Substitute Piano

Synthesis

It seems like a waste to throw away 15 years of piano lessons--can anyone recommend an electronic replacement for an upright piano? Space isn't too much of a constraint (I have an empty guest room I can set it up, obviously it would be smaller than the upright it's replacing), and there seems to be a pretty wide array of prices. What I'm not sure is how close these relate to quality. In particular, I'd like to get it on Amazon.com if possible, since I have Amazon Prime and the shipping costs would be pretty steep for a large electric keyboard.

Since I live in an apartment, my primary method of using it would be listening through a pair of $70 large earphones.

Janson

Well - what's your price range?

I am very impressed with this casio and it's pretty much the best you can get for ~$500.

Synthesis

I think I spotted this one as well. I think $500 is probably my ceiling or so. Fortunately, my family seems happy to contribute, since they're the ones who insisted I started learning how to play in the first place.

I'm hoping for advice from a current owner, but yes, the actual feel of a mechanical piano is extremely important, so that's a plus from this model.

Janson

Well - I am a current owner, and I bought it for pretty much the same reasons as you - I'm not a professional, but I've had ten years of lessons and I didn't want my skills to entirely dry up! It's great for an apartment, looks pretty good and feels great.

As a plus, when you do move, it's not actually all that heavy.

Raern

Korg's digital pianos are pretty good too, and start in that range: http://www.amazon.com/Korg-SP170s-88-Key-Digital-Piano/dp/B004M91ZQI/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

Look at that one and the Casio though it seems neither bothers to package in a damper pedal for that price. You'll probably need either the pedal or the full stand to treat these like a piano.

Synthesis

Yeah, pedals are something I may have to live without--it's been a few years, so it's not much of a deal breaker as it would have been if I'd just stopped playing.

Janson

The casio does come with a pedal; well, I bought it in Fry's, so it may be different from Amazon, but it was part of the package - not an extra.

eponagirl

Hi Synthesis. Awesome that you play piano and want to keep it up. A few years ago, I purchased a Yamaha S80 Heavyweight Key Synthesizer. It was perfect for me because I liked the full keyboard and heavyweight key feel, such as that on a grand.

If you're anywhere in the Los Angeles / OC area right now I will happily sell you mine (I'm here in the states for another week). Otherwise, I suggest Sweetwater.com. I've used them for years with different organizations.

Look for what you want on Guitar Center or Amazon, etc., then ask Sweetwater what they can do for you. They're wholesale and you don't need a seller's permit. Ask for Nate Edwards or email him at nate_edwards@sweetwater.com. Office 800-222-4700 x 1350, or mobile 260-577-2626. He's helped us with a lot of musical equipment, so tell him what you're looking for and your parameters.

As far as a keyboard stand and a pedal, you'll probably want them and they're not expensive if you know where to look. Check Craigslist in your area for both, or ask Nate. You might also ask local churches or contemporary worship groups, as they tend to plow fast through the musical equipment you're looking for.
Good luck!

Synthesis

I appreciate the offer, but I'm living in Georgia, so I'll just check for the model online. It seems to have the features I'm looking at.

Sharp10r

Features you should have:
-full size keys
-weighted keys
-pedal hook-up
Try Costco or Sam's club too.

Sometimes the keys are full size but they aren't weighted- ey are spring loaded. you don't want that- your piano teacher will cry, and it will not feel right to you.

Synthesis

I don't miss my piano teachers, but yeah, they would feel awkward--I may need to find a place where I can try out the keyboard first. Damn.

eponagirl

Sharp10r noted good features that I've considered a good investment for a keyboard. When it comes to trying out something you want to order from a website, check your local Guitar Center (or school of music) and try it out there, given they carry it in store. They probably carry the make, at least, so you can ask the specialists there what they think about different models for a certain Korg, Yamaha, Casio, etc. And always get a second opinion - maybe from music school students in your area who probably all have had a sort of keyboard.