View Full Version : Digital Keyboard advice Casio/Yamaha
Elwood Blues
20-12-15, 17:27
A bit late in the day we have decided to buy my granddaughter a keyboard for Christmas.
She is a beginner, although she has studied piano at school for the last year and a bit.
Going from my son's experience when he studied keyboard, I don't want anything too basic as he had outgrown the Yamaha we bought him within 18 months.
We are therefore looking at the Casio CTK 7200 which we can get for about £199 and the Yamaha PSRE 443 for around the same price.
There is also the Casio WK 7600 which seems much the same as the 7200 but has 76 keys not 61 and is nearly £100 dearer!!, or the CTK 6200 which is 50 less.
A few years ago, I would probably have gone for the Yamaha,but looking at various reviews of both suggest that at the same price the Casio 7200 is the best of the two.
Anybody with more knowledge than me got any views please???
I have to order tomorrow to get it for Xmas.
Thanks people.
My view is that headphones are not a luxury, but an absolute necessity
Elwood Blues
20-12-15, 17:33
My view is that headphones are not a luxury, but an absolute necessityYes I know,but it won't be in my house so my daughter can buy her some!!
In all seriousness, how old is your g-dau and is she musically inclined? As with everything, you get what you pay for - and I would go for the full 76 key-board.
Elwood Blues
20-12-15, 17:42
In all seriousness, how old is your g-dau and is she musically inclined? As with everything, you get what you pay for - and I would go for the full 76 key-board.If the 76 key one was a big improvement I would definitely be tempted, but it seems to be almost exactly the same except for the number of keys.
Look for realistically weighted keys if you can. It makes a huge difference when playing.I haven't checked those models so I don't know if they have them.
ian gibson
20-12-15, 17:47
What do you get if you throw a piano down a mineshaft?
a-flat minor.
Elwood Blues
20-12-15, 20:21
Any more keyboard experts around??
A bit late in the day we have decided to buy my granddaughter a keyboard for Christmas.I'm sure they have that yamaha one in Costco for £120, might be worth a check, you a member?
Look for realistically weighted keys if you can. It makes a huge difference when playing.I haven't checked those models so I don't know if they have them.When it comes to instruments, cameras, mountain bikes, TV, Hi-Fi etc, there is an old adage - buy cheap, buy twice.
Look for realistically weighted keys if you can. It makes a huge difference when playing.I haven't checked those models so I don't know if they have them.
When it comes to instruments, cameras, mountain bikes, TV, Hi-Fi etc, there is an old adage - buy cheap, buy twice.Sound advice there - cept, I bought a new blonde Tele chinese Squier copy for £265 a coupla months ago an it plays like silk...jus saying
Look for realistically weighted keys if you can. It makes a huge difference when playing.I haven't checked those models so I don't know if they have them.
When it comes to instruments, cameras, mountain bikes, TV, Hi-Fi etc, there is an old adage - buy cheap, buy twice.
Sound advice there - cept, I bought a new blonde Tele chinese Squier copy for £265 a coupla months ago an it plays like silk...jus sayingThat's another strategy, but you skillfully avoided the entry level products from major manufacturers http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/Dsmile.gif Personally, I think it's all about creating an environment that will encourage people to take their interests further.
Look for realistically weighted keys if you can. It makes a huge difference when playing.I haven't checked those models so I don't know if they have them.
When it comes to instruments, cameras, mountain bikes, TV, Hi-Fi etc, there is an old adage - buy cheap, buy twice.
Sound advice there - cept, I bought a new blonde Tele chinese Squier copy for £265 a coupla months ago an it plays like silk...jus saying
That's another strategy, but you skillfully avoided the entry level products from major manufacturers http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/Dsmile.gif Personally, I think it's all about creating an environment that will encourage people to take their interests further.That environment thing happens a lot on certain websites! http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/xmassherlock.gif
Look for realistically weighted keys if you can. It makes a huge difference when playing.I haven't checked those models so I don't know if they have them.
When it comes to instruments, cameras, mountain bikes, TV, Hi-Fi etc, there is an old adage - buy cheap, buy twice.
Sound advice there - cept, I bought a new blonde Tele chinese Squier copy for £265 a coupla months ago an it plays like silk...jus saying
That's another strategy, but you skillfully avoided the entry level products from major manufacturers http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/Dsmile.gif Personally, I think it's all about creating an environment that will encourage people to take their interests further.
Might that be Old Adage #2In those areas I mentioned there are basic entry levels with regards to quality, but huge corporations are market driven, and they feel the need to supply goods to a market segment who and not really savvy about the products beyond a casual interest.
Look for realistically weighted keys if you can. It makes a huge difference when playing.I haven't checked those models so I don't know if they have them.
When it comes to instruments, cameras, mountain bikes, TV, Hi-Fi etc, there is an old adage - buy cheap, buy twice.
Sound advice there - cept, I bought a new blonde Tele chinese Squier copy for £265 a coupla months ago an it plays like silk...jus sayingSeems that the ploy 'worked', and so now the Fender 'Modern Player' range is in the same ballpark, and from apparently the same factory(s).
Look for realistically weighted keys if you can. It makes a huge difference when playing.I haven't checked those models so I don't know if they have them.
When it comes to instruments, cameras, mountain bikes, TV, Hi-Fi etc, there is an old adage - buy cheap, buy twice.
Sound advice there - cept, I bought a new blonde Tele chinese Squier copy for £265 a coupla months ago an it plays like silk...jus saying
Is that a Squier CV50 Tele?To be fair, Telecasters are pretty basic technology. They have been around since the early 50's. Basically you just have to get the carpentry right, and ensure that you don't feck up the electrics and other sundry items.
Look for realistically weighted keys if you can. It makes a huge difference when playing.I haven't checked those models so I don't know if they have them.
When it comes to instruments, cameras, mountain bikes, TV, Hi-Fi etc, there is an old adage - buy cheap, buy twice.
Sound advice there - cept, I bought a new blonde Tele chinese Squier copy for £265 a coupla months ago an it plays like silk...jus saying
Is that a Squier CV50 Tele?Yeah, the Squier classic vibe 50's telecaster blonde. I checked all the reviews which were universally good. Noticed the dealer I bought it from (Normans) upped their price by about £60. Apart from having to tighten the nut for the jack, haven't had to touch it - the action is so smooth and it plays better than my American Standard Strat. (Like the discerning customer bit)
Look for realistically weighted keys if you can. It makes a huge difference when playing.I haven't checked those models so I don't know if they have them.
When it comes to instruments, cameras, mountain bikes, TV, Hi-Fi etc, there is an old adage - buy cheap, buy twice.
Sound advice there - cept, I bought a new blonde Tele chinese Squier copy for £265 a coupla months ago an it plays like silk...jus saying
Is that a Squier CV50 Tele?
Fender have been experimenting (initially via their Squier 'CV' range) to see if they can offer decent instruments made in China and have them well accepted by a discerning customer base.That they've been around so long is proof that Leo got it spectacularly right 65 years ago. My Tele body is of pine which apparently was what the original Teles were cut from
Yer 'tis - and its £316 now!
http://i67.tinypic.com/244qum9.jpg
Look for realistically weighted keys if you can. It makes a huge difference when playing.I haven't checked those models so I don't know if they have them.
When it comes to instruments, cameras, mountain bikes, TV, Hi-Fi etc, there is an old adage - buy cheap, buy twice.
Sound advice there - cept, I bought a new blonde Tele chinese Squier copy for £265 a coupla months ago an it plays like silk...jus saying
Is that a Squier CV50 Tele?
Fender have been experimenting (initially via their Squier 'CV' range) to see if they can offer decent instruments made in China and have them well accepted by a discerning customer base.
Seems that the ploy 'worked', and so now the Fender 'Modern Player' range is in the same ballpark, and from apparently the same factory(s).For the record I would happily play a Squire or Baja Tele, as I believe they have reached a certain quality through 'other means'. I just don't think that corporations who sell cheap keyboards expect their target market to take music seriously.
A bit late in the day we have decided to buy my granddaughter a keyboard for Christmas.The cheapest option that will provide a good standard is going to be a second hand piano. I appreciate this isn't probably the most helpful advice given the time available http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/Dsmile.gif
https://www.gumtree.com/p/pianos/yamaha-ydp141-digital-porta ble-piano/1146822516 (https://www.gumtree.com/p/pianos/yamaha-ydp141-digital-portable-piano/1146822516)
https://www.gumtree.com/p/other-household-goods/lovely-piano -matching-stool-painted-in-the-shabby-chic-look-retuned-a-mo nth-ago-/1147092531 (https://www.gumtree.com/p/other-household-goods/lovely-piano-matching-stool-painted-in-the-shabby-chic-look-retuned-a-month-ago-/1147092531)
https://www.gumtree.com/p/pianos/free-piano-in-working-order /1145942230 (https://www.gumtree.com/p/pianos/free-piano-in-working-order/1145942230)
https://www.gumtree.com/p/pianos/piano-for-sale/1145445562
Some options from gumtree here. The digital one is fairly similar to mine - it's not quite the same spec so I can't vouch for it, but for a beginner I would guess it's fine.
The others are all proper pianos - but range from free to just about £200. Might be worth a few calls http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/thumbup.gif
Nicked from Norman's Twitter page
http://i66.tinypic.com/34il382.jpg
https://www.gumtree.com/p/pianos/yamaha-ydp141-digital-porta ble-piano/1146822516 (https://www.gumtree.com/p/pianos/yamaha-ydp141-digital-portable-piano/1146822516)I paid £100 for my Yamaha pf85 and it has great weighted keys. I get my sounds from sampled instruments or VSTi's via MIDI, mainly for variety but also because I record stuff. There is no limit if you follow this pathway, I know a guy who signed for a major label doing just this in his bedroom.
Nicked from Norman's Twitter pageSome good ones there, the classic rock and rap http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/xmashehe.gif
https://www.gumtree.com/p/pianos/yamaha-ydp141-digital-porta ble-piano/1146822516 (https://www.gumtree.com/p/pianos/yamaha-ydp141-digital-portable-piano/1146822516)
https://www.gumtree.com/p/other-household-goods/lovely-piano -matching-stool-painted-in-the-shabby-chic-look-retuned-a-mo nth-ago-/1147092531 (https://www.gumtree.com/p/other-household-goods/lovely-piano-matching-stool-painted-in-the-shabby-chic-look-retuned-a-month-ago-/1147092531)As I said, my advice was based on someone who wants to learn to play the piano and not for anything else. I don't know much about sampling or using the keyboard to create tracks so couldn't give advice on that.
https://www.gumtree.com/p/pianos/yamaha-ydp141-digital-porta ble-piano/1146822516 (https://www.gumtree.com/p/pianos/yamaha-ydp141-digital-portable-piano/1146822516)
https://www.gumtree.com/p/other-household-goods/lovely-piano -matching-stool-painted-in-the-shabby-chic-look-retuned-a-mo nth-ago-/1147092531 (https://www.gumtree.com/p/other-household-goods/lovely-piano-matching-stool-painted-in-the-shabby-chic-look-retuned-a-month-ago-/1147092531)
https://www.gumtree.com/p/pianos/free-piano-in-working-order /1145942230 (https://www.gumtree.com/p/pianos/free-piano-in-working-order/1145942230)My electric piano is quite old. The keyboard is great, so I have just replaced the sounds with off-board ones. Basically you can replace any sounds using MIDI. Same story with reamping, I always capture the raw DI from the guitar/bass.
Eric the Half a Bee
22-12-15, 14:14
A bit late in the day we have decided to buy my granddaughter a keyboard for Christmas.Of course if she's just after a keyboard and hasn't got much interest in exams or learning the piano to any sort of standard then a keyboard will be fine.
Eric the Half a Bee
22-12-15, 14:28
A bit late in the day we have decided to buy my granddaughter a keyboard for Christmas.
She is a beginner, although she has studied piano at school for the last year and a bit.Someone bidding on a piano with only a photo to go on or viewing one that looks nicely polished is the equivalent of buying a beautifully preserved sports car only to find the gearbox and engine are knackered and beyond saving!
Eric and welshyoot know what they're talking about. http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/thumbup.gif
Eric and welshyoot know what they're talking about. http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/thumbup.gifObviously there are plenty of options and I am suggesting the price/functionality/future-proof one. My suggestion covers now AND the future.
Eric the Half a Bee
23-12-15, 00:17
Eric and welshyoot know what they're talking about. http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/thumbup.gif
Are you saying buying an 88 weighted-key electric piano for £100, and having the off-board sound option available if/when she gets into other styles of music is not good advice?I wouldn't recommend buying an old electric piano because the touch isn't as good as the newer models and they won't last nearly as long. A new or nearly new electric piano is worth the investment. I also reckon that Elwood's granddaughter should really be present and offer her opinions when choosing an instrument. Her opinions will be far better than anything we can offer (providing she chooses a full size keyboard!)
Eric and welshyoot know what they're talking about. http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/thumbup.gif
Are you saying buying an 88 weighted-key electric piano for £100, and having the off-board sound option available if/when she gets into other styles of music is not good advice?
Obviously there are plenty of options and I am suggesting the price/functionality/future-proof one. My suggestion covers now AND the future.A little anecdote about pianos http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/Dsmile.gif My sister went down this route, and it nearly drove her mad with all the constant practicing. Needless to say after the final exam she bought my nephew a keyboard, and quietly got rid of the piano. But is was too late to prevent recurring problems with the neighbors over the noise, and the deteriorated relationship forced them to move house http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/hehe.gif
Anyway, I still think my suggestion is a viable option as a 'third way'. About half-a-dozen members of my immediate family went down this piano route, as far as studying it at the Welsh College of Music and the Royal Academy. But none of them stuck with it, either listening or playing. They all got into other stuff music wise playing in various bands.
For me the greatest strength in music is to learn about creativity, playing with others or composing multiple parts on your own. I feel sorry for these little 3-year old child prodigies, who are forced all through their early lives to play and master the instrument, in order to play other peoples music in grand concert halls. But that is another story http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/hehe.gif
Cozoni Wam
23-12-15, 09:51
If she is serious about learning the piano then nothing less than a full sized keyboard will do i'm afraid otherwise you are essentially just buying her a toy that you will need to replace 12 months down the line (thats if she's still interested of course).
There are plently of affordable full size digital pianos on the market today, and you'd suprised by how realistic they are these days both in terms of sound and feel.
Yamaha's P series and Casio's Privia models are among some of the most popular on the market today; you can pick up a Yamaha p35 for around £300 and has everything you need to get started and advance to a high level. In terms of value for money though, you'd be hard pressed to find a better deal than this at the moment.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Yamaha-P115-Digital-Piano-Black/dp/B 00UNEECDY/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&q id=1450864398&sr=1-1&keywords=p105 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Yamaha-P115-Digital-Piano-Black/dp/B00UNEECDY/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1450864398&sr=1-1&keywords=p105)
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