focus on the sensitivity aspect rather than other parts of the piano. It also has an interesting 4×5 watts speaker system – is this enough sound, would the fact that there is 4 add greater depth or quality to the sound, or perhaps shrill in my case?! :))
Anyway, I think I’ve tormented you enough at this stage, and I’d be most deeply grateful to you if you could answer even some of the questions above to at least put me in some small way on the right track!
Your musically (relatively speaking) and pianistically!
Colm
Reply/ Hi Colm
You are certainly on the right track. Both the
Kawai CL26 and Classenti P1 are fine pianos.
For home use I would give the Kawai the edge.
This is because of its fixed wooden stand.
But the Classenti P1 is more portable and can be
easily stored away if you want to make some
space in a hurry.
You can buy a wooden stand for the Classenti P1
if you intend using it mainly at home.
If your budget is around £700 then the Classenti
CDP1 is the one I recommend…
The key touch is firmer than the Kawai. Especially
at the bottom of the downstroke. This helps you
to feel the resistance of the key, and gives you
more control.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hello Graham,
Thanks a lot for your mail.
I am a complete beginner and planning to buy an electronic piano for my daughter (she is only 5 now but hoping she will learn at some point) and myself. I want to learn.
The main reason I am thinking to get an digital is the ability to practice and play in “silent mode” i.e. can play in the evening without disturbing family using a headphone, also I like the option to try/use other voices/sounds not just the piano sound.
I have been looking around which pianos to buy and thought to get one from these brands: Yamaha, Kawai or Roland. Again I am complete beginner so I am completely relying on reviews I read on the internet about these products. I have watched several videos on youtube and they all sounds very similar to me ?? Do you have any suggestion how should I choose? The ones I was looking at, and thought will serve me for many years are (in preferred order, note this selection is influenced by your book very much): CLP 470, 440 or 430, CN61, CN63, HP503.
Also I would have a few general questions if you don’t mind:
– As probably most of the people, I am not planning to buy a piano every other year in fact I would like to keep it as long as possible (maybe forever?). Do you have any idea how long an electric piano lasts with normal use? Do I need to think now that I will I need to get it replaced after a few years anyway (in this case I would go for a cheaper model if it needs replacing let us say in 2-3 years time) is there any advantage buying an ordinary upright piano for longer lifetime? I am pretty sure about the digital due to the reason I mentioned above but still I am bit curious…
– I understand as technology advances, and digital pianos are relatively new, there are new models released now and then which come with the latest technology. Is there an option to upgrade sounds set/firmware of the old model so there will be no need to replace just because a new model one sounds better (assuming it is due to the recorded sounds and not changed mechanic or speakers)?
– This one is specific on yamaha models: I have read some negative reviews about the sound quality of the internal speakers for certain tones at certain volumes, have you noticed these as well, may I ask what is your opinion about these?
About your book. I think it is very useful it is a really good comprehensive writing. There is a lot of good explanation. I have a question and feedback below
– You mentioned that the Graded hammer action is not so important. Can you detail this why? I thought having weighted keys (and having them gradually lighter as towards the right) is an important thing, it sounds to me not having this can be easily noticed when playing (switching to) an ordinary upright piano? Is that not so noticeable?
Thanks a lot in advance,
Gabor
Reply/ Hi Gabor
The Yamaha CLP470 would be an excellent choice.
I love the way this piano plays.
A digital piano has a life of between 10 and 15 years.
This depends on how much it is played.
A good quality, ordinary piano would cost around
the £3,000 mark. Is this within your budget?
A good one I recommend is the Broadway BU-109.
You can see it here: www.ukpianos.co.uk/broadway-bu-109
There isn’t an option of upgrading the sound on
current digital pianos.
All digital pianos have sound problems on certain
notes. Some makes suffer from this more than
others. The Yamaha Clavinova range is a well
balanced piano. And the sound problems are minimal.
The graded hammer action is not important.
It is really difficult to tell the difference
even on a real piano.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Casio AP620 versus Yamaha CVP501”
Hi,
Could you give me your opinion of the Casio AP620,a website compared it favourably with the
yamaha CVP501 although it is nearly half the price.
Regards
Paul Egington
Reply/ Hi Paul
The Casio AP620 is a decent piano. It has a
good piano sound and the keys feel similar
to an acoustic piano.
The AP620, much like the Yamaha CVP501, is
loaded with instrumental voices, drum kits
and preset songs.
But the Yamaha does have a richer, more
realistic piano sound. And also a firmer key
touch.
The Yamaha is a better machine all round,
of course – but value for money wise, the
Casio is excellent.
Let me know if you ‘d like a price quote on
either piano. I can get you a very good deal.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“What improvements would I be likely to notice in a new Yamaha?”
Dear Graham,
Thank you for your emailed book which I find very informative.
I have had a Yamaha CLP-250 since 1989 and have been very pleased with its performance.
Has digital piano technology improved markedly since 1989 and if so, what improvements
would I be likely to notice in a new Yamaha ?
I realise that there have been so many advances in technology. My main concern to what
extent touch sensitivity has improved – there is no choice on my model.
Kind regards,
Barry
Reply/ Hi Barry
Digital pianos have improved an awful lot
since 1989!
Back then the key touch wasn’t weighted
as much as now.
Today’s digital pianos offer a much more
realistic key touch and sound.
The keys move up and down with a minimum
amount of noise – unlike the clunky keys of
the 80’s and 90’s.
What’s more, some of those 80’s pianos only
had one level of touch sensitivity – that means
you could only play at one volume level.
Modern digital pianos offer 3, 4 and sometimes
5 levels of touch sensitivity.
Here’s some pianos to check out:
Yamaha YDP161 (3 levels)
Classenti CDP1 (4 levels)
Yamaha CLP430 (4 levels)
Kawai CN23 (4 levels)
Classenti CDP2 (5 levels)
Yamaha CLP440 (5 levels)
Let me know if you would some recommendations.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“As I am interested in buying a digital piano”
Graham
I recently subscribed to your excellent report about buying one, knowing very little about these instruments. Whilst I learnt piano many years ago (pre-digital age!) I cannot now pretend to be anything other than a beginner. However, the main driver behind buying one is that our 8 yr old daughter has just started to learn, and her teacher has recommended getting a proper piano at home (rather than the basic Yamaha keyboard which she currently uses) – she has recommended a Yamaha Clavinova. We’ve not got space for a traditional wooden piano, so it will need to be digital.
As space is quite tight, rather than a clavinova, and preferring white or black, I originally thought about a new Roland F110, but I’m rather drawn to the used Classenti CDP2 which you have available in polished ebony. Is your view that a used CDP2 would be a better bet than a new F110? There may be other pianos that are better still?
As for the CDP2, I note its 3 months old? Does that mean that there is still the best part of 5 yrs warranty remaining? Also, can it be dismantled at all? I ask because we plan to place it upstairs and I suspect that we won’t get it upstairs if it has to remain in one piece!
Kind regards
Ian
Reply/ Hi Ian
I’m very sorry but the second hand Classenti CDP2
in polished ebony has now been sold.
Most digital pianos can be easily dismantled.
The Roland F110 is a decent piano. It doesn’t have
as nice a sound or as heavy a feel as the Classenti,
but it will still be OK for your daughter up to
about grade 6.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Pianos approved by the piano examination board”
I am considering either the Roland F110 (at £850) or Yamaha Arius YDP 141 (at £640) as a first piano for my 10 yr old daughter who is starting lessons. I don’t play the piano.
I had settled on the Yamaha, but was told in a respected local music shop that sells both that, of the two, only the Roland was ‘approved by the piano examination board’. I have assumed they mean the ABRSM.
Is this true and does it matter? With this in mind, what would you advise as a preferred choice?
Many thanks in advance for your help.
Frances Metcalfe
Reply/ Hi Frances
I didn’t think that Piano exam boards ‘approve’
certain digital pianos. I wouldn’t worry about
that too much J
For your daughter starting out, here are the pianos
I recommend:
Classenti CDP1
Roland F110
Yamaha YDP135
Any of these would be good for her to learn and
progress on.
The Classenti has the firmest, most realistic key
touch. So this is the one I rate the highest for
learning on and also for long term use.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Should I buy the CLP330, CLP340 or Kawai — or wait for the new Yamaha CLP430/CLP440?”
Hi Graham,
Thank you VERY much for your detailed guide and information. I actually found it after ordering an Aura CR303 – would you believe it – from The Netherlands (I am Dutch but live in France). The salesman rang me that he would not send it over here because the model had too many problems! It was a really good deal, so I am happy he told me honestly and after that call I was surfing the web and found your guide…
Needless to say, the budget I am now planning to spend has almost quadrupled… ??
OK, after reading your guide I was tempted to buy the CDP2, or even the CDP3. But after reading more about the Yamaha CLP 330 and CLP 340 I decided I’d go and try those out in a shop near here, in Morges, Switzerland. The website of the shop said they had these in stock.
I went there this afternoon, only to find out that the 330 and 340 were NOT in stock anymore, and the salesman told me the new models would come out in about two weeks. He menationed the CLP 470 and the CLP 440.
The piano he tried to sell me was either the Kawai CA18 or the more expensive CA63. These both have wooden keys, which according to him, produced a way better sound than any plastic key. He said the sound of both these piano’s was much better than that of the Yamaha CLP 330 / 340. I had to admit that the wooden keys sounded very good to me, comparing them to other models with plastic keys there (also Yamaha). He basically referred to these CLP 330 / 340 models as “obsolete” because they were 4 years old and the technical improvements in digital piano’s go so fast.
May I ask for your expert opinion of the above?
Have you had the chance to test the CLP 440 yet, or any other of the new Yamaha models? I actually read a review somewhere and the guy reviewing the 440 compared to the 340 said he had expected more improvements, especially for the difference in price.
Hmm… I just went back to your guide and read some more on the wooden /plastic key difference, of which you say it makes no sense paying extra for wooden keys.
But I must say I really liked the feel and sound of the Kawai CA18 and CA63. But then, I did not get the chance yet to test any of the Yamaha CLP 320/330/340 models.
Don’t you think these will devaluate quickly? The salesman said they will not sell these anymore in the future, because of the new models. Would you still recommend them, even though their “technique” is 4 years old?
Enough questions ??
Thank you very much in advance for your time and advice!
Kind regards,
Diane
Reply/ Hi Diane
The wooden keys physically can’t make any
difference to the piano’s sound.
The weight and solidness of the touch does
change slightly. And the feel of the sythnetic
ivory key tops is nice and smooth.
But, all in all, I rate the Yamaha CLP330
and CLP340 above the Kawai CA18 and CA63.
I find the Yamaha has a richer, warmer piano
sound. The Yamaha’s key touch (especially on
the CLP340) is more solid.
If you could stretch your budget a little
more, then the Yamaha CLP370 is the piano
I recommend for you.
The CLP370 has a slightly heavier touch then
CLP340. It has the synthetic ivory key tops
and wooden sided keys.
The CLP370 also has a richer, fuller, more
vibrant piano sound.
This piano feels the closest to an acoustic.
I wouldn’t wait for the CLP400 series. There
really are no significant improvements.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham.
I have downloaded your buyers guide and am deciding what to buy.
I want something to play with- taking up piano again with retirement looming or at least going part time.
It will be for own enjoyment with kids coming/going with mp3°s and laptops. Not Looking for a piece of furniture but maybe somewhat portable.
I am thinking of Yamaha dgx650 as a starter. II checked out YouTube reviews and seems good but lots of bells and whistles, quite literally but88 weighted keys an d 3 prep pedal option. I got to grade 5 so starting again won’t be a problem.
Have thought about Roland hp503 range. Local dealer pushing Casio and other customers 2nd hand gear but want new and reliable brand with warranty.
Just my ramblings whilst studying the market.
Regards
Paul
Reply/ Hi Paul
The Yamaha DGX650 certainly has lots of features.
Good if you think you will need them.
Otherwise, as a piano, the Roland HP503 would
be a much better choice.
The HP503 has a far superior sound, and a weightier,
more responsive key touch. It feels much more like
playing the real thing than the DGX650.
For long term use and superior performance I
recommend the Roland HP503.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Please recommend a first piano primarily for my 6 year old daughter”
Graham
Thanks for the follow up email. I have read through the guide and your website and found both really useful. I am still struggling to decide though and would appreciate your thoughts if you can spare a few minutes.
To put in context we are primarily buying for our 5 (nearly 6) year old daughter – and for her younger brother when he catches up. Neither my wife nor I currently play but I would quite like to learn and already play the guitar a little although not sure if this will help or hinder ! As such we are probably looking towards the lower end of the range as we are not 100% how far any of us will go with it. Musically my tastes are more rock / blues than classical – if that influences the choice at all, although I would probably try to play allsorts if I had one and learnt the skills.
I’m pretty convinced that we ought to go digital rather than acoustic and basically want a decent sound quality and feel (given none of us currently know what a good feel is – but want to start on the right foot). I am not bothered too much about extra sounds as I basically want it to sound like a piano and not have too much distraction.
We originally stumbled across the Yamaha YDP-141 (on amazon !) and this seems to be quite widely liked. Originally I wasn’t even thinking of spending this amount (best part of £600) but am coming to realise that it is probably necessary to spend at least this. I know you highly rate the Classenti CDP models and am wondering how they compare for a beginner and our needs. Also anything else worth considering in this price band (I guess we’re talking £500 – £800) and is a couple of hundred worth the difference at this point. I’m torn between getting something that will get us started and not be too much expense if it doesn’t take off and getting something we will never outgrow if this is possible !
One other minor point – from the description, it looks as if the Yamaha’s do not have audio output e.g. for a hifi amp (or my guitar amp ???). Is this true and would this be a big deal ? We are really just going to be playing in the house in an average sized lounge.
I realise this is a lot of questions and a bit rambling but any thoughts you have are gratefully received. Do you know if there is anywhere in the north (nr Leeds) that would have either Classenti CDP or Yamaha YDP models to listen to ? It is very hard to assess their different qualities without seeing them in the flesh.
Many thanks
James
Hi James
The Yamaha YDP141 or Classenti CDP1 would
both be worth considering as a first piano
for you daughter…
The Yamaha is very popular, has a nice
sound, and good resale value.
The Classenti CDP1 has a weightier, firmer
key touch. It also has a bigger, warmer
piano sound. The bigger speakers also
add depth and richness to its sound.
Your daughter would benefit more from
practicing on the firmer keys of the
Classenti. It’s also easier to transfer
to an acoustic piano later.
I recommend the Classenti over the Yamaha.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Shop recommends Kawai CN33 over Yamaha CLP330. What do you think?”
Hi Graham
Thanks for your reply to my email. Before getting your reply I had gone in to Biggars store in Glasgow to have a look at the Yamaha CLP320 at £880. On asking the store manager his opinion on it, he told us that the Kawai CN23 was a much better buy and a better piano.
We had a look at the Yamaha CLP330 at £1,200 and really liked it as it looked more like a real piano, though more expensive than we were hoping to go (considering originally we were looking at the Yamaha 141).
The sales man then took us to the Kawai CN33 and said that it was a better buy than the CLP330 as it was on a par with the Yamaha CLP340. So Graham, again I’m looking for your opinion. Is the £320 difference in price worth it for what you get between the CLP320 and the CLP330? Also what would you recommend between the Kawai CN23 and the Yamaha CLP320 if I’m going with the cheaper price?
What would you recommend between the Kawai CN33 and the Yamaha CLP330 if I’m going with the more expensive option? I look forward to your reply and can’t thank you enough for your invaluable help in this as we really don’t have a clue and it is a lot of money to spend – but we want to get our son the best we can if it is going to help him with a career in the long run.
Thank you
Ann
Reply/ Hi Ann
The Yamaha CLP330 is a superior piano than the
Kawai CN33 in many ways…
The sound is richer, more resonant, and less
bright in the centre than the Kawai.
The Yamaha’s key touch is also firmer, and feels
closer to a real piano.
Your son would be better off with the Yamaha
when he progresses to the higher grades.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Best piano for budget of £750?”
Hi Graham,
I first contacted you about a year ago when I was thinking of scrapping my real piano and buying a digital piano. There are two main reasons;
1. Although my piano still sounds good, it it is old and falls out of tune too quickly (bit like me!)
2. I’ll get much more practice in with a digital piano + headphones
In the end I had my piano tuned yet again and carried on, but I’m getting more serious about buying a digital piano. I have read your excellent guide, read some reviews and played a Roland RP 201, F110 and Kawai KDP-80 in my local music shop but still find it hard to decide
I am used to a reasonable quality real piano so sound quality and touch are the most important considerations by far. It would be used in a study and with headphones – so looks are not so important. I am currently around grade 4, play mainly classical, think a digital piano’s metronome and record functions would be a big help and the voices a bit of fun.
My ideal budget is around £750 but flexible.
Would much appreciate your advice
Regards
John Francis
Swansea
Reply/ I can see that a digital piano would be so
advantageous for you.
If you want something that feels and sounds
close to a real piano then here are the
ones I recommend:
Yamaha YDP161
Classenti CDP1
Roland RP201
Kawai CN23
They’re all nice pianos to play and, if
you shut your eyes, you could ‘almost’
believe you are playing an acoustic piano.
Each of the above pianos have advantages
and disadvantages…
The Yamaha and Roland have the best sound.
It’s a slightly fuller, richer sound.
The Classenti has the firmest and most
realistic feel to the keys.
The Kawai is good all round, but doesn’t
really excel in any particular area.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Which is the best digital piano to buy under £500 for my five year old?”
Dear Graham,
Which is the best digital piano to buy under 500 GBP for my five year old?
We move around quiet a bit so a portable one would be nice.
Regards,
Tan
Reply/ Hi Tan
The piano I recommend is the Classenti P1.
This is just over £500.
This piano has a fully-weighted key touch
and a nice piano sound. It’s ideal for
your 5 year old to learn and progress on.
The P1 is also portable. If you get the
Classenti CKB10 keyboard bag then you can
transport it safely.
You can read more about the P1 here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/classenti-p1-portable-piano
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Choosing between Yamaha P155 or CLP330”
Dear Mr Howard,
Thank you a lot for your very helpful book!
I am between yamaha P155 and CLP330.
I have already tried your 6-thing test, but there was a lot of noise in the shop. About the sustain test (how many seconds) you are not specific about the volume control of the keyboard. If you turn it to the full, sustain takes more seconds….
In your book I can’t find any comments about “delay” if you play with headphones. One of my friends has tell me that his new kawai has about 0,5 second delay if he plays with headphones e.g. in early morning hours!! And of course this is unacceptable!
I have test the P155 with headphones and there is no delay. It seems good enough, but the lower octaves did not sound to me very clear (grand piano 1 and 2). I believe that these lower octaves must be better…
I have try to play a very very quick trill …but keyboard does not respond to this option!! Keys cannot change between each other so quick…
P155 doesn’t have GH 3rd generation (as CLP330). CLP330’s piano sound in lower notes are better for me.
But, I have ask from the dealer to make me a full offer for P155 pack (LP140 stand, FC3 half damper pedal, headphones, case, bench, cover).
I am not very happy but I believe that maybe it is better than KORG SP250 and SP500 (if I can find it).
What you advice me? To buy the korg sp250 with the half budget, to search to buy korg sp500, yamaha clp330 or the P155???
Thank you for helping me!
Best Regards,
Michalis
Musicologist – Teacher of Music
Reply/ Hi Michalis
I’ve not heard about any delay when using headphones
with Kawai digital pianos. It could be a fault
with that particular piano.
To get the correct sustain test result you should
have the volume on half way.
If you want a portable-type piano then the P155
is the one to go for. Not the Korg SP250. The
Yamaha is a superior instrument all round.
If you decide on a standard digital piano
then you would be most happy with the CLP330.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Which digital piano to buy for my daughter?”
Many thanks for your excellent guide. Yes, I have a question…I am 53 and have always regretted never learning to play the piano. Now that my daughter is almost 7, I am thinking of getting a yamaha – probably spending around £1,400 or so – so that she can take lessons.
But here’s an idea…could I take lessons too? Is 53 too old to learn to play? I can’t read music yet I sense I have an innate feel for it, the structure, the emotion, the layers…. yet the thing which worries me the most is teaching my left hand to do one thing while my right does the other.
Children have no difficulty with this – they haven’t yet “unlearnt” it, but whilst I can type at the speed of lightening – I am not sure I could play one set of notes with one hand and another set with the other…. do adults succesfully learn to play? My daughter is raring to go, and has already shown musical promise at school….(though – ominously, I noted that the school piano teacher said that children must have a “real” piano at home – nonsense in my view so long as the electric piano can replicated the “feel” of a real one, especially sensitivity so that the music can have some level of feeling put into it rather than just playing the notes by rote).
But anyway we have a friend who teaches piano through all the grades and he would have no such snobbery – though I have never discussed ME learning to play..I feel slightly embarrassed even admitting it at my age! Please let me know what you think…it would seem a shame to make such an investment and not be able to get maximum use out of it!
Many thanks
Alan
Reply/ Hi Alan
You are absolutely right about a digital piano
being good enough to learn on as long as it
has the same weight of touch as a real piano…
Some teachers are so old-fashioned and ‘set
in their ways’ to consider the many advantages
a digital piano has.
There are three pianos (from different price
ranges) you might consider for your daughter.
1) Classenti CDP1 (under £700)
2) Kawai CN33 (£1,000 ish)
3) Yamaha CLP340 (about £1500)
The Yamaha CLP340 is the best. That goes
without saying. But the Kawai CN33 is certainly
worth considering as a cheaper alternative.
The Classenti CDP1 is the best digital piano
under £700 by far. And it would do just fine
for your daughter.
The CDP1 has the same weight of touch as a
real, acoustic piano. So there would be no
disadvantage of learning to play in this
particular model.
Let me know if you need more help choosing
your digital piano.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Music editing Software?”
Hi Graham, can you recommend a good music editing software package for me,
please? I have a Yamaha PSR E423 and would like to use the software to help
compose some music.
Thanks,
Steve
Reply/ Hi Steve
I recommend ‘Music Notation’ software. It’s free.
Or the paid version ‘Sibelius’.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Digital piano for my 13 year old daughter. Yamaha or a second hand Classenti?”
Hi Graham,
My 13 year old daughter wants to pick up the piano again. At primary school she had keyboard lessons for a couple of years then took a dislike to a new music teacher and stopped. She has a Yamaha PSR250? keyboard but we know this is not suitable going forward.
We have found a local teacher that she likes (half of the task, I think) and has now been having lessons for six weeks and confirms that she wants to continue.
The info provided on and through your website has been by far and away the most informative and I have been considering the following:
In the Yamaha range, the YDP (Arius) series are, it seems, rather basic – cheaper “springy” keyboard action.
The next series up – the CLP series. Starting with the CLP320 (described as “Yamaha’s most popular digital piano”) which apparently has a GH action keyboard. Our teacher said she thought that the bottom of the range CLP model did not have full “touch sensitivity” and should be avoided. Is this still the case, or was this true only for earlier models ?
The next model up the CLP 330 with CH3 action (whatever that is). Described as “A Good Choice For The Advanced Player On A Budget” is this overkill? It’s also a lot heavier than the 320 (65kg v. 45kg).
I’ve also been tempted by your second-hand offers on the Classentis particularly the CDP2 (which I think fits into the CLP320/330 bracket) for under £800.
Any advice you can give would be gratefully appreciated.
We’re located in South Devon so it’s not easy to test a range of clavinovas locally.
Many thanks,
Steve
Reply/ Hi Steve
Your teacher is correct to say the bottom end
Clavinova (CLP320) and all models in the YDP
range don’t have enough sensitivity.
The key touch of these pianos is also lighter
than the CLP330. This is an important factor
to consider, especially for a beginner.
If you can pick up a second hand Classenti CDP2 –
or even a new one – you will get just as good
a piano as the CLP330. And you will save quite
a bit of money too!
Our second hand stock changes daily, so call
me on 020 8367 2080 to see what’s currently
available.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Is Roland HP302 the best choice for a church?”
I’m having difficulty downloading your guide book, but I’m looking to purchase a reasonably good digital piano for the local church I attend. I have a budget of £1200 – £1500 and have been advised by the sales rep at the local Music store to go for a Roland HP 302 erw, priced at £1399. I was initially interested in one of the Yamaha Claviona ranges as I’ve played this type of piano before, however, I was really impressed with the Roland. Do you think I’m making a good choice, or are there better models available within my price range.
Looking forward to your response.
Peter
Reply/ Hi Peter
The Roland HP302 is not the best choice for your
local church.
This is mainly because of the speaker output. It’s
only 2 x 12 watts. That’s nowhere near enough
to be heard in anything larger than an average
sized living room.
The Roland HP305 is a lot better. This has 2 x 30
watts. If you prefer Roland then I recommend
getting this one. Your church won’t be disappointed.
If you would consider a different make then the
Yamaha CLP440 is worth comparing.
The Yamaha CLP440 has a heavier and much more
realistic touch than the Roland HP305. This is the
main reason I rate the CLP440 much higher.
The Yamaha sound is also richer and more more vibrant.
The Roland has a slight tinny edge to its sound,
particularly in the two octaves above middle C.
Having said that, many professional musicians
love the sound of the Roland… Much of it
comes down to personal taste really.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“I tried the CLP320 and was very disappointed by the sound. The CLP340 was better. What do you advise?”
Hi Graham
Thank you for your reply. Over the weekend, I went to a music shop to try CLP320 and I was very disappointed by the sound. I found it very weak and unimpressive. I then tried CLP340 – I loved the touch and the sound. I also tried CLP370 and found the keys too heavy. So I was tending towards the CLP340. But when I asked someone to play both the CLP340 and CLP370 for me (took your advice from your book!), I found the sound of CLP370 much richer. Is that possible? I thought the sampling technology behind the two models were the same? Also, do you know when the two models were released?
This morning, I was browsing a Japanese music store website (Shimamura music) and their most popular digital piano is Roland HP305 which I will try in a store this weekend. Would you be able to advice between CLP340, CLP370 and HP305?
Thank you so much for your help!
Best regards
Keiko
Reply/ Hi Keiko
The sound of the CLP370 is richer, and a
little deeper, than the CLP340 due to its
larger cabinet.
The touch feels heavier because of the
wooden keys. It’s actually only marginally
heavier, but the wood used in the keys
spreads the weight over the whole part
of the key. So it ‘feels’ more solid.
The Yamaha CLP340 and CLP370 are both
superior to any of the Roland pianos.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“I would be very grateful if you could outline the downfalls of buying something too cheaply”
Hi Graham
I am hoping to buy a new piano for myself and also for a friend. The friend is disabled and his home who know nothing about piano’s think that he can get a good deal from the Argos catalogue for under £200. This man plays well by ‘ear’. He is vulnerable in that those making the decision for him do not play themselves and are not listening to advice.
I liked your email where you pointed out the shortfalls of buying a cheap inferior instrument. I would be very grateful if you could outline the
downfalls [or short falls] of buying something too cheaply so that I can use it as an argument to justify his home letting him spend what he needs to.
All good wishes
Roger Hayes
Reply/ Hi Roger
Here’s the downsides of learning on an
cheap, inferior digital piano:
1) The key touch is too light. You won’t
be able to develop enough finger strength
for playing a real piano
2) The keys don’t have enough touch
sensitivity levels. This means you’ll
only be able to play 2, or at most 3,
different volume levels. When the time
comes to play a real piano you’ll find
yourself bashing away at the keys – and
playing far too loudly most of the time
3) Your technique will be horrible. This
could take many years to undo
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Graham
I’m totally confused!
There’s just so much choice out there. I recently said goodbye to my cherished (reconditioned) Broadwood acoustic upright, since we have an open-plan house, and it couldn’t compete with Eastenders. So I’m looking for
– something I can play through headphones
– for song-writing on a PC-based sequencer
– and to improve my sight-reading and playing (I got to Grade 7 years ago, but gave up when work make practice infeasible)
– and which won’t disgrace the lounge (modern oak furniture)
– with good touch and one good piano voice on-board sequencers, drum machines and so on don’t really rock my boat at all
– basically, I want my old Broadwood with a headphone socket and a Midi port!!
I’m never going to be a concert pianist, so not too picky. BUT. I don’t want to buy something that I’m going to be cursing for the next ‘n’ years. I’ve read your PDF guide – very informative and helpful, so thank you – and am now in the process of trying to narrow the field. I had a look at a couple of instruments down at our local Dawsons showroom … the chap there was very helpful, and pointed me towards the Roland HP305/307 which looked very nice instruments. I especially liked the ‘ivory-style’ fingerboards, which felt more like my old Broadwood than the Yamaha P80 we use at church. But do I really like them that much? There was a reasonable selection down there, but only a very small subset of what’s on offer online.
I’m inclining towards Yamaha (because you can’t go wrong with a Yamaha) or Roland (I had an MK88 master keyboard in the past, which was very solidly built and advanced for its time). But I seem to have pricing options from around £600 (say a P95 with stand) to just shy of £3000 (a Roland HP307 in polished ebony). Or I could go even cheaper if I went with one of the ‘own brands’ from Gear4Music or whoever. With so much choice out there, I’m a little surprised at how few cabinet options there are neither matt black nor polished ebony obviously goes with oak furniture, and I know we’re not the only family to have adopted this colour scheme!
Anyway, rant over. Don’t say that you didn’t ask. Any advice you’d care to give would be extremely gratefully received (and might edge me towards a decision).
Rgds
Rick
Reply/ Hi Rick
If you want a digital piano to replace your lovely
old Broadwood, I think you will be disappointed…
Digital pianos can never replicate the rich, vibrant
tone of a good acoustic piano.
The closest you can get would be a Yamaha Clavinova.
Two models I recommend for you are the CLP440
and CLP470.
You can read more about these pianos here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/yamaha-clp440
www.ukpianos.co.uk/yamaha-clp470
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“I swither between simply buying a cheap digital piano and upgrading at a later date”
Hi Graham,
Thank you for getting back to me and for your attention. I have had a life
long ambition to play piano and have finally got the space and time to
invest in one! So, in the last few weeks, I have really just been doing
my reserach.
I can’t play piano, although I can play other instruments and read music. In
view of that, I swither between simply buying a cheap digital piano and
upgrading at a later date, once I have the basics, or buying a reasonable
one from the outset.
If I had to pick a model, then I am leaning towards the Classenti CDP2 . I
am attracted by the 5 year warranty and some of the feedback on your site.
I am also in Edinburgh in Scotland and the main keyboard dealer does not
stock an example of these. Therefore I am not able to see or try a model
without travelling a long distance, unless you know a showroom /player
near Edinburgh.
It would also be good to do a sound comparison with other models. Also,
my preference would be for the polished ebony version and it seems I have
expensive tastes! So, a bit more thinking to do.
Any advice you can give me would be appreciated.
Best wishes,
Ali Grant
Reply/ Hi Ali
The Classenti CDP2 would be a very good choice…
It has a warm, resonant piano sound. The central
3 octaves are particularly rich and vibrant, while
the bass is full and meaty.
Playing a Classenti digital piano reminds me of
the Bluthner upright piano my Dad had when I
was a child — a nice, heavy touch, with a firm
feel at the bottom of the key stroke.
I understand you wanting to try a Classenti out
before purchasing one, but there aren’t any shops
displaying them in their showrooms.
You can only find them online.
If you buy a Classenti from us you get a 60 day
returns guarantee. This means you can try the
piano out in your home for 60 days.
You can read more about this here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/terms-&-conditions
The equivalent model in Yamaha’s range is the
CLP330.
This also has a strikingly rich, exact sound. The
CLP330’s touch is smooth and responsive. And
it’s also a piano I highly recommend.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Yamaha or Roland for £3,000 – £3,500 budget?”
Hi Graham,
I intend to buy a digital piano, and have a budget £3,000 to
£3,500. I’ve read your useful guide, along with lots of other web info,
and have listened to samples of several pianos on youtube.
For my money, Yamaha CLP380 is looking very good indeed, and indeed it
comes first in your top 20 over £1000 recommendations. On your list, the
Roland LX-10 and HP307 come in at 11th and 15th respectively. The LX10 is
a pretty cabinet version of the HP307, but both seem to suffer from (1)
clunky keys (2) dull bass sound.
What is your opinion of Roland’s summer 2010 upgrade, the LX10-F
superNATURAL Vpiano? Two things attract me about LX10-F. Firstly, that
the touch sensitivity seems to be gradated in very small step (100
notches) taking you through the six sound levels pp, mp, mf, f, ff. On
the other hand CLP380 has only five distinct sound levels moving in single
jumps from very quiet to very loud. Does this mean that the LX10-F’s touch
sensitivity better than CLP380?
For me, I can live with either a sampled Steinway or Yamhama concert
grand sound (Hey, it’s great to have that choice!). It is more a question
of how faithfully either maker does the sampling. On their youtube video,
Roland say that the LX10-F samples each of the 88 key pitches individually
to get a smooth interpolation of sound across the keyboard. Roland also
say in that more traditional digital pianos use one sample for several
adjacent keys (and alter the pitch in software?). Does this last statement
apply to the CLP380?. i.e. is the sound reproduction better on LX10-F than
CLP380?
My reservations about the LX10-F stem from having heard that its close
cousins HP307 and LX10 have clunky keys and dull bass. Can you say whether
this has been solved in LX10-F?
Looking forward to hearing from you and getting a piano!
Cheers,
Anna Woods
Reply/ Hi Anna
I wouldn’t consider the Roland.
The Yamaha CLP380 has by far the most realistic
sound (both in bass and treble).
Despite the perceived better technology of the
Roland, the sampling on the Yamaha is just as good.
But what gives the Yamaha victory by a mile is
the key touch.
The weight of the keys is just right… it has
the correct weight of touch and resistance,
both on the keys downstroke and return.
You can read more about the CLP380 here
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“I want a digital piano/keyboard that feels like an ordinary piano”
I have yet to receive the book but before I buy I want a digital
piano/keyboard that feels like an ordinary piano,needing the same amount of
pressure on the keys as the old upright I owned for 50 years. How is that
defined? I liken it to the difference between an old typewriter and a
computer keyboard for want of a better analogy.
Vera
Reply/ Hi Vera
Most digital pianos have a lighter key touch than
the good old uprights…
You have two choices really:
Either get a top end Yamaha or a Classenti.
The top end Yamahas offer the most realistic key
touch out of all digital pianos.
A less expensive alternative is the Classenti pianos
(all models). They also have a heavy-weighted touch,
and feel very close to playing the real thing.
My two recommendations:
Yamaha CLP340
Classenti CDP2
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“I am looking for piano for my 9 years old daughter”
Hi, Graham Howard
My daughter started to play the piano; she has at home digital keyboard Yamaha YPT 210.
Her piano teacher however recommends us to buy key weighted instrument.
We had visits to some music shops in our area and check out some pianos,
such us:
Yamaha Clavinova, Roland RP201, Pro Musica, Korg LP-350, Yamaha P-95; and
actually she was not satisfied with filling the keys of this instruments,
she described them as light weighted.
In your book: “7 Things You MUST Know Before Buying A Digital Piano”, you
mentioned about piano “Classenti” as one of the most appropriate variant for
beginners. We are considering to buy Classenti P1 and wondering about it’s
option- Key Weight Control.
Three settings: Standard, Heavy, Light. How effective this system is? Would
this instrument create the filling of heavy weighted keys of real piano and
be suitable for beginner?
Kind regards, Sergey
Reply/ Hi Sergey
The Classenti P1 would be a good choice for
your daughter…
It has the heavy-weighted keys. So when you
play, it feels the same as a real piano.
You can also adjust the key weight. The
standard, default setting is the most realistic.
The Classenti P1 has a heavier key touch
than the Yamaha, Roland and Korg equivalents.
P-95, RP201 and LP-350 / SP-250 respectively.
I’m sure your daughter will get on well with
the Classenti’s weightier, firmer key touch.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Yamaha YDP161 or the Classenti CDP1?”
Hi Graham,
Thanks for your email; I am still in the process of deciding on a digital piano model, but also haven’t had a lot of time to look into it.
I’m looking for a good digital piano that would be suitable for a beginner (my daughter) to start lessons, and for myself (though I am not really a pianist and what little I can do is entirely self-taught). We did have a real upright piano for many years, but it was not a very good instrument nor very well maintained when we inherited it. The only really important factors for me are (for the price) the most realistic piano sound and the most realistic feel to the keys.
I think I’ve narrowed it down (within in my budget) to either Yamaha YDP161 or the Classenti CDP1, but am finding it difficult to decide. One difficulty is that, because Classenti are sold on-line only, it is impossible for me to try out their pianos – and in particular side-by-side with the Yamaha.
Some of the few reviews and notes I’ve found about the Classenti actually make it sound more attractive than the Yamaha (for example the heavy-weighted keys and five year warranty), but your ‘best-buys’ listing rates the Yamaha higher – does the higher rating lead from specifics such as number of instruments, voices and effects or sampling quality or from more general qualities?
Thanks, Peter
Reply/ Hi Peter
The Classenti CDP1 would be a good choice
for your daughter…
It has the same weight of touch as a real,
acoustic piano. The sound is also nicer
than other pianos at a similar price point.
Yamaha gets a higher rating ‘overall’ than
Classenti because its score is taken as an
average from the following:
(a) Sound
(b) Design
(c) Build Quality
(d) Reliability
(e) Resale Value
(f) Recent popularity
(g) Value for money
The brand’s overall score is taken from the
whole range of models. Not just a direct
comparison from model to model.
The Classenti CDP1 scores higher than the
YDP161 on touch, sound, and value for money.
The Yamaha YDP161 beats the CDP1 on build
quality, reliability, and recent popularity.
It’s a close call between the two, but I recommend
going for the Classenti CDP1 because it feels
closer to playing a real piano. This would
benefit your daugher more in the long run.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Is the Yamaha DGX640 good enough as a piano?”
Graham,
I have found your advice on digital pianos very helpful and am just
about to take the plunge and buy one, however I have a bit of a dilemma.
I am new to pianos and originally started playing keyboard only
migrating to a piano a few months ago. I have been considering buying
what one manufacturer calls a versatile piano (both keyboard and piano).
I have looked at a few including the Yamaha DGX640 the Gear 4 music
DP680 and the Casio 330.
My question is; are these instruments trying to do too much so you end
up with something that is a big compromise in both quality and
reliability. I have been told by one dealer that the DGX is unreliable
and the keys stick on the Casio. I am coming round to the idea of buying
a dedicated piano like the Yamaha YPD 141 or the Classneti CPD1 and
sticking with my exiting cheap stand alone keyboard.
Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Regards
John
Reply/ Hi John
I class the Yamaha DGX640 as a keyboard.
This is because it has a gazillion gadgets,
and the key touch is lighter than Yamaha’s
Clavinova range or other similar quality
digital pianos.
If you think you need all the features then
the DGX might be worth compromising on.
Otherwise, I would decide between the
Classenti CDP1 and Yamaha CLP320 if all
you want is a realistic key touch and good
piano sound.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“I am undecided between a Roland hp302 which I can buy locally and a classenti”
Hi. I am undecided between a Roland hp302 which I can buy locally and a classenti. I have watched the video clips and thought the classenti sounded quite tinny but perhaps that’s just because it is not in person. As only been playing two months I am unsure about paying up to £1500 at this stage for something I may not use if i give up. I am currently practicing on a keyboard and this is causing issues when I transfer over to piano with my tutor. Help!
Reply/ Hi June
If you play an acoustic piano when you visit
your teacher then I don’t recommend getting
a Roland piano…
Roland pianos have a nice sound, and are well
made, but their key touch is too lightweight.
The Classenti CDP2 would be a better match
to an acoustic piano.
The CDP2 has the same weight of touch as an
acoustic piano. This is very important, especially
when you are learning to play.
The videos online for the Classenti pianos
are pretty terrible. They were made with a
cheap, flip camera. And you can hear a lot
of background noise. They really don’t do
it justice.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“My only concern about buying on line is if a fault develops”
Dear Graham,
Thank you very much for your advice which is much appreciated. My only concern about
buying on line is if a fault develops. Sending something of that size back by post is
not usually a viable option.
All good wishes, Mark
Reply/ Hi Mark
When you buy a Yamaha or Classenti digital piano online you’re covered by their 3 and 5
year warranties respectively…
Their warranty covers you for parts and labour. It’s also an ‘on-site’ warranty. This means
that all repairs are carried out in your home. You don’t have to send your piano anywhere.
If you buy from a shop, then you’ll probably have to lug it back there to get it repaired ??
You’re FAR better off buying online.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Graham
Wondered whether you could give me your opinion…
It has to be between a Classenti CDP2 or a YAMAHA CLP320.
I care about touch and sound and not so worried about reliability etc since
I intend to get rid of it in 2 years when I leave London.
Which would you recommend? Note I am currently studying for grade 8.
Thanks
Adrian
Reply/ Hi Adrian
If you are studying for grade 8 then you
probably won’t be entirely happy with either…
The Yamaha CLP340 would be better for you.
But you would lose more if you plan to sell
it later. You will have to think about this.
The Yamaha has too light a key touch, and the
sound is a little lifeless. Its key touch is
slightly more responsive than the Classenti
though.
The Classenti has a richer, warmer, more
piano-like sound than the Yamaha. The keys
are also heavier weighted. Which is good.
You can call me on 020 8367 2080 if you
would like more information.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Problem is that I only have about £300 to spend”
Thanks so much for your digital piano buying guide. Problem is that I only have about £300 to spend.
I had looked at the Yamaha NP V80 and V60 models but note from your guide that this is a light weighted digital piano/keyboard and to me it feels like a keyboard and very unlike a piano.
Neither I or my husband are pianists – other than a few lessons as a child and we liked the idea that it would teach me how to play some songs as we were
hoping to self teach to have a bit of musical fun at home with our little one – currently 2 who will, I’m sure, want to play too (supervised).
Perhaps I’d be better with something more like a piano than a keyboard e.g. the Casio CDP100 or Thomann DP-50.
Can you recommend anything on the keyboard front I should look at to compare favorably on price/quality than the Yamaha NP V80 and V60? The idea being that if we get good use out of it we can get a more expensive digital piano with a piano feel in 3-4 yrs as my little one gets older.
Regards, Amelia
Reply/ Hi Ameila
I’m not comfortable recommending pianos that cost between £300 and £400…
This is because cheaper materials are used, and corners cut, in order to keep prices down.
The result is an inferior piano that has an unrealistic touch, a poor sound, and unstable reliability.
I recommend looking at pianos from £500 upwards. You can get pianos in this price range on an
interest free deal, or a ‘Rent-to-Own’.
You can read more about these options by clicking on the links below:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/digital-pianos-interest-free-finance
www.ukpianos.co.uk/piano-rental
If you simply must spend less than £400 then take a look at these pianos:
Gear4Music8826
ThomannDP30
CDP100
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Is £500 enough to spend to get a decent digital piano for my daughter?”
Thanks, Graham!
My daughter is 13 and learning piano casually for 5 years and our piano is
old and out of tune, but her piano teacher says we should not buy digital
piano. It will ruin her piano skill because touch is not same. I never
played piano and am not sure how important that touch is. She is doing as
hobby and has no intention to be a pianist. And these days everything is
digital and I think it is beneficial to learn digital instrument and I do
not have money to buy good piano now.
Is 500 digital piano is good enough to continue her piano lesson for next 5
years without ruining that “real” touch we might need that later if she
plays accoustic piano?
Thanks again, Jessie
Reply/ Hi Jessie
A good digital piano that has either fully-weighted
or heavy-weighted keys won’t ruin her piano
technique…
It’s important to get your daughter a digital
piano that has the same feel as an upright piano.
The brands that do this best are: Yamaha, Kawai,
Classenti and Kurzweil.
If you’re looking around the £500 mark then the
Classenti P1 is the only piano that offers this
touch.
If you can go up to around £600 – £700 then the
Classenti CDP1 would be the next best option.
To go up a notch again you will need to go
over £1,000.
The best pianos over £1,000 are the Yamaha
Clavinova range (CLP330 and up).
Let me know if you’d like my recommendation.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Caso PX130 or Roland F110?”
Hi Graham,could you please help me in my quest to find a digital piano. I have been
looking at the Casio Privia Px 130 and the Roland F 110 wh. I like the specs, and the
colour but am a little lost as regards there quality. Thank you for your time all the
best Charlie.
Reply/ Hi Charlie
Both the Casio PX130 and Roland F110 have
a fairly light key touch. This is not ideal
if you’re learning to play…
Something with a touch closer to a real piano
would be more desirable.
It would be much easier for you to transfer
to an upright piano later if you practice on
a piano with heavier weighted keys.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Any advice regarding Kawai and Orla?”
Dear Graham,
thank you very much for making your book available, this is a fantastic read for anyone in need for a digital piano buying guidelines.
I’m now considering new Kawai CL35 or used Yamaha CLP120. Second choice would be new Orla CDP10 at significantly reduced price (60% of what I should pay for Kawai). I’m buying for my ten year old son who is at his second year at music school. He liked Orla compared to a real piano he plays at school, but since he is only second year, I cannot rely only on his judgement. Feel of keys was nice to me on Orla, but sound was lacking.
I cannot find info on when Yamaha CLP120 was discontinued, do you know? Wanted price is 80% of Kawai. Also any advice regarding the mentioned Kawai and Orla would be appreciated.
Kind regards,
Dubravko Novosel
Croatia
Reply/ Hi Dubravko
The Yamaha CLP120 is a better piano than both the
Kawai CL35 and Orla CDP10…
The main reason is the key touch… it feels a lot
closer to a real piano. The sound quality is also
superior.
But, bare in mind, the CLP120 is now about 5 or
6 years old… so you should be really careful if
you decide to go with this one.
I advise checking it out thoroughly before buying.
If the Orla is all you can afford then it will be
OK for a short time. But you would certainly need to
upgrade it when your son reaches around grade 4
or 5 at a real squeeze.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Classenti CDP2, CDP3, or Yamaha CLP320?”
Hi Graham
Thank you for sending through your book. I only just started learning the piano this May and have
been using a Yamaha keyboard that my cousin lent me. With the aid of my piano teacher I find that
I am really enjoying it and decided to purchase my own electric or digital (not sure what the
difference is) piano. Looking at your book and web reviews I think I would go for the Classenti CDP2
(love the look of the CDP3 but think I might be overspending) but I have a niggling thought in as
much as the Yamaha CLP320 keeps coming up as well.
I could faff about forever so any advice on which piano of the two you would opt for would be much
appreciated.
Many thanks
Maureen
Reply/ Hi Maureen
The Classenti CDP2 would be an excellent choice…
The CDP3 has bigger speakers and a slightly larger,
richer sound. But, other than that, it’s the same
as the CDP2.
The CLP320 has a lighter key touch then the Classentis.
This would be OK for now, but would hinder you when
your playing progresses to a higher level…
The Classentis are nice because they have the same
weight of touch as a real piano. This makes it easier
to transfer to an upright piano later.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Yamaha CP320 or Kawai CN33”
Hi Graham, i was wondering if you could give me some advice. I am looking at the Kawai CN 33
and the Yamaha CLP 320. I just wondered what your opinion is on these pianos and what you would
prefer if you were buying for yourself?
Thanks very much,
Kelly
Reply/ Hi Kelly
It’s a very close call…
The Yamaha CLP320 has a nicer piano sound. The
touch is also firmer on the downstroke. This
firmness makes it feel closer to a real piano.
The Kawai has a nicer feel under the fingers.
This is because of the synthetic ivory key tops.
For overall performance I rate the CLP320 higher.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Which of the following pianos would you consider the best option”
Dear Graham,
We have had a look round and seen the yamaha ydp141, which i liked the feel
of, and also the fact that it has a pull down lid – not a plastic throw over cover like
many in this price range, so far we have narrowed it down to
yamaha ypd 141
classenti cdp1 or 2 – 2 has the pull down lid
or a roland hp 302
I like the idea of the hard cover as we have a 15 month old who has his fingers into and
onto everything at the moment.
which of the ones above would you consider the best option- my original budget was about
£500, but i think we may need to look at upto £1000, but would like to keep as near the
lower end as possible.
the only reservation i have on the classenti is that we can not try in a shop before we
buy, and having a little one in the house, if i wasnt happy with it i would be very wary
of little fingers damaging it.
thank you
Jayne
Reply/ Hi Jayne
The Classenti CDP2 would be the best option for you
if you require a pull down lid…
The CDP2 has a heavy-weighted touch and a very
good piano sound. It plays very much like a
real, upright piano.
The Yamaha YDP141 would be a good second choice.
This also has a good piano sound. The key touch
is lighter though… so it doesn’t feel as realistic.
The Roland HP302 is no better than the Classenti
overall. It has a good sound, but, like the YDP141,
has a lightish touch. And it costs quite a bit more!
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“I need to decide what elec piano would be suitable for a village hall”
Hi Graham
I am still working through your book.
I need to decide what elec piano would be suitable for a village hall. Our
upright had to be tuned twice this year, and we are paying £100 for this –
… too much!! So I wanted to see what we should budget for an elec piano
replacement. We don’t need it for professional pianists to perform on! It
is mostly used when the primary school come for their end of term concerts,
and then also village party sing-a-longs…
Many thanks for any suggestions
Sally
Reply/ Hi Sally
The piano I recommend for your village hall is
the Classenti CDP1.
This piano has a fully-weighted touch and a
good piano sound.
It’s also easy to move around, and has good
power output (2 x 15 watts).
What’s more, if you find you need even more
power, then you can connect up to a separate
amplifier through the Aux IN/OUT connection
on the back of the piano.
You can read more about this piano here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/classenti-cdp1
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Which digital piano will give the closest feeling to a real piano?”
Hello Graham,
thank you for your very useful guidebook on buying a digital piano. As a matter of fact, I have several questions I hope you can help me with-
1) I used to play the piano to Grade 8 level in the past, but have been out of practice for years due to work/uni. I want to start playing the classical pieces I used to play again, and am looking for a digital piano which would give me the satisfaction of playing on a real piano- only with a headphone as I live in flat and would not like to disturb my neigjbours. So ideally I would like to be able to play as loudly as I please but it will be only me that can hear it— this is rather daft question, but worth asking for my sake at least-a digital piano would satisfy such request, won’t it?
2) as budget is also an issue (I’m a graduate student now)- so what would be the best brand/model that would give me the closest feeling to playing a real good piano without costing me an arm and a leg?
3) I was really close to buying a Chase piano PDP220 (88-key)that was selling for 300pounds- would that have been a good choice? will the keys feel as weighted as a real piano?
4) I have browse the site on rent-a-piano, and thought that it was a good alternative to an affordable brand new Chase 88-key piano. Based on your experience, which would be a better investment?
Thank you in anticipation, and looking forward to your reply
ta, Thierry
Reply/ Hi Thierry
The Chase PDP220 is a very basic piano. Its touch is
not the same as a real piano. I think you would
have been disappointed with this piano.
The Rent-to-Own is certainly worth considering.
The Classenti CDP1 is a piano you would be
happy to play on.
The CDP1 has fully-weighted keys that have the
exact same touch as a real, acoustic piano.
You can read more about it here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/classenti-cdp1
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Thanks for the recommendation of the Gewa digital piano”
Dear Graham,
Thank you both for the amazingly speedy response and the advice therein.
I am also most grateful for your recommendation of the Gewa piano, but it is above our budget.
You need to know that the church only has services twice a month – that is about six hymns and a couple of introductory/ recessional pieces a month.
It is a lovely, but isolated church. There are not many opportunities for it to host further musical activities. I think we need to go for something more like the Yamaha P45.
But there is another option and again I would welcome your advice!
I have a 30 year old Clavinova (possibly a CP 360 – it’s in Pembrokeshire now so I can’t check). It has done me great service over the years. But perhaps the time has come to donate this to the church and buy a new piano.
In this case the budget would need to go up a lot. I love the 19th century romantic piano repertoire. I am all too aware of my own technical weaknesses, but I would want a piano that does not add even further limitations.
We do have an old Broadwood piano which my wife loves (it was her father’s) but which I hate!
I would have to decide whether I can live with a digital instrument as my main piano. Or whether I would not up the budget even further and get a combined acoustic/ digital.
Since combined instruments are expensive, my feeling is that I would probably be better off putting the money into getting a better digital piano.
Thank you again,
Chris
PS I love the idea of meeting you one Saturday to look at and try pianos. I live in Wimbledon and tomorrow is not possible, but I shall certainly bear that opportunity mind.
“Although I have read your entire book – I would like your recommendations about what I had to buy”
Hello Graham Howard!
I am Julian; I was so lucky to read your book “7 Things You Must Know Before You Buy a Digital Piano” it is a great book. But now I need a small help. I started to study piano two weeks ago so I need to buy a digital piano and as you said on your book my first contact with the music shop and sellers was terrible about all those estranges terms.
At the end I found two options:
KAWAI CN22. 1160
ROLAND RP201 1090
For price and looks, I prefer the Roland RP201 but I read in your book at the Weighted keys chapter that the Roland RP201 is Weighted and Kawai CN series is Fully weighted. As you recommend Fully weighted I don’t know if it is good idea to buy the Roland RP201.
I must tell you that it is my first time that I try to play piano and I have not idea about pianos, I am 100% beginner.
Although I have read your entire book I would like your recommendations about what I had to buy.
Thank you very much for your time.
I will forward for your answer.
Julian
Barcelona, Spain.
Reply/ Hi Julian
The Roland pianos do have a lighter touch than
most…
The Kawai CN22 does have slightly more weight
to the keys. So I would lean towards that one.
But the CN22 has now been replaced by the CN23.
This model is also an improvement.
Another piano to certainly strongly consider is
the Yamaha CLP330. It’s at a similar price point
to the Roland and Kawai. And you get more for
your money.
The CLP330 has a more realistic piano sound, and
a nicer, firmer piano touch.
You can read more about the CLP330 here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/yamaha-clp330
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“We are looking at buying another digital piano for my 10 year old son. Please recommend me one from my short list”
Hi Graham
Thank you for the “7 things…..” report which was useful reading.
We are looking at buying another digital piano for my 10 year old son. He has a
Casio PX110 which was a good starter piano. He is now at Grade 5 but mainly
plays at boarding school where he gets use of an upright every day. This piano
would be for school holidays only.
The keyboard “feel ” – key weighting, hammer action etc is very important.
Size is also important as we have fairly small rooms in a modern build house . I
prefer the minimalist style pianos. For instance I don’t really like the leg
shape of the Casio AP420 or 620. I could get over this if important and I note
the “ivory feel” of the A620 keys & PX 830 keys.
We cannot go mad on price. £1250 really is top price we want to pay. Less is
great.
This is his second instrument as primarily he is a trumpeter and I would rather
save on the piano ready for the next trumpet upgrade. I don’t see him going
beyond Grade 8 piano or aiming to be a pianist.
So in summary I think I am probably looking at the following shortlist
Yamaha CLP 320/330. (The 340 is probably a bit too much money)
Yamaha YDP 141/161
Classenti CDP2
Casio PX830 (little said in your report on this one and not on your website)
Casio AP620Roland 201
Having been previously happy with a Casio, I am tempted at the low price,high
spec and shape of the PX830 but cannot find many reviews. People do talk about
noise and poor quality on the casio keyboards generally. (Even talking about the
AP range). I must confess that the keys are not silent on the Casio we have now.
Are they on any piano?
Assuming that all are equally affordable within that list – so not giving any
weighting for price – which would be your top 3 picks – trying to get one that
replicates upright feel as much as possible – to help with grade exam practice.
Regards
Sue
Reply/ Hi Susan
Here’s my top three (from your list):
1) Yamaha CLP330
2) Classenti CDP2
3) Yamaha CLP320
I disregarded the YDP161 because it’s at a similar
price point to the CLP320. And it’s not as good.
The YDP141 has too light a touch, and its speakers
are too small.
The PX830 just doesn’t offer a good enough sound.
The keys do feel nice under the fingers, but they
are a little too light and uncontrollable really.
The AP620 doesn’t offer much of an improvement
over the PX830.
The Roland RP201 is a real disappointment for a
brand that ‘IS’ (hopefully not ‘WAS’) known for
their reliability and exceptional build quality.
The RP201 lets it down BIG TIME!
So, back to the top three…
The CLP330 has the most responsive touch. This
aspect I like very much. The sound is good, but
a little tinny in the lower treble.
The Classenti is unbelievable value for money.
You get a nice, fully-weighted key touch, 5
levels of touch sensitivity, and a clean, warm
piano tone. It isn’t quite as good as the CLP330
when you take in aspects such as reliability,
build quality and resale value – but it’s not
that far away.
The CLP320 is also very good value for money.
You get a realistic piano sound and a really
nice key touch. A little lighter than the
CLP330, but still OK.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“I would like a digital piano that has the closest feel and sound of an acoustic piano for my budget”
Hi Graham,
I had a few years of piano lessons, around 10 years ago and have due to circumstances have not been able to own a piano since this time. I am now fed up with not being able to play so I am looking to buy a piano that can be placed in an upstairs room. Looking at my options it seems like a digital piano would be best. I would like a digital piano that has the closest feel and sound of an acoustic piano for my budget. Although I would prefer not to spend more than £500-£600, I am willing to spend up to £1000 if the benefits of paying a few hundred more are worth it. I read your digital piano guide and it seems like the Classenti CDP2 would be an excellent choice, would you recommend anything better for my price range?
Since I have no experience of playing a digital piano I would like to come test a few before I settle on one. Do you have all the pianos in your shop that you have online? In particular I would like to try the CDP2 and any others that you would recommend.
Thank you very much,
Sam
Reply/ Hi Samantha
The Classenti CDP2 would be a good choice.
For about £1,000 there’s nothing that
beats it.
But, really, the Classenti CDP1 is also
a nice piano and will do you well.
The CDP1 has the same, fully-weighted key
touch as the CDP2. The sound is a little
brighter, but still close to an acoustic piano.
We have the CDP1 and CDP2 on display in our
Enfield shop.
Hope to see you in our shop soon!
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Broadway or Yamaha?”
Hi Graham,
I am considering to buy the below and I am looking at something around GBP600-800 digital piano and the below are the couple digital piano that I am looking at. I am buying this for my son who have just started his piano lesson. I would really appreciate your expert advice in getting the right selection.
Broadway B1, Broadway B2, Yamaha YDP141
Am I missing any good options? Would really appreciate if you could guide me on the right one to buy. In term of size, are they very much different in size? I assume that sound quality are pretty much similar for all three of them.
Regards,
Tan
Reply/ Hi Tan
Out of the three pianos you mentioned the
Broadway B2 is the most compact. It is
less deep (front to back).
The sound quality is similar on all three.
Although the Yamaha has smaller speakers
so the sound is a bit tinny.
The key touch is the most realistic on the
Broadway B1. It has more resistance to
the keys. So it feels closer to playing a
real piano.
The Broadway B1 would be the best one
for your son to learn and progress on.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“I want to be sure I’m investing in something my children will enjoy and which will sustain their obvious pleasure”
Hello there
I thought I was nearly there on choosing which piano to buy (thanks to all your
online help), but then got confused again after talking to one of my daughter’s
piano teachers!!!!
I had decided it was between a Clavinova 320 and Classenti CDP2.
Then I remembered that my 13 year old’s biggest interest and pleasure in playing
piano is in playing by ear and in composing and she does spend hours doing this
on the piano and composing in Garageb so that she can record her compositions then
transfer and work on them further on the computer if she wants to, adding voice,
drums etc. I assume I’m right in thinking that the 320 would not give her that
facility? I took the girls to try out the Clavinova at the music shop where my
daughter has lessons and that’s when the piano teacher suggested I look more at
the Yamaha Arius range, so that she could explore her composition work further
actually on the piano. Is this good advice?
With both children showing talent in an area about which I know nothing, I want
to be sure I’m investing in something they will enjoy and which will sustain
their obvious pleasure, but will also give enough scope to grow with them as
they develope musically, without blinding them with science! Our first cheapo
piano is now so clapped out the tuner has written it off so I want to be sure I
get it right this time.
I’d appreciate you’re thoughts – I’ve been going round in circles weighing the
pros and cons and haven’t really got any further.
Kind regards
Gail Lanksbury
Reply/ Hi Gail
I’m really surprised that your teacher has recommended
the Yamaha Arius range over the CLP320!
The CLP320 is a superior piano in many ways. It has
a better key touch, more powerful speakers, and a
much nicer piano tone.
But…
The CLP330 would surely be the best piano for daughter.
This piano has a weightier, more realistic key touch
(which is the MOST important thing), it also has a richer,
more vibrant piano sound. You also get the USB function.
You can read more about it here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/yamaha-clp330
If your daughter is into composing then you might
consider getting her ‘Notation Composer’ software…
‘Notation Composer’ is an excellent piece of software
that transcribes anything you play on the piano to
printed notes on your computer. You can then edit
your music before printing. It’s amazing!
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Can you advise me on a digital piano?”
Question/ Hi Graham
I like your website and have found it very interesting reading. Could
you possibly find the time to advise me on a digital piano, please?
I learnt to play the piano when young but, for many years, have had to
“make do” with a Roland D20 (61 key touch sensitive synth) and have
always missed the sound and feel (and keys!) of a real piano. I’m about
to buy a piano and I think it will have to be digital (cost/size). The
£1000 I have to spend seems to put the Yamaha CLP230 and Roland HP103
within reach but I can’t seem to find any to try locally so I was
wondering what you thought about these two (or any other suggestions).
Many thanks for any help you can give me.
Best regards
Chris Partington
Answer/ Hi Chris
I am happy that you like my website.
Out of the two digital pianos you mention, personally I prefer
the sound and touch of the Yamaha CLP230 – but only slightly
over the Roland HP103.
I think the Yamaha has a more positive down stroke on the key
and feels more natural (like a real acoustic piano).
I find the Roland slightly too light a touch and they haven’t quite
got the key balance right.
The sound of the Yamaha CLP230 is also clearer – especially the
middle octave and the one above that.
I can recommend a website where you can get a very good deal
and they will look after you if anything where to go wrong. Their
name is Thomann. Here is the link: ThomannDigitalPianos
Regards,
Graham Howard
UK Pianos
“I am contemplating purchasing a digital piano”
Question/
Hello, My name is Gloria and I live in a small southern city in the U.S. I am contemplating purchasing a digital piano and today went to a dealer who sells the Roland brand. I have been trying to research this digital but can find no really good comparisons on the web between the Roland and the Yamaha, Casio, et al. Would you be so kind as to offer your opinion on these pianos. I have an acoustic piano and am getting along in years. I play for my own enjoyment but have granddaughters and thought that they might really enjoy the digital. An comments from you would be greatly appreciated. I enjoyed reading your comments about pianos.
Thank you.
Gloria Dugger
Senoia , GA USA
Answer/ Hi Gloria. Personally I prefer the sound and touch of the Yamaha Clavinova.
The Roland is a decent digital piano, but I think that the Yamaha
feels closer to playing the real thing.
You can read one of my articles about digital pianos here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/digital-pianos-which-brand-should-i-buy
Regards,
Graham Howard
UK Pianos
Telephone: 020 8367 2080
Further comments/
I have definitely decided on the Yamaha, primarily because of your recommendation. Today I visited a friend who has a Yamaha Clavinova and I was very pleased with the sound and especially the touch. My father purchased a Chickering studio console for me when I was 14 years of age and so I very much want the digital to approximate that of a real piano. By the way, have you read the book The Piano Shop on the Left Bank? I believe that is the correct title; I will e-mail you the author if you are interested. Thank you again for taking the time to answer my inquiry.
Cheers,
Gloria Dugger
“What are your thoughts on these pianos?”
Hi Graham.
Thanks for your piano guide. I’ve just started reading it.
I’ve been larning piano for around a year now, and have been using a Yamaha SY35 synthesizer up until now. As you might expect, whenever I have lessons I immediately notice the difference in tone and feel when playing on my teacher’s piano. It’s now time for me to bite the bullet and get myself a digital piano.
I’m hapy to pay for a mid-range piano, as I’d like to get something that I can “grow into”. In the past, I’ve bought digital instruments (in this case a drumkit), and found myself restricted by them when compared to their acoustic counterparts, resulting in me having to upgrade. I’ve been looking around at various pianos, and I’m currently looking at the Kawai CA13 or Roland DP990F. I’ve not been able to play on the Kawai CA13 yet, and have only tried out the CN33 and CA63. I think the CA13 probably has bits of both – maybe being a little better than the CN33, but not as good as the CA63. Is that right?
At the moment I’m drawn a little more towards the Roland. I liked the feel a little better than the Kawai, but I did like the sound of the Kawai a lot. The other thing that’s a factor is dimensions. The Kawai’s a lot deeper than the Roland, around 46cm versus 35 – I think. That’s on the limit of what I can fit into my living room. It might also cause problems when I move.
What are your thoughts on these pianos, and can you point me towards any good deals? I’m struggling to know which way to go at the moment, so any thoughts would be appreciated.
Regards,
Karl.
Reply/ Hi Karl
I’m not wanting to throw a spanner in the
works, but I prefer both the sound and key
touch of the Yamaha pianos.
In particular the CLP470.
The keys feels firmer, a little weightier.
Closer to an acoustic piano.
And the Yamaha sound seems to have
more vibrancy to it.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Which one would you think is better?”
Hi Howard, sorry to keep pestering you, but I think we are finally making progress as to what piano we would like, we went to a shop called pmt yesterday, we are between two pianos, Yamaha clp465gp and the Roland hpi 50, we do like the Yamaha because of its styling, but the salesman said that the Roland is a better piano, what would you suggest.
With regards to the piano, which one would you think is better, secondly would you be able to offer us a discount if we buy it from you. As I would prefer to buy from yourself as you have been extremely helpful with the advice you have offered
Kind regards , Asif
Reply/ Hi Asif
If you think you’ll use all the functionality
the HP-i50 offers through the Digiscore screen
then this might be the right choice for you.
But if you mainly want a good sounding piano
with a realistic key touch then the Yamaha
CLP465GP would be better for you.
The CLP465GP has a nicer tone because of its
larger speakers and the placement of those
speakers… The sound projects from the top
of the piano, and when you’ve got the lid
open it sounds as close as you can get to
a real grand piano.
The Yamaha would certainly be my first choice.
Another piano you might consider is the
Classenti GR1. Classenti have just released
a new version of their GR1 baby grand
digital piano. We have one in our showroom.
It is very nice to play.
The GR1 is a little bit shorter than the
CLP465GP, so it’s great if you’re short
of space.
Here’s how I rate the three pianos:
1) Yamaha CLP465GP
2) Classenti GR1
3) Roland HPi-50
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Which would be better for use in a small church?”
Hi Graham
We have sound system to put it through for larger congregations but also need an instrument man enough to support singing when there is no techie available for smaller groups.
Roland HP 307
Yamaha CLP 480
Thank you
Chris
Reply/ Hi Chris
The Yamaha CLP480 has a heavier, firmer key
touch than the Roland HP307. It feels closer
to playing a real, acoustic piano.
And the CLP480’s sound is richer and more vibrant.
Also, your church will also benefit more from its
larger speakers (2 x 100 watts versus Roland’s
2 x 60 watts). This can make a big difference in
a church hall.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Casio PX850 or YDP161?”
Hi Graham,
I am thinking of buying a digital piano and downloaded your report which was very useful. Having considered a lot of things, and trying a few pianos, I had decided on the Yamaha YDP-161 which I thought was a lovely piano.
However I then started reading about the Casio PX850 and it seemed on paper to match the Yamaha in many ways, and better it in some. One of the reviews rated it as the best piano in it’s price bracket, better than the Yamaha. I haven’t had the chance to try the Casio but I wondered whether you have come across the PX850 and whether you have an opinion as to which would be the better piano to buy.
Thanks very much for your help.
Regards,
Toby
Reply/ Hi Toby
They are both nice pianos.
The Yamaha YDP161 has a much nicer tone
than the PX850 though.
The tone of the Yamaha is so much more
richer and fuller than the Casio. The Casio
sounds quite weak in comparison.
What’s more, the Yamaha has a more
natural feel to the keys. The resistance
is slightly heavier and the key touch feels
smoother and more responsive.
I would choose the YDP161 over the PX850
for sure.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
HI GRAHAM
Thanks a lot for all your work building up reviews and tech details ! Really helpful and as you say its the touch and sound that is crucial to me too. However in Leeds I can’t seem to find a Classenti to try out.
The largest local store stocks Rolands and we tried a few …. the feel and sound of the 302 seemed very good to me (I liked the touch of the ivory keys and felt it more responsive than the 301 however the sales people said it was essentially the same mechanisms with the 302 simply having more clever things to it …( which I do not need). Is he right in this ? The 301 did not have the smooth ivory touch … however.
The feel on the keys was quite sturdy I thought too (on 302 very responsive) compared to all other pianos there (all Rolands) – yet you describe it as being only medium weight – ?? My lack of experience in playing clearly doesn’t help !
I am wanting to take up playing through my retirement years – and want the feel and sound of the piano to be inspiring ! However I dont want to pay much more than £1000… unless I can be very much persuaded of its value…
Another query if I may – life times of these pianos ? My partner is hoping it will ‘see us out’ … would he be right – or is that overly optiistic – I would hope we would be around for another 25 years !
Many thanks
Zoe
Reply/ Hi Zoe
I doubt you’ll find a Classenti to try out.
They’re only available online.
If you buy one from us you get to try it out
at home for 60 days. Of course we refund
you in full if it’s not for you.
The Roland HP302 is a much nicer piano than
the RP301…
The keys are more responsive. They also feel
firmer and more silky smooth under the fingers.
The sound is also clearer. Slightly richer.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham
Firstly, thank you for making buying digital pianos so much easier for everyone. The free guide is exactly what I needed.
I am going to be a full time student again in 7 months time, and would like to pick up a hobby, so i thought why not piano!
I am 22, and would just like to ask if one practices say an hour a day, what kind of progress am i likely to make in 7 months? I know it entirely depends on the individual but out of your experience what would you say?
More importantly, I saw a couple of adverts and customers claiming the pianos were amazing. A friend had bought classenti cdp1 from yourself and thought it was better than yamahas his brother tried at school. It is priced around £769 i think.
The dp10 and even dp60 and other dp’s by gear4music and the axus pianos are also under £600. Plus they have full backboards which looks nicer as furniture!
How would you compare the axus pianos and the dps against the cdp1? In terms of sound, touch and what grade they will take me up to, being a beginner and wanting good value for money what would you recommend?
Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
Kind Regards
Habib
Reply/ Hi Habib
If you practice for an hour a day you should
make good progress…
In 7 months time you might be in a position
to take grade 1 piano. This would involve
playing some simple tunes with both hands.
The Classenti CDP1 is a much nicer piano to
play than the Gear4Music and Axus pianos.
The key touch is firmer and feels closer to
a real piano. The sound is also richer, cleaner
and more piano-like.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Can you recommend any pianos that will best meet our criteria?”
Hi Graham,
I have been looking at your site and looking at a huge array of digital pianos and I am now swamped with so much data that the only sensible thing to do is to buy a Yamaha or Roland digital piano. I am not sure if this is the right thing to do or which would be the right piano to buy.
The scenario:-
1. A family with limited piano playing skills but looking to improve. 2 adults and a 7 and 10 year old
2. The digital piano must look good in that my wife thinks of it as a piece of furniture as well as a musical instrument
3. It needs to look similar to a regular piano (as much as possible but 2 above is the real requirement)
4. It needs to sound and feel like a piano – when in piano mode
5. It needs to have plenty of voices – I like to use other instruments, not just the piano
6. Colour would be polished black or maple
7. Price would be less than £1,500 ideally
We have look at/considered:-
1. Yamaha CLP-440C. Very nice, quite expensive and limited voices
2. Yamaha CLP-465GP. Very nice, sounds good, looks great, limited voices and too expensive for our needs
3. Suzuki HG510e (or discontinued version). Very good price, then I read your review of Suzuki and that ended this option
We would consider second hand if it was in very good condition and met the criteria above.
Can you recommend any pianos that you think will best meet our criteria?
Best regards
Barry
Reply/ Hi Barry
The Yamaha CLP430 in polished ebony looks
to be the most suitable piano. This costs £1,644.
It meets most of your criteria. Only the limited
voices might be a disappointment for you.
There really is nothing else (in polished ebony)
that’s anywhere near as good around the £1,500 mark.
If you go down in price a bit then there’s the
Classenti CDP2 in polished ebony (£1,245).
This also meets your criteria. But it also has
limited voices.
You can see this piano here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/classenti-cdp2
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham,
Thank you for the information.
To be honest I’m getting a little lost in the sea of DP buying!!!
We are looking or a good quality DP for the children (5 & 6 yrs) to practise on and for me to start lessons.
Budget between £1000 & £1500.
The children’s music teacher has been steering us towards to Yamaha CPL 430
However, we went to our local music store and they recommended the Kawai CA 13.
I don’t know and of the technical aspects or either DP’s but judging it on the looks (more like a real piano, not lots of buttons on display) and the sound that we heard when it was played
and the feel of the Ivory covered keys I think i preferred the CA 13.
My only concern is because I do not have any experience with Piano’s and do not yet play I’m really not sure what I should be looking for!!
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Many thanks
Elena
Reply/ Hi Elena
I don’t advise spending over £1,000 on a
first piano…
If the children don’t take to it then you are
left with an expensive piano that’s
difficult to sell.
I know you said that you will also be learning
but still, it would be better to go for something
between £500 and £800 initially.
There are plenty of good pianos in that price
range.
In particular I recommend the Broadway B1
and the Classenti CDP1.
The Broadway B1 has a nice, full tone. And
the key touch is fully-weighted. It also
feels nice under the fingers.
The Broadway will take your children up to
grade 5 or 6 (this takes 5-7 years on average).
The Classenti CDP1 is an even better piano.
It feels just like playing an upright piano.
It also has a nicer piano sound. This is
partly due to its larger speakers (30 watts
versus Broadway’s 14 watts).
The CDP1 is recommended up to grade 7.
You can read more about them here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/classenti-cdp1
www.ukpianos.co.uk/broadway-b1.
Let me know if you’d like more information.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Dear Graham,
As long as you promise not to be one of those ‘pushy or biased sales people’ you refer to on page 58!
Seriously, yes, I would be most grateful for your recommendation – thanks.
I’m coming back to the piano, ten years after aborting an attempt to learn to play. I was in a demanding job at that point and just didn’t have the time to devote to it (naturally, I wanted to be Lang Lang standard after a couple of months and, funnily enough, it didn’t happen). But I always promised myself that when I retired I would come back and start again, only this time I would perhaps not be quite so ambitious. I finished work at the end of June and I am now ready to learn again.
What I want is something that sounds like a reasonable impression of an acoustic upright or grand, so touch and sound, two of the attributes you highlight in your e-book, are very important to me. The piano will sit in a smallish room, so the minimum wattage would be fine, I think. I have no interest in having a display screen or an array of additional sound effects or anything like that and I would be perfectly happy with 64 note polyphony. One thing I would mention, though, is that I am starting the OU course, “Inside Music”, soon, so it would be useful to have a piano I can connect easily to my MacBook (Sibelius software is provided as part of the course fee). The only other requirement, as I mentioned in my original message, is the ability to practise and play without torturing the trouble and strife. I can go up to £1,000 (possibly a bit higher at a push for the ‘right’ instrument).
I confess that my preconceived opinions were leading me towards Yamaha but your excellent e-book has alerted me to other possibilities (I was particularly struck by the Classenti options).
Forgive me for banging on a bit – if you have nodded off already I fully understand – but I thought it would be helpful to give you as much information as possible to enable you to make the best recommendations. Thanks again for your kind help, I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards
Richard
Reply/ Hi Rick
I didn’t nod off… it was interesting reading what
you had to say.
There are several decent digital pianos around the £1,000
mark I can confidently recommend.
Here is a short list:
Yamaha YDP161 (£781)
Yamaha CLP430 (£1,348)
Kawai CN23 (£987)
Classenti CDP2 (£925)
You would enjoy playing any of them, but for the
long term goal (maybe not Lang Lang this time?)
the digital pianos that would be best for your development
are the Yamaha CLP430 and Classenti CDP2. This
is because they have a heavier, firmer key touch.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham,
Having just subscribed, I got your first email with the link to your “7 Things…..” guide which, so far, has been very helpful.
I currently own a Casio CDP100 of two years, from brand new (my first piano), and have for some time now, being weighing up which of the following three pianos to ‘upgrade’ to:
• Yamaha CLPS408PE
• Roland HP307(PE)
• Kawai CS6 (or CS9)
When trying the Yamaha, I noticed a few of the keys towards the top (high) end lacked power/volume, and wasn’t sure if this is a common weakness with this model in general, or if it was just that particular store display unit suffering wear ‘n’ tear.
With regards the Roland, I have only just discovered the UK Pianos web site literally in the last 24 hours and for the first time, been made aware, via reading various reviewers, of the keyboard noise issue. I think I would need to go and revisit this piano with that issue in mind.
I, briefly encountered the Kawai CS6 and was fairly impressed with the sound and touch but would like to know your impressions, if any, of the CS9 and how you feel it compares with the CS6, as I have only just become aware of the CS9 via Kawai’s web site.
As if all this was not enough to think about, I now also have to consider the Classenti CDP3, which I have literally just discovered via my first visit to the UK Pianos web site. I am hopeful that this piano would be available to ‘try out’ in your Enfield store, if possible, and am particularly curious as to whether it facilitates USB connections like the three above.
Many thanks,
Richard
Reply/ Hi Richard
Have you tried the Yamaha CLP470?
This is my personal favourite.
The Roland’s keys are too lightweight.
My fingers feel like they’re running away
when playing fast passages.
The Kawai has a very soft feel at the bottom
of the key stroke. I prefer the firmer feel
of the Yamaha CLP470.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Graham:
I’m trying to make a smart decision based on the following facts:
I’m buying the digital piano for my mother. She is 83 and has her grade eight level in piano. My hope is that she can enjoy playing music by Debussy and others just one last time.
Throughout my early years, untill I was 18, my mother played an old upright built in Boston – the same one she learned to play piano on. I remember it because sometimes when the house was quiet I would press one or two of its keys and listen to the resonance. We never had it tuned because of the cost. It always had sticking keys around middle C and for the longest time it had a cracked soundboard. Needless to say, my mother has always been used to less than perfection.
When we finally got rid of the piano my father decided to replace it with an electric organ. He has always had a facination with them but my mother has never given itthe time of day.
Just a side note: my father’s hearing was badly dammaged from his days as a tank commander in the British army when they faught on the beaches of Normandy – a time when ear protection was not manditory. My parents finally got rid of the organ. So for a number of years my mother has had nothing to play and time is running out.
I’m not shure when my parents will be moving to a seniors home, I suspect in a couple of years – something I’m considering when choosing a piano.
I have been looking at everything from the Yamaha P155 to the CLP 430. I guess what dictates my thinking is the Rolling Stones tune ‘You can’t always get what you want but you can get what you need’.
So there you have it.
Any feedback will be most appreciated.
Charlie
Reply/ Hi Charlie
The Yamaha P155 would certainly be easier to move
around than the CLP430. So that’s its major advantage
over the CLP430…
But the sound quality and feel of the keys is nowhere
near as good. Of course, your mother being grade 8
standard, would enjoy hearing the richer, more vibrant
sounds of the CLP430.
She would also appreciate the firmer feel of the keys.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Dear Graham,
Thank you very much for your email and all the invaluable information. I thought I would take advantage of you follow-up email.
I had initially been looking at the Yamaha YDP-141 but having read your book and reviewing my needs I think the Classenti CDP1 would be a better purchase.
I am buying a digital piano principally to support my singing practice at home. But I also thought it an ideal opportunity to start playing the piano again – I had lessons for a number of years and miss playing. I’m not unmusical and I know poor quality touch and/or sound would annoy me but I also haven’t got a large budget, as you can tell from my choice. Your interest-free loan offer also makes the extra cost of the Classenti over the Yamaha worthwhile.
I guess I’m just looking for a bit of confirmation! I can’t see many other options.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Regards, Ian Helm
Reply/ Hi Ian
The Classenti CDP1 would be an excellent choice.
Its heavy-weighted keys feel the same as an
acoustic piano and it has a pretty good sound.
You also get a 5 year warranty (parts, labour
and home visit) — this is very useful to have.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham,
choosing the right digital piano is not simple task – as you know.
After reading your booklet, I am in the phase of choosing between Yamaha CLP 430 (still available in local store), Kawai CA-13 (wooden keys and probably high quality sound/keyboard temptes me) and Kurzweil CUP-2 with interesting look and probably excellent sound/keyboard quality.
I hope to touch CLP today, but probably not the others.
What would you choose out of the 3? Sound and keyboard quality is the primary with design being important for emotions, too.
Best regards,
Petr
Reply/ Hi Petr
The Kawai has a nice, smooth, responsive key touch.
But for me, it would be between the Yamaha
and Kurzweil.
The Yamaha CLP430 has a nice feel to the keys
and a good sound. But the Kurzweil CUP2
would be my first choice.
The main reason I prefer the Kurzweil is
the firmer key touch. It just feels more
like playing a real piano.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Dear Mr. Howard,
I’m going to buy myself a digital piano. and I’d love some advice please:
Here’s what I know I want:
A good choice of serious/classical voicing – including harpsichord, fortepiano would be nice but not essential. I’m a semi-house-trained classical pianist who strays as far as Scott Joplin but not much further;
The ability to play duets with myself, i.e. record one part and play it back while playing the other; enough memory to handle something like Mozart/Schubert/Brahms works for piano4hands, and I’d like to be able to store my attempts because I won’t get it right first time and in the event that I do get it right I shall want to keep same;
I’d like to play Music Minus One and the like, thereby pretending that I’m playing along with a great orchestra.
Standard features like a metronome, those ‘ears’ on the music holder that keep the book open and in place (not everybody has them, I find), sustaining pedal, etc.
Oh – it’s got to be upright, ‘cos I haven’t got much room, and of course I’ll need earphones/a silencer so as not to annoy the cat.
Here’s what I know I don’t need:
The ability to add a rhythm section, or indeed anything that gives me the facility to be or accompany a rock/pop group in the privacy of my own home.
Fancy lighting, patronising welcome messages, and the like;
And I’m not the world’s best when it comes to instruction books and I don’t know much about modern electronics (I don’t even have a mobile phone) but Him Indoors probably does.
Here’s the constraints I know about:
The space I’ve got is about 60″ wide, which looks OK according to the specs I’ve read;
The piano’s going downstairs and my computer lives upstairs, so anything that relies on the one talking to the other isn’t going to work (though I’m going to have to buy a new laptop at some point);
I don’t own an iPod, iPad, nor nuffin’ like that – so please understand that you’re talking to an utter techie-klutz.
Budget: I’d happily go up to £3000 for the right instrument.
I do like your guidebook – you know your stuff. Therefore may I ask what you would advise? You’re right that it seems better to buy online – looking at local piano emporiums they don’t seem to offer much choice, especially the sort I’m looking for.
Thank you for listening,
Kind regards,
Dr. Valerie Stewart.
Reply/ Hi Valerie
Having read all your requirements I recommend
going for the Yamaha CLP470.
The Yamaha pianos offer a rich, vibrant piano
sound that’s closer to an acoustic piano than
all other makes.
The CLP470 is near the top of Yamaha’s range.
It has a nice, heavy-weighted touch, wooden keys,
and a superb, full sound.
The price is also less than £2,000.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi,
I want to buy myself a digital piano. I am looking to the Kawaï CN-23 or Kawaï CN-33 (which would be my maximum range price, and even a little bit over it), or the CLP-430. I know someone who have a CLP-320, and he is very happy with it (and before that, he had played on the same piano as me, so if he thinks it has realistic touch, I should probably think the same, being used to the same upright piano).
However, I just went to the piano store, and the seller told me that the CLP 430 was really hard to find and they didn’t have it in store. So I’ve only been able to play the Kawaï and the CLP-440. The seller seemed to prefer a lot the Kawaï, telling me a couple of times that it was the most popular ones for now, and that it had a great sound and everything, and he looked like he didn’t like the CLP-430… I even heard him say that it wasn’t a good piano (not as good as the others on the same range price) (he was of course not talking to me, he was on phone, but still).
So I am a bit confused… I though I would buy the 430, but the guy made me unsure about that. And the fact that I couldn’t try it made it even worst.
However, when I asked him if they had one in their other shop, he said yes (even if he said before that it was really really hard to find that piano). So I don’t know what to think about that. Was he only trying to sell me the Kawaï because he is making more money out of it (as what written on your website or someone else’s) or is he right and I should go with Kawaï. If so, should I go with the CN-23 or go for the 33?
I’ll probably go try the 430 in their other shop, but still, he made me really confused because he really liked to dislike the 430.
Thanks for your help
Reply/ Hi Joelle
I’ve played all the Yamaha and Kawai digital pianos.
Personally I much prefer the key touch of the Yamaha.
Its firmness of touch feels much closer to a real piano.
The Kawai has a nice touch also, but if feels quite
soft (spongy) at the bottom of the key’s downstroke.
That’s not favourable for my playing. I like to feel
the key reach the bottom. It gives me more control
and I can put more into the music I am playing.
Both the CN33 and CLP430 have a good piano sound.
The Kawai is a little brighter, especially in the mid to
high treble.
So, of course, it comes down to your own taste.
Do you like a bright/hard sound, or a warm/mellow sound?
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Howard,
Many thanks for your piano buying guide.
At the present time my wife has an upright piano and I wanted to surprise her at Christmas with a Digital Piano. The problem I have is that I don’t play so I know nothing about them.
A friend of mine has a Rowland FP-7F what would you recommend as a good equivalent at the same price or cheaper or is the Rowland the best?
The Digital piano will be played at home am I going OTT spending around £1,500
Help required.
Many thanks
Chris.
Reply/ Hi Chris
The Roland FP-7F isn’t really meant for home us.
It’s more for gigging musicians that need to
transport their piano frequently to gigs.
The best piano you can get for about £1,500 is
the Yamaha CLP440.
This has a great sound, and the key touch is
very close to a real piano. I’m sure your wife
would enjoy playing this piano.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Which digital piano would you suggest?”
Hi Graham,
I’m wondering is it ok to buy a digital piano ….. However, it will only get used one month a year ? Or would you recommend to but an acoustic piano instead ? Will the digital piano get spoil if it’s switch off for the entire 11 months ? ( until we get back to the UK next summer to turn it on again ?! ) Am currently looking at Yamaha CLP 440/480 or the Classenti CDP 2/3.
What would you suggest ?
Thanks,
Amie
Reply/ Hi Amie
Nothing would happen to a digital piano if
it was left turned off for 11 months or more.
The pianos on your short list are all good ones.
The CLP480 is the best, of course (well, you
do get what you pay for)…
If you want to spend less, then the CLP440 and
Classenti CDP3 are similar pianos. The CDP3 has
the advantage of looking like a real piano
(that goes without saying, of course).
Value for money wise I put them in this order:
1) CLP440
2) CDP2
3) CDP3
4) CLP480
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham,
I’m looking at the potential of renting (then owning?) a digital piano for a church. It needs to be robust, have excellent touch-sensitivity and also allow additional voices to be played along with the piano (strings/pads/bass). It will need to plug into the PA/sound system.
Where on your site should we start looking?
Cheers
Gareth
Reply/ Hi Gareth
The best type of digital piano for a church is one
that has powerful speakers, a large sturdy cabinet
and several inputs/outputs for speakers, PA systems,
computer and other electronic devices.
The most popular pianos that churches buy are
the Yamaha CLP470, CLP480 and Roland HP307.
The Yamaha CLP480 is second to none when it
come to pure power and tone. But it is quite pricey.
The Yamaha CLP470 and Roland HP307 are both
suitable for your church…
It all comes down to personal taste really.
The Roland has a lighter key touch than the Yamaha,
and the Yamaha has a slightly brighter, more strident
tone.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
After trying out the classenti cdp1 I checked out some independent reviews online and it seems to be one of the better pianos for that particular price range and perfect for the casual dabbler who seeks something a few cuts above the lower end products but could never justify spending more than a grand. I also like the simple instant record facility and the proper pedals as opposed to the wired ones (i.e. the casio) which just don’t feel right!
Bruce
Hi Graham,
I had a thorough look through your very comprehensive book. It helped a lot.
There are no questions remaining really.
I was maybe a bit surprised about the overrepresentation (if I may say so) of YAMAHA’s as the “overall winners” (especially in the section above 1000). But okay.
I will probably decide between either a Kawai CN43 or a Roland HP 302 or a Yamaha 440 … or stick with a CN23 ….
My son (6) and I are absolute beginners on the piano. However, we would like to purchase a piano which will last us and keep us happy for quite a while.
Any suggestions?
Best regards,
Conny
Reply/ Hi Conny
The Kawai CN23 will be fine if you want to save
some money. It has a good sound, but the key
touch isn’t as firm or realistic as the Yamaha
Clavinova range…
The key touch is the most important thing –
especially when learning. It’s important to
develop the correct technique from early on.
This will make the transition to an acoustic
piano much smoother later on.
The Yamaha CLP440 is the piano I recommend
for you and your son.
The CLP440 has a firmer, more realistic feel to
the keys and a richer, more vibrant tone.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham
Thanks very much for your reply. Ok, that was useful to know. I have decided I am happy to spend up to £1200 on a digital piano but as you say I want it to sound like an upright, so Classenti sound like a good brand/product.
I was trying to look for one with a display screen like the Chase (as it shows the notes on the screen as you play) – does this feature generally only come with basic pianos?
Thanks again for your help
Josephine
Reply/ Hi Josephine
The display screen usually comes with the cheaper
all singing all dancing type pianos…
You also find display screens in the expensive
Yamaha multi-functional CVP pianos.
To get a decent piano around the £1,200 mark
you should look for one without a screen. In
this way you’re paying for the quality of sound
and touch rather than sacrificing this for a
multitude of buttons, lights and gimmicks.
The Yamaha CLP430 and Classenti CDP2 are
the two pianos that excel around the £1000 –
£1400 price point.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Dear Graham,
I am looking for the right digital piano for myself and my two children, and came across ukpianos.co.uk and your very helpful “7 things …” booklet. I am very grateful for the time and effort that has gone into these resources – I was dreading weeks and weeks of scattergun searches on the web. I hope you can give me some confirming advice to help me move forward to ordering. My consideration points are as follows:
1. My daughter (aged 7) is doing recorder lessons, can read music quite well for the time she’s been at it, and is keen to start piano. There is little doubt that she will pursue music seriously. She will get weekly lessons, where she will play an acoustic Chappell upright. The teacher insists that if she plays a digital piano for home practice, it should have a key touch as similar to an acoustic piano in weight as possible (which she thinks is only available in very expensive models). She is also against what she calls “ensemble units”. I’m not sure what these are, but perhaps this has to do with many different voices, rhythm programmes, auto-accompaniment, etc., for the child to play around with.
2. My son (aged 5) is starting to show an interest, but it’s too early to tell whether he will develop sustained interest. When he’s allowed on a Yamaha PSR79 keyboard I have from some time ago, he spends all his time messing about with voice/effects buttons to find Star Wars light sabre sounds, etc. If he’s to learn, we need something that’s got the least possible messing about potential.
3. I would like to take this opportunity to intensively develop my own piano playing. My music training was in the north Indian tradition (voice with harmonium), but I have since learned to read music, and have some right hand ability. The piano is my favourite instrument, and it will be a lifetime’s wish-fulfillment if I can learn to play some of my jazz and romantic favourites. I plan to spend a lot of time on this piano myself.
4. The piano will go in the upstairs study (fair sized but not big room), and needs to be as compact as possible. If it’s easily moved around the room, that would be a bonus. If it has good sound, that would be great, but a lot of playing will be with headphones. It will very close to my Apple Mac setup, so if it can be connected (via USB or whatever) so that we can use learning software like EarMaster, etc., that would be brilliant as well.
All in all, piano-like key touch, compact/portable body, and basic computer connectivity are the only important factors for now, and I would like to maximise what I get in these and minimise everything else. From going through your booklet and website, it seems to me that your Classenti P1 bundle is just about what I’m after. Based on the info above, could you please comment on this model’s suitability, and suggest if there are any alternatives I should consider? I would be very grateful for your thoughts.
Best wishes,
Satu
Reply/ Hi Satu
The Classenti CDP1 has everything you need.
Your teacher would be happy to know that the Classenti’s
key touch is as close as you can get to an acoustic piano.
The CDP1 is certainly the best value for money piano
around the £600 – £700 price range.
I confidently recommend it for you and your children.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham
Thanks for meeting with Brendan and I yesterday.
We’ve been pondering, and Bren still seems keen to try out a digital piano
I was looking at the next model up of the Cassenti CDP2.
How would this compare to the Roland F110?
Is there much of a difference?
Many thanks
Margaret
Reply/ Hi Margaret
You are welcome. It was good meeting you both too.
The Classenti CDP2 has a warmer, deeper piano sound
than the Roland F110…
Its deepness brings it closer to the sound of a Steinway
or Bechstein.
The Roland looks nicer, and is more compact. So it
wins on looks.
The key touch is also a bit lighter on the Roland. So
if Brendan would prefer the lighter touch the F110
would certainly be worth considering.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Dear Graham,
I would like to please get some advice on buying a digital piano. I’ve been shopping for weeks and I’m getting rather lost and confused. Your site has been the most helpful guide so far and I was hoping you could help me with deciding between a used Yamaha DGX505 and a new-ish Sulinda SL10 for the same price (£200).
I used to take lessons as a child but haven’t been playing for over 10 years. As I am basically looking for a practice/ hobby piano, I don’t really need any of the fancy features that digital keyboards come with. I suppose I am most concerned about the touch and sound of the machine. I am thinking of upgrading to an acoustic upright, so something that would be satisfying for the next 5 or so years would suffice.
Would you please share your thoughts on the two machines?
(Or should I just buckle down, save for another year, then buy a better, more expensive instrument?)
Thank you so much!
Best regards,
Tingli
Reply/ Hi Tingli
The Yamaha DGX505 is superior to the Sulinda.
Besides, I recommend sticking with the well
known brands: Yamaha, Kawai, Roland,
Classenti, Casio, Korg and Kurzweil.
The DGX505 is ‘OK’, but it’s really more of
a keyboard than a digital piano.
You get a decent piano sound, but the key
touch is lighter.
If you’re serious about your piano playing
then I recommend waiting it out until you
can get something a bit better.
Any of the following will do:
Korg SP170S
Casio PX330
Classenti CDP1
Yamaha YDP141
Kawai CL36
You might also consider our Rent-to-Own
programme. This allows you to pay monthly
until you are ready to buy the piano. You
can then get all or part of the rental taken
off the piano’s price.
You can read more about it here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/piano-rental
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“My 7 year old son has started taking piano lessons at school and I’m not sure whether he will stick to it”
Hello, I have downloaded your free piano guide and scanned through it and wonder if you could help me?
My 7 year old son has started taking piano lessons at school and I’m not sure whether he will stick to it (even though I would love him to) I’ve spoken to his piano teacher for advice as to which budget keyboard/digital piano I could purchase considering the following points:
1. He may give it up in a few weeks (but not if I can help it!)
2. We have a limited budget as he is not the only child in the family – ideally I wanted to spend no more than £120 (even though I know this is a ‘pittance’)
3. I understand I need touch-sensitive keys and a foot pedal?
Your free paino guide offers guidance to buying pianos under £500, but they are all very close to the £500 ‘mark’. Is it possible for me to buy anything half-decent within my budget… or should I just give up now!
As you can tell – I have no experience or knowledge of pianos/keyboards/digital pianos whatsoever, however I found your article very helpful in layman’s terms.
Thank you for your help
Tracey
Reply/ Hi Tracey
In your situation I don’t recommend buying a piano.
If you spend much less than £500 you’ll end up with
an unrealistic key touch and poor sound. This is not
desirable for your son to learn and progress on.
To get a piano that is good enough to learn on
and one that will still be OK for the higher grades
will cost about £200 – £300 over your budget.
What I recommend for you is the ‘Rent-to-Own’
Programme.
This is a popular choice for parents in your
predicament.
The ‘Rent-to-Own’ programme gets you a much
better piano for a monthly cost of around £45.
If you buy within 6 months then all the rental
is taken off the price.
You can read details of this here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/digital-pianos-for-rent
Let me know if you would like more help
selecting a piano.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham & Co,
As wonderful as you guide is I’m stuck on making decision, mostly becuase I can’t hear the pianos I’ve wittled it down to being played because I live in depeest darkest Aberdeenshire. I think I have it down to 2, the Gear4Music 8865 and the Classenti CDP1. The Gear4Music 8865 purely on price, the Classenti is a little more than I was intending to pay but if the extra is worth it then I will do so, especially as you have the 12 month no interest payment plan.
I don’t need a good piano – although I had 12 years of lessons as a child I also did about 12 hours of practice over the whole period and have hardly touched a piano for 15 years but recently have started to get back into it. I was going to buy a cheap second hand accoustic but living in a damp drafty house prone to quite large temperature change when the fire is light, I would crack the sound board fairly quickly so have decided to spend more and buy a digital piano. It also means I can plug the earphones in and my poor husband does not have to listen to me!!!
I also have young children who both love tinkering on a piano if they have access and maybe when they are a little older they will want lessons, therefore I’m now looking at a more long term solution but still have no money!
I want it to sound piano like and have heard the Classenti (although the CDP2 seems to have a much nicer sound – is that just the video quality or is there really much of a difference?) but what about the Gear4Music 8865, is it really that different to listen to? And what about the touch sensitivity and key weight on the 8865, is it noticeably inferior to the Classenti? Would it really hinder my children’s ability to learn the piano (got rather worried when reading about key weight etc) or is the difference obvious to someone very competent?
Any comments on either piano (the gear4Music 8865 and the Classenti CDP2) and the difference between the Classenti CDP1 and CDP2 which I’ve been able to hear on your website would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Toto
Reply/ Hi Toto
The Gear4Music 8865 would be OK for your children
to tinkle on and for you to get back to playing, but…
It’s not ideal for long term use. Especially if your
children progress through the piano grades.
The Classenti CDP1 is a much nicer piano. It has
fully-weighted keys with 4 levels of touch sensitivity.
Both features are essential for grade 3 and above.
Also, the sound on the CDP1 is more piano-like
than the Gear4Music 8865.
The main difference between the CDP1 and CDP2
is the sound.
The CDP2 has a deeper, more resonant piano sound.
This is due to its more advanced sound sampling.
And also its larger speakers.
The CDP2 has 5 levels of touch sensitivity. So this
will be suitable for grade 8 playing.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Good morning,
Thank you very much for your nice book, it’s very informative and helpful. My choice was between Roland HP 305 and Yamaha CLP 340. To be honest my preliminary suggestion was 80:20 in favor of Roland. But today I tried both Roland and Yamaha in instruments shop and contrary to my prejudice I found Yamaha sounding and feeling better. I think this is quite objective evaluation as I was mostly on side of the Roland before. So I made decision towards Yamaha CLP 340. But after I tried also Yamaha CLP 370 and for me touch was the same, but it sounded better (in my humble opinion, but for my friend sound was “almost the same”). The instrument we want to buy is for my daughter, who just started in musical school and we see she likes it.
Thanks and best regards Sergey
Thank you for your kind advice Graham – is it really Graham, or a stand-in? ?? I find it hard to imagine that the real deal has got time to answer all these simpletons, and at such a quick turn-around too! – which I shall abide by and ask you for a quote on Classenti and Yamaha electric pianos, in the price-range £500 – £1600. Can I ask what you’d recommend for a trio of children ranging in age from 12 – 21, plus possibly the two parents getting into the swing?
Many thanks,
Cheng
Reply/ Hi Cheng
It’s alright… no offence taken.
I didn’t reply to your earlier email because
I was out on the bike… such lovely weather
(for a change).
Now back to work ??
I would be glad to quote you on a digital piano.
I see your budget is quite wide… so you really
have three choices
1) Buy a cheapish piano for now, then part-
exchange it for a much better one when your
kids (and you, of course) have progressed to
a more advanced level. The piano I recommend
is the Broadway B1 (£557)
2) Buy a mid-priced piano that will take your
children to about grade 7 (this could take
5-10 years). The one I recommend is the
Classenti CDP1.
3) Go all out from the start at and get a piano
that’s good for now and also good right up to
the highest grade. In other words, buy a piano
that you won’t need to change. The one I
recommend is the Yamaha CLP440.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham,
In response to your email below I would like to say that I took my time reading your tips and elsewhere on the internet. I also went to a local store that also sells digital piano’s from Yamaha and Roland. I would like to buy a new Yamaha CLP 330 or even 340. The problem is that we have little space (not so big apartment for a family with 3 children ;)) and therefore decided to use my Yamaha YPT-420 a little longer (I learned sightreading and chords etc on this one but feel that for proper playing I need to upgrade for the ‘touch’ argument. In our public library I can play on an Essex piano with silence system on board but playing that is extremely heavy for me, totally different of course). I was seriously looking and probably would have bought one from gear4music or thomann.de.
I hope to find a solution in the near future.
Thanks for all your information!
Richard
Reply/ Hi Richard
The Korg SP170 might be the answer for you…
This is a very neat piano (both in size and
looks). The tone is nice and the key touch
medium weighted and smooth to play.
It has a total power output of 18 watts,
which is pretty good considering the piano
weighs in at only 12kg.
The Korg SP170 is the best you can get
for under £500.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hello Graham,
the one I have been thinking of would’ve been the CDP1, but I don’t dare buy one without trying it out. I’ve been checking out some stores around here, and giving various Rolands and Yamahas a go. Also tried out a couple of cheap Aura’s but quickly turned away from them due to the rickety feel of the keys. I must say the more I look the more confused I’m getting on which way to go…
They are expecting a new model Kurtzweil soon though, I was wondering if you have any recommendations on those? The one I’ve been thinking of is the new MP10. They mention the triple-sampled grand piano sound (a Steinway I think?), does this mean that each tone is sampled three times? I’ve been warned about budget digital piano’s that have limited sampling per tone.
I’ve set myself a limit of 1000 euro.
How would you rate a Kurtzweil, comparing to a Roland (110) or a entry-level Clavinova?
Thank you in advance. Really want to pick up a nice digital piano and get playing again, but with so much to choose from it’s all a bit overwhelming to be honest.
best regards,
Kevin Battarbee
Reply/ Hi Kevin
The Classenti CDP1 is a nice piano and compares
favourably with the bottom end Yamaha Clavinova
range and Kawai CN23 and CN33.
But, if the Classenti isn’t available in your neck of
the woods then I recommend trying out the
following pianos:
Yamaha CLP430
Kawai CN23
Kawai CN33
The Yamaha has the nicest piano tone, for sure.
And the key touch is a little firmer, surer.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham,
Today I made up my mind to make a decsion on my Piano.I sat and listened to the Classenti on the videos with different music and players.I was really impressed.I sat back ,closed my eyes and listened to the sounds of the keys as well as the music.Then I listened to several videos of the yamaha ,same price range.I believe it was probably the p85, and another.I did like both of the sounds too,and they were all in the same price bracket. I gave it much thought and decided on the Classenti.I also read the reviews of the cdp2.I listened to that too and it was pure pleasure.If I could afford that I would certainly buy it.However,I do like the tone and sound of the cdp1 and have decided to opt for that one.I shall pay through free interest.
Before I order anything can I ask you where I find the prices of stands,stools,earphones.Also,does it have to be a Classenti stool and stand and earphones.Or,will other makes be usable with this make.I think i must be feeling weary ,as I searched for the measurements and could not find them.So,if you can please help me out there I should be most grateful.I am going to contact you by phone in the next couple of days.My family are paying for part of my piano. It is a special birthday.So,I need to contact them to let them know of my decision.
I am feeling quite elated at having a piano once more and looking forward to picking up my long lost playing once again.Can you also advise me on what to look for in music as a starter and what to learn first.Far better to walk and run later.Perhaps I could buy some sheet music or am i old fashioned and that is now out of date.
Best Regards
Margaret
Reply/ Hi Margaret
The Classenti is available as a bundle. You
get the adjustable piano stool, headphones
and a dust cover.
You can read more about this here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/classenti-cdp1-black-satin-bundle-offer
Here are the dimensions:
Length 133cm (52.4 inches), Height 80cm (31.5 inches), Depth 36cm (14.2 inches)
The piano course I recommend for you is
‘Hejran’s Piano Method’.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
I’ve just read your VERY informative “how to buy a digital piano” and
I’m sorry I didn’t see it before I purchased my piano!!
One month ago I purchased a Roland HP302 as I got a great deal on it
and the sound was lovely and I seemed to prefer the Roland sound to
the Yamaha sound. The kids like the extra sounds, especially the
brass section which I didn’t see in the Kawai CN33.
I have the ability to return the piano in 1 year for 60% of its
purchase price and buy another brand anywhere else, or within three
years they will give me 70% of the purchase price toward a higher
model (either Roland or Yamaha, which is what the store sells.
Here are my questions:
1. I was confused by your warranty info: I understand that Kawai now
gives a 5 year parts and labour warranty. Your quote was much less.
2. Although I enjoy the touch and the sound of the Roland, I am not
happy with the “key noise”. It seems to be a common complaint on the
boards. When my kids practise with headphones, the key noise is heard
all over the house……and we wanted the quiet play which was our
main reason for buying the piano in the first place!! I can even hear
it through the headphones. I fell in love with the HP 307 and wonder
if this noise will be less if I have the chance to change the “hammer
effect” which I understand this model does, but not the 302.
3. I tried the Kawai CN33 and it had a lovely touch and a lovely deep
sound, different from the Roland. It also had a nice keyboard touch,
nicer cabinet and better speaker sound. But the 36 sounds just didn’t
cut it especially when my kids wanted a brass section. I didn’t try
the CN43 as it was too new and they didn’t have one on the floor to
try. It is too new, too $$, but I have heard that it has a lovely
touch, a better sound (I heard its sound on their website) and I may
be able to afford it next year if Kawai makes another newer model.
The ivory keys are also nicer than the plastic. I have read that the
Roland seems to have trouble with its ivory keys wrt scratches, etc.?
I am seriously considering getting back 60% and putting it toward a
CN43 next year.
But you seem to be very big on the Yamaha make.
I have played piano for many years, classically and am getting back
into it more since I can play with headphones now anytime I like,
which is usually when the kids are asleep. My son is in Grade 4
Conservatory and is showing great interest and promise. My daughter
is also enjoying playing, in a lower grade.
Your thoughts?
Many thanks for an incredibly informative booklet!!
Thanks again
Kathy
Ontario, Canada
Reply/ Hi Kathy
I researched over 20 websites that sell Kawai
and found most offered a 2 or 3 year warranty.
Which company offers 5?
The key noise on Roland pianos is (and has
always been) a bit of a problem…
All their models suffer from this.
The Kawai pianos have a quieter key action.
so this is much better for you.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Digital piano for grade 8+ level player”
Hi Graham,
I am looking to buy a digital piano but am inexperienced in the field. I am a grade 8+ level player (don’t do concerts or anything though!) and I am used to playing on my parents’ wonderful Schimmel upright piano.
They want to keep this at home, and I will soon be moving into a flat of my own, so thought a digital piano would be a perfect solution.
I have read your book on picking digital pianos, so have a sense of the models I should be looking at. My budget is around £3000, so I suppose I wanted your opinion on what separates the top end of the digital piano market, whether it be personal preference in terms of the sound and feel, or more fundamental characteristics. I have been impressed by what I have read about the Yamaha CLP 480, and I see that it is top of your list for that price range. I am not in need of much by way of recording facilities etc, so my principle concern is feel and sound. Perhaps then another model in that range would be more suitable?
Thank you very much,
Best wishes,
Oli
Reply/ Hi Oli
There’s two pianos I can recommend that I feel you’d be happy to play on:
Yamaha CLP480 and Roland HP307.
The Yamaha CLP480 has a heavier, firmer key touch than the Roland
HP307. It feels closer to playing a real, acoustic piano.
They both have a realistic piano sound. The Roland is warmer in the
central part of the keyboard. But the bass is a little muddy.
The Yamaha has a terrific bass, a nice centre and bright treble.
It all comes down to personal preference at this level.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Further/ Hi again Graham,
Thank you very much for such a quick response. I have been into Cambridge today to our music shop to test out the two models. I found them to be exactly how you described, the higher register on the Roland was a little tinny but the mid section was good, overall though I much preferred the Yamaha. The heavier weight in the keys was more realistic and the sounds quality across the whole keyboard was fantastic.
As I have now seen, they are a lot more expensive in shops than online, so I was wondering whether you could get me a quote for one of the 480s, ideally for both the regular and polished ebony finish so that I can compare them.
Thank you again for your help.
Oli.
“Yamaha YDP-V240 or Casio AP620?”
Hi Graham
thanks for your help. I think I’ve narrowed it down to a Yamaha Arius YDP –
V240 ( the shop I have been to their brochure says VYDP- 240 I presume it
is the same) or a casio AP 620. Don’t quite know how I’ve come to that
decision but they seems to have similar toys!
Any suggestions or thoughts on these 2.
I haven’t played the piano for 30 odd years, I now play the guitar and sing
with a load of reprobates and as my hands are suffering a bit with age I
thought I’d try the piano again.
If I buy one over the internet do they need any special setting up or is it
plug in and away we go?
Looking forward to your imput
Judy
Reply/ Hi Judy
The Casio AP620 and Yamaha YDP-V240 are similar
pianos.
I give the edge to the Yamaha though. The sound
is closer to a real piano.
If you buy over the internet then the store will
deliver your piano flat-packed. So you will need
to assemble it yourself. But it’s really easy!
No technical knowledge is neccessary, and no
special setting up is required…
You just assemble the base (usually only about 4-6
screws), then attach the keyboard section with
a few more screws… then plug in and play away!
It’s as straightforward as that.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hello, I have downloaded your free piano guide and scanned through it and wonder if you could help me?
My 7 year old son has started taking piano lessons at school and I’m not sure whether he will stick to it (even though I would love him to) I’ve spoken to his piano teacher for advice as to which budget keyboard/digital piano I could purchase considering the following points:
1. He may give it up in a few weeks (but not if I can help it!)
2. We have a limited budget as he is not the only child in the family – ideally I wanted to spend no more than £120 (even though I know this is a ‘pittance’)
3. I understand I need touch-sensitive keys and a foot pedal?
Your free paino guide offers guidance to buying pianos under £500, but they are all very close to the £500 ‘mark’. Is it possible for me to buy anything half-decent within my budget… or should I just give up now!
As you can tell – I have no experience or knowledge of pianos/keyboards/digital pianos whatsoever, however I found your article very helpful in layman’s terms.
Thank you for your help
Tracey
Reply/ Hi Tracey
In your situation I don’t recommend buying a piano.
If you spend much less than £500 you’ll end up with
an unrealistic key touch and poor sound. This is not
desirable for your son to learn and progress on.
To get a piano that is good enough to learn on
and one that will still be OK for the higher grades
will cost about £200 – £300 over your budget.
What I recommend for you is the ‘Rent-to-Own’
Programme.
This is a popular choice for parents in your
predicament.
The ‘Rent-to-Own’ programme gets you a much
better piano for a monthly cost of around £45.
If you buy within 6 months then all the rental
is taken off the price.
You can read details of this here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/digital-pianos-for-rent
Let me know if you would like more help
selecting a piano.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham,
I am considering the Classenti P1, it looks great for me, unfortunately it is a bit out
of my price range – do you know if it is possible to pick up a second and one of
these if so where would you go about getting one from and is second hand a good idea?
If not is there anything else you can recommend sightly cheaper?
Thanks for all your help,
Rose
Reply/ Hi Rose
We might have a second hand one in cherry. I
need to check. The prices of 6 month old CDP1’s
usually go for around £560 – £580.
Alternatively you could go for a brand new
Classenti P1.
The Classenti P1 is more portable, has a
lighter stand, and a slightly smaller body.
It has the same key touch as the CDP1.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hello
I read through your guide and I have a question for you. I have the opotunity to buy a casio ap420 for £649 pounds (reduce from £843).
Reading your guide seem to me that the casio is not as good as a Yamaha yp161 that is on the same price range.
Would you adive me to buy the yamaha instead?
The piano is for my son and will be hes first piano (I think they have arius, well yamahas at his schools)
Regards
Bernardo
Reply/ Hi Bernardo
Well, the Yamaha YDP161 is a nicer piano really.
It has a purer, more realistic piano sound. The
the key touch is also smoother and a little firmer.
The Yamaha also commands a 10-20% higher
resale value too.
If it were for my son, I would choose the
Yamaha without question.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi
We are looking for an entry level piano for our kids – and are considering
the Yamaha ydp141 or the Classenti cdp1. Would the fact that the
Yamaha only has weighted keys as opposed to heavy weighted make it better or
worse for beginners to learn on? Also is there any difference in the sound
quality or any other major pros/cons or either or is it just preference?
Regards
Sarah
Reply/ Hi Sarah
It is very important to practice on a piano that
has fully-weighted or heavy-weighted keys. This
is especially important for beginners.
The Yamaha YDP141 has weighted keys, so the
Classenti CDP1 would be a much better choice for
your children.
The Classenti also has bigger speakers. This
gives a richer, more realistic piano sound.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham,
We’re still at the research stage, and we probably won’t be ready to buy until the
beginning of the (University) holidays.
Our local shop recommended the Roland F110, however it’s several hundred pounds more
expensive there than on your site.
My partner is tending towards the Yamaha P95 because, with an X stand, it will be easier
to store. I’m not so sure if this will be as good to learn on as a digital piano.
Price-wise we were thinking of around £800. Looking down your top ten list, the Classenti
CDP2 is close enough, but the Yamaha CLPs are currently out of reach.
Regards
Richard
Reply/ Hi Richard
The Roland F110 is marginally better than the
Yamaha P95. It has a nicer, fuller piano sound.
But what lets it down is the lightweight key touch.
The Classenti CDP2 is a superior piano.
With the CDP2 you get the same weight and
resistance of touch as an acoustic piano.
This is really important when learning to play.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham,
We have been looking into digital pianos..
We have 3 sons ages 8, 11, 13. We thought it would be good to get a piano/ keyboard so
the boys can get a feel for creating music, and a basic grounding in piano.
For this reason we like the idea of a digital piano / keyboard.
Here are the ones we have been looking at:
Casio Priva PX330
Casio Celviano AP620
Yamaha Arias YDP V240
Here are some of the things we would like:
Weighted keys.
Touch sensitive keys
Full range of keys (88)
Good piano sound.
Transpose music
Good speakers
Proper frame
MID – so we can do music work on computer and transfer it, and also
record
music on piano
and then play with it on computer..
GM sound bank.
What is your opinion on the 3 we have chosen? do you suggest something else?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Wendy
Reply/ Hi Wendy
The Casio AP620 and Yamaha YDP-V240 are similar
pianos.
The Casio PX330 is quite basic.
But you’ve chosen pianos that have lots of
bells and whistles, rather than pianos that
have less features with a better sound and feel.
Based on your list of ‘wants’ you would be
better off going for a digital piano that
performs better.
I recommend these two:
Yamaha CLP320
Classenti CDP1
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham,
Thank you so much for your help and advice so far. As you may be able to tell, I am blown away by choice for a digital piano. My budget now goes up to 2500 or maybe a little more. Can you recommend any pianos for their sound and touch within this budget?
Thanks
Reply/ Hi Joanne
With a budget of £2500 you could get a decent
upright piano… or an upright piano with
the ‘silent feature’ for around £3,500.
I don’t recommend spending more than £1,500
on a digital piano.
The Yamaha CLP340 is the best value for money.
You get a very clear, rich piano sound. The
key touch is fully-weighted and responsive too.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Further question/
Thanks Graham. When you say an upright with silent feature, are you talking about the damper pedal? Or is this something completely different?! My problem with an upright, as much as that would be my dream, is I have a terraced house and my neighbours would end up hating me I’m sure!!
Thanks
Hi Joanne
Classenti make an upright piano that can
also be played through headphones.
It is a real, acoustic piano in every way.
It has a switch that converts it to digital…
So you can choose whether to play it as an
upright, or through headphones so nobody
can hear you.
You can read more about it here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/classenti-up-112-polished-ebony
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi,
I’ve only just started learning piano and I’ve been using your guides for a while to look at getting a digital piano. I have my heart set on a Kawai CN32 (I’m not totally adamant about the decision, but it’s one I’ve tried out and quite like so I thought I would go with it).
I spoke to a local retailer about buying the CN32 from him and their price was about £1300, however I have found it from the Thomann website link on your site for £813 which includes a chair and headphones.
When I spoke to the local retailer, he seemed to add the fact that the piano they were selling was a ‘British’ one. I’ve had a look around on the internet to see if there are any differences between ones that might be British and ones that aren’t.
I was just wondering if you knew of any significant differences that might be between a specifically ‘British’ one, or one that I could get for quite a bit less from Thomann which might not be from the same place but is the same model.
Thanks very much,
Josie
Reply/ Hi Josie
The Kawai CN32 that’s sold in the UK is exactly the same
Kawai CN32 that’s sold by Thomann.
It’s not a British piano anyway. Kawai digital pianos
are made in Indonesia.
I recommend buying the CN32 from Thomann. They give
you a 3 year warranty. What’s more, the delivery is free.
Their warranty covers all parts and labour. They also
come to your home if anything needs fixing.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham,
I am getting closer to making a decision. Info on your website is very useful. Have read your “7 things…” and reviews.
Think I have narrowed down to Yamaha CLP320 v Classenti CDP2.
I am planning to put the piano in the lounge, so will need to be able to play with headphones on whilst others in the room are watching television or reading etc. I read a review about the Yamaha which suggested that the keyboard is noisy. Can you advise if there is a discernable difference between the 2 with respect to the keyboard noise when the volume is low/off.
Thanks in advance.
Andy
Reply/ Hi Andy
All digital pianos have some degree of key
noise. It is usually more when the key
returns.
Yamaha, Classenti, Roland, and Kawai all
have a similar level of noise. Lesser
known makes tend to have very noisy keys.
Even acoustic pianos have some noise when
the key returns. But you don’t hear this
noise because the piano’s sound hides it.
The Classenti CDP2 has a heavier weighting
to its keys. This is advantageous if you
plan to play a real piano at a later time.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Mr. Howard,
I came to your site and I am delighted in seeing good informations offered.
I am planning to buy a digital piano. I plan to use it with a studio headphone, and I’ll use it for MIDI input to computer, too. Which mean, I won’t use the built-in speaker.
What I have in mind is a digital piano which, 1. Offer great touch response (more to heavy touch of full size grand piano, preferred).
2. Great sound sample from the line out (not the built in speaker).
3. Midi connectivity.
I eyed on KORG SP250 and Classenti P1 on your site (because a budget of €700).
Can you share me some advice or opinions?
Thanks in advance,
Benedict
Reply/ Hi Benedict
Well, if you want your digital piano to
FEEL like an acoustic grand piano then
the Classenti would certainly be better
for you than the Korg.
But, having said that, the Korg does have
a very good piano sound. A little fuller
than the Classenti P1.
The Classenti P1 is so hard to get hold of
at the moment. There’s a lot of demand for
it. If you’re in no hurry then you could
call us to reserve one for October delivery.
Otherwise, if you need a piano more urgently
then the Korg would also be a good choice.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Graham,
Thank you so much for all the information in your book as well as on your website. I do have a couple of questions, if you don’t mind.
I do not play the piano much so this purchase isn’t primarily for me. I took lessons as a child and my grandmother bought me a used Acrosonic that is at my parents’ home 600 miles away — they have left it in an outdoor shed for years, unknown to me. I am too afraid of the condition it is in now.
Also, my grandmother is 98 years old and a very accomplished pianist and musician. A very gifted one – plays by ear, transposes on the fly. She has a baby grand Conover that was handbuilt in 1928. It is in need of being rebuilt yet we don’t have the funds to do that for her. She still lives alone and plays every day, but complains about the sound. And it is bad… I will have that piano one day but don’t know when I will be able to afford to have it rebuilt. Which I will do some day – it is a priceless family heirloom.
In addition, my 8-year-old son is in his 3rd year of piano lessons – and is showing signs of being just as gifted of a musician as my grandmother. He is learning to read music through his lessons, but he can also play by ear extremely well. The piano, the recorder, any flute-like instrument he picks up, harmonica, etc. He will be starting violin after Christmas. He’s a true natural. He has been playing on a portable keyboard (not full length) of mine that is about 12 years old.
In the meantime, I’ve changed plans.
I’d like to buy both my son and my grandmother a digital piano. But I cannot afford two “nice” ones. We have explained to our son that we will get my grandmother the nice piano with the console such as the YDP-161 and get him something that “will do” for now, such as the Yamaha P95B. My grandmother is doing very well to be 98, but in reality she doesn’t have many years left: we can get the other piano back from her when it’s our time to have it. I figure she deserves the nicer one in her final years – after all, she is a much better musician than my 8-year-old son.
But now you have put a wrench in those plans – ha ha! With all the talk of the Classenti, I wonder if I should get my grandmother a CDP2 and my son a P1? Given the fact that I cannot listen to nor play the Classenti before purchasing them, I have no idea how they compare to a Yamaha. Would the CDP2 and P1 be comparable respectively to the YDP161 and the P95B?
Any advice?
Thank you so much,
Maria
Reply/ Hi Maria
The Classenti P1 is a similar price to the
Yamaha P95. But it is a much better piano…
With the Classenti you get a weightier, firmer
key touch. It feels much nicer to play.
The speakers are a total of 20 watts compared
to Yamaha’s 12 watts. The extra power you get,
and a total of 4 speakers versus Yamaha’s
two, makes the Classenti sound fuller, more
vibrant, and a lot less electronic than the
Yamaha.
The Classenti CDP1 would would be a closer
comparison against the Yamaha YDP161.
Again, the key touch is firmer. But there
isn’t a big difference this time.
The sound is good on both the CDP1 and YDP161.
Again, not a great deal to choose between
these two models.
The Classenti CDP2 has a warmer, more resonant
sound than the CDP1 and YDP161. It sounds
much closer to a real piano.
To summarise:
For your grandmother, the Yamaha YDP161 or
Classenti CDP1, or better still, the CDP2,
would all be good choices.
The P1 would be good for your son to learn
and progress on. But, the CDP1 would be
better for him because:
It has a slightly deeper piano sound
3 pedals
A stronger, more sturdy base
You can call me on 020 8367 2080 if you’d
like more information.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Thanks for the valuable insight you provide to the community”
hi Graham, I have found your guides very interesting indeed, particularly as I am a novice on the piano, especially on digital ones.
It’s taken me quite a while to form and idea of what I might like, and I’ve set my eyes on a Roland RD700NX. truth is that that keyboard is rather expensive, considering I’m a sort of beginner, however I didn’t want to spend 500 euros and then have to change the keyboard a couple of years down the line…
I’m still making my mind up. I’d thought of getting the Yamaha CP5, however it seems that yamaha is not what it used to be, and it compares quite low against the roland rd700nx.
I have found a roland rd700nx for 2100 euros, and there’s quite a bit of money to be saved since it usually retails for 2400 euros on avarage.
here is my story graham. sooner or later i will go and test that roland and i’ll be able to tell you more.
thanks for the valuable insight you provide to the community.
have a good day
Luca
“Diginova Piano Pedal Problem”
Hi Graham
I, and several others are responsible for the music at a church in Epsom.
We need to upgrade our old clavinova and are searching for advice. The piano needs to have pretty good sound as we need to accompany up to 200 people singing lustily. We thought 60w x 2 output should be adequate.
We had settled on the clp270 but it is a difficult model to find. I wonder if you could help us at all, bearing in mind a budget of about £2000.
Thanks, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Henrietta
Hi Henrietta
The Yamaha CLP340 would be a good one to go for…
Although the speakers are only 2 x 40 watts,
the sound quality is superb. It should give
you enough volume to accompany 200 people singing.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi
I would appreciate it if you could give me any advice on why the pedals on my diginova piano no longer work?
They have been working perfectly until I recently moved the piano (only be about a foot or so) then back again. I have checked the pedal connection and the pedal input at the back is in correctly but I cant see if it has come loose underneath? Is it possible it has come loose or is it a solid connection. It feels connected when I slip my fingers underneath?
Any advice would be appreciated.
If an expert is needed to repair it, do you know approximately how much that would cost?
Thank you
Karen Andrews
Reply/ Hi Karen
Have you checked to see if the pedal cable
is properly fixed to the piano?
If it is then there is likely a problem with either
the pedal circuit board or the wires inside the
pedal unit.
I advise getting a digital piano technician to
take a look at it.
It could cost between £50 – £150 to sort out
depending on the problem, of course.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hello Graham
I found a store that sells the Yamaha P155, but also the Yamaha P85 for
half the price. Is this latter model a quality alternative? Also, I saw another
store that sells the Roland FP-4 and the Casio CDP 200R. How do these
measure up in your opinion?
Regards, Tal
Reply/ Hi Tal
The P155 is a much better piano than the P85.
Yamaha designed the P85 for mostly beginners.
It doesn’t have the same clear tone as the
P155, and the touch is not so realistic either.
The Roland FP4 is definitely worth considering
against the P155.
They are both excellent portable pianos and
you should choose the one that you prefer.
Another one to throw into the equation is
the Kawai ES6. You should try this one out
if you get the chance. But, again it comes
down to your personal preferrence on this
one too.
The Casio AP200 is not a portable piano.
It’s designed to be kept mostly in one
place in your home.
Usually, digital pianos that have fixed stands
outperform their portable equivalents. But
the AP200 is inferior to the FP4, P155 and ES6…
The AP200 has only 2 x 8 watt speakers which
results in a thin, weak sound.
Let me know if you need more help choosing your
digital piano. You can call me on 020 8367 2080.
I’d be happy to help you.
Have you read my latest report: “7 Things You MUST Know Before
You Buy A Digital Piano”?…
The information in this report will help you decide on the
right piano.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Dear Graham, First of all many,many thanks for your invaluable book. I have
missed my old iron frame upright so much since moving from a Victorian
Rectory to a tiny retirement home. A Yamaha keyboard has kept me sane,but,
although I’ll never I fear be better than a good “Intermediate” ( “Advanced
on a good day)
I spend many hours playing and am finding the lack of response in the keys so
frustrating. Your comments about weight, touch sensitivity, etc, are very helpful.
I am looking for a digital piano without frills really, most concerned about
the action and response, something to replace my much-loved upright ( still
in use in my son’s home I’m happy to say.) Also something that
won’t disturb the neighbours!
My budget is limited C£5-600. The Classenti range appeal but might the
weighting be too heavy? The thing that annoys me most is not being able to
get light and shade by pressing the keys lightly or heavily – I don’t think
that’s very technichal but is the only way I can describe it. Hope it makes
some sense to you!
I would be very grateful for any suggestions you could make.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely
Pam
Reply/ Hi Pam
The Classenti CDP1 sounds like it will be
ideal for you.
Its key touch is described as ‘heavy-weighted’,
but it has exactly the same weight of touch
and resistance as an acoustic piano. So this
will be fairly easy for you to get used to.
The Classenti doesn’t have many extra features.
It is mainly a piano. This is where Classenti
have concentrated their efforts: sound and feel
– not bells and whistles.
You can call me on 020 8367 2080 if you would
like to go ahead and order one.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hello Graham,
After receiving your e-mail re: rent to buy, I have become interested in
the Classenti CDP3. This piano is a little more expensive than what I
wanted originally, but the buy to rent option has made me think twice
about this.
The reason being that my purchase is for long term and this digital
piano looks very much like a real one. I think that I would be
purchasing a more realistic looking piano later and would prefer to
purchase this now. Looking at the reviews, your book -“7 Things you must
know before you buy a digital piano” I see that the Classenti range
rates in the top 5 mostly.
Can you give myself any further good reasons why I should but the
Classenti CDP3 over a Yamaha, Yamaha was my first choice?
Many Thanks
Alistair
Reply/ Hi Alistair
The Classenti CDP3 would certainly be a very
good choice…
It has an exceptionally clean, pure piano tone.
And the key weight is the same as an upright piano.
As you pointed out, it also looks the part!
The equivalent in the Yamaha range (CLP-S306) costs
almost twice the price. And there’s nothing
spectacularly better that’s worth paying more for.
The 5 year Classenti warranty is also worth having.
You will be covered for all parts and labour, and
a home visit by our technician, with no cost to
you whatsoever.
We also offer a generous upgrade from the CDP3 to
the Classenti upright piano (UP-112) if you decide
to take advantage of this at a later date.
You can call me on 020 8367 2080 if you’d like
more information, or you’d like to place an order.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
“Casio AP620 or a Yamaha YDP135?”
Dear Graham
I have really enjoyed reading your ‘7 things you must know’ guide and wondered if you had to choose between a Casio AP620 and a Yamaha YDP135 which would you go for and why?
I was trained up to grade 6 when I was a teenager (around 20+ years ago now) and would like to purchase an electric piano to entertain myself from time to time. I really don’t get on with electric keyboards, so I know I need weighted keys. If you have any other suggestions than the two I’ve mentioned above, please do let me know. I have a budget of up to around £800.
Many thanks
Stephen
Reply/ Hi Stephen
The Casio AP620 and Yamaha YDP135 have a similar
quality keyboard. So the key touch is equally good.
The AP620 has a better sound though. It has more
depth and resonance to it.
You can get more information by reading the ‘Howard Score’.
This is a rating system for digital pianos:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/the-howard-score
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham,
I downloaded your digital piano guide a couple of weeks ago and I was thrilled to see just how informative it truly is! I would also like to say thank you for all your regular email newsletters addressing concerns I may have, which are great as they bring to attention potential issues I may not have initially considered before.
As I am emailing you, you probably already gathered that I would like some of your expert advice in helping me make that all important decision on what my first ever piano should be – eek!
I have decided that I would definitely prefer a digital piano over an acoustic firstly for the reason of practicality. I am currently living with my parents and they have told me that if I did have a piano it would have to go in my room (which I would prefer anyway), but due to the excessive weight of an acoustic piano they are worried that it would be too much for my bedroom floor to withstand.
As well as that I am 21 so I have been moving around a lot over recent years with going to university, and should all go to plan I will in fact be leaving home again to complete a masters and I would be wanting to take my piano with me – I’ll quickly add that no one else in my family is even remotely musical, so the thought of it being sat at home for months on end gathering dust just depresses me.
You might be thinking that a stage piano would perhaps be better suited for me as I appear to be quite mobile at the moment, but I hope now not to move around so much that I would resort to having to dismantle it constantly; and when there are such impressive looking digital pianos, such as the classentis and yamahas, it would be worth the labour of having to set it up frequently!
The second reason I would choose a digital is the lack of maintenance it will require in the future as obviously with acoustic ones you have the concern of wood, and I wouldn’t have to worry about tuning the damn thing at an enormous expense.
As I am 21, I know for absolutely certain that I do want a piano of some description and hope to be involved with pianos for the rest of my life. Music has been my life ever since I was 10 years old and I have just completed a music degree at university with the hope of doing a Masters in performance.
My main instrument is the clarinet, but I have wanted a piano for years and throughout that time until now my parents have been adamant that there simply just isn’t room in the house, and because we had barely heard of digital pianos at that time, we just resided ourselves to the fact that it would almost certainly have had to have been an acoustic one and so my parents wouldn’t commit to purchasing one.
As I know that I want a piano due to my musical experience I would want a piano that would last me a very good amount of time, meaning I wouldn’t have the thought of having to purchase another one a few years down the line, but as I am a student price would be a concern. I have made my parents aware that this would an expensive purchase but we really don’t want to go above – or, preferably, particularly near – the £1000.00 mark.
So having read all of this, can you perhaps suggest 3 or 4 digital pianos that you would recommend for all of my above criteria if you please? So, as a quick recap, I would be after a digital piano that would likely last me a good length time as I know – despite the fact I am a beginner – that this will be a lifelong purchase for me. And ideally I would like a digital piano that is still very good quality without the thought of the enormous expense.
Thank you very much for reading my, effectively, short novel and I hope you can assist me in the way you have assisted others – in a considerate yet professional manner.
Regards,
Phil Canton
Reply/ Hi Phil
Here is my recommended short list of pianos
for you at the £1,000 mark or below:
Classenti CDP2
Kawai CN23 (slightly over £1,000)
Yamaha YDP161
There is little to choose between them in
quality of piano sound.
Build quality and reliability is also good,
but the Yamaha comes out on top.
The heaviest/firmest key touch belongs to
the Classenti. Then the Yamaha.
But the difference is only slight.
As an all round piano (taking all aspects into
consideration) I recommend the Classenti CDP2.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham,
Your book is very helpful, but I am still going through it.
I am learning to play the piano on a beautiful grand piano at my tutor’s place, but when I get home I only have a small
keyboard which does not have much functionality.
I have been taking lessons for 9 months and really enjoy them, so before I get too far I would like to get something
which will get as close to the sound and functions of the ‘grand’ as is possible whilst being within a price range
of around £500 pounds.
Regards,
David
Reply/ Hi David
Two pianos you should consider are the Classenti
CDP1 and P1.
Here’s the differences:
** P1 **
~ Brighter sound than CDP1
~ Can be used with or without a stand
(Speakers are built in to keyboard section)
~ Lightweight Base (wooden stand)
~ 1 pedal
~ 4 x 5 watt speakers (20 watts total)
~ 127cm length (Space saver!)
~ 34cm depth (takes up less room)
~ Weight 23kg (28kg together with stand)
~ £120 less than the CDP1
** CDP1 **
~ Warmer sound than P1
~ Can’t be used without stand
(Speakers are built-in to wooden stand)
~ Strong, stable base (wooden stand)
~ 3 pedals
~ 2 x 15 watt speakers (30 watts total)
~ 133cm length
~ 36cm depth
~ Weight 45kg
~ Slightly larger music desk
Overall the CDP1 is performs closer to a
grand piano. This is mainly due to its
larger speakers.
Another feature of the CDP1 worth noting is
its sturdier stand. If you intend using your
piano mainly in your home then the sturdy
base would better for you.
The three pedals of the CDP1 would also come
in useful for playing grade 6 level pieces
and above.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham,
Thanks for the piano buyer’s guide which I must confess I have only read the
firstcouple of pages so far.
My wife found the article as we have been discussing buying a piano for
our 5 year old son to begin learning on and also for me to improve my
keyboard playing skills to help in my writing of electronic music and of
course my overall music knowledge. I still have the printed out guide
in the back of my car but will pass onto my wife one day this week so we
can both look into it more together.
One question we have asked ourselves a couple of times recently is
whether, with our son only being 5, we should be purchasing a full size
piano or a reduced size to suit our son’s small hands? Maybe this is
covered in your guide but if not I thought it worth mentioning.
I will contact you once we have finally got one, which could be several
weeks/months yet but once we do I’ll let you know what we got and why we
got it!
Cheers
Peter
Reply/ Hi Peter
There aren’t any pianos that have smaller keys.
Only keyboards.
It would be best for your son to learn on a piano rather
than a keyboard. This is because the key weight on a
keyboard is too light. It feels nothing like a real piano
and will hinder his progress.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Graham,
Many thanks for your very informative book.
I am leaning toward purchasing one of two digital pianos. It will be either a Yamaha P-155 or a Roland DP-990. While there are many factors to consider between these two, perhaps you can help me decide? Both of these are on the lower end, but that may be ok.
Some information that may help you to suggest one or the other:
– The price issue between the two is not an issue.
– I hear the P-155 is used by some professional musicians as a practice machine.
– The DS-990 (in cherry) is beautiful and, hopefully as good, if not better, than the P-155.
– I have also purchased a Steinway upright (from 1906) and while I’d like these digitals to sound great, almost great will do.
– At 65. I am a rank beginner at piano.
– Intend to learn piano, both classical and popular.
– I have been involved with computers for 40 years and am in the process of figuring out which piano learning software will be best for me.
Regards, Mark
Reply/ Hi Mark
If you’ve been spoiled by a fantastic Steinway piano
then both the Yamaha P-155 and Roland DP-990 will
surely be a bit of a disappointment?
You would be better off with something that feels
and sounds a bit more realistic.
I can suggest the Yamaha CLP-340 or the Classenti CDP2.
The Yamaha is better overall, of course, but both pianos
have a really good piano sound and heavy-weighted
touch. The feel is MUCH closer to your Steinway.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
When I started looking for my piano, I had the following constraints and desires (I have to mention that I’m an absolute beginner and so is my 7 year son):
– Budget. Initially, I was planning to spend around 400 Euro but I had to soon raise it to approx 600 Euro if I wanted to get something decent.
– New. I wanted it to be new not second hand.
– Closest to a real piano, that is weighted keys and 88 touch keys and sound alike.
– Have a stable, solid stand. For many digital pianos, the retailers do not have in stock/do not sell the wooden stand appropriate to it (at least, here, in Romania).
After a lot of research on the internet, I was finally left with 3 choices:
– Casio CDP 100
– Orla Stage Player
– Hemingway DP-201 AT
All were in the planned budget and all met the requirements set above.
Casio CDP-100 seems to be a be very popular model, I found many reviews about it, both with pros and cons which confused me a little. Orla and Hemingway are less popular, and the reviews/comments are scarce.
Finally, I went for Casio CDP100, largely based on your book’s recommendations (7 Things You Must Know before Buying a DP). Your book was of an immense help. It would have been useful for me if your book had also compared different pianos within the same price range (like the one mentioned above, Casio, Orla and Hemingway) but I realize that, in this case, it would have turned into a 300 pages book!
I am very pleased with my new Casio but I’m still not clear on its pluses/advantages over the other 2 models (Orla and Hemingway) that I chose it against. I’d only wished it had a metronome, it’s a bit difficult to figure out the beats in a time signature… To me, that’s the only thing it lacks.
I don’t know if it adds anything valuable, as I said, I am a total beginner and I am not qualified to comment on technical or other such aspects.
Sincerely,
Catalin
Hi Graham
After extensive searching, my short list was: CLP330, CLP340, Roland HP302. And at a
lower budget, the Classenti CDP2 (which, to my untrained fingers, felt far nicer than the
rather light Roland HP201).
After walking from 330 to 302 & being unable to split them (dont know which sound I
prefer, each can sound like the other), I decided the 340 was the easy answer. Ive not
seen one, I’m hoping the more-complex sound & ivory-feel are worth it. ??
Shame I cant have the 302’s “split the keyboard with 2 middle C’s” feature, it makes a
lot of sense to me for playing with the kids.
One answer I didnt find on the internet is: for us gadget nuts, can a PC hookup (USB or
MIDI) sate our desire to sacrifice sound and keyboard for bells and whistles. Clearly
much of the cleverness isnt available from the computer. Im disappointed by the monthly
cost (& the apparent shutting down) of Yamaha’s direct internet service, but I’ve
discovered their drive-your-piano music library & am keen to try it and anything else I
can find. I didn’t find any opinion on the CVP’s guide lights (“press this key next”),
other than they’re not as good as a real teacher (well, obviously).
Colin
Hi Graham
Your book has been most useful. I am looking to replace an old
(virtually) un-tunable upright with something much smaller. I initially
looked at the Clavinovas (320) but having done some research it seems
that the YDP 161 is very similar with the main difference being the
casing, and its much cheaper. I have played a 141 in my local shop and
found it impressive, but the sound rather “muffled”. I gather that the
161 is noticeably better?
What are your thoughts? I am an intermediate – having gained Grade 5
some years ago, I am now returing to play more popular numbers, although
I might well look at classical music again soon. I would also like to
start involving my 2 young childrec (6 and 3) at some point so need to
consider this as well. Finally, as is so often the case, my budget is
limited!
Thanks in anticipation,
Shaun.
Reply/ Hi Shaun
Being grade 5 standard (even if it was a few
years ago) you would appreciate the Yamaha
YDP161 a lot more than the very basic YDP141.
The YDP161 has a better sound than the YDP141.
This is due to its bigger speakers. The key
touch is also more realistic.
Another piano you might consider is the
Classenti CDP1.
This is a similar set up to the YDP161. But
the key touch is slightly heavier and firmer.
It feels closer to playing a real piano.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham
I am a feeling a bit guilty about not buying from you but I was on a budget and your
web prices were a smidgeon higher than I paid. However the effort you put into your
business indicates you are more than a piano salesman and obviously are obsessed
with them! Your info at the early stage was very helpful and I can only thank you
for this.
When I buy my next “proper job” we will talk again!
Colin Cook
I got my piano 2 days ago: Yamaha CLP 340. There were many reasons I have chosen it:
– a friend of mine also bought it few months ago, I could try it in her house in liberty.
(I could not play all pianos in the shops freely, which I needed to really feel & decide)
– I read your 7 things you must know before buying a digital piano I also read the
web page about your evaluation
( www.ukpianos.co.uk/digital-pianos-which-brand-should-i-buy)
There were few facts which affected me from these 2: – Yamaha was the 1st place producer
– Yamaha had the highest touch and sound evaluations, these two were key points for my decision.
– Then I went to a Yamaha shop and tried Arius series (indeed I was inclined to spend ~1,000 euro
as I am a beginner); but I found their sound not good and the touch was “plastic” to me
– Then I went to a Kawai shop and tried few models, the only thing I liked was CA 91;
the rest I tried was again very plastic and the sound was not good. Plus they were expensive
for that sound-touch combination (obviously that was for my personal taste, though it can be immature).
– One of the sales person a shop made a statement, which made me give my decision:
he said both Yamaha & Kawai are good; and very widely common. I need to select the piano
which I like the sound & touch; otherwise I’ll not enjoy playing it; and then I’ll stop playing it
– I saw that CLP 340 was by far the cheapest one in your top 10 piano list (top 20 piano
over £1,000 – page 50)
– I didn’t want to consider too expensive options like CVP series, as I don’t know if I’ll play
piano for long years, and technology evolves fast; better models are produced with cheap price
tag few years
– I went thru a comparison page for CLP series models, I wanted a GH3;
– CLP 380 was too expensive, it was out of list
– CLP 330 was very close ( price-wise) to CLP 340
– CLP 370 was 400-500 euro more expensive and possibly would be too much for me, both for
price and also about quality for a beginner; hence I decided for CLP 340.
Plus I really liked its synthetic ivory keytops.
– CLP 340 had many other nice things which I don’t use now but will need/understand in near future
such as transpose, reverb, midi in/out, … I would not select this model due to these only, but the fact that
it has those were plus
– It’s not very common to find second hand digital piano in Turkey; I didn’t want to risk as models get
obsolete (e.g. Yamaha 200 series are not sold any more, and possibly their spare parts might not be
easily available in case something breaks). I wanted to be covered for few years for possible technical issues.
– I would like a lot if we had rent-to-buy options in the country for digital pianos; but I could not find any.
I’m quite happy with my brand new piano. It’s great to have it at home so I can practice whenever I like;
it was not possible to proceed learning without one at home.
Thanks again – your openly shared experience helped me deeply!
Kind regards
Sebnem Akyildiz, Turkey
Thank you Graham. I found your book of choosing a digital piano very useful. But now I am concerned about which digital piano we would need.
I am Chairman of the Trustees of a new Community Centre in Angmering, West Sussex. We are trying to apply for funding for equipment – and I need to cost out a piano on our “Wish List”.
The Main Hall is 56ft by 51ft (17m x 15.5m). Looking through your information it looks as if we would need something capable of 2 x 40 watts output – and they look very expensive.
Could you help me here? What should we be looking at?
There is no point buying something that wouldn’t be heard.Total waste of money. Perhaps we could go for a good second hand one if we knew what we were looking for.
I’ve been told (by a piano tuner) that with underfloor heating we would be better off with a digital piano which wouldn’t be going out of tune all the time.
I would appreciate any advice you can give.
Many thanks
Val Jerram
Reply/ Hi Val
The Yamaha CLP340 would be a good choice, but I suspect,
from what you say, is more than your intended budget.
So, keeping it under £1,000 you would be best off
with a Classenti CDP2.
The speaker wattage is 2 x 20 watts. This would
probably be adequate, but if you need more volume
you can always connect it up to an external amp.
The next model up, Classenti CDP3, offers 2 x 30
watts. This would certainly be enough for this
size of hall. This comes in at £1,200.
Is this too much?
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hello Graham,
Went to a piano shop in Dublin yesterday and the salesman really pushed
the Kawai CN32 as the “best digital piano he had ever heard”.
According to him the Yamaha CLP330 was not worth considering even
though he had one in the shop, which was strange! He ranted on about
the fact that it had 128 levels of touch and the chip sound was based
on the top of the range Kawai grand piano. Also the build quality was
far superior.
Something is odd here.
Jackie
Hello Graham,
Are you familiar with the Kingston BP-890 digital Piano?
I am looking for a digital piano under $1000 and found this one on the Costco.ca site. (CANADA)
Thank you for your reply and information on the website. It has been most helpful.
Janet, Canada
Reply/ Hi Janet
Yes, I am familiar with the Kingston digital piano.
Kingston is made in China and you can find this piano
in other Countries under many different brand names.
It is a VERY basic piano. I advise going for something
a bit better.
The Yamaha YDP141 would be a better choice.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
UK Pianos
Hi Graham,
Thanks for your useful book which has finally made up my mind to buy a digital piano. I
was already aiming for purchasing a Yamaha Clavinova having heard and played a little on
a friend’s daughter’s CVP model (not sure which one though).
I currently own an ancient Dale Forte upright piano (c. 1920s) which has been tuned
regularly for the last 20+ years but is now only holding it’s pitch for only a matter of
a few weeks after the last 2 tunings. So I think now it’s time for a change and since I
welcome the idea of no further tuning and practising silently then I thought a digital
piano would be a good idea and also something to add an extra dimension to my hobby.
I’ve got a rudimentary knowledge of music – having had several years of lessons as a
child but never taken any exams and now aged 52 play for my own pleasure and can tackle
stuff like Moonlight Sonata and Scott Joplin’s ragtime but not to any accomplished
standard! I need to practise regularly to retain my moderate tunefulness but would enjoy
being able to keep this as private as possible until happy with the results so headphones
seem an ideal solution.
Your recommendations about avoiding the CVP models and not paying more for ‘non-piano’
gimmicks (which would in my case be used very infrequently) rang true. I have therefore
narrowed my choice down to 2 models – the CLP330 or CLP340. I’m not too sure whether the
extra cash for the 340 is worth it but the GH3 vs GH function alone seems worth having
being used to a real piano for so many years. What do you think? I’m quite happy to spend
more if necessary but feel that paying any more for a higher spec model might be wasted
on me.
I’m hoping to try one (and buy if I like it) at Cranes Music in Worcester in the next few
weeks as I have some time off work. They are my nearest local stockist and have been
in business for 35 years so must be doing something right!
Thanks again for your excellent information and for whetting my appetite for a new
direction in my leisure time.
Cheers
Pete
Hi Graham
I would just like to say a big ‘thank you’ for your speedy and very helpful
response to my questions re: digital piano purchase. The help you give,
especially to novice’s like myself, is second to none.
Once again thank you very much.
Kind regards
Derek Clark
Hi Graham
Thanks for your answer, nice reading from you.
Actually I found out that the gear4music was sort of local to me so I came down to check out the forementioned pianos… yes you’re dead right they are extremely basic.
Was good to go and try the pianos myself as it made me realise what I was really after: a good piano touch i.e. fully-weighted keys indeed and a good piano sound (silly me, with 25+ years playing what was I expecting).
Not a massive choice there although some good ones displayed, and eventually I went for Casio’s Privia PX-830 model. Sober and compact design, good sound, good feeling, it fitted the bill very well. I was hesitating between the PX-130 and the PX-730 models at first but to my surprise neither of them had a Line out which was a killer to me so I went for the PX-830.
Looks close to the Classenti CDP1 by the look of it but no regrets they did not sell this brand.
Also not quite the budget I had envisaged prior to my investigations – though I got it for £680 – but things come at a price don’t they…
Anyway I have to say I am really pleased with this one and my wife Fred too is delighted she was getting me a very nice digital piano!
Thanks for your advice again,
Yours,
Xavier
Dear Graham,
I found your “7 Things You MUST Know Before Buying A Digital Piano” very informative. I am a 28 year old pianist, but also a great fan of technology. I believe that sometime the clavinovas will actually be better than acoustic pianos.
However currently one aspect of them is very disappointing to me and does not let me to pursuit them. That is the sound creation in relation of the characteristics of the hammer’s movement. I did not express myself in such a complicated way unintended. Let me explain:
It is a common misunderstanding in MY opinion, that the speed of which the hammer hits the sting only matters (by the way, STILL, the most expensive Yamahas, distinguish between 5 speeds only – I would expect 50 something….) – back to the original point – it is also the acceleration of the hammer which matters and the accelerations acceleration…. the accelerations accelerations acceleration and so on. That is called producing different COLORS. This is one of the main elements in how one expresses itself at the piano next to rhythm, agogic and so forth…
That is why playing with whole arm versus fingers only… are the fingers straight or curved…any tensions while playing… that all makes the piano sound different because of all the movement characteristics.
The digital piano should measure the key or hammer in at least 3 or more positions on the way down and be able to produce the right volume and color accordingly. Currently they don’t do it, only measure the end speed and even so only 5 steps??? That makes the instrument close to dead to me.
Many of the secrets of how to produce good sound at the piano useless on this instrument today.
Therefore I cannot pursuit the digital pianos until they have gone through this stage for me.
As I said, I think that someday they can even exceed the acoustic pianos, as they are also mechanical machines and not perfect, also in color reproduction.
Also the digital pianos can have different sounds of different instruments, they could have different tuning systems in ALL keys, which they don’t currently (I would welcome it).
Also the acoustic piano has faults in mechanics when they key goes down very slowly… this could be fixed in digital pianos – there I certainly agree with You.
Greetings,
Margus
Reply/ Hi Margus
Maybe one day digital pianos will be like this?
If Yamaha don’t do it then there’s a high probability
Classenti will. They’ve got some of the best technicians
in the business working on many of the things you mentioned.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hello Graham,
My daughter Jessica is going to do a grade 5 piano exam very shortly. She is taught on an acoustic piano once a week but comes home to practice on a Yamaha PSR 225 keyboard (a number of years old) 36 unweighted keys.
I would like now to buy her a 88 key digital piano. Unfortunately we will have to have it in an upstairs spare room therefore this rules out buying or hiring an acoustic piano. I have been considering a Casio PX720, as it is quite compact. Would this be suitable for her level and possibly beyond. She is 15 years old and seems to be enjoying her piano playing more than ever.
I do not see any reason why she should not continue to improve. Therefore I would not want to spend money now only to find that she outgrows the new piano. I would be willing to go a step further and buy a more advanced piano if there was to be a notable difference in quality. Please can you advise?
Best Regards
David A Matthews
Reply/ Hi David
Your daughter is clearly very talented to have got up to grade 5 by
practicing on a tiny keyboard — amazing!
She deserves now to have a decent digital piano.
I’m glad that you asked me about the Casio PX720 before making
your buying decision…
Here is what I think of the PX720:
The keys are on the light side (which is not good for the strengthening
and co-ordination of the fingers). She will find it very difficult to play
higher level pieces on an acoustic piano if she practices on the PX720,
or any other Casio for that matter.
The sound is weak, and the piano does not have enough power.
If you are attracted to the PX720 because of the price and the compact
cabinet then you should take a look at either the:
Kawai CL36, Classenti CDP1 or Yamaha YDP141.
My personal favourite is the Classenti. You get a really pleasant piano
sound, and a heavyish authentic piano touch –A great all-rounder.
The Yamaha is also very good. The only real problem is the small
speakers (2 x 6 watt). This is not enough to get a decent power.
The Kawai is the cheapest and most compact. The sound is good,
but the touch is a little false and un-realistic.
You can call me on 020 8367 2080 if you would like some more advice.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
More/
Graham, thanks for your very good advice. I will get down to piano business with Jessica and we will do some serious homework in the shopping department. I will not be purchasing for a few weeks yet as I will wait for Jessica’s birthday next month. The Classenti looks beautiful especially in the polished ebony. It would be very advantageous to try before we buy.
Best Regards
David A Matthews
Good morning,
We have a Yamaha clavinova and need to move it fairly frequently. Would we be able to buy castors that could be permanently fitted?
Regards
Carolyn Butterworth
Reply/ Hi Carolyn
We can supply you a set of easy-to-fit castors for your Yamaha Clavinova.
These castors fit all Yamaha digital piano and Clavinova models.
The cost is £185 + £7.99 delivery.
You can call me on 020 8367 2080 if you would like more info.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
I have been looking at the Roland hp 203 how does this compare with the classenti pianos – any advise you could give would be appreciated.
Many thanks
Carol
Reply/ Hi Carol
The Roland is £1306 and the Classenti £599.
The Roland HP103 is a higher spec than the Classenti.
It offers hundreds of sounds, effects, LED display, more
powerful speakers etc.
The sound is also a little better and the touch a little lighter.
But for over £700 more? The difference is certainly not worth
that.
If you need all these ‘gadgets’ then the Classenti is not for
you. But, still the Roland is overpriced. Why not look at the
Yamaha CLP-320, CLP-330, or CLP-340? It is cheaper than the Roland
and offers a more realistic sound and a touch that is second-
to-none.
Going back to the Classenti…
I don’t know what your intended uses are. If you are a
beginner, or you have children that are learning to play,
then the Classenti is an absolute bargain at the moment…
The sound is definitely good enough and the touch – although
a little on the heavy side – is actually a good thing to have
for all learners.
Let me know if you need more information.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Further comments/
Thank you so much for your reply.
What you have said has been very useful. I learnt to play about 30 years ago and have just gone back to it a much more enthusiastic adult than I was a child! Hence I am looking for an instrument that will take me back as a learner but also right through the grades and as a competent player. In short I want an instrument that will last me for a number of years as I don’t intend to change in a few years time.
Sound is really important to me and also the weight of the keys as my tutor uses a grand piano, at the moment I am using my daughters Yamaha 205 DX which is sadly lacking in the weight and makes my lessons really poor as I have to adjust to the different weight. I really am not interested in all the extras such as voices etc just to replicate a good piano as much as possible. Also with Classenti being new in this field what would the backup be like?
I have been looking at the Roland 203 and the Clavinova 230 as a comparison, you mention the cheaper Classenti, I gather there is one about £1000 is there any merit in comparing this against the Roland and Yamaha I have mentioned?
Carol
Reply/ Hi Carol
If you buy a Classenti piano from us, you get a 5 year warranty.
This is backed up by us. Don’t worry — we WILL look after you!
You also get a 60 day money back guarantee. So, if you’re not
happy with it (in any way) you can return it for a full refund.
There is no need to go for the CDP3. You are paying more
for the design and instrumental voices. The touch, or sound
is not a great deal better than the CDP1, and, if anything, the
CDP2 has a better sound than the CDP3.
Classenti CDP2 is my recommendation for you.
You can call me on 020 8367 2080 if you need more info.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham
I have just been in a shop near me and looked at a couple of pianos just to get the feel of the different kinds.
They don’t have a great selection bit they do have the Yamaha and I can now see exactly what you mean about
the heavy weighted keys. The YAmaha keys felt like a cheaper keyboard and not at all like an acoustic piano.
Clair
I’m wanting to buy a stage piano type portable piano – as portable as
possible. It would only be to use a piano sound. Used for church use for
playing for groups of 20 to 100 people. I was looking at the Yamaha P85
and P140 and wondered if the difference between these models is worth the
price difference? I also wanted to check that these models could be
plugged into a PA system. If it is plugged into a PA system or amplifier
would the on-board speakers still work. Also how good are the onboard
speakers for use as a stand alone piano?
Would we get a lot more for one of these than something like the Yamaha
NP-30? or is there anything else you would recommend?
Many Thanks
Suzanne
Reply/ Hi Suzanne
The Yamaha P140 is the better of the two. The sound and touch
is more realistic and you will find it more enjoyable to play.
There are no speakers though…
It is best to buy the Roland KC150 keyboard amp to go with the
P140. This way you get enough volume to fill a large room or
hall.
If you connect a digital piano with built-in speakers to an amp,
the keyboard’s speakers cut out. So the sound will only come out
of the amp.
Suzanne, let me know if you need more help choosing your digital piano.
You can call me on 020 8367 2080 if you like. I’ll point you in the
right direction.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Further questions/ I have more! I’m struggling to actually find a shop to play these keyboards in.
As an alternative to the Yamaha P85 I was recommended in a shop the new Casio PX120 – initially I cringed at the idea of a casio fuelled from from 30 11 year olds following the flashing lights together in school music lessons!! But they did have it there to play and I was surprised by how good it sounded, however their Yamaha P85 was broken so I couldn’t compare it.
Have you any opinions on the casio?
I see what you’re saying about the P140. I only really have £650 in my budget, so it might be out of the church price range when you include an amp and stand. Whereas the P85 and PX120 I could squeeze everything in – with that in mind how much difference would the listener notice between them? Bearing in mind we have a main instrument already – Yamaha CVP 480 – this is in the main church and fairly immobile.
This keyboard would be for flexibility – things like, teaching new songs, playing for events in smaller rooms in the building – these range from a hall type room that accommodates up to about 100 (we do have a portable PA system to use in there), and several different smaller rooms ranging from fitting in 10 to 30 people. So obviously I want something good enough but we already have something really good for occasions that need it. I just wondered with a keyboard with speakers on it if we could get away without buying an amp – as I say we have a sound system in the larger rooms and wondered if the speakers may be powerful enough on their own in the small rooms?
Thank you so much!
Suzanne
Reply/ Hi Suzanne
It is a shame that you could not compare the Casio PX120 with
the Yamaha P85… You would have not only felt the difference, but
heard how much better the Yamaha is.
I understand your church has a budget, but looking at what you are
going to be using the piano for, the Yamaha P140 is really the best
choice.
Built-in speakers just don’t give anywhere near enough volume.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham,
I read your guide for digital piano and I found it very interesting, thanks for your exhaustive work.
I’m 34 and I’ve just begun to learn piano for two weeks. I’m very motivated and I want to invest in a very good and nice digital piano.
Before reading your guide, my choice was something between the yamaha clp s306, the Kawai ca63 or 93 and the Roland lx10 (even if this one is a little bit more expensive…).
Having read your guide, in spite of your interesting warnings about how unusefull are some expensive features, I would make my choice on the clp s306 because you ranked it pretty high and it combines all the features I’m looking for : very performant, nice and yamaha know-how.
The problem is that I discovered in your guide the Classenti CDP3 that I had never heard before (I’m French and I live in France maybe that’s why) and this one seems to be great, sound very close to a real piano, nice shape with polished surface and above all a way less expensive than the yamaha !
I would be very interesting in this one but as I’m not in UK, I feel it risky to purchase because of the shipment, the warranty and so on.
Anyway, thanks again for your great work.
All my regards,
Anthony Maignal
From Valence, France
Hi Graham
Subsequent to the below email I sent you a note saying I’d fallen in love with the CLP 380, to which you suggested looking out for a CLP 280 2nd hand which would enable me to get a similar instrument to the 380 but within my sub-£2k price range.
Well in the intervening 4 months I’ve scoured the internet for second hand 280s and have only found one, it was offered by Bonners at £2k, which is an extraordinary price given they were selling new online for 2,100 before the 380 came out! As I’m still saving I wasn’t able to buy it but I’m also now having second thought about thwther I’m right to be focused on the 280.
I’m starting to wonder whether I might not be better off buying a new CLP 340 rather than waiting for a reasonably priced CLP 280 to come onto the market. Problem is, I can’t compare the two instruments as I have never even seen a 280, I’m purely going on your recommendation based on my preference for the 380 over the 340. But maybe I’m being unrealistic and should just plump for the 340 and be done with it.
Your thoughts would be appreciated as you can see I’m in a bit of a quandary!
Many thanks
Sam
Reply/ Hi Sam
The CLP380 doesn’t offer much more in quality of
sound and touch than the CLP340.
I would stick with the CLP340. It’s a great piano!
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
UK Pianos
Hi
Can you suggest a keyboard which does not need connecting to an external sound module, i.e. with built in sounds for someone who wants to start learning piano? I need something small(ish) and portable, preferably around £250.00.
Thanks
Lorraine
Reply/ Hi Lorraine
The cheapest digital piano is the Casio PX120. You can
get this for around £400 if you shop around.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham,
Thank you for your email. I have been looking for a digital piano and your email came at just the right time. I would like to ask for your opinion about the new Casio AP200. I am looking to buy this one for myself to replace an Yamaha acoustic U2, and also to teach my 3 year old baby.
I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank you.
Carine
Reply/ Hi Carine
The Casio AP200 is not one I recommend…
The sound is not very good; It is a little on the bright side, and
you can easily hear that it is an electronic piano. The touch is
also un-realistic.
If you are replacing a Yamaha U2, I think you will be disappointed
with the Casio AP200.
My recommendation is either the Yamaha CLP-320, the Classenti
CDP2, or the Roland HP201.
All three pianos have a great sound and realistic touch.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Graham,
I am ready to buy a digital piano (probably Yamaha/Roland) but am finding it difficult to know if one bought in the UK will work in North America (Canada). I don’t want to buy one now to find out that it won’t work when I move in a few months!
Are all Yamaha/Rolands suitable for Canada?
Many thanks,
David.
Reply/ Hi David
All Yamaha and Roland digital pianos bought in the UK will work in America or Canada.
All you will need to buy is a step-up transformer. They cost less than £10.
The step-up transformer converts the voltage from UK 230 volts to US 115 volts.
The cheapest place to buy one is on Amazon
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Further comments/ Graham,
Many thanks. The piano is for my beginner son to practice on (and for me to try and remember how to play!). I have found a Yamaha YDP131 at Reidys (on-line) for £425 which seems to be as good as it gets – unless you know of a better deal?
David.
Hi David
That sounds like a pretty good deal.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham,
I was wondering if you could help me decide between the Yamaha CLP220, and the Classenti digital pianos. Although you say that you are really impressed by the Classenti, it rates lower than casio and roland in your “Which Piano” guide….
I am a professional Violist, and I studied piano as my first instrument until I reached Grade 7. I am intending to give piano lessons to beginners, and would love to play again. unfortunately, due to budget and space issues, I cannot afford a real piano.
I have tried the yamaha, and was impressed by the feel and sound- the 2 most important factors to me as I have access to a studio, and a metronome, but obviously cannot try the Classenti as it is only available online.
Please help!
Thank-you,
Sophie.
Reply/ Hi Sophie
The Yamaha CLP220 has the edge over the Classenti both in
sound and touch.
If you can afford the price tag (around £800) then I recommend to
go for this.
The Classenti CDP1 or CDP2 are very good alternatives. You will
be happy with either.
The CDP2 has got a slightly better sound than the CDP1 and the touch
is similar on both.
You will be more than happy with whichever one of these 3 you choose. .
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham,
I’m looking for an entry level digital piano or keyboard, which has good
key weight, for me to start playing casually again (after 20 years), but
also to allow my son to be familiar with (he’s not even 1 yet!)
Not essential (although interested if they exist) I would also like to try
and get one that is less than 110cm if possible (although I suspect that
they don’t exist otherwise there wouldn’t be enough keys – could you
confirm if that’s true pls)
Budget probably less than £400 but could stretch to £600 if I can persuade
my husband!
Cheers
Yvette
Reply/ Hi Yvette
The Classenti CDP1 is the piano that springs to mind.
It has a very realistic key weight and great sound.
The cabinet is also very compact, so it will take up minimal
space in your room.
Most digital pianos are a similar length (within 2-3 inches of each other).
This is due to the keys being the same width. You don’t really want to
get a piano with less than 88 keys. This would hinder you later.
Let me know if you need more help choosing your digital piano.
You can call me on 020 8367 2080 if you like. I’ll point you in the
right direction.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Dear Graham,
I am 23 years old and I passed Grade 8 piano when I was 18 years old. Since then I have not really played the piano as much as I should have as I have been at university without a piano at my house. I have started a new job and have moved house and I would like to buy a piano to go in this house. I want to focus again on my piano playing so I would like a piano that feels and sounds like a real piano but I am not too worried about having lots of different voices or recording capabilities. I would like it to be digital so that it does not have to be tuned regularly. I am prepared to spend the right amount of money on the right piano!
Please could you advise me on the best piano for these needs in your opinion?
Thank you,
Jenny
Reply/ Hi Jenny
The CLP220 will meet all your needs.
Realistic sound and touch. Just a few extra instrumental voices
and at a reasonable price.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
I used to play the piano but do not have the room in my house for an upright piano. What I was looking for is an electronic / digital piano which can be folded/stored away when not in use, and when in use is on a stand for playing. I want it to as closely resemble a real piano – particularly in terms of the touch. What would you recommend?
Thanks
Kathryn Hargreaves
Reply/ Hi Kathryn
The piano that fits best what you are looking for is the
Yamaha P85.
This is the best value for money portable piano out there.
You get a realistic piano sound and a very good touch.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi,
My daughter has just got a place at Leeds Uni. doing music. She wants an electric piano to take with her; I have seen some on Ebay but I would be grateful for any advice. The ones on ebay are all over the country and no one can give me any idea of the average weight of an electric piano. I need this to give to the couriers when I request a quote for delivery. Can you help please.
Thanks, Rob
Reply/ Hi Rob
The average weight of a portable electric piano
is around 20 kg. A standard digital piano with
fixed stand is around 45 kg.
Be careful if you are buying a secondhand electric
piano from eBay. If there is anything wrong with
it, the cost of repair can be very high.
It is best to buy a new one with a long guarantee.
These are the ones I recommend:
Yamaha P85, Yamaha CLP220
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Further comments/
Hi Graham,
Thanks very much for your answer, as it happens it was not neccessary; I did buy a Yamaha YPP 50 from Ebay for £104. It had a good history from a 100% pos. feedback ebayer. I collected it, met the guy, tried it and my daughter is delighted with it.( did I mention she is doing music at Leeds Uni?) Much as I would have like to have bought her a new one, what with the Uni fees etc. the budget didn’t run to it. You were spot on with the weight.
Thank you again, it’s a great site.
Regards Rob.
Dear Graham,
I am living in Budapest, Hungary for several years. I have played piano for 50 years, and I am of intermediate/early advanced capability. Since we are living in an apartment, I have decided to get a digital piano (altho acoustic pianos are my first love). I have been reading about digital pianos, and came across your article. The Classenti piano sounds like a winner to me–I do not want all those voices, I want the piano to feel and sound like an acoustic, and the price seems right. And, we will probably take the piano back with us whenever we do return to the United States.
But, the question is, how do I get one to Budapest? We do have a car, and I can travel to Vienna (a friend lives there, Osijek, Croatia (another friend), or Prague (no friend) or Bratislava, Slovakia, or Berlin (where we have another friend), but I don’t think I can get to England.
Do you ship? Where can I buy a classenti? I am thinking about a CDP2 model. Do you recommend Classenti pianos so highly that I can buy one without listening to it or playing on one?
Thank you for your time! I really appreciated your article about choosing digital pianos.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Otterness
Reply/
Hi Carolyn
We are not delivering to Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia, Czech
Republic, or Austria at this time.
We do plan to deliver there by September 2008 though.
Sorry we can not be of help right now.
By the way… Yes you can safely order a Classenti digital piano
without having to play one. I am confident the sound and touch
will be to your liking.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Dear Mr Howard,
My 7 year old daughter has just started some piano lessons (it’s 1.5
hour/week during the school days). Currently, she keeps practicing at
home for 15 minutes every day on a small Yamaha keyboard that is
slightly more than a toy. My daughter likes playing the piano and so
far the teacher is happy about her progresses.
I think it’s now time to buy a “real” piano, and I am considering a
digital piano, but there is so much choice that I am totally confused.
The first question I have is: should I look for a good model since the
beginning or should I buy a relatively inexpensive piano first, then
move to a better piano later? Maybe after 3-4 years, my daughter will
give up, so we may decide to sell the piano as a second hand model.
I have looked around and I have found some models that may fit our
needs, but please let us know any comment or suggestion for these or
for other models.
As a piano for beginners, I was considering the Yamaha CLP220. A more
sophisticated choice would have been the Yamaha CLP240 or the Kawai
CA51. The Kawai has attracted my interest because it has wooden keys;
I tried the Kawai in a shop and although I can’t play a piano, I have
experienced myself that there is a difference between the wooden and
the plastic keys. Unfortunately I have not found a store where I could
listen to the sound of these models, but even if we could, none of us
in the family would have been able to really try these models and come
up with a good idea of how they play.
Last point, I read that Yamaha is going to release the new CLP300
model, so all the CLP2XX will be replaced by the new models in July-
August. I think that this means that we may get good prices for the
Yamaha, but also that a CLP3XX would probably retain the value for
longer.
As you can see, I am totally confused and I am scared of taking the
wrong decision. Would you be so kind to give us your opinion?
Kind Regards,
Ivan Zoratti
Reply/ Hi Ivan
The CLP220 is a good choice.
I wouldn’t wait for the new model (CLP320) if it means
delaying your daughter’s progress.
The long term value is not going to make a great difference
if it is a CLP-220 or a CLP-320. It is more the age really.
I see the wooden key feature of the Kawai more as a gimmick.
Personally I do not find any difference in the feel of the
wooden or plastic keys… Maybe only psychologically.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham,
Enjoyed reading all the questions and answers by the way.
Here’s mine…
Looking to replace my Roland RD700SX stage piano.
My shortlist of two are…
Roland RD700GX and Yamaha S90ES.
Primarily for our wedding ceremony music business so quality of pianos /
strings / guitars / woodwind etc etc would be a priority.
Would very much appreciate if you have any opinions ?
Are you able to also suggest best keyboard amp that would produce best
quality sound. Was thinking about Roland KC series, possibly KC150 ?
Anyway, many thanks in advance.
Kind regards,
Graeme
Reply/ Hi Graeme
The Roland RD-700GX is the better piano.
I much prefer the sound and touch over the Yamaha.
You have picked a very good amp to go with that as well.
The KC150 or KC350 are probably the best out there.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham
I have been reading with interest the advice you have given on digital pianos and have tried to purchase a Yamaha CLP220 only to find them out of stock for most on-line shops as they are shortly to be discontinued.
I have been advised by my shop to purchase the new CLP320 but there is a significant difference in price and the price seems to be similar to the older model CLP230. Can you advise which would be the better option? The main thing I am looking for is for the piano to be as close to possible as an accoustic piano as this will be my first digital.
Many thanks
Sarah
Reply/ Hi Sarah
It is worth waiting for the new CLP320. I am not sure
how much more they are going to cost though.
The CLP320 should be available around June/July 2008.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham
I was just on your website and I’m in desperate need of advice on which piano to buy – would you be able to give me some guidance please?
I’m looking for a digital piano for use in a music classroom in a secondary school. It will receive heavy use on a daily basis from students and from teachers, so I need something fairly robust, but still a good quality piano sound/feel as I have some reasonably advanced students that would require it to practise on. It doesn’t need to have particularly flashy functions, but an internal CD player/burner would be useful. It wouldn’t be moved much as it would be based in one room, but some moving is a possibility for the instrument.
I have no fixed budget in mind, I am currently fund-raising to be able to purchase this, and think that around about the £1000 would be a feasible sum.
I would appreciate any advice on makes etc. of digital pianos that you think would be suitable for these playing circumstances in this price range.
Thanks in advance
Nikki
Reply/ Hi Nikki
The Yamaha CLP230 will be the best choice for use in the school.
It has a great sound and touch. You can find many additional features,
and instrumental voices that can be useful for lessons too.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Graham,
Your web site has been very helpful. I wondered if you could please offer some further advice.
Our daughter is 7 and enjoys playing on an old keyboard we have. We are looking to purchase her one of her own. We need something compact as her bedroom is tight on space, possibly something on a collapsible stand but we are looking for a proper piano “feel” not a childs toy. We have no knowledge and would really appreciate any pointers you could offer or suggestions on piano keyboards.
Thanks, Kind regards, Nicola Bond
Reply/ Hi Nicola
Thank you for an excellent question.
There are many parents that are in a similar situation to you… Space is always an issue.
I have yet to see a decent digital piano that comes with a collapsible stand. To get something with a decent enough sound usually requires a separate amplifier. This is clearly not suitable for what you need.
The Yamaha YDP141 or Classenti CDP1 are the pianos you should consider.
They are both compact (but come with a fixed, not collapsible, stand)…
The Classenti has a slightly heavier touch than the Yamaha, which is a good thing. Young fingers need to be strengthened from early on, and your child will find it much easier to transfer to an acoustic piano later in life.
The sound is excellent on both instruments.
If you would like any more help, you can call me on 020 8367 2080.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Good evening,
I wondered if you can help me, I am looking to buy a digital piano… on a tight budget. I am a beginner and have had previously a Casio AP65R… on the whole I thought it was OK – didn’t love the sound of the Piano… but I was attracted to all of the buttons etc.
I have for the last 36 months had a keyboard and I broke my arm severely and lost most of the movement – I have just got the movement back and I am desperate to play the piano again… one for the exercise but 2 because I love to play – badly.
I have narrowed down 2 pianos within my price range and I wondered if I could have some advice on the best piano… its really tricky to find reviews online and I can’t find these models in shops as they are not “top of the range” now so I am unable to try them.
Casio AP80R
Yamaha YDP 131
Thanks for your help in advance.
Kind regards,
David Lynn
Reply/ Hi David
The Casio AP80R is very similar to the AP65 you owned.
The sound is marginally better.
The Yamaha YDP131 has now been replaced by a much better
model, the YDP141. I was never that impressed with the YDP131.
The sound was a little weak and the touch not as you would expect
with a Yamaha… But… The YDP141 is actually rather good.
The sound is mellower and the touch has improved immensely.
Another piano to consider is the Classenti CDP1.
This is a nice, compact piano and has a good touch and realistic
piano sound.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Thanks Graham,
Further comments/
Your website has been a great help! There are just so many choices and it’s hard to make the right decision.
I will have a look at the Piano’s you mentioned and try and shop around for a good price!
Kind regards,
David Lynn
Further questions/
Hi Graham,
Sorry to bother you again, I have been looking out for the Yamaha YDP141 and unfortunately I cannot find one within my budget (apart from www.normans.co.uk who have no stock – and aren’t overly helpful in letting me know if and when they will have more) – I really can’t exceed the £450.00/£499 mark due to recently moving house etc… and I have been given a budget, which I cannot go over!
Which still leaves me with the following “affordable piano’s”
Yamaha YDP131
Casio AP80R
Casio Priva PX800
G4M 8826
Korg SP250
Yamaha YDP S30
Hemingway DP-501
BEHRINGER EG-2080
These are all within budget – but I struggle to know what’s the best choice… Can you highlight any from this list… or rule any out as “not great” any feedback you can give about individual makes etc would be appreciated – I realise this is a small budget, but with your help I am hoping to buy the best I can within the budget!
Thanks in advance for your help!
Kind regards,
David Lynn
Reply/ Hi David
It seems you have too much choice and ultimately are confused.
This happens to almost everyone looking to buy their first piano
on a tight budget.
Let me try and make the choice simple for you.
The Yamaha YDP141 and the Classenti CDP1 are the best pianos —
but, both are over your budget. So lets look at the other pianos on your
‘short’ list.
Forget the Casio AP80 and the PX800. Apart from them both being old
models, the Casio Privia range does not deliver a good enough sound and
the touch is quite poor. The AP80 has many ‘bells and whistles’ which you
are paying money for at the expense of loss of sound quality and touch.
I have not heard any good reviews about the G4M 8826. The G4M JX120
I have yet to test.
The Korg SP250 has a poor action. The keys are not heavy enough and it
feels a litte awkward to play.
The Yamaha YDP-S30 has an un-balanced key weight which you notice
more on the key’s up-stroke. The sound is not as good as other Yamahas
either.
The Hemingway and Behringer I have also not tested yet.
The problem is, most digital pianos under £500 are missing an important
ingredient. If you really must go for one of these and cannot stretch a little more
for the Classenti or the Yamaha, then the AP80 would be the next choice
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Further comments/
Hi Graham,
Yes, I am still looking for a digital piano… I feel like I am losing sleep as I want to make sure I make the right decision – but with my budget I realise I am going to have to compromise.
I am trying to locate a store where I can try the casio AP80, as I am a little dubious as I wasn’t a fan of the AP65. I am still looking for a decent Yamaha within budget – I think I am ruling out the YDP131 because I have heard some disappointing feedback on the piano… plus the speakers seem very low wattage?
I wondered, when are you expecting to receive the Hemingway 500 series??? I have seen the 700 series in polished black… which seems to have EVERYTHING on paper – but of course the sound and touch is so important. But I was thinking if you thought there were some positives to the 500 series… in addition to the price that I would just go ahead with the 700 series as I am sure they could only have improved on the previous model (well, one hopes so).
Keep me posted and thanks for your replies!
Kind regards, David Lynn
Hi,
Can you tell me the difference between GH, GHS, and GHE actions?
I have just ordered a YDP-140 which has GHS keyboards action which I thought would be a better action than the YDP-131 which had a GH action. However, I now see that the YDP-160 (which I assume is the big brother of the 140) has a GH action also. So perhaps GH is better?
I’m confused.
Thanks
Dave Benstead
Reply/ Hi David
The GHS means (Graded Hammer Standard). This type
of action is below the level of the GH (Graded Hammer)
action. It is an entry level key system and doesn’t feel
as nice to play as the GH.
I have tried the new Yamaha YDP-140 and it has a
really nice touch. A lot better than the previous
model (YDP-131).
The YDP160 is a more powerful piano and has the more
advanced touch. It is not available in the UK. Still, it is
better to buy the CLP220 anyway.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Further comments/
Hi Graham,
Does this mean the YDP141 is a lower level action than the YDP131 (which I’m sure the Yamaha site says was a GH action)? This would seem to contradict your experience which suggests the YDP141 feels better.
Is it all fairly academic anyway? This piano is primarily for my 8 year old daughter and I (both novices) as a step up from the keyboard (plastic lightweight not touch sensitive keys) we’re currently using. I just want to be sure I haven’t been short changed by being offered a YDP141 in place of the YDP140 I’d originally ordered.
I had a good look at your website first and was surprised no-one had asked this before as I find Yamaha’s terminology completely bewildering!
Thanks
Dave Benstead
Reply/ Hi Dave
Yamaha’s terminology is very baffling.
Just go for the Yamaha YDP141. It is an improvement on
the YDP140. Your daughter will be happy with this piano.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hello
I read your article on the net where you review digital pianos. I am currently living in Qatar and don’t have the luxury of going from store to store to search for the best piano. There is a Yamaha store here so that is a very likely choice. However, a colleague is selling her Technics digital piano. Do you know anything about this brand?
This piano will mainly be used for my 5 year old daughter as she is starting piano lessons very soon.
Kind Regards
Karli Walsh
Reply/ Hi Karli
Technics used to make nice digital pianos. They stopped production
I think about 3 years ago.
It is safer to buying a new Yamaha rather than a secondhand Technics.
If anything went wrong with the Technics, you might be in for an
expensive repair.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi there
I understand that the sound from the Yamaha P85 is not brilliant. I am used to a Knight K6 which has to go (lack of space in new house).
I have a Marshall MG50DFX, 50W amp. Would it suit the Yamaha P85.
Or would I be better off buying a Roland piano/keyboard. I’m not after gimmicks just a piano- feel keyboard with a realistic piano sound.
Budget up to £1200 but very happy to spend a lot less.
Many thanks
George Phillips
Reply/ Hi George
The Yamaha P85 has in-built speakers, but I assume
you will be using it for gigs, so a decent keyboard amp
is needed.
The Marshall MG50DFX is meant to be used with guitars.
It is unlikely you will get a decent sound out of it if used
with a keyboard or stage piano. At best there will be
some interference.
My recommendation is to go for the Roland KC150.
This delivers around 65 watts of amplification.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Further/
Many thanks for the swift response.
My gigging days are over (a slim chance of stage use). It will be primarily home use. Does that alter your proposal? Presumably 30W would be ample?
I have no objection to your posting the Q and A on your website.
By the way – what’s the difference between a stage piano and a digitla piano?
Cheers
G
Reply/ Hi George
Yes, 30 watts would be enough for home use.
A stage piano is also a digital piano. They are called stage
pianos due to their portability. They are designed primarily
to be played ‘on stage’. They always require a decent
amplifier to get the best sound out of them.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham,
Thanks very much for your digital piano e-book.
It definitely cleared things for me and I think you did a wonderful and
methodic job in it. However, I somehow completely disagree in your
conclusions (although I’m no expert).
In fact I no longer have any real questions about Digital Pianos.
First, I’m no real pianist. Only a hobbyist and enthusiast. My father owns a
Steinway “D” (Concert Grand) so I occasionnaly have access to this and
nothing compares. But, leaving in a city, I want the flexibility that
Digital Pianos offer. Besides, I would like, once, to tackle recording some
songs with my computer but never had time to dedicate to this.
Anyway, I have had a Roland digital piano for about 25 years (Roland KR3000)
and was actually intrigued when I read your e-book and find that you don’t
have much appreciation of Roland’s digital pianos. Mine was top of its class
when it was designed and even features a sort-of heavy keyboard.
After extensive research for replacing my current piano (which does not need
replacing, it’s just I was thinking in investing into something newer and
shinier), I finally have made my decision… to not actually by
*anything* until
the time comes…
First, I have spent a couple of hours in a local piano and music center, and
have come to the conclusion that Roland pianos indeed *could be* the best of
their kinds (to me). But it’s too early :
1. The very best digital piano in the world, no question, is the V-Piano.
Its is a leap in technology and after having played with it for about one
hour straight, I won’t ever go back to purchasing a sample-based digital
piano ever. The heavy keyboard is very good and even feels better than cheap
real upright piano keybeds in the shop. But its definitely aimed at
professionals and does not feature what would be essential for a hobbyist :
builtin speakers and music sheet holder !
2. The only two pianos that feature the same keyboard quality (PHA-III Ivory
Feel, it’s called) are the Roland HP-307 (which would be ideal for me if
only it used the same sound engine as the V-Piano. The sound just feels
terrible compared to the V-Piano. To be fair, the sound of my own KR-3000
also feels terrible !) and the Roland RD-700, which is, again, a
professional master-keyboard with a sample-based piano sound and no
speakers.
3. Haven’t had a chance to try the Yamaha CP-1, that some reviews compare to
the V-Piano. The shop only had a CP-5, which has a terrible keyboard action,
and the sound does not surpass that of any other digital pianos in the room,
let alone the V-Piano.
4. Let’s not even talk about Kawai’s and Korg’s ! The keyboard seems like a
toy. But I understand this is only my taste, obviously.
So, I’ll just wait for technology to become affordable. I bet in less than 2
years time, I will be able to purchase a physical-modeling-based digital
piano, with built-in speakers and a realistic keyboard action. And I bet it
definitely *will* be a Roland ! [?]
Cheers.
Maxine
Reply/ Hi Maxine
Thanks for your interesting feedback!
Personally I do like the sound of the V-piano.
It’s also very well built, and, I suspect, like
all Roland digital pianos, extremely reliable.
But…
I find the touch lumpy. This is because of the
set-off (after touch).
Comparing it with an acoustic piano I find that
it’s way over done.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
I was approximately grade 6 level piano eight years ago,
and now wish to get a piano again. I am in a small flat so
feel that a digital piano is the only feasible option to
get up my tight stairs. However please could you recommend
a good value option with weighted keys.
Are there any with a normal ‘upright’ as i would wish to
use the top of the paino as a shelf, as you blatantly do
with a standard piano.
My budget is around £500-£750
Thanks,
Charlotte
Reply/ Hi Charlotte
The Yamaha CLP220 (soon to be replaced by the CLP320) is the
very best choice. But, it is above your budget.
A good second choice is the Roland RP101:
or Classenti CDP2.
The Roland is nicely compact and has a rounded sound and
fairly light crisp action. Very much like playing a light touch
upright piano.
The Classenti has heavier keys so it is more like playing a
nice German upright piano. Many have commented that it
feels like playing a Bluthner.
All three pianos have a flat top, so you can pile up your
music books.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
–
Please can you advise me on what you consider the better digital piano, Yamaha YDP 131 or Casio AP 80 or 45, or is it worth buying a second hand CLP 550?
Many thanks
Linda
Reply/ Hi Linda
The Casio AP80 has been replaced by the new model AP500.
It is a tough call between the Casio AP500 and the YDP131.
They are both different pianos of course:
The Casio has many additional instrumental voices and rhythms
and larger speakers.
The Yamaha has only a few voices and 2 small 6 watt speakers.
The Casio seems on paper the better deal, but consider the
Yamaha has a much nicer sound than the Casio and is much
cheaper!
If it where me, I would go for the next model up in the Yamaha
range, the CLP220. If this is above your budget then look at
the Classenti CDP1 or CDP2 — great value!
Never buy second hand. Repairing digital pianos can be VERY
expensive.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham,
Please can you tell me if the Thomann DP-40RW or the Hemingway DP501 (or any other series) are an adequate digital piano for someone who has some experience of playing, it is a present, but unfortunately I have little knowledge of either of these makes,
Many thanks
Linda
Reply/ Hi Linda
You know, I haven’t played or tested either the Thomann DP-40
or the Hemingway DP501. So I couldn’t comment about them.
The price seems VERY cheap. So, initially I would be a little
concerned about the quality.
The DP40 has ‘hammer action keys’, whatever that means?
It looks like it doesn’t have a ‘progressive hammer action’ –
which is what you definitely need.
This means the keys on the left of the piano are heavy and
get progressively lighter as you go up the keyboard.
This mimics the feel of a real piano…
It all looks impressive, especially as it has 10 instrumental voices,
2 x 25 watt speakers, MIDI in/out (to connect to computer),
built-in metronome, transpose (if you really need this?), and a
sliding keyboard cover (wow! a real nice added bonus!)
The question is…
What does it sound like, and how realistic does it feel when
you are playing it?
This I cannot tell you. But from my experience, I am not
confident you will be happy with THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT
characteristics.
I have been asked about Thomann and Hemingway pianos
before (a few times actually). So I am going to order these
two pianos from Thomann myself and give them a thorough
testing.
You will be able to see my reviews on the ukpianos.co.uk
site in about 2 – 3 weeks time (if you can wait?).
This is where you will be able to read about them:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/digital-piano-reviews
One last note.
If you are buying a digital piano for someone that already
plays, then don’t take a chance on the Thomann or
Hemingway until you have read my reviews. It is better
to go for something that they will happy with for sure:
Yamaha YDP131, CLP220, Roland RP101, Classenti CDP1
or CDP2.
Give me a call in you need more help: 020 8367 2080.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
I’m looking at digital pianos right now, so any comments on those
would be appreciated, best ones for beginners etc., and those that have good key action.
Thank you!
Patricia Drury
Reply/ Hi Patirica
The digital pianos I recommend for beginners are:
Yamaha YDP131, CLP220, Roland RP101, Classenti CDP1,
CDP2.
If price is not an issue then go for the Yamaha CLP220.
If this is too much to pay, the YDP131 or the Classenti
CDP2 will do.
Check out all of these pianos here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/digital-pianos
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi there
Have just found your wonderful website and found the advice on Digital Pianos excellent. However, I have very little space so wanted to buy a portable piano that I could pack away relatively easily.
Not interested in all the fancy bells and whistles – I just want a full 88 keys and an instrument that plays (as much as possible) like a “normal” piano.
Do you have any recommendations please?
Thank you.
Haze
Reply/ Hi Hazel
Thanks for your nice comments about the website.
The best (affordable) portable piano around today is the Yamaha
P85.
The sound is good and the touch is very realistic.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
With Roland you tend to get more bang for your buck with sampled sounds and different instruments, play along bands and orchestras, “live drummer”, features, durability, and quality, as well as good aesthetics and decor.
With Yamaha you get many more popular hit songs built in, and also a big set of different rich features.
The Strings and Violins on the Roland KR series is almost like having an orchestra right there beside ya!
Cheers! Josh Tamil
Hi Graham,
Saw your website because I’m thinking of upgrading my old Technics
digital piano, which has horrid plastic keys and only one voice.
I played my friend’s Kawai CA51 last night and was very impressed. I
liked the feel of the ivory-effect keys (much, much better than my
plastic ones!) and the touch was lovely – weighted very well.
I’m going to buy a new digital piano, but am not sure which to buy. I
don’t want all the ‘bells and whistles’ of 50+ voices, but would like a
good 10 or so: Concert Grand, harpsichord, electric piano, maybe some
strings and choir. But my central need is for a good feel to the keys
(ie, not plastic) and the quality of the touch, as well as the richness
of sound.
Having browsed your site, it strikes me that the Yamaha CLP220 might be
the best to get? No frills, focus on sound and touch quality. Would you
agree? I’m not a serious pianist, but I do play regularly enough to want
luxury without all the fancy gizmos (recording devices, etc) which I’d
never use anyway.
Best –
Dr Gary Fry
Research Fellow
School of Sociology and Social Policy
University of Leeds
Reply/ Hi Gary
The Kawai CA51 is very popular at the moment.
I like the sound and touch of the Yamaha more than the Kawai.
This is a personal opinion.
I recommend you try them both out and pick the one you feel
more comfortable with… This really is the best way to decide
between two very good digital pianos.
Just to throw one more piano into the equation. The Classenti
CDP2 is also worth considering.
This has an excellent touch and sound, has limited instrumental
voices and ivory-feel keys.
You can read more about it here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/classenti-cdp2
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Further comments/
Thanks for the advice.
Just one more thing, as Colombo used to say: are the keys on the CLP220 plastic or are they ivory feel? I suspect the latter, but just thought I’d check.
Gary
Reply/
The keys on the CLP220 are a plastic feel.
Regards
Graham Howard
Thanks.
Further comments/
One final point: I do intend to go try some digi pianos out, but in the meanwhile do you think a CLP220 would offer a considerably greater playing experience than the 12 year-old Technics SX-PC8 model I have?
My friend’s Kawai CA51 was far superior, and I’m after a model which offers that level of difference.
Thanks for all your advice.
Gary
Reply/ Digital pianos have advanced a lot in 12 years.
You are better off buying a new CLP220 or CA51.
Graham Howard
Please, Could you tell me the pros and cons of Casio Privia PX-720, Yamaha clavinova CLP 220 and Yamaha YDP 131. I want to buy one of them and I don’t know what to do. Thank-you very much in advance.
maria savarisa
Reply/ Hi Maria
The CLP220 has the very best sound and touch (that goes
without saying). It is also the most expensive.
If you can afford the price, then there is no question of
even looking at the YDP131 or PX720.
The PX720 has only one advantage. That’s the space it
takes up in your room. It is a real space-saver!
The YDP131 has most the features of the CLP220.
The sound and touch are not quite as good though.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham:
I saw your website and decided to drop you an email to get some valuable advice from you.
12 years ago, I was at Piano Grade 7. However, I stopped completely due to many reasons.
I wanted to pick up piano again and decided to get a digital one.
May I know which digital one you will recommend, for someone who has a Grade 7 skills (but that was 12 years ago). Should consider myself a beginner/intermediate or advanced.
Thanks for your advice.
Cheers,
Alice
Reply/ Hi Alice
Grade 7 is a good standard so you need a decent
digital piano with a realistic touch.
The three models to consider are the Yamaha CLP220,
the Classenti CDP2 and the Roland RP101.
The more expensive pianos offer mostly additional
instrumental voices, rhythms and various functions. So,
if all you want is a good sounding piano with as realistic
a touch as possible, then you don’t need to go beyond
these three.
Here is my view on the above digital pianos:
1) Yamaha CLP220
This is (without doubt) the most popular digital piano
amongst intermediate to advanced players. The sound
and touch are superb and you can pick one up for under
£800.
2) Classenti CDP2
There is slightly more weight to the touch than the
Yamaha and the Roland. The sound is incredibly real
and the touch feels like you are in complete control.
3) Roland RP101
Nice, compact piano with a light touch. The Roland
has its own unique piano sound (you either love it
or hate it — like Marmite.) Its worth trying one out
if you get the chance. The price is about £720.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham
I had previously read your article on buying digital pianos on your website, and can see that Yamaha and Roland are favoured over other brands. However, we have a friend who is a school music teacher and also teaches piano part time. She purchased a Technics digital piano about 10 years ago, her selection based on feel and sound compared to upright pianos.
I searched on e-Bay, and found several good models for sale. I eventually purchased a Technics SX-PR900 digital ensemble for about £400 (in immaculate condition), and I have to say I am delighted with it. Whilst it is more complex than simply learning piano, my 10 year old son (who has been learning keyboard) has loads of fun exprimenting on it. I know you would probably recommend purchase via a reputable dealer instead, the nearest on cost I found was a same model of almost £1000 at Whitley Bay Organs!!!! The e-Bay risk was worth it.
Reply/ Hi Trevor
Technics always were very nice digital pianos.
They stopped making them around 3 years ago. Technics, which is owned by Panasonic, decided that the digital piano/keyboard market was too small for them and decided to stop making Technics instruments so they could concentrate on the their main electronics business.
I wish you and your family success with your piano playing.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
HI there,
Our piano is on the brink of collapsing, so I’m looking to buy a digital piano. I’ve always recorded with our upright at home and if I buy a portable piano, I can finally take it with me to gigs instead of only being able to gig at places that have a piano. I’ve never used/bought one before so I’m a “newbie” to this sort of thing. My budget is anything up to £550. It would need to be compatible with recording on GarageBand on an Apple Mac. The biggest problem I have, apart from my budget, is my girlfriend. She is a purist and refuses to play anything that doesn’t feel and sound right and I am yet to impress her with anything. I don’t think I ever will, but you will know more than I do. If there’s something with a drawbar function on it, that would be great but not essential!! I have tried the Casio PX 700 and PX 420r. I like the sound of the 700, but it isn’t portable/stage worthy. I understand Roland are the best stage make? Can you help me??
Cheers
Rhys Bethell
Reply/ Hi Rhys
Great question!
Firstly, let me say that the Casio – even if it was portable – doesn’t
have a full enough sound or positive enough feel for what your
needs are.
The Yamaha stage pianos have a very nice touch but the sound
is weak if played through their internal speakers…
Connecting them to a decent keyboard amp solves the problem
right away. Check out the new model (Yamaha P85); which is
already sold out — this shows how good it is.
I recommend the new Roland RD-700GX. It’s pricey but WELL
worth it. The best stage piano on the planet right now!
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Good morning, Graham:
First of all, excuse me for my bad english, please. I have just found
and read your first piano lesson. It’s very useful. I am very
grateful.
I intend to buy a digital piano. Sound and touch is the best important
thing for me. Would you recomend me someone above Kawai CL 30 or Casio
Privia PX 800? I like Kawai CN 31 too, despite its higher price.
Many thanks for your help!
Maria
Reply/ Hi Maria
Thank you for your kind comments about my piano course.
I’m glad you found it of help.
If sound and touch are the most important things for you then
I would consider one of these three pianos:
1) Classenti CDP2
2) Yamaha YDP131
3) Roland RP101
The Classenti has the edge on sound and touch, while the
Roland has more instrumental voices. The Yamaha comes
complete with stool and headphones and is a nice ‘value
for money’ package.
You can also read my article about choosing a digital piano here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/digital-pianos-which-brand-should-i-buy
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham,
Came across you while browsing for a digital piano and your article on how to buy describes me perfectly. I had narrrowed it down to kawai and was only looking to decide between the CA51 and the CA 91. Both a touch expensive for a novice 13 year old and his mother who is keen to renew her skills from teenage years but my mother always said buy cheap buy twice. Anyway you threw a ‘Yamaha’ spanner in my works and were generally recommending pianos a lot cheaper than the above. So get me out of this one! Am I over egging the purchase,spending too much and what about kawai versus yamaha.
Yours in a strop
Mary sharp
P.s. well you did point out that anger was natural in the advanced stages of digital piano purchase
P.p.s I am normally a very nice person and would really appreciate your advice
Reply/ Hi Mary
In my opinion, the Yamaha has a far more realistic sound and touch.
I really don’t like Kawai digital pianos at all.
If you want a digital piano with a realistic sound and touch, the
Yamaha CLP220 is the best (and most popular) digital piano
out there.
Not wanting to add confusion to your digital piano choice,
there is a new piano now out called Classenti.
The CDP2 model is very impressive.
It comes out less than the Yamaha and might be something
for you also to consider.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Further comments/
Thanks very much for the advice and for such a prompt response. I’m feeling much calmer now. Thanks again. I think i’ll go with the Yamaha.
Mary sharp
Thanks a million Howard. Kudos to all your effort and your website. I want to buy a piano asap, but I am a bit apprehensive of buying a second-hand one. Are there any pitfalls? For example, I don’t like buying 2nd hand computer parts as you never know the usage hours, but i never tried a piano second-hand. What is your opinion on this? New or second hand?
Thanks, Catalin
If you’re buying an upright piano then any well known brand name that’s less than 30 years old, should be fine. Anything older than that, or not so well known should
be checked out by a qualified piano tuner/technician.
Digital pianos, in my opinion, should only be purchased new.
I’ve seen far too many second-hand digital pianos that are in need of extensive and VERY costly repair.
Here are the digital pianos I recommend, according to how much you are willing (or able) to spend:
Price range (£500 – £600)
Classenti CDP1
Price range (£500 – £600)
Yamaha YDP131
Price range (£600 – £800)
Yamaha CLP220
Roland RP-101
Regards,
Graham Howard
I like your website and have found it very interesting reading. Could you possibly find the time to advise me on a digital piano, please?
I learnt to play the piano when young but, for many years, have had to “make do” with a Roland D20 (61 key touch sensitive synth) and have always missed the sound and feel (and keys!) of a real piano. I’m about to buy a piano and I think it will have to be digital (cost/size). The £1000 I have to spend seems to put the Yamaha CLP230 and Roland HP103 within reach but I can’t seem to find any to try locally so I was
wondering what you thought about these two (or any other suggestions).
Many thanks for any help you can give me.
Best regards, Chris Partington
Hi Chris, I am happy that you like my website.
Out of the two digital pianos you mention, personally I prefer the sound and touch of the Yamaha CLP230 – but only slightly over the Roland HP103.
I think the Yamaha has a more positive down stroke on the key and feels more natural (like a real acoustic piano). I find the Roland slightly too light a touch and they haven’t quite got the key balance right. The sound of the Yamaha CLP230 is also clearer – especially the middle octave and the one above that.
I can recommend a website where you can get a very good deal on digital pianos and they will look after you if anything where to go wrong. Their name is Thomann. You can check out their website here.
Regards,
Graham Howard
Graham,
Your web site has been very helpful. I wondered if you could please offer some further advice.
Our daughter is 7 and enjoys playing on an old keyboard we have. We are looking to purchase her one of her own. We need something compact as her bedroom is tight on space, possibly something on a collapsible stand but we are looking for a proper piano “feel” not a childs toy.
We have no knowledge and would really appreciate any pointers you could offer.
Thanks,
Kind regards
Nicola Bond
Reply/ Hi Nicola
Thank you for an excellent question.
There are many parents that are in a similar situation
to you… Space is always an issue.
I have yet to see a decent digital piano that comes
with a collapsible stand. To get something with a
decent enough sound usually requires a separate
amplifier. This is clearly not suitable for what you need.
The Yamaha YDP131 or Classenti CDP1 are the
pianos you should consider.
They are both compact (but come with a fixed, not
collapsible, stand)…
The Classenti has a slightly heavier touch than the
Yamaha, which is a good thing. Young fingers need
to be strengthened from early on and your child
will find it much easier to play on an acoustic piano
later in life.
The sound is excellent on both instruments.
If you would like any more help, you can call
me on 020 8367 2080.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hello
Here’s an easy one for you (I hope) – if money were no object, which digital piano would you buy:
1. in terms of performance
2. in terms of looks
3. as a compromise of both
Thanks
Alan Grimshaw, Cheshire.
Reply/ Hi Alan
Great question!
In terms of performance, I would buy the Yamaha CLP280:
There is no question that the soun and touch is second to none.
In terms of looks, well, this really is a personal thing. But if
You’re asking me, then I like the look of the Classenti CDP2 PE:
The cabinet is neat, compact; has beautiful rounded edges and
a high gloss finish.
Both pianos are in completely different price brackets, so it
is difficult to answer the last question.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Graham,
What is your opinion of Chase Pianos?
Regards, David
Hi David
The Chase digital pianos are… (comments have been withdrawn)
I recommend the following digital pianos:
Casio PX110
Good points: cheap.
Not so good points: The sound is a little on the thin side, and the touch is too light and spongy.
Classenti CDP1
Good points: Excellent sound and touch; feels just like a real piano.
Not so good points: Doesn’t have many additional instrument sounds or features.
Yamaha YDP131
Good points: Good sound and realistic touch.
Not so good points: The speakers are quite small and the sound is not as full as the more expensive Yamahas.
Regards,
Graham Howard
More comments/
Graham,
Many thanks for you quick reply.
The piano would be for my wife, who has no musical experience. However, we would like to get a decent instrument, possibly with a few ‘bells and whistles’ to have some fun with. I have requested some brochures from Yamaha, as I’m not clear on the difference between the CLP and CVP ranges.
I need to do a bit more homework.
Best regards,
David
Reply/ Hi David
The CLP has a better sound and a more realistic piano feel than the CVP range.
The CVP range offers a lot more ‘bells and whistles’.
These are the main differences.
Regards,
Graham Howard
Dear Graham,
I must say what a lot of sense you talk about on your web site – at last, someone who tells the honest truth, that makes a change !
I would of posted this to your forum, but as I am doing this at work I felt it was not wise.
Can I pick you brains please.
I am now married, with a 3 month old son. I used to play the organ (home, popular not classical) seriously, and did my grades, and in 1996 got the LLCM. I also played the piano, and was say a grade 5/6 ish. But I now haven’t played for say 4 years and would like to get back into it. Due to time constraints I don’t know how much I will actually do (If you have kids then I bet you know the problem).
So, my “issues” are
1) Budget of say £500 max
2) I may not play it much (ie not progress that much) but don’t really want to buy something that I may grow out of.
3) Small house, space is a problem without clutter. With my parents I had 2 pianos in the lounge – no chance of that here. Height and length are ok, it’s the depth. Was trying to get something under 40cms, but to get anything decent (say Yamaha YDP131) its just over that. So that is the a last option or the Casio AP24. (there are good deals on the Casio Ap-80R but that’s 48cm and to big).
So, In you opinion what’s best out of the above if I can get the room.
If I have to go under 40cm ( and I think that’s what the wife will say) the options seem to be
Casio Privia PX-800
Yamaha YDP-S30
or a stage piano and stand (can you suggest a model please)
These seem to all be about 30cm.
The Privia seem to be the best value for money, but are they that flimsy with bad touch?
Can you comment on the above, I would be most grateful.
Kindest Regards
Rob
PS, can you email me about the Classenti pianos also ?
Reply/ Hi Rob
The possible choices for you are as follows:
Yamaha YDP131
Realistic, fully-weighted touch and reasonable sound.
The speakers are only 6 watts each so the sound is
a little thin. The main problem is the size (42cm depth).
Casio PX800
Perfect size (30 cm) – no problem with space = happy wife!
The sound though is quite poor, very thin and electronic. The
touch is also too light and not firm. Not really a good choice.
Classenti digital piano
The best attribute of the Classenti is the sound. It’s so close
to a real piano. The touch is also firm and very realistic. The
speakers are both 15 watts each – so no worries there. The
depth is 39.5cm. This piano seems to fit your requirements.
Yamaha YDP-S30
The action is only weighted (not fully weighted). This is not
good if you want your playing to progress. The dimensions are
OK for you. The speakers are the same output as the YDP131,
so the sound quality could be better.
You can call me on 020 8367 2080 if you need more info.
Yours Pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham
Can you tell me if the Thomann DP-40RW piano has fully weighted keys and what your thoughts are on the same.
Many thanks, William
Reply/ Hi William
I don’t know a lot about the Thomann digital pianos. The description mentions ‘hammer action keys’. This is not very clear. My advice is to spend a little
more and get something more well known.
Regards,
Graham Howard
I have been looking for a piano for quite some time – however, I do not have room for a full sized piano. I need one that is no more that 2’1” (@64cms) deep and no more than 3’9”(114/115cms) wide.
Could you please advise if such a piano exists! I keep being referred to keyboards and synthesisers which I am not interested in. However, I do realise I may be limited to an electronic/digital piano. Any advice you have would be of interest, or if you know of anywhere you can refer me on to.
Thank you for your time, it will be much appreciated.
Regards, Karen
Reply/ Hi Karen
The Classenti digital piano is the one I recommend.
It sounds and feels like a real piano. The cabinet is
also very compact (39.5cm deep) so space is not a worry.
The first shipment of these pianos are due to arrive in
the UK at the end of January 2008. The price is expected
to be around £500 for the initial promotion.
You can call me on 020 8367 2080 if you need more info.
Yours Pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham
Please could you advise me regarding semi weighted and fully weighted keys on a digital piano, I am on a budget of say £500 pounds to purchase a piano and there seems to be a difference in price in the fully and semi weighted keys. I would say I can play the piano to an intermediate level can read music and have my theory levels to grade five, I would describe myself as a mature student or old and grey which ever way you want to look at it.
Many thanks, Bill
Reply/ Hi Bill
Fully weighted keys mean that the keys are heavy like a real piano.
Semi weighted keys are more like a keyboard; light with only a little resistance.
My advice is to go for the fully weighted keys and stay away from semi-weighted keys. I know they are cheaper, but you need the fully weighted keys to strengthen your fingers.
I recommend either the Yamaha YDP131 or the Classenti. They both fall within your budget.
Regards,
Graham Howard
Good evening,
Firstly thank you for providing such a great resource in ukpianos.co.uk
Please can I trouble you for some advice, we are looking to purchase a first piano for home family use. My daughters are taking lessons and both my wife and I have for many years wanted to learn – so now is the time.
I keep looking at digital pianos and still do not really know one from another. I visited a large Yamaha store in London this evening and was demonstrated pianos from the YDP-131 to the CLP-240. Now, even as a complete novice I could tell the difference in the physical keyboard actions. The problem is where do I stop, yes I could keep going up and up in price but as a family of beginners why bother. I have also seen websites advertising the new Casio AP-500 and Roland devices, as a computer techie I see the Yamaha’s as 2005 technology and the Casio AP-500 as 2007 – so therefore as a techie I think the Casio must be better?!?.
Please can you help me see through this maze.
Thanks in advance,
Mark Moreland
Reply/ Hi Mark
Firstly, thank you very much for your complimentary remarks.
Choosing your first digital piano can be a nightmare experience – as I’m sure you are aware of that by now.
The best thing you can do is not let yourself get confused over the different makes and what each piano can do…
The two MOST IMPORTANT things you need is a digital piano with a realistic piano sound and touch. The other stuff is just an added bonus (which you have to pay a lot more for by the way).
The CLP220 has everything you need (including the extra gimmicks).
The sound is superb and it feels like you are playing a real piano – (well almost).
There really is no need to spend (waste) a few hundred pounds more on a CLP240. You really don’t get much more value out of the extra spend.
If you need any more advice, email me anytime.
Regards,
Graham Howard
Dear Uk Pianos
I need some advice on purchasing a digital piano / keyboard for my daughter. My daughter will turn 4 in may 2008 when she will be taught piano by a teacher. We have decided that it would be best to buy her a modestly priced keyboard, given that she may not take to it. I want something with weighted keys and the full 88 keyboard which can be stored away upright if need be. I would be most grateful if you could provide any buying advice. My maximum budget is £450.
Regards
Mr Sanghera
Reply/
Hi Mr Sanghera
Your daughter needs to learn on a piano with fully weighted keys. A keyboard really is no good. Fully weighted keys will strengthen her fingers so it will be much easier for her to play an upright piano later in life. Also, most piano exams are taken place on an upright piano.
I recommend you buy a Classenti digital piano. This piano has an excellent (fully weighted) touch and also sounds just like an upright piano.
You can read more about them here: ukpianos.co.uk/classenti-digital-pianos
If you would like to know more, you can call me on: 020 8367 2080.
Yours pianistically, Graham Howard
Further comments/
Thank you for yor reply which is most helpful.
I was thinking of buying a YAMAHA DGX-620 KEYBOARD as i had read good reviews of the same. Is the Classenti digital piano better or equal to the yamaha.
i look forward to hearing from you.
Regards
Mr Sanghera
Reply/ The Classenti has fully-weighted keys, the Yamaha is only semi-weighted. So, the Classenti is the better choice.
Hi Graham,
I’m considering buying a Digital Piano for ‘silent practice’ and studio use. I read the article on your site about the Roland HP107 and it sounds incredible. I’m particularly interested in the Pedal Resonance feature. As a pianist yourself, I’m sure you’ll agree that the gentle mechanical whirrs and clicks of the acoustic grand piano are integral to the beauty in their sound. Achieving the same from a digital piano is very important to me. I just have one problem…
I’m aware that Roland take their samples from a Steinway Grand and Yamaha from their own concert Grand. I have always found the Steinway most agreeable for classical purposes but lacks both the depth and brilliance suitable to progressive jazz and other more modern genres, whereas the Yamaha tends to tackle the full range beautifully.
So, I guess what I’m asking is, is there a Yamaha equivalent to the Roland HP107 in their digital range? ‘Cause I have a feeling that’s just what I’m looking for!
Thanks a lot,
Chuck
P.S. By the way, really impressed by the level of detail on your site. Kudos ??
Reply/ Hi Chuck
Thank you very much for your kind comments about my website.
You, myself and most other competent pianists – after many hours
of research – nearly always end up with the same opinion about
which is the best digital piano…
You are absolutely spot-on about the Roland having the Steinway
sound. Everything else you say, I also completely agree with.
Now the pianos you ‘must’ try are the Yamaha CLP270 and the CLP280.
The CLP280 has wooden keys, the CLP270 does not. I’ll leave it
up to you see if you notice a difference or not.
Regards,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham
My daughter (she is 8 just now) has been learning keyboard now for just a year and has (according to her teacher) made fantastic progress. Therefore she has suggested that I buy a true piano for her (she has been practising on Yamaha Keyboard at home). To complicate matter I would be going back to India (where space will not be a problem) and do not think tuning will be a easy thing to do on a regular basis. Here space is a bit of a problem. I suspect that I have to be content with a digital piano. The choices are numerous and the guidance minimal. I suspect that it will be a Yamaha or a Roland (from what I have read in your website). Teacher prefers a hammer action piano. Could you suggest something within reasonable budget.
Eagerly waiting for your reply
Dr A Maitra
Sheffield, UK
Reply/ Hi Dr A Maitra
If your teacher says your daughter is making ‘fantastic progress’,
then it really is time to get her a digital piano…
I am not sure what your budget is, but the Yamaha CLP220 is
very popular at the moment. The 220 offers realistic piano sounds
(which is definitely what your daughter needs) and a touch that is
very close to the real thing – your teacher calls this ‘hammer action’.
Regards,
Graham Howard
Further comments/
Dear Graham
Many thanks fo your prompt reply. That was a really helpful piece of advice. One more thing, is this the basic piano in a series and will it be qualitatively good. My budget is somewhat flexible but the space in my property is not. What is the major differences in the models including the CLP and CVP series. Are the CLP175 and CVP409 any better or more expensive? Certainly they appearance is better. I don’t intend to buy fancy stuff however. Are these strong and durable enough for the hot and polluted Indian summer? Please excuse my ignorance but I need to know as I intend to move in the near future and I may not be able to swap or sell it later as many others do when they acquire new ones. Many thanks for your help and support.
With regards
Dr A Maitra
Sheffield, UK
–
Reply/ Hi Dr Maitra
The CLP220 will do just fine. There really is no need to
spend more than you have to.
The difference between the basic model (CLP220) and
the top of the range (CLP280) is mostly in functions;
rhythms, instrument sounds, etc. (you know… all the
flashing lights and buttons).
The piano sound and touch is only marginally better
and really not worth paying more for.
The difference between the CVP and CLP is the
gimmicks. The CLP is designed to play and sound
as close to a piano as possible, the CVP is actually
not as good a piano, but you get hundreds of
different sounds and effects. That’s what you’re
paying for with the CVP range.
Any Yamaha Clavinova will be fine to take to India.
Don’t worry about the Indian summer… Your piano
will be fine.
Regards,
Graham Howard
More/
Dear Graham
Thanks again for the very honest, knowledgeable and impartial advice for confused parents (but music lovers) like ourselves. Many thanks again for all the support and advice.
With regards
Dr A Maitra
MBBS, MRCP, MRCPCH, MMedSci
Sheffield, UK
Hi, I am looking into buying a digital piano, and am currently doing some research. I am thinking of buying either a Roland or a Yamaha piano. I am looking for a piano that is fairly easy to move around – i.e. from room to room, if needed (I probably wont be taking it out of the house). I have played the piano for many years and want a digital piano with a high quality piano sound and feel. I would also like it to have some added features of different sounds and drum beats etc.
I have looked at some of the Roland stage piano’s but am not sure if the reduction in the quality of the piano sound/ feel is worth the benefits of having a portable piano?
Are there any pianos within the Roland and Yamaha ranges which you could recommend?
Kind regards, Dominqiue
Hi Dominique
The Yamaha CLP220 or the Roland RP101 are the two pianos that fit your requirements.
The CLP220 is marginally more expensive than the RP101 but worth it in my opinion.
Although the RP101 has a great sound, the CLP220 is even more realistic. The touch on the Yamaha is slightly heavier than the Roland which again makes it feel more like a real piano.
Regards,
Graham Howard
–
Dear Graham,
I am delighted today as I took delivery for my brand new digital piano. I did not go for the Celviano or the Privia. I played them both and although I am sure they are good choices for some people, their affordable price was the only appeal to me. Harsh but fair I am afraid.
Therefore, after playing it again and enjoying the experience so much, I ordered my Roland HP203 from Thomann less than a week ago, and it’s already set up in my living room. The finances are going to suffer, but it’s definitely worth it at the end of the day.
I will need a couple of weeks to test it thoroughly, but I will send you my honest assessment. Let me thank you again for the time you took to answer my questions
Best regards,
David
Graham
I am not practicing at the moment – I have just had an operation on my hand. I am looking for something to help me learn when I retire. I would appreciate your report on the best instrument to practice on. I currently use a keyboard.
regards
Ian McGlone
Hi Ian
A keyboard is not the best instrument to learn on as the keys are much lighter than a piano and there is less notes. I recommend learning on a real piano or a good quality digital piano that offers heavy weighted, touch sensitive keys. Touch sensitive means that if you touch the key softly then you get a quite sound and if you hit it hard then you get a loud sound, pretty much like a real piano. This is very important to have.
Depending on your budget I recommend the Yamaha CLP220 at the top end, the Yamaha YDP131 at the middle end and the Casio PX110 at the bottom end.
Regards,
Graham Howard
Hello,
My name is Mike and my wife would love to learn to play the piano. I am looking at 2 different models of digital piano’s and was hoping you might advise me as to which one is best.
The Roland RP-101 or the Yamaha YDP-223? They are both priced approximately the same.
Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon.
Hi Mike
I would give the Yamaha YDP223 the slight edge over the Roland.
I prefer the sound of the Yamaha. I think the YDP223 is no longer available in the UK though?
If you have trouble finding a seller of the YDP223 then the Roland RP101 is a good second choice.
Regards,
Graham Howard
Hi,
I’m hoping you can help me!
I recently purchased a digital piano (a Hemingway DP501) and have noticed some of sounds on the grand piano sound are slightly sharp when played, but then correct themselves after a couple of seconds when held down. Its not too much of a bother because it has a fantastic upright sound as well, but I wondered if you could suggest why this happens?
Thanks for any help,
Jeremy
Hi Jeremy
The Hemingway DP501 (Thomann’s own brand) is a very basic beginner’s piano and it sounds like the sampling is not very good.
There is nothing you can do about this. When you progess to a higher level you might want to consider buying a Yamaha or Roland digital piano. You pay more, but the quality is guaranteed and you get a far better sound and touch.
Regards,
Graham Howard
Additional comment from Marcus
Hi,
You responded there might something be wrong with the sampling. Although this
may be the case, the following fact can be considered:
A string sounds sharp at the attack and then settles down a little flatter for
the sustain.
The effect is stronger the harder the attack is, the lower the string tension
is, and the longer the string is.
Pianos have very high string tension, and thus are not prone to this effect as
much as guitars. But the general effect should always be true, and it seems
that the person asking the above question has very good ears.
Thanks,
Marcus
My 13 year old son has asked for a digital piano for Christmas and as a non-playing parent could I please ask for your advice/guidance.
He has passed his Grade 2 and is currently working towards Grade 3 exam.
Our budget is around £350 which I appreciate in piano terms isn’t a great deal.
We have been looking at the following:
Casio PX700
Chase Digital C8826
Would it be possible for you to advise which would be the better option. If you are of the opinion that there is a better digital around for the price we are looking to pay your comments would be appreciated.
Many thanks
Lynne Beeston
Hi Lynne
With a budget of £350 the Casio PX110 is really your
ONLY option….
… Besides, the PX700 has been discontinued and the
new model (PX720) is selling for around the £600+ mark.
I do not advise buying the Chase C8826 digital piano.
Chase digital pianos are only sold on eBay, by a company
called MayMusic. It looks like MayMusic import these pianos
direct from China.
I haven’t played the Chase digital piano, but my experience warns
me that a digital piano that has so many buttons, and is so cheap,
must have an awful sound and an even worse touch.
Don’t go near it, is my advice.
Regards,
Graham Howard
Dear Graham,
I have found the ukpianos website extremely useful as I am currently looking to purchase a digital piano. I have a strong background with accoustic pianos so the keyboard action is important. I have tried the Yamaha and Roland ranges but due to my budget, I have to settle for a Casio.
Now I have identified two Privia models (PX700 and 800) along with two Celviano AP45 and AP80. I have only tried the PX700 and found it acceptable. Fair enough the build is a bit flimsy but the sounds are not bad for the price and the keyboard surprisingly pleasant. What do you think the other more expensive models would offer and are they worth the extra cash? I don’t mind how big the DP is, but am looking for the best compromise in the keyboard action/sound quality of grand piano and harpsichord vs the
price.
As I haven’t played for several years, I intend to use the digital piano for practice as a short term solution. Eventually, I will get my accoustic shipped from abroad. I would appreciate a lot if you could give me an fair assessment as most sale assistants just slag the Casio models in order to sell me a Clavinova or a Roland HP!
Thanks very much in advance and keep up the excellent work on ukpianos, it’s a great website.
David
Reply/ Hi David
Thank you for your kind comments about the ukpianos.co.uk website. If money was no object then a top of the range Yamaha would be ‘very nice’ – this is what the piano shops would love you to buy (They make a lot more money!) But being realistic about it, the Casio digital pianos are excellent value for money and I really think there is no need for you to look beyond the Casio AP45.
The AP80 is more expensive than the AP45 and the bulk of the extra cost is in the extra features, sounds and rhythms. Now on to the Privia pianos…
I don’t like the Casio privia pianos and NEVER HAVE. I remember when Casio brought out their very first Privia (The PX100), in fact we used to sell them (reluctantly) in our North London piano shop.
I am not saying they are rubbish — they fill a need for complete beginners on a very tight budget — but in your situation I would steer clear of a Casio Privia — even the top of the range PX800. The sound is just too weak and the touch is fake and you can really feel that.
Enough rambling…
My advice is to buy the Casio AP45.
Regards,
Graham Howard
Further comments:
Hi Graham,
Thanks a lot for getting back to me and for your advice. I must correct a point I made: the PX700 I tried sounded kind of OK but I remember now finding the touch far too heavy to be realistic. The other DPs I tried were the Yamahas YDP131 (not impressed nor unimpressed) and CLP230 (sounds nice) and the Rolands HP103/107 and 203 (the 107 and 203 being my favourites for the keyboard action, sorry I realise you are keen on the Clavinovas!).
Until I considered my finances and other future purchases, I was initially going for the HP203 or 204 but they are a tad too pricey. Shame because they suit me perfectly. I think the Celviano AP45 should be enough to get back into playing (Played for 10 years then had to stop for several years due to studying/moving to the UK). My favourite pieces are the Waltzes/Nocturnes/Etudes from Chopin, as well as Schubert/Schumann/Mozart and Bach. Never got into jazz and ragtime but intend to widen my repertoire.
Eddie Moors currently have offers well below £600 for the AP80 including a stool and delivery, the AP45 is slightly more expensive, better polyphony perhaps? I will try to find a music shop close to Nottingham to test the AP45. I don’t need the extra tunes, a satisfactory grand, jazz pianos and harpsichord will do for me so looking forward to trying the AP45.
I will let you know when I get delivery of my first digital piano.
Thanks ever so much,
David
I used to play the piano up to Grade 8 but for many years have not been able to have a piano since I live in a flat. I am therefore wanting an electronic piano which sounds and plays like a piano-would love a baby grand but cannot entertain this in my present circumstances, so this piano sounds a good alternative. I am not just a beginner. Would this one be a good buy? M Cantwell
Reply/ Hi Maureen
The Classenti digital piano has a very impressive sound and the touch feels really authentic.
I am sure you will love it. Let me know if you need more info.
Regards,
Graham Howard
I am thinking of buying the yamaha P70, but need to try it out. My budget is 400 UKP max. Can you recommend a good digital piano?
Thanks a lot, Catalin
Reply/ The Yamaha P70 is a good choice. You might also consider the YDP-131. It is over your budget but the increase in sound quality over the P70 is
WELL WORTH IT.
Check it out here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/yamaha-ydp131
Regards,
Graham Howard
I visited Dawsons Chester yesterday and was impressed by the Kawai CN33. Seemed very good tone apart from top octave, but both the Yamaha and the Roland all sounded the the same up there, all metalic and ‘tinny’. There appeared to be booming reverberations at the lower end of the Yamaha and Roland. I think I will have to return and take my headphones to listen to these two again to ensure that I have given all three a fair comparative hearing.
Sam
Hi there,
Question/ I have a Daewoo Digital Piano EX-ZPlus which I am looking at selling. I believe it to be about 8 years old and is in excellent condition as it has hardly been played, which is one of the reasons for selling it.
However, I am unsure of it’s value and cannot seem to find any sites that have the same piano to get an estimate. I don’t even know how much it was bought for.
Would you be able to assist or point me in the righ direction at least? Once i have a bit more information, I will be looking at selling it on your website.
Many thanks in advance and look forward to your responce.
Sandra Nelson
Reply/ Hi Sandra
Daewoo digital pianos are not currently sold in the UK.
It is difficult to estimate how much to sell your piano for, but I would say to list it around £300-£400
I understood that Yamaha generally have a brighter sound but some seem to
prefer the mellowness of Roland – I was told that Roland sample from Steinway
pianos but Yamaha sample from their own grand piano. So its a case of if you
happen to like that bright Yamaha sound then you’ll prefer Yamahas but if you
don’t you’ll prefer Rolands.
With the 2 models I mentioned I understand the Roland HP 3e is an older
model than the Yamaha CLP230 and that there was probably not that much
difference between that Yamam 230 and the current model (which I think is
the 330). It was the Roland that was an unknown quantity – it seems to be an
older and not well known model so I don’t know how it would stack up against
current Roland HP models.
Best
David
Hi Graham,
I wonder if you could offer me any additional advice here – I am caught in a Yamaha vs Roland dilemma!
I practice a lot (daily) on my current old Yamaha clavinova (clp560). I play to about grade 6/7 level and play mainly jazz standards. My clavinova has quite a heavy touch. I am planning to get a portable stage piano and an acoustic piano (Yamaha P series) in the near future. As I play a lot late at night, the digital stage piano will still be heavily used for practicing. I would use mainly the piano sound.
I have looked closely at the Yamaha P140 and the new Roland Fp7. The new Roland appeared to tick many of the boxes.
Here are my views:
P140
• Pros – good keyboard action and sound
• Cons – much less spec than the Roland, I’ve also come across a few that have sticky keys so a question mark over build quality.
FP7
• Pros – much higher spec than the Yamaha (128 polyphony, string resonance), more educational features (session partner etc)
• Cons – the keyboard action is the main thing (see below)
I discounted other stage pianos: Cp33 (no speakers), CP300 (too heavy/expensive?)
Keyboard action:
The Fp7 keyboard (with the new progressive hammer action II keyboard) still felt lighter (or is it just different?) than the Yamaha. I’m concerned that if it is lighter, I will not develop my finger strength if I practice on lot on the fp7 compared to the Yamaha.
Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance,
DaveO
Reply/ Hi David
You definitely have quite a dilemma! Here are my views:
The Yamaha P140 has an excellent touch (very close to the real
thing) but I find the sound a little thin and bright. I very much like the Roland FP7. It feels nice to play and the sound is also very good. If you are interested in the higher spec and the educational features then I would choose the Roland over the Yamaha.
Regards,
Graham Howard
Further comments/
Hi Graham,
Many thanks for your advice.
Any further comment on the keyboard action of the Roland? I’m very concerned about prolonged practice on the Roland if the touch is too light. I would love to get the Roland if I felt the touch was acceptable – I need to carry out a few more tests.
Thanks,
David
Hi David
The touch of the Roland is only slightly lighter than the Yamaha. This shouldn’t affect you too much long term. Practicing on any digital piano will always affect your touch when you are confronted with an acoustic piano, but the good news is that it’s easy to adapt to an acoustic piano within a short time.
Regards,
Graham Howard
Dear Sirs,
Question/ Some advice please. I’ve had my Clavinova now for nearly 15 years and wonder whether it needs a service after all this time?! It is used a lot but recently I find the G above middle C rattles slightly, especially if playing a trill, and its position is slightly below the level of the other keys. I would love to update it to a newer model but, unfortunately, that’s not possible. Your help would be much appreciated.
Yours faithfully,
Betty Malyan (Mrs)
Answer/ Hi Betty
A 15 year old Clavinova is almost certainly in desperate need of a service. I am actually amazed there is only one rattly key after all this time.
I am not a qualified Clavinova repairer but it does sound like the rattly key is worn and needs a part replacing inside.
I recommend to call in a digital piano repairer. The only one I know is Dave Wiseman. I can’t publish his phone number, but if you give us a call on 020 8367 2080 we will pass you his number.
Regards,
Graham Howard
Further Comments/
Dear Graham,
Your answer has caused much laughter. In previous years with a normal piano I had it tuned regularly of course but no mention is ever made of a digital piano needing servicing!! Never even thought about it! I have now obtained the telephone number of Dave Wiseman, but understand it was not possible to speak to you direct – so, in response to your request, yes I am quite happy for you to print my question & your reply on your website.
One quick question whilst writing – is there a lot of improvement in newer models? I know I said in my email that I would not wish to purchase a newer model but I am amazed at the prices now. Mine cost me £1500 in 1992 – it just shows how prices reduce as technology advances. This Clavinova has done me well over the years. I also have a DOM (Yamaha Disc Orchestra Module) which I connect to the Clavinova for recording on to floppies. If (!!) I were to buy a modern Clavinova would the floppies be useable with a newer model because, of course, this facility is now integral.
Thanks again for your prompt reply.
Yours sincerely,
Betty Malyan
Answer/ Hi Betty
Each new Clavinova model that comes out has slight improvements over the previous models be it in sound, touch, or functions.
However…
The improvement in newer Clavinovas over a 15 year period is INCREDIBLE!
If you pop down to your local piano shop and try these new models out, you will be amazed.
My background is with acoustic pianos and struggle to keep up with technological advances. I am not sure if your floppy discs will work with newer Clavs as they now come with in-built smart media or DVD’s/CD players. Your local piano shop will know (should know!) the answer.
Regards,
Graham Howard
Morning Graham, I am buying a piano to celebrate my 60th birthday. I learned to play as a child and plan to start again. I have skimmed through your guide and note that your favourites are the Yamaha CP range , do you have a view on the Yamaha NU1 and the Roland DP 90?
Thank you
Elaine Tamkin
Reply/ Hi Elaine
Yes, my favourites certainly are the Yamaha CLP range.
I find them to have the firmest, most realistic key touch.
I also like their pure tone. Especially the CLP440 and above.
The NU1 is also very nice. This has the advantage of a
real acoustic piano mechanism inside. So the feeling
is even more accurate than the CLP range.
The DP90 lacks in tone quality. But its key touch is
nice and responsive.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Question/ Dear Graham,
First of all can I say thanks for all the advice and information on your website- it has been a great source of really useful information.
I am currently shopping around for my first digital piano; I’ve been playing on an upright for years and am looking for some guidance as to which digital model you might recommend.
Having always played an upright, my key priority is the authenticity of the sound and the feel of the keyboard, with features such as digital connectivity of little importance for my needs.
Further, as a recent graduate living in a small London flat, compactness and affordability (my absolute top budget is around £700, although ideally I’m looking to spend as little as possible!) are also really important, although portability is not a concern.
From the Yamaha range, the only clavinova that is really small enough for my needs is the CLP-F01 which is unfortunately way out of my price range so I have been considering the models in the P-range as well as the YDP models (notably the YDP S-30 and the NP-30 from the ‘portable grand’ series.
From the Casio models I have been looking at the Privia range (which seems to represent great value for money, with loads of deals available from Internet suppliers and local retailers alike)
I have also been considering the Roland F-50 and FP-4.
Naturally, with such a limited budget and restrictions on size I appreciate that I cannot expect too much; I’m basically looking for something to use until I can afford (and accommodate!) an upright.
Any advice you could give would be hugely appreciated!
With Regards,
Jonathan Yong
Answer/ Hi Jonathan
If your key priority is the authenticity of the sound and the feel of the keyboard and your budget is up to £700, then I recommend the Yamaha CLP220.
Although it is not as compact as the Casio Privia pianos the sound quality is MILES better and the touch is ‘almost’ the same as an acoustic piano.
The Casio Privias – at first glance – do look like a wonderful deal, but, in my opinion, their sound is a little weak and the touch a little spongy.
The equivalent Roland models are FAR to expensive in my opinion and the Yamaha YDP range doesn’t have the same sound output of the CLP range — this is mainly due to the speaker quality and wattage output.
If compactness outweighs sound and touch then go for the Casio PX700. Otherwise, there really isn’t any other digital piano on the market that comes close to the Yamaha CLP220.
Regards,
Graham Howard
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Hi Mr. Howard,
I recently came across UK pianos website, and have also read your e-book. I am interested in getting a decent digital piano with good sound and touch, and based on your e-book, I’ve short listed a couple of models and brands, and would like your expertise in helping me make my choice.
I have never taken any formal music lessons before. Two years ago I decided to give it a go, and started off with a PSR E-313. The built-in music database of the 61-key keyboard was a huge help. Since then i’ve purchased a couple of books to make some progress, which I’m happy to say I have. Then I upgraded to a CDP 100 which seemed very attractive back then. Have had it for only 8 months and couldn’t help but to be disappointed in the quality of sound produced by the speakers of the CDP100. Have managed to sell it and now looking for a better replacement.
I am most interested in learning classical music, and as I make progress I wish to learn complex classical pieces in the future. I’ve been learning to sight-read music, and I’ve had much pleasure in learning classical pieces like Chopin’s Nocturne Op.55-1 and Valse Op. 64-1 on my own, with the help of YouTube to fine-tune my playing. (any music teacher reading this would think it’s the silliest thing to do!)
I also have a 4-yr old child who has just started her junior music course with the Yamaha school of music. So having a good digital piano to facilitate her learning is important, as well as fitting my budget.
I am intrigued by Classenti’s range of digital pianos. I have never even heard or this brand before. I was, however, disappointed to find out that Classenti is currently not shipped to Malaysia. (I wrote to info@classenti.co.uk., and got a reply saying that I should go to a local music store near me and ask them to write in to Classenti, and maybe they can send it to me via the store.) Before I do that, I’d like some clarification on the following:
1. Does the CDP1 have a built-in transformer that converts voltage automatically, like the model P1 does? FYI, Voltage input in Malaysia is the same as UK’s (220 – 240 V). So it shouldn’t be a problem?
2. I’ve owned a PSR E-313 and Casio CDP100 in the past, and they sounded dull through the speakers, but much clearer through headphones. Why is that? Does it have to do with speaker wattage? My sister-in-law has a Celviano (AP420 i think), with relatively higher speaker wattage, and yet they sounded not that much better than the CDP100 i had, which I find confusing. How much better is CDP1’s clarity of sound through their 2 x 15 Watt speakers?
3. I don’t recall having read anything about a USB port, or SD card slot, or any means by which I can connect to a computer?
4. Does the CDP1 have Stereo LINE OUT?
Apart from CDP1, I’ve also read about CDP2, but not sure if I can afford it though. Apart from that, I’ve also looked at CN23 (have not tried it out) which is quite pricy in Malaysia. For your info, Yamaha and Casio are big here. Limited models of Kawai, as well as Roland and Kurzweil stage keyboards are also available.
In the unfortunate event I can’t get hold of a Classenti, what other models in Yamaha or Kawai would you recommend?
The only criteria I look to fulfill are:
– good, crisp sound from the speakers
– keys that feel the closest to the real thing
– a simple recording facility with connection to computer
– enough polyphony to play the not-so-complex classical pieces. (Will not be using any other voices, effects, layering, etc.)
– a good piano for a child taking junior music course
Hope the email’s not taken up too much of your time. Thank you in advance.
Best regards, Nasrin, Malaysia
Reply/ Hi Nasrin
I apologise if my reply is short. I have hundreds
of emails to get through this morning before the
phones start ringing.
The CDP1 has a built-in transformer that converts
voltage automatically.
The CDP1 has a clearer tone than the CDP100. This
is to do with the larger cabinet size and higher
wattage output.
The CDP1 has a LINE OUT and MIDI IN/OUT. This allows
you to connect to external speakers or a computer.
Some alternatives to the Classenti CDP1 I recommend
are the Kawai CN23 and Yamaha YDP161.
Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
Hi Graham,
My son will be doing ABRSM grade 4 next year, he has been practising on a Yamaha digital piano YPD141 past many years. I just wonder if this digital piano is still sufficient for his level, or is it time that we should get him a real acoustic piano? As we will be moving house in about a year time, moving a real acoustic piano will be more difficult and expensive. However, if he there is a real need to get an acoustic piano, we will also consider it.
Warm regards,
Anna
Hi Anna
Did you get a reply reply from us?
Regards
Graham Howard
UK Pianos