Need some advice on buying a piano

[DVCindy]

Hi -
I'm sure someone here can give me some advice on this subject - and I always get great advice when I come to the DIS !!

DD (almost 8) has been playing for 7 months now. We bought a keyboard for her when she started ... and she has now pretty much "outgrown" it (some of the pieces she is playing now have high or low notes that we don't have on the 61 key keyboard).
She is doing very well according to her teacher and really, really loves to play. So the time has come to bite the bullet and invest in a piano.
I'm not really sure which route to take. We are trying to decide between a used acoustic piano and a new or used Clavinova/Roland type of piano. My kids have a ton of fun playing with all the "bells and whistles" on our basic keyboard so I'm thinking a Clavinova might be really fun for them. We tried one out yesterday and she loved all the things it can do, but said the keys didn't feel like her teachers piano keys do. How important is this ? I know the keys are supposed to be weighted to feel like real piano keys ... is it just a personal preference or will this affect her ability to play an acoustic piano ?

I appreciate any advice you can give me! Given we know next to nothing about pianos and this is an expensive investment, I can use all the help I can get !!

Thanks, Cindy

 

[Christine]

You will get different opinions on whether to buy an electric piano or not. My DS (9) first piano teacher absolutely HATED the electric pianos and had a real issue with the keys not being weighted properly. We ended up buying a piano (a cheap one) and it works just fine for us but probably will not hold up well.

We ended up getting a new piano teacher and the new one teaches on a electric piano. She's says she cannot afford to keep having a tuner come in, etc. DS doesn't seem to mind playing on it and has no problem switching between the two. On the other hand, when our piano gets out of tune, it drives him CRAZY. Now I'm wishing I had gotten the electric one.

 

[Big V]

We rented a piano for a year and then took the plunge and bought a new Clavinova. My DD didn't have any problems going between a regular and an electric. The Clavinova is supposed to compensate for the weighted keys. That's what I'm told any way. I don't play myself. Any how, my DD no longer takes lessons and we're trying to sell ours. Too bad you didn't live close to us or I would give you a good deal!

 

[cats mom]

We have an electric. Ours is a Werlitzer - I have to admit we did not do a lot of research - just happened upon a great deal on the particular model.
Ours has the full size keys, all 88 of them, and they are weighted to have the feel of a regular piano. We have been very pleased with it.
The kids love playing around with the different sounds and I like the fact that I can change the key on a particular song with the push of a button. I'm not real serious musician - just play for personal enjoyment - so have no interest in doing that myself!

 

[Rock'n Robin]

We also have a clavinova and it is pretty cool. DD#1 took for two years and barely touched it for practice, now I have to kick her off so DD#2 can practice. We have a book of Disney songs we bought at DD that she loves.
There are several cool things about it. 1) you can move it to clean carpets or rearrange furniture 2) you can get headphones if it is painful to hear practice and 3) the kids can record themselves and play along with the track later.
We got the second level up from the bottom and the lowest one that allows recording.
Robin M.

 

[Idaho]

I have played the piano for about 24 years or so and I have to admit that I MUCH prefer a regular piano over an electric. The keys do feel differently, even when they are weighted, and I don't feel you get the same quality or tone. However, you need to decide if the space and the weight of a "real" piano is what you want, and also, if your dd is more interesting in playing classical pieces or pop/jazz/etc. An electric piano would be fine if she is just wanting to play popular music or things along those lines, but if she is interested in playing the classics, ie Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, etc, then I would definately invest in a real piano. The quality and sound and feel are worth it.

 

[piratesmate]

I've been playing for 45+ years. A number of years ago we bought an Ensoniq DSP (digital sample piano) with weighted keys. The keys feel good to me (like a "real" piano) and I'm happy with the sound...although that varies depending upon the amp I'm using.

The only time I have trouble with other pianos is when the keys "feel tight" - like on some grand pianos - but that's always been a problem.

Oh - mine only has 75 keys & I'd prefer the full 88. At the time we bought it, that wasn't an option - but I believe it is now.

 

[elemusing]

I am a music teacher and have played piano for over 25 years. There is definetly a difference in the feel between the two - but the most important thing to remember for a digital keyboard is that it has weighted keys, touch sensitive keys (they get louder the harder you hit them) and make sure it has a pedal attachment. And I alwasy recommend that a person gets a full sized keyboard with all 88 keys.

I agree with a previous poster who said that the type of music played should be a factor. Classical music and classical training really really needs a "real" piano.

 

[Melora]

We just purchased a Yamaha upright made in Japan.

We liked it better than the same model Yamaha made in America which was less expensive but did not have the same tone or attention to detail.

I love it!!

 

[tiggersmom2]

I've been playing the piano for 24 years and I would definitely recommend a "real" piano if your child is serious about piano. If this is just a "passing fancy", then an electric piano is fine but I believe for a pianist to truly excel and "feel" the music a real piano is a must. JMHO

 

[cats mom]

Looks like you're getting lots of opinions.
It's been years since we bought ours - just curious what the price difference is between a good clavinova type keyboard and say a good quality upright?

For what it's worth, my dd's piano/voice teacher is classically trained with a masters in music. She is amazing - has perfect pitch, can play anything by ear and can transpose on the spot.

She uses an electric in her studio to teach on. Of course I think she is leaning more toward the pop stuff right now - has done some studio work, etc.

I'd be nervous buying a piano on my own - I just don't know if I have an ear for quality.

My cousin bought hers from a warehouse sale - went in and played dozens of pianos before she picked the one she wanted. The salesman was impressed- told her she just picked out the one with the best tone in the place. He might have just been saying that to make her feel good, but I doubt it. She knows her music!

I learned on an old upright that was, to put it kindly, a hunk of junk!

 

[DVCindy]

Thank you all so much for your replies !

There seems to be positives to both options, but I am concerned that the electric type piano might not be the best bet if she continues to study in the years to come ... and I really hope she does. She does seem to enjoy classical music very, very much.

cats mom - Can I bring your cousin piano shopping with me ?
That's my problem exactly ... I have no idea what to look for. DD's piano teacher did offer to help us out when we find something we are interested in. I think I will take him up on that one for sure. I also learned on an old upright that was a real hunk of junk ! I quit after about 2 years and I now realize that was probably why.

I haven't really started the true number crunching yet on the price differences between the 2. Actually, DD is participating in a Piano Festival at her music center this weekend sponsored by Clavinova (pretty much a marketing gig for them) . No enrty fee and 1 participant will win a Clavinova via a drawing. Now if we are lucky enough to win, my problem will be solved for at least a while ! Wish me luck !!

Thanks again ! Cindy

 

[cats mom]

Pixie Dust coming your way!

Can't beat free!