Digital Piano

[Shadoweclipse13]

I want to buy a real acoustic piano some day, but since I don't have permanent digs, I'm looking for something more portable.

All I want is a decent piano sound. Rhodes, Wurlitzer, and organ sounds would be cool too, though not necessary, but I don't want banks of tons of other instrument sounds. Mostly just piano. Headphone jack and sustain pedal jack are the only things I have to have, but an output jack for a PA would be cool too.

The Yamaha NP-12 looks nice, not too deep with features, and the price is right. Haven't tried it yet.

I'm looking for suggestions: brands, models, pretty much anything. Used would totally be fine.

Also, I should note that I'm not looking for the digital pianos that are a huge body/frame thing like a real piano. Just a keyboard to put on a stand.

[UlricvonCatalyst]

I think I can guess the answer, but do you need full-size weighted keys as part of the equation? If not the Yamaha Reface CP looks like a lot of fun. The toy piano sound is a major bonus!

It goes without saying that a VST piano plug-in with any MIDI/USB controller is also an option, but I guess you're looking for a stand-alone instrument.

[Shadoweclipse13]

I'd prefer full-size for the sake of getting used to it, but as I'm not primarily a keyboard/piano player, I'm not sure weighted/super-realistic keys are a necessity. It'd be nice, but might not be a deal breaker.

Definitely looking for a standalone instrument. Plug-ins don't interest me at all, though that is an interesting option. Problem is, my only MIDI keyboard is an Arturia Keystep, which is only 2 octaves I think. So,I'd still need a bigger keyboard for MIDI. If someone made a piano module, like a tabletop synth, to be used with a MIDI keyboard, I might be interested though.

That Yamaha Reface is REALLY cool. Sounds good too! If it was at least a 49-key board, is probably jump on it.

[UlricvonCatalyst]

That Yamaha Reface is REALLY cool. Sounds good too! If it was at least a 49-key board, is probably jump on it.

Haters of those mini keys and limited octave range get can always get round that by MIDI-ing up a controller keyboard and using it as "a piano module, like a tabletop synth". Adds a little cost, but used MIDI controllers are abundant and cheap.

[mackerelmint]

Yeah, I came here just to say "Yamaha reface CP, use a larger controller on it".

Because seriously, those things sound fantastic.

[OffYourFace]

You’re better off getting a midi controller. I like the Kurzweil micro piano. It’s an older small desktop or half rack unit. You can find them for $100-150. There’s some nice strings on there too.

Otherwise, a friend just got some Roland 73 key thing. The RD-700sx. It sounds great and isn’t too heavy. I think it was $800.

[Shadoweclipse13]

The Reface CP definitely sounds pretty good. I actually REALLY like the toy piano sound too. I just don't know about getting a separate controller for that.

The Kurzweil Micropiano sounds really good too!! Price is right as well. Hmm...

[Dok]

What is your budget, and do you want it to have internal speakers or are you okay with just using an amp/PA? Are you looking to use it in a band setting (schlepping it around) or is it gonna live in your house mostly?

[Shadoweclipse13]

Definitely cool with needing a PA (will be getting one for bass amp as well) and don't need internal speakers. Mostly will be at home for sure. Not positive about budget, but hoping for a few hundred or less.

[Dok]

A Korg SV-1 is outside of your budget but it's perfect for your needs. They are so much fun to fool around with.

Also the Roland RD-64 is a bit cheaper and smaller.

Otherwise I'd recommend any used Roland or Yamaha digital piano from the late 90s onward, they'll do all that you specified and there are tons of used ones floating around with good action and decent sounds. If you're really serious about the "piano" part of the equation you'll really want weighted keys.

Roland HP series - those have the big stands, unfortunately
Yamaha P series - no built in stand
Clavinovas are hit and miss - also have big built-in stands
Most of the more fully-featured Casios are pretty decent
You could also check out an old Alesis QS 7/8 series, that has semi/weighted action and has the added bonus of being a synth. Patches are dated but still lots of fun.

I'd just do a search in your local craigslist for "digital piano" in that price range and research the results accordingly. You can definitely find something pretty decent for a few hundred dollars.

[Dok]

p.s. Don't get a Williams!!

[mediocreplayer]

The two entry level pianos recommended across the board are usually the Roland FP-30 and Kawai ES 110. Both will offer more than any Yamaha in their price range.

[Shadoweclipse13]

Sorry for the late replies Dok and mediorcreplayer! New job has been busy and I've been a lazy twat lately.

Thanks for the suggestions!!

I don't mind the big bodied things, but I just don't have the room right now. Not portability for the sake of taking it places day-to-day, but portability for the sake of "I'll probably be moving every year, from apartment to apartment" is a bit of a thing right now. Haha. PLUS, I could make a custom wooden frame for any keyboard if I really wanted that. At this point, the price point is probably a bigger deal for me, since keyboard isn't my first priority. It's a sound I want to have and an instrument I want to get good with, but I'll never be a touring keyboardist/pianist, you know? Just for fun like.

I'll have to check around Craigslist locally and see what comes up! 10-4 on the "no Williams" thing

[Dok]

Amazon is having a one-day sale for Prime members and this Yamaha keyboard for $299 is a great deal. https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-Weighted- ... S_PC_NA_NA

[Shadoweclipse13]

Damn, that is a good deal.