Simviation Forums

My Daughter is going to be taking vocal lessons and the instructor told her that it would also be a good thing if she learned how to play the piano.

 I was wondering if anyone one could help me with the choice of a good keyboard.  I know SimV has a lot of talented people when it comes to tickling the ivory.  I would like to keep the price down so, something around $300.00 and down would be great.

Mr. Fozzer I would value you're opinion!!

Thank you, Cory

Blimey Cory....

..a bit of a job to keep the price below $300... :'(...!

For a budding Pianist it ideally should have 88, Graded Hammer Keys (to obtain the same feel as a Grand Piano).

Digital Piano.
Grand Piano Voice.
A number of ready, built-in additional Voices would be nice.
Layer and Split facility.
Built-in Amplifies and speakers...(expensive).
External Amp and speakers...your own....(cheaper).
A "Digital Stage Piano", with extra "X" stand will be cheaper than a Complete Digital Piano with fancy, built-in wooden stand.

It will contain a Sustain Pedal
and a Power Pack.
Sockets for external devices.

Have a peek at the Yamaha, Korg, and Roland sites first to get an idea, then pop into your local shop to try them out...

Dont forget...for a SERIOUS PIANIST you need an 88-key Graded Hammer Keyboard!....not a Synthesizer type keyboard...;)....!

Spend a LOT of time studying the subject of Pianos/Keyboards BEFORE making your decision...don't make a mistake..and buy the wrong thing..;)...!
Study the specifications...

Paul...play it again Sam...I've got a house full of them...!!

http://www.yamaha-europe.com/yamaha_eur ... index.html

The P-140 is nice...but a bit dear...;)...

My main Piano is this one...
M-Audio Pro Keys 88...>>>

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/P ... -main.html

...Play the Audio Samples.....!

Thank you Paul, I knew I could count on you're wisdom on this subject.
I remember seeing in one of you're post about an 88 key.  I will go above $300.00 if I need too, to get the 88 key.  I saw some keyboards that were between 61 and 76 keys but, I knew that the 88 was available.  I will research this and let you know either the out come or have more questions.

Thank you again for getting me headed in the right direction!!

Cory

Thank you Paul, I knew I could count on you're wisdom on this subject.
I remember seeing in one of you're post about an 88 key.  I will go above $300.00 if I need too, to get the 88 key.  I saw some keyboards that were between 61 and 76 keys but, I knew that the 88 was available.  I will research this and let you know either the out come or have more questions.

Thank you again for getting me headed in the right direction!!

Cory

Take your time Cory.... ...!

In the "Olden Days", every house had a Piano, and all the Family stood round it and sang whilst Mum tinkled the Ivories, reading from Sheet Music....
...that was in the Good-Old-Days...before the "Dreaded Television Set"... ...!

There's nothing more relaxing that sitting down at a Piano and coming up with a nice Tune...trust me......!

Paul....Have fun!... ...!

P.S. You can accompany your Daughter on your new Acoustic Guitar.... ...?

Good advice from Fozzer. Here's a few comments from personal experience. When my daughter was studying music many years ago I purchased a Yamaha Clavinova for her to practice on when she visited me. At the time the Clavinova was the only electronic piano recognised by the Royal College of Music. This meant she could actually take her exams on it if necessary.

There are several advantages to an electronic piano, mainly that they never need tuning & (very important in my case at the time) they have a volume control. The disadvantage being that no matter how good or how expensive they are they will never be a substitute for a real old-fashioned piano.

Electronic pianos are still comparatively expensive & unlike keyboards they hold their value. As Paul says, the important thing is to go & try them out for yourself.

PS. My daughter is now a qualified music teacher herself. She still has that Clavinova but is seriously considering replacing it with a proper piano to teach my grandchildren on.

A good tip is to go onto U-Tube and browse through the various Musical Instrument displays and samples.

Type in a Make/Model.....and listen...;)...Good fun!...!

For a laugh...have a listen to "Uncle Bert" giving a demo of my Yamaha MM6 Workstation Synthesizer...>>>

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=8E_bDg5ak9w

Paul.... ...!

If she can get anywhere near this:

Russ Conway

...she'll be a star

Well, she starts her voice and piano lesson next week.  The piano teacher said to hold off on buying the keyboard for about a month because he rents space in a music store and he will be able to get us a good deal and that there will be some new models coming in. So, I'll wait a little longer and I'll will be asking for some more advice when he gives me a choice.

Thank you again,
                   Cory