Digital Pianos
Hi Graham
Thank you. I found both the bible and the scores very useful. I haven’t read everything in the ‘bible’ but mainly focused on your recommendations for pianos under £1000. I would be very grateful for your advice!
I am looking for a digital piano that is suitable for:
– learning to play the piano again. I played as a child up to grade 4, but not very enthusiastically. So although I am starting again at the beginning, I am not entirely a beginner. I want to persevere and get better and would like a piano that is good enough to, say, grade 5 level (being optimistic)
– playing mainly classical music.
– my flat. This means being able to store it away if people come to stay. So I do not want a fixed frame but a keyboard and a braced stand. I gather that the speakers may not be as good but I will mainly be using headphones and could attach speakers if it mattered.
I am prepared to pay for a piano that meets these requirements, but I don’t want to pay a lot more than necessary. Before I read your bible it seemed to me that there were several in the frame like the Yamaha P125, Casio PX s1100, Roland FP 30X
I looked at your lists and several were ruled out by being fixed frame (eg Hadley D10, Broadway BW1, Broadway EZ102) or not having a score (eg Casio PX160, Korg B1, Casio CDP130) or not being readily available. As far as I could tell, that left the following under £800 ranked by overall score:
Key touch Sound Overall Price
Yamaha P45 53.0 51.5 52.4 380
Hadley S1 52.5 53.0 52.7 530
Yamaha P125 53.0 54.5 53.6 430
Roland FP30 53.5 54.0 53.7 600
Broadway AB1 52.5 56.5 54.1 700
Yamaha DGX660 53.0 57.0 54.6 799
Kurzweil MPS10 54.0 62.5 57.4 800
There is little between the scores, apart from the Kurzweil. The best value seems to be the Yamaha P125 (or the more available Yamaha P125A). It doesn’t look as if the extra cost of the Roland FP 30 is worth it. I am also wondering whether I should consider the Yamaha P121 because it is smaller but I am not sure about that. So would the Yamaha P125A (or P121) be suitable or is there another model that would be better and worth the extra cost if it is more expensive?
Many thanks for your help.
Reply/ Hi Dorothy
Hi Dorothy
I’m glad the digital piano bible and Howard score
were useful for you.
From your shortlist, I recommend going for either
the Yamaha P125A or Broadway AB1.
They are similar in functionality and size.
Also they’re both fully-weighted and touch sensitive.
This is ideal for learning on, as it replicates the feel
of an acoustic piano.
The Broadway does have a fuller, more resonant tone
with better sustain. This is due to its much larger
speakers and a speaker grill that extends the entire
length of the piano. Of course, the volume range is
also superior on the Broadway.
Other than that, I’d say that either piano is suitable
for you to learn and progress on up to a decent level
before needing to upgrade.
Yours pianistically
Graham Howard
Piano Advisor, UK Pianos
—
Good afternoon Graham,
I located your excellent articles online via UK pianos. I’m going to have a look through your scores but since these may be dated I just wondered what your advice on the following might be..
I have conducted a bit of my own research from online reviews, but haven’t actually managed to see any pianos in the flesh (yet). In a nutshell I’ve narrowed it down to the following, based initially on size and then attributes like speakers + polyphony.
Crucially though:
I am an amateur self-taught player, looking to learn at home and get better/more technical.
I have young children aged 9 & 6 who love music and want me to buy a piano so that they can also learn. I appreciate more of a beginner piano would be best to smaller hands.
I’ve narrowed down to the below list but can’t decide on things like display or Bluetooth – I guess they are nice luxuries to have and not essentials. Although I’d like to do a bit of recording/midi in future.
I have a nice space around 25m2 floor space and the piano will fit nicely against a wall, so the max depth would be 44cm.
Can you recommend any other options or any of the below and do you stock any of these for delivery to Stockport?
Would any of the below options stand out for sound, reliability. I want to invest in something for the next 5-10 years and want it to have a good sound.
Reply/ Hi Adam
You’ve certainly done a lot of research!
From your short list I recommend either the
Yamaha CLP725 or Kawai CN301.
These have the most authentic tone and
most realistic key feel to an acoustic piano.
UK Pianos doesn’t sell these brands at the moment,
but I’d be happy to recommend a reliable store if you
choose to go with either of these pianos.
Just let me know.
Alternatively, there’s two other digital pianos I’d like to
recommend for you:
Broadway BW1 and Gewa DP300G
There’s little to choose between these two,
and they’re both the same retail price.
If you favour a more realistic touch, then I’d
say that the Broadway has a more sensitive
feel to it. The response is also more accurate.
With the Gewa, you get a warmer, more mellow tone
as it’s been sampled from a Steinway concert grand.
I’m not sure where you live, but if you’d like to
come and try them out in our North London
store then let me know so I can make sure to be there.
Yours pianistically
Graham Howard
Piano Advisor, UK Pianos
—
I am looking for a digital piano in a stand for my daughter to learn on.
Do you have any in stock to recommend?
I appreciate with second hand items there is potential for things to break – do you offer a repair service or any form of guarantee on purchase?
Reply/ Hi Matt
We have several digital pianos available.
Two to look at are the Hadley S1 and Broadway AB1.
There are both suitable for your daughter to
learn and progress on because they have fully-
weighted keys.
This is essential to have when learning.
The Broadway has a warmer, more resonant
piano tone. This is the main reason for the
higher cost.
We also have second hand ones available here
We offer a 2-year warranty on pianos.
This covers labour and all parts.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Yours pianistically
Graham Howard
—
Good Afternoon, Graham
I hope you are well.
I am looking to rent to buy a digital portable piano I can use for events but also play at home and wondered if you have anything in stock and how your rent to buy scheme works?
Reply/ Hi Nathan
We have a brand new Hadley S1 or Broadway AB1.
You can see the Hadley here
and the Broadway here
We also have second hand ones here
Out of the two, the Broadway has a more sensitive
key feel. You can put more expression into your playing.
Other than that, they are similar: fully-weighted,
touch sensitive keys.
With the rent to buy scheme, you pay a 20% deposit,
which you get back at the end. The first 6 months
rental payment count towards the piano’s price.
This is taken monthly by standing order.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Yours pianistically
Graham Howard
—
“Yamaha DGX 670 or CVP 701?”
I am planning to upgrade my daughter’s piano.
She is grade 1, beginner, 12 years old, year 7.
Could you please give me advise which one will be the best choice.
DGX 670 or CVP 701? Is there big different in sound quality between those two?
And do you have them in display?
Many thanks
Reply/ Dear Devi
The DGX670 is not one I recommend for learning on.
It is closer to a keyboard than a piano, because it
has weighted keys (instead of fully-weighted) and
has lots of buttons and instrument sounds.
The CVP701 is a very different piano.
This is closer to a real piano than the DGX, but
still is quote basic when it comes to key feel.
You are paying a lot more money for the extra
features, rather than the quality of touch and sound.
There’s two pianos I would like to recommend for you:
Broadway EZ-102 and Broadway BW1.
These sound and feel closer to a real piano
and will last a long time without any need
to change the piano until your daughter
reaches the higher piano grades.
We have both these digital pianos on display
in our Enfield shop.
Kind regards
Graham Howard
—
I have recently been approached by one of my students about buying a digital piano. She currently plays a keyboard so this would be a great improvement. However her budget is £500. She has said that she is interested in buying the Gear4Music one , however I have played one of these and they were so heavy/clunky touch wise. I do appreciate that you often end up getting what you pay for. Is there anything you could recommend please?
Many thanks, Ruth
Reply/ Dear Ruth
There’s two pianos I recommend for her:
Hadley D10 and Broadway EZ-102.
The Hadley has a fully-weighted key touch.
Its keys are also touch sensitive.
I would say that this is an excellent beginner’s
piano and is suitable up to an intermediate level.
The Broadway EZ-102 is a step up from the Hadley.
Its keys are even more sensitive, so you can play
with more dynamics.
What’s more, the sound is warmer and more resonant.
The Broadway will take her up to at least grade 6 level.
You can see them both here:
Hadley D10
Broadway EZ102
Yours pianistically
Graham Howard
—
“Any advice for my 10 year old daughter to learn on?”
Hi,
I’m looking for advice.
My 10 year old daughter is interested in playing piano or keyboard but we don’t have room for, or access to, a piano. She plays fiddle and accordion at a basic level.
I’m keen to try keyboard although I haven’t found a musical bone in my body in 44 years.
I’ve got lost in reviews and specs and personal advice.
Some say, get a really cheap 60 odd key thing to see if you like it. I think that would put us both off with the lack of quality.
I know a performer who says get an 88 key from the outset and pay over £500 for hammer keys etc etc. Fine for her to say!
Well, I don’t want cheap tat that puts us off and I certainly haven’t got £500 to spend, even if my kid was expert. I’ve pressed keys on a normal keyboard and really don’t like the empty feeling of no resistance. I like the effect of piano keys. I know I’m talking myself up the price range already.
Any advice?
Thanks, Dylan
Reply/ Hi Dylan
I recommend going for an 88 key digital piano
that has fully-weighted keys. This is essential
if you want your daughter to learn to play
with the correct technique.
A good digital piano costs upwards from £600.
I recommend doing this on our rent to own programme.
It is £39 per month, with the first 6 month’s rental
payments going towards the price of the piano.
I recommend for you the Broadway EZ-102.
This is an excellent starter piano that has fully-weighted
keys. It feels close to playing on a real piano.
You can see it here: Broadway EZ-102
The Broadway also has useful features for learning:
Record and play back button. Headphones connection.
Computer connection and some extra sounds such
as organ, string and harpsichord.
It also scores highest in its category in the
Howard score piano rating.
Let me know if you would like to reserve one.
Yours pianistically
Graham Howard
“Is it better to buy an older piano that was once top of the range than a brand new budget piano?”
Hi Graham,
Thank you so much for all your advice on your website and in your DP bible. It has already been so useful in helping me to work out which piano to buy.
I do still have some questions which you may be able to help me with…
I stopped playing piano in my teens (about 20 years ago) and have been wanting to start up again for a very long time – I was working on my Grade 7 when I gave up and there’s a piece that is Grade 6 which I want to learn. I’m looking for a DP that is closest to an acoustic piano that my budget will allow. I don’t care for the ‘bells and whistles’.
My budget has gone from £350 to £500 from looking at second hand ones on eBay and then I saw your review on the Hadley D10. There is a Clavinova CLP-860 on eBay which will probably sell for around £580 would this be better than a Hadley D10? Is it better to buy an older piano that was once top of the range than a brand new budget piano? I saw that you said on your website to never buy a digital piano that is older than 3 years – what if that piano has been serviced/cleaned?
From continuing to read your answers to other people’s questions you’ve piqued my interest in the Gewas. So now I am wondering whether to wait and save up and by a ex-model Gewa. To just buy once and not need to upgrade later. I see you have a second hand Gewa DP340 black for £999 on your website – I assume this would be a better bet than a brand new DP300?
That’s a lot of questions! Thanks in advance!
Oh, also, what is the address of your Hackney Store? I’m in South London so it’s closer than Enfield.
Many thanks,
Damaris
Reply/ Hi Damaris
Hi Damaris
I understand what you’re saying about getting
an older second hand digital piano higher up in
the range than a brand new one lower in the range.
The problem is that many of the older second hand
digital pianos have worn out keys and mechanical
issues. Especially a very old Clavinova such as the
CLP-860 you mentioned.
What’s more, the technology has been updated
several times since then.
I really do advise going for a new one, or at the
very least, a current model that is used, or a shop
ex-display or demo model.
The Hadley D10 is a well built, solid digital piano
that’s ideal for anyone learning on up to an
intermediate level. But I think you’d struggle with
it beyond about grade 5, so it’s not really for you.
We have, as you mentioned, the Gewa DP340 demo
model in black matt. This has been on display
in our Enfield showroom for less than 3 months.
I do recommend this piano for you.
It has such a lovely round, full sound.
And the keys feel close to a real piano both in
weight and response.
Our Hackney store is very small, so there is not
much of a display there. We also don’t keep
any Gewa pianos there.
If you are able to come to our Enfield store we
have the complete range of Gewa digital pianos
and about 30 other digital pianos.
I am there on Saturdays between 10am and 4pm,
so let me know if you would like to come so
I can be available to help you.
Yours pianistically
Graham Howard
—
Hi Graham,
Just skimmed through your “The Digital Piano Bible” 7 Things You MUST Know Before You Buy a Digital Piano – looks amazing!!!
I have seen an ad locally for a Robertson RP-510 digital piano and would like to know what you think. It looks in good condition and is going for £150.00.
I am new to the piano so not looking for a Steinway or anything – just something to get me going! Would you be able to give me any advice at all on whether this might be a good purchase? I know you cannot see or hear it but going from the pics it looks in good nick but I cannot really find anything about the Robertson brand name. The only other issue is there is no manual and I can’t seem to find one online anywhere.
I am going to look at it tomorrow. Any input would be gratefully received.
Thanks a million in advance,
Reply/ Hi Sue
I really don’t advise going for this.
Robertson stopped making pianos years ago, and
spare parts are no longer available.
What’s more, these are only very basic pianos
with weighted (rather than fully-weighted keys).
Fully-weighted keys are recommend for learning
on, as they replicate the feel of a real piano.
Weighted keys are too light and not responsive enough.
Let me know if you’d like some recommendations.
Yours pianistically
Graham Howard
—
“Upright piano or digital piano. Which to buy?”
Hi Graham,
I am a very mature classical guitar player making slow progress ( 6 years to grade 3!) and fancy learning the piano as I think I might progress more rapidly.
Having been looking at your info for some while I have lent towards a digital piano but the more I read the more I think an acoustic piano would be a better experience – but more money of course for a half decent one.
Locally I have seen a Fuchs and Mohr of 2010 vintage at £400 ( private sale) which seems a good buy ( against most dealers selling for c. £1400) but on line people say avoid F & Ms as East German build, key action heavy, tone poor etc
Have you any thoughts? Or should I grasp the nettle and buy a £ 1500 digital piano?
Best regards
Jeremy
Reply/ Hi Jeremy
I really don’t advise buying a second hand
upright piano from a private seller.
Many of the have problems with holding
their tuning due to loose tuning pins.
Over the years the wood dries out (mostly
because of central heating) and the strings
are unable to keep their tensions.
If you do want buy second hand then I advise
sending a piano tuner to check it out first,
because moving pianos is very expensive,
and if the piano does have major problems
then you will not only have to pay to move
it to your home, but also have the cost of
trying to dispose of it.
If your budget is up to £1500 then I recommend
going for a decent quality digital piano that
has fully-weighted keys. You will get more for
your money than and second hand upright piano.
I recommend the Gewa UP355 and Kurzweil
MP120 digital pianos.
The Gewa UP355 would be my first choice.
It’s a newly launched model (made in Germany)
and has a lovely piano tone…
The sound is taken directly from a Steinway concert
grand. It has a warm, resonant and natural tone.
What’s more, the UP355 has an extra dynamic
level over most equivalent priced digital pianos.
This makes it suitable for at least grade 8 level.
So it’s a piano you won’t need to upgrade later.
The key touch feel the same as playing on a real
piano. They are weighted correctly, and very
sensitive to touch. A real joy to play.
You can see the UP355 here
The Kurzweil MP120 is another for you to consider.
And this is one of our best sellers in the £1200-£1500
price range.
Kurzweil make really nice digital pianos.
Both the sound and feel of the keys are close to a
real, acoustic piano.
You can see the Kurzweil here
The Gewa and Kurzweil pianos all come with a home
warranty. So we come to your home to fix the piano
anywhere in the UK.
Yours pianistically
Graham Howard
“Please give me some advice on buying a digital piano”
Q/ Hi Graham
Having read your comprehensive and extremely informative guide, and now knowing more than I thought possible on the subject, I would appreciate a little more hand holding!
I am a 67 year old retiree who has decided to take up the challenge of learning to play, for my own amusement and enjoyment.
I should mention that I am something of a technophobe and talk of USB points, connecting to tablets and phones, downloading and MIDI etc causes my mind to wander (no offence!). Yep, I’m old school and happy with a book! Another important aspect is looks. Piano will be in living room and should not look like something better suited to a teenager’s bedroom.
So, I have been considering the Yamaha P45, Roland F10 and Casio can’t-remember-which. Then I read about the Broadways. Clearly the Broadway B1 is an all-round thing of beauty but maybe more than I shall ever need, plus price is a consideration.
Would the Broadway EZ-102 suit? I’m not keen on the LED display (see above!) but it’s not a deal breaker. Maybe you have other suggestions?
Thanks for the assistance so far – I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards, Elaine
A/ Hi Elaine
The Broadway B1 is indeed a lovely piano.
It has a really nice piano tone and a responsive
feel to the keys. The key touch is fully-weighted
and feels close to playing the real thing.
But you don’t need to spend so much to get
something decent.
The Broadway EZ-102 is a good piano.
It also has the fully-weighted keys, which is
the most important thing to have.
The sound quality is good… it has a clearer
tone than other pianos around its price bracket.
So I recommend this for you.
You will be more than happy with it.
There is one more digital piano I’d like to
introduce to you: The Broadway AB1.
The Broadway AB1 has the advantage of being
lighter in weight than digital pianos and more
compact, making it easy to store away when you
aren’t using it.
Essentially it is a portable-type piano. But you
can get a wooden stand to go with it, which is
a good option for home use.
The AB1 also has a fully-weighted key touch that
has a nice, firm feel with good response.
You can see it here
Just let me know if you would like to order one
of these pianos.
Yours pianistically
Graham Howard
“Which one is best from your score?”
Q/ I am looking to buy a digital piano. My daughter who is 10 has just started lessons and my son 18 is quite musical playing guitar to grade 8 and has learnt keyboard on his own and would like to teach himself on the piano. We have been looking second hand but a lot of the ones we see are old pianos often 10+ years. There is one Yamaha YDP-143 currently for sale. have looked through your site which I find very helpful and considering getting one from you but not sure of which one. I have looked at your scoring and from this I have picked out the following which I would be interested in:
Broadway EZ-102
Casio AP260
Hadley D20
Broadway B1
Classenti CDP1
Classenti CDP2
Kurzweil M110
The EZ-102 looks good and a great price and we could rent for 6 months. I like the Classenti CDP2 which is on 12 months interest free but a lot more expensive but I like the pianos with a full or near full length back which the CDP1 doesn’t have. The B1 also looks good but is it worth the extra money over the EZ-102. Any help would be appreciated and of you think any others would suit us.
Thank you
Rosie
A/ Hi Rosie
The Broadway EZ-102 is certainly the best value.
And it has fully-weighted keys, so would be
ideal for your daughter to learn and progress on.
The B1 is nicer. It has one extra dynamic level,
so you can get more out of it. This is only
important for more advanced playing though.
I advise going for the EZ-102.
Yours pianistically
Graham Howard
“I’m concerned about buying a digital piano online”
Dear Graham,
Q/ Thank you very much for your advice which is much appreciated. My only concern about buying online is if a fault develops. Sending something of that size back by post is not usually a viable option.
All good wishes, Mark
A/ Hi Mark
When you buy a Yamaha or Classenti digital piano online you’re covered by Yamaha and Classenti’s warranty.
This 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 most likely have to lug it back there to get it repaired.
You’re far better off buying online.
Yours pianistically
Graham Howard