Top 10 Mistakes When Buying Digital Pianos

[@JoeBlowUK]

5 years ago, my mother, who'd owned an acoustic piano all her life, had a minor stroke. She was devastated when she found that she could no longer play her piano. So she sold it, as it was too painful to see it and be reminded that she couldn't play it. 5 years later, her memory and finger coordination has returned quite a bit. I have just purchased a Yamaha P-125a, with the matching base unit and 3 pedal set. She is absolutely delighted with it, to the point that she cried tears of joy when it was delivered. I built it up and turned it on. She sat in front of it, wondering how she would cope, with one of her favourite pieces of music sheets on the music stand. She looked at the music, placed her hands on the keys and played it beautifully! She's 85 years old, but she's still got it!

[@pinkette]

❤ glad I came across this. So heartwarming

[@mariecabaneshucamis]

❤

[@henrymuiruri813]

Peace and good health to you and your mom

[@JosieStev]

Yay ❤ How is she doing? Are you also playing? .

[@andalmeida86]

Thank you for these great tips :) 1- DPs are not acoustic pianos. 2- Key Feelings. 3-Overcomplicated apps and buttons and etc. 4- spend too much 5- Spend too litle 6- mistaken buying other things but a piano (workstations, Synths, etc) 7- Stage Pianos without Speakers 8- lack of portability 9- Ergonomics - Wrong accessories, wrong stands. 10-wrong number of keys (!) Go always for 88 standard or more if possible.

[@gregj3139]

Can't believe that George Carlin and Will Wheaton are this good at Piano help

[@dschad20011]

I am so glad I ran across this. Best unbiased, sincere commentary I've seen while I'm researching acquiring an electric piano as a secondary to my acoustic piano.

[@sariel8406]

I can't afford an acoustic piano so a digital piano is a lifesaver.

[@ublade82]

Uprights can be a few hundred bucks

[@Linus0610]

You can get them for free

[@dhruvmehta3530]

@@Linus0610 how

[@Linus0610]

@@dhruvmehta3530 Check different marketplaces and look for old pianos or sometimes not so old ones that people dont want anymore. You can get them for free except you have to go get it which can cost $50 if you want professional people moving it for you. (Which basically is essentional)

[@rogercarroll2551]

@@ublade82 And horrid pieces of junk.

[@robbert9539]

Great video! Small tip, if you start the chapters with 00:00, the chapters will also appear in the timeline of the video itself.

[@aura.maelstrom]

You should suggest a piano with a silent system in this case then as that will provide both real piano experience and the option for silent practice. So I don’t think it’s a mistake to ask for something near to an acoustic to a specialist and having the guidance of options available and what is near to an acoustic .

[@chrismartin6690]

The most important item to consider is the keyboard action as this will really impact your ability feel the keys…I started at the age of 8 on an out of tune 100 year old upright..now 50+ Years later I use a roland with all the sound benefits but .primarily think about the Action..whether you are spending 100 or 500…try them in your shop before you buy..take into account the whole reasons why..and the potential future use…

[@RiojaRoj]

Ha !!! I have a 1922 piano, only 99 years old ! I've had for over 40 years. Mines a semi tone flat, due to its age. I'm nearly as old as my piano at 71. I'm looking for a electric piano so I can practice with headphones on. But what do I buy, that's as near to an acoustic. I don't want Bells n Whistles, I want Action weight and mellow tones. Help !!! Roj UK I bought a Kawai ES 110 👍

[@afara2000]

Can't agree more with key action! I started with a Yamaha YPG-235 keyboard with no key action, sold it and bought a Casio digital piano bundle from Costco with lots of features which were distracting for a learner, sold it and got a really old acoustic 90 year old piano which is nice but very loud and can't play with people inside the house. Finally, got a nice Yamaha P45 bundle at Costco. It is simple, inexpensive and still has very nice keys with headphone jack. The only piece that needs upgrade is the pedal. If I had the budget, I would have gone with Kawai ES 110. @Roj D, you made the right choice!

[@chrismartin6690]

@@RiojaRoj i am similar age….if you have the money I would get a roland rd2000 it has 2 sensors on each key..using the same action as the high end roland pianos but a lot cheaper…also has Roland’s new sound modelling engine…which can mimic any piano…or you can design your own…have a look..I’ve been looking at various. And that was my conclusion…..I just need to persuade my wife .

[@chrismartin6690]

Correction..3 sensors on each key

[@B3burner]

Ted looks like George Carlin! 🤣

[@VidarW]

Spot on!!

[@MySecretJourney]

I was actually going to comment that.

[@mrmaramind]

Exactly.

[@hello_Blake_Alan]

100%

[@richardbailey511]

Yep. Dead ringer

[@Paul-lm5gv]

Thanks guys. Another interesting and informative discussion! I just purchased an 88-weighted key AODSK B-83 digital piano with all the bells and whistles of more expensive pianos. It has a nice black upright piano looking stand (with designer music shelf). Our recent college graduate likes to sit down and tinkle the keys at our baby grand acoustic piano. She has some musical experience. We wanted something that looks and sounds great, but not too expensive, in case she loses interest and we have to sell it. I also bought the matching padded bench (14:52 in your video) and the whole thing looks dynamite! Better than just a keyboard, or keyboard with an 'X' stand. Comes with headphones. Total cost (2024) $400.

[@perro0076]

I do electric guitar and the experience I gained is similar to this. You can very easily become a guitar collector and have to face the fact that more or better guitars will not make you a better performer. Or expensive skis or golf clubs. You can pay serious money, but it will not necessarily make you better. Top of the list should be sound, action (weighed keys) and portability. But I think the first fundamental choice would be piano or keyboard. Lots of keyboards can do very respectable piano sounds ..... but not the other way around. Thinking about it a bit more. Buy the best you can afford to get. Short of selling a kidney or soul to the devil. Save for however long it takes to get it. The logic behind it is that if you buy something cheap, you will not feel bad about putting it down and let it gather dust in a corner or attic. There are 1000s upon 1000s of violins, flutes and Spanish guitars out there because parents buy them for their kids, but they just don't appreciate them. It is actually a recognized principle in Economics if you care to look it up. The other reason is that if you still suck after hours of practice ....... you can't blame the keyboard/piano ..... you still need even more practice.

[@mekullag]

that was exactly my logic when I started playing guitar. Instead of getting a 20 Dollar one that sounded like shit and would be put aside and forgotten immediately I got one for 500 bucks and have been loving and playing it for now 8 years. Will try the same now that I want to get into playing piano..

[@travisguide4516]

I own a couple of digital pianos a 1986 roland rd 200 and a weighted 1987 rd 250 I bought them because I felt they sounded good. Being so old if you let go of a key the note does not keep ringing with resonance. I actually went for a unweighted keyboard over time you have the choice on say a nord to go weighted or unweighted

[@sparkling231]

Thank you guys! I found your video very helpful. Unfortunately though, I just discovered your video AFTER I had purchased my first digital piano. I’m not sure yet if I have made the right decision with the one I purchased as I’ve only had it for one day, lol. It has 88 weighted keys & built-in stand. The first thing I noticed (& questioned to myself) was that it looked a bit low. I’m now wondering what the standard height of a piano keyboard should be (from the floor?) I also noticed straight off (as you guys mentioned,) it sadly doesn’t have the sound of an acoustic! Oh well, it wasn’t too expensive so hopefully it’ll be adequate enough whilst I’m learning to play. Thank you both for your valued information & advice.

[@suefauziyah]

Most helpful point for me was #3- reminder that digital technology is always advancing so whatever I buy today will be outdated in a few yrs. I honestly hadn't thought of that! So, how long can I realistically expect a piano just under $1000 to last? (leaning towards Roland RP-102 or FP 30X with frame) An iPhone at that price would be outdated in a matter of years, I was really hoping for longer use from my new piano!

[@woodythegoat5218]

considering the fact that iphones are a product that bring in tons of more money and have more demand then digital pianos, you should be good with any digital piano that’s around that price range for a while. Yes your piano will soon be outdated but i wouldn’t think it would be any time close if i’m being honest

[@Strawberryfreak]

welp its 2 years late but heres my answer: I have a yamaha p45 and been playing for it for 5ish years and its still working! It is very durable. It is certainly a very good beginner piano if you start out. But later down the line, you might want a piano with better actions + sound quality which lacks in my opinion

[@DoU12Rock]

I am a guitarist, I have a lot of guitars. Every time I went to a local music store, which was often, I would end up in the keyboard room. I played all of them. Sure the $4000 keys a sounded great, but I’m not that good of a player yet and a lot of the features I would have to learn about and don’t understand -yet. So I wanted something with weighted keys that sounded like a piano. I opted for the Yahama DGX 650. Not perfect, but for someone learning it’s very good. I got the attached pedals for a little extra great add on. I like the suitcase setting which is like a Fender Rhodes and surprisingly emulates pretty close. I also like the EClav to play Stevie Wonder stuff. Very happy with my choice and when I’m ready to move up it’s probably going to be a Korg.

[@DoubleplusUngoodthinkful]

For $4000 you could buy a used acoustic upright in great condition.

[@eddyvideostar]

Ironically, even the acoustic piano is not a panacea: They vary in touch, sound, and maintenance. A great e-piano can be more satisfying than a rinky-dink acoustic. And when your piano ennui sets in -- you can liven your mind with an electric, tweaking with various sounds and effects. Having the option to branch out into various forms of pop music will shunt forth faster the desire for progress.

[@patricklangston8610]

Thanks to this video I went and looked for a weighted keyboard and bought a yamaha kx8 for $100, guy even included a sustain pedal lol... got it set up with yousician on NY computer. A steal for my needs. I'm liking it way more than the springy keys!

[@cheviot2988]

lovely little video, I've been playing on a semi-weighted for a couple months and really progressing, I gave myself a budget around £600 pound and after all the deliberating I actually just decided to get the FP10, for £360. People complain about the keys having a lot of weight which I cant imagine being to much a problem as I have strong arms and your first statement really resonated when thinking about my semi-weighted, I really don't feel as if I'm gaining as much muscle as I would with a heavier keyboard

[@SnaikHead]

i have a YAMAHA P-125, as far as sound quality goes, is it worth upgrading to something a lot more expensive, or should i invest in better speakers to pair it with?

[@alidan]

my thought on spending too much, I would argue that if its graded weighted action and good action there is a damn good chance it wont out date itself because you can always plug it into midi and upgrade the sounds.

[@NeverTalkToCops1]

Nobody does that.

[@ionatanapula9617]

Couldn't emphasize number 9 enough!!! Keep in mind when shopping for your first digital piano, to look out for piano's compatibility with accessories you might already be interested in! In the end, this might make a cheaper keyboard, far pricier than one you might have previously preferred.

[@trombulan]

Exactly. In my country an ES120 with wooden stand and pedals will cost 1000€ but for 100€ more I could get a beautiful rosewood KDP120

[@robertweiss1681]

You answered my biggest question, I love my acoustic piano so don't plan to switch. I also have a keyboard which I take when on the road. It doesn't sound or feel like a piano but at least I can play, and keyboards are cheap, especially second hand.

[@Linda90503]

Thank you guys. I’m a total beginner and you answered SO many questions for me. I live in Las Vegas. I wish I was local, so I could come into your store.

[@shandur5660]

Excellent discussion. A must for anyone considering buying a digital piano. Much appreciated.

[@davidcudlip6587]

I'm in the market now for a good digital piano. I'm leaning toward the Yamaha P515 or Kawai ES 920. Looking for a few good Rhodes and Wurli and Hammond B3 sounds too. I've heard the Yamaha has a heavier action, but I've played upright bass for a few years and don't think that my fingers will fatigue playing it.

[@Scotlanz]

I just got a Kawai ES110 after learning on a Casio Privia for a while. The Kawai blows the Casio away. If I upgrade in a few years it'll be a top of the range Kawai.

[@BjSoEl]

May I ask which Casio Privia you had? I am standing between getting a Kawai ES110 or a Casio Privia px s1000, and people are really mixed about which is best.

[@Scotlanz]

@@BjSoEl Hi. It’s a px330 which is quite old now. If you can try both pianos before you buy that would be the best thing.

[@Jwm367t]

I have a Px-870 and can say its a huge improvement over the px330 - digital pianos have come a long way!

[@Scotlanz]

Update. I just picked up an ES8 for €600. Result!

[@rejwanbuet05]

@@Scotlanz where did you find an ES8 ?

[@andrewbrimmer1797]

Very informative thank you

[@fuglbird]

I've played piano and organ since 1967 and am looking for a digital piano. I have an old analog synthesizer and a 61 key Nord Electric 2 organ with piano sounds. I sold my electric piano 10 years ago and I'm regretting it now. It had always been noisy but at least it was durable. I wanted a MIDI piano I could combine with my Nord Electro 2 organ. I have a USD 2000 limit and haven't found a single DP that seems durable. Seek the internet and all actions seem to get noisy within a few months and break within a few years. I'm inclined to get a 61 key workstation for USD 600. I would prefer 88 keys and I can get a 88 key version for USD 1000; but it has "proper" hammer action and I'm afraid it will get noisy and break. I'm getting the "wrong" action, no speakers, a workstation and the "wrong" number of keys; but I think it's the best choice for me.

[@daveindezmenez]

I'm little ways away from buying a keyboard, although a friend gave me his old Ensoniq SQ1 Plus keyboard which I've played around a little as a MIDI instrument. One interesting topic in your list was the number of keys. I think it would be interesting for a prospective buyer to know how many keys an instrument would have to have to play certain songs they would like to learn how to play. For instance let's say they've always dreamed of playing "Claire de Lune". Would they run out of keys with a 61 key keyboard, for instance? Having a list of tunes they like and then finding out how many keys on the keyboard they would need to play it might save headaches later.

[@gdb-u6h]

Thanks so much for sharing. Recommending instruments to musicians or beginners is an expertise that's always been overlooked. Especially if you live in small towns or small cities, it is extremely easy to get the wrong instrument in your first purchase. I remembered when KZbin and internet was not a thing, I spent so much time figuring out what are synthesizers, workstations, stage pianos, electronic keyboards, etc. If I had the right recommendation and info by then, I would have better quality instruments with less money spent.

[@musicproduction763]

I just hate having to go to stores and try instruments because of anxiety, so really like watching these videos to cut that amount of time down as much as possible. Very helpful

[@gregfagan38]

I'm sorry, but even small towns can order keyboards on Amazon.

[@saarnoldbhm]

Your videos are helpful. Thanks

[@Anyone-c5i]

What's missing here is the part of the market that doesn't want to learn classical period piano, but rather is more interested in other keyboard types like historical keyboards or organs. If that's your thing then 88 key weighted hammer action is definately not what you want to buy. But since no-one makes digital harpsichords or pipe organs you have to go and look at things which fall under the category of digital piano's because those are the keyboards that will have both the action and sounds you are looking for. Historical keyboard tones and pipe organs are often part of the features of a digital piano. You won't find it on a synth but will often find it on a stage piano. There's little on the market for someone who aspires to be a keyboardist, and not necessarily a synth player in a band. When I purchased I specifically chose a $200 keyboard. It is my 3rd instrument, it has the tones I was looking for and no other 'junk' like rhythmns, band instruments, gimmicks or learning apps that I had no interest in. I wanted a keyboard with a nice spring action and good sounds. I found it at that price point. It also doubles as a midi controller for me. More stuff isn't necessarily better, keyboards with 600 voices and endless tweakability often don't have great sounds. But many people have the mentality that you should get as much 'stuff' for your money because it's intrinsically better. No it isn't. My other 2 instruments are acoustic instruments, you don't get 'stuff' with your instrument. You get a basic instrument with 1 voice and whatever level of finish, size and other basic characteristics you want to pay for. I don't understand this mentality of wanting 'stuff' on a keyboard just for the sake of it.

[@dambrooks7578]

I was thinking about starting my journey into playing the piano and wanted an opinion regarding the Alesis Recital - 88 Key Digital Electric Piano. I am over 40 and only will be using it at home so just require something to learn on. Is this a good starting tool?

[@stepheniedomingo9089]

It's not a popular brand so I say probably not. But since the manufacturer is still making them and customers are purchasing them and it's within your budget then go for it. I went for Yamaha P125 the mid range

[@Deebz270]

Some touch-screen 'app' based applications are far from easy to use and often serve to complicate and confuse. An LCD digital display/dedicated display is handy for instant viewing of parameters, but give me buttons every time to change those parameters.

[@seanhargrave]

Very useful tips. Thanks for sharing.

[@thesoccertrotter1]

I got the kdp110, best value for the money. 40w speakers (20x2). You get triple touch sensor for more sensitivity. Had 88 samples for each key. Wireless bluetooth app connectivity. 1199$

[@marlajackson1905]

Thanks for the idea. Have you had any issues with reliability? clicking keys, etc.

[@jamesmonroe3043]

@@marlajackson1905 That jerkface didn't answer you!!!!!

[@andreashelledahle6718]

Hey, im very new to playing piano. I'm a 15 year old boy who wants to learn how to play. I dont know anything about piano's but want to learn. I want to plake like lights are on- Tom rosenthal, like sad songs, and a price under $300 would be very great. Reccomend something?

[@deadmanswife3625]

No

[@onewholehalf]

The thing that has always baffled me in regard to Digital Pianos; especially having onboard speaker's is that; for me and several of my fellow musician friends as well, was when you try to reproduce the onboard sound; which always sounds great and definitely gets them out the door. I've tried a combination of things, i.e., tried to eq each channel differently, move the pan; different effects on one channel(stereo) as opposed to the other. Using a Mackie mixer I should definitely replicate what goes out to the mains ??? My apologies for the dramatic/biblical commentary.

[@paolopellegrino9915]

Is that an Omega Speedmaster on the wrist of the guy on the right?

[@christophercrimmins6143]

Something worth mentioning to newbies is that an upright or baby grand is not a replacement for a concert grand. Both in touch and sound. Ppl may think that practicing on an upright is a better option than some of the more premium digital pianos but imo it certainly is not. The touch for instance is obviously differrent on an upright and imo would make for a harder transition to performing on a concert grand than a premium digital like the kawaii ca99

[@gerardvila4685]

Some people will tell you learning on an upright is actually better BECAUSE the action is heavier, because it will build up your muscles! But I am not one of those people, because I enthusiastically pounded a computer keyboard all my working life and in the end it got me some really nasty tendonitis. So now I'm nervous of anything too heavy...

[@ciararespect4296]

Actually no a reasonable acoustic upright is better than any dp

[@dougmoran3340]

Fascinating and informative video. I’m a retired engineer and am about to acquire a digital piano with which to start the hobby. I’ve narrowed my search down and have settled on a very nice, second hand Yamaha CLP-645. The price suits me, so does it’s size. I want something that will last me several years as my skill(hopefully) develops. Do you feel it could be a suitable purchase.

[@n1iwr]

Good luck in ur studies!!

[@Bluuplanet]

Keyboard manufacturers include internal speakers because they have to. Those are nice for haptic feedback through your fingers, but you should connect the instrument to some good external speakers. I don't know which ones are both good and cost effective. Eric Persing uses some high end Genelec active monitors in his Keyscape videos. They can cost more than $4k for a pair.

[@Whatamood]

wat?

[@dragans6792]

NUX NPK 10 or Strauss Rottman Simphony 4,0? What is better?

[@j.j.1064]

You are better off buying the best you can ill afford in the first instance. I bought a Casio CDP230 for about £300 brand new. Here's the story. As a beginner it seemed great. However, after a couple of years and lots of practice. Averaging 2/3 hrs a day I got to the point where I hated the thing. It was a clunky, noisy action and it was holding me back both physical and mentally. I would go and sneak into a piano shop and try out far superior pianos and it was like having a musical illicit afair. With another instrument. I finally decided I had to break the news that I was no longer in love with Cassie; to that point a loyal companion . However, my roving eyes and ears had been seduced by this buxom attractive shapely high class instrument that went by the name of Roland FP90X. When it arrived at the shop for demonstration I wasted no time undressing this beauty from it's coverings and placing it in the best position. My heart was beating fast as my hands touched the silky smooth and firm notes and hearing the sound of sultry voicings and tones that one could only imagine in a dream. There was no stopping me at this point I carried on for what seemed like an eternity. At no time was the experience flat or sharp but perfectly natural. I realized at the climax of the movement; I had finally found the instrument I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. This presented me with a bitter sweet dilemma. Bitter in the the knowledge that I had to break it to my bank manager. Yes there would be the raised eyebrows and the lectures and wagging fingers and feelings of guilt every time I checked my back account and credit score. But I tell you I didn't care. I was past the point of no return. I took her home that afternoon and placed her on the stand where the Casio used to lie and just like in the Mayor of Casterbridge I sold the old one for the price of a bowl of porridge to a friend, glad to be rid. Now my evenings are spent in ecstacy for hours and the feelings of guilt are subsiding. The moral is buy the best you can ill afford. Follow your fingers eyes and ears.

[@lannaga230]

I'm guessing you read a lot of *e*literature.

[@julzgulz1992]

Good advice for a serious beginner with means. For some they may never reach the point you got to and for them a $300 entry point is enough to get them in the piano hobby. Glad you found your life partner, but most people start out dating and some can only afford fast food!

[@benjaminbrown5245]

As a working pianist I do play both. Great great points here. To add to your points. A car will never bee a plane and a plane will never bee a car. I always relate this because when you drive a car, it is going to have a totally different feel than a plane. Well, a digital piano will never sound exactly like the acoustic piano. It doesn’t matter how advanced they get in technology. They will always sound different. The other thing to remember to is that when you play an acoustic piano, you are getting the actual feel of the action and you can feel what is going on under your feet and hands. As you play it you can hear also harmonics that you are hearing from the resonating sound board behind the strings in the piano. All this is the original sound capabilities that the piano has. The sound is not sampled or modeled. I.k. The digital piano has a completely different way of playing. The action is totally different yes we have weighted keys or musical terms G.H.S. Graded standard hammer action. So when you get on a digital yes. It feels like an acoustic but it is not. Once you start playing it the gel of the action is completely different. You have to adapt your skills when you play a digital. If you can play both it is very nice because you have more in your musicial language. You don’t just have one way of playing or style. Well, don’t get me wrong. Their is many many styles on acoustics that you can do of course. But when you play an acoustic and a digital you have to put on your thinking cap a bit. You are creating more and producing music where as on an acoustic piano you are more like the performer. When you play both it is really neat to bee able to say “this piano can help me and assist with music and I can do things that I can’t do on an acoustic.!!! I say that when I come back from work all the trim. I can play or perform some piece of music on the job but when I get home and play it on the digital I can arrange it and do things that I would never bee able to do on the acoustics. When you play a digital piano you are constantly having to change things and lower and raise the volume and expressing with the instruments. With the acoustic piano you are having to stay focused on your piano but you are not having to worry about everything else. Their is less you have to control on the acoustic piano. Yes. You need to bee expressive of course but it is in a different way.

[@benitezpiano5876]

Greetings! I’ve had a Yamaha P45 for 2 1/2 years. Need to upgrade to an all portable digital piano, that I can bring with me to another country when wining back from USA. Which one do you recommend?

[@renoraider9817]

I purchased a Yamaha digital keyboard and the very top octave went so out of tune after about a year. There is nobody in Reno to take it to to get it fixed. I'm pretty pissed about it.

[@kttk7549]

Thanks again for your advice I will definitely try to work out for a better skill like you had advise me.

[@stephenbayer09]

Honestly digital pianos have really improved they aren't what they were 10 15 or even 20 years ago. I would never buy a acoustic piano for so many reasons one of them being not just anyone can tune a acoustic piano they aren't like tuning a guitar you have to have a guy come and tune it and those kind of people are getting harder to find. I actually started on a half decent digital piano by Alesis they are semi weighted keys and 88 keys and the price point is great as well at $299 I actually prefer using my own piano if I go to my music lesson and Alesis digital pianos are surprisingly lightweight to carry around. They are a great starting choice but they don't really offer much room to grow out of the beginners stages

[@freemanfreeman550]

I need advice regarding piano chose .I can't chose between Yamaha ydp144 ,kawai kdp110 or similar Roland ....thanks in advance

[@mae1813]

This is a good video. But I will say the old technology bit, I have my old Casio keyboard from the 80's it's awesome

[@IshaanNigamOfficial]

Very informative video. I’d be glad if you’ll let me know if Artesia A-61 or Alesis Recital 61 keys are worth buying digital pianos?

[@peterneerincx23]

Better get one with 88 keys.

[@jrc1156]

Never seen Carlin this serious before, and it's a pleasure to see that he is also passionate with music.

[@rexyhassell1400]

LOL...

[@justinr1094]

Probably a really dumb question, but what is the difference between a digital piano and a MIDI keyboard controller?

[@ricardoviloria1238]

A midi controller requires a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) like GarageBand, Logic Pro X, or Ableton to produce sound, hence the name controller. Basically, you would have to connect it to a laptop or computer I order to actually produce sound. A digital piano will produce sound on its own. MIDI is a great place to start for a beginner not looking to spend too much on a decent set of keys, but you’ll have to have access to a DAW.

[@justinr1094]

Thank you for taking the time to explain that to me. I couldn't figure out a way to query that question on Google in a way that actually brought up answers to that question, and not answers to slightly different questions instead. I really appreciate it!

[@MiniLenaG]

Hi thanks for video. We are buying one for our 9 year old. She has been learning violin and learn piano. We are liking the yamaha. What would you recommend between p125 and Yamaha Arius YDP-163. Price is a double but we are wondering if 163is going to be too much.

[@szs114]

just bought my daughter a Yamaha CLP 795 digital grand cost $8000 and I heard it can simulate the bosendorfer grand piano really well which cost 10 times of the money. I expect her to use this piano for next 10 years before change her to a acoustic baby grand. I heard this digital grand piano comes with a grand touch action, and Can change the weight of the key. I want to build up her fingers strength really strong. Please tell me I didn’t make a mistake.

[@ShapBro]

So, did you??

[@ناظمحامد-ح]

Hi, pleas what your opinion about dijital piano pearl river v 03.?

[@aura.maelstrom]

Don’t get a little child spring action, please get spring action if someone wants to work with electronics and synths but 5/6 just if money is an issue get a basic normal action simple keyboard Casio has these very cheap.

[@njco78]

I know nothing about piano`s purely because playing instruments has never been something that has gone in my head , I guess I don`t have a muscle memory :(. However, my 10yrs has been really interested in learning this instrument. Now he is taking piano lessons and after 4 days of me looking for a piano and trying to understand more about this instrument, I settled for a Casio CDP-S100 which I think is a good enptry for him. Price wise got it with it wood stand, pedal and seat for £390 which I think is ok. Thanks for the advises guys

[@RossCampoli]

The NV-5 seems like it’s being positioned as the digital to replace acoustics, so I appreciate your first tip. It’s easy to get sucked into videos gushing about the NV-5, but I feel like I’ve really got to get my hands on one in order to form my own opinion.

[@aBachwardsfellow]

a hybrid at least provides an authentic action - which is an improvement. The sound is also "very good" but it is never the same as an acoustic. You could get a new Yamaha U1 or U3 for a few $1,000 less which plays and sounds EXACTLY like an acoustic piano (not a replacement) - because it IS an acoustic piano. One of the features I like about my U1 (now about 60 years old) is that it hasn't been disabled by an electrical storm, and it works even when the power is off. Let me know where your NV-5 is in 60 years - :-)

[@pianomanic71]

@@aBachwardsfellow actually a "new" Yamaha U1 or U3 is around $10-13k. I agree they are not exactly like a real piano. THats why I play a real U1 piano with the silent feature. My favorite is the Kawai Anytime piano for an acoustic that has digital functionality.

[@aBachwardsfellow]

​@@pianomanic71 thanks Kevin - you are correct on those prices - I was was thinking in terms of a used/reconditioned U1. . I'd like to know more about your U1 with the silent feature - does Yamaha still make these? Or is it the same as (or similar to) the Yamaha SC2? Does the action give pretty much the same response when played digitally as when played acoustically?

[@pianomanic71]

@@aBachwardsfellow Yes they do still make those. I would prefer the Kawai K300 Anytime piano to to any of those Yamaha models though. I have a U1 Silent at my house from 1994. It is a good piano but not exceptional like the Kawai. Skinny on features as well.

[@aBachwardsfellow]

​@@pianomanic71 thanks Kevin - very helpful to know. I'm at the point where I'm considering a move to one of the hybrid uprights and will definitely check them out. Briefly, how would you compare your U1 hybrid to the SC2, and the SC2 to the Kawai K300 - if you don't mind - thanks!

[@gregorymonacelli2257]

I’m looking for a minimal 61 key board to gig with where weight is consideration. I want something with pitch bender, mainly to control my Ketron sd90 arranger module. I would be controlling mostly with a 13 pedal foot controller. Question one, is it much better to use stricktley a midi controller, or can I use a simpler keyboard with 5 pin and built in sounds Incase I don’t want to use arranger. I currently control my sd with keytars, but lately with back problems I want a keyboard to sit down and play. Something not clacks. What would you recommend? Something with a bit of weighted action.

[@someguyfromarcticfreezer6854]

Is that Kawai CN29? because I have CN39.

[@BBryker]

What is the closest digital piano out there that comes close to an acoustic sounding piano. If that makes sense.

[@persiathiest1963]

This my question too

[@WalkWithConnie]

Kawai Novus NV5s

[@jenniewilliams1668]

THANK YOU!!!! These are many of my questions/problems as I look for the right keyboard for me. I'm a singer and want to write on the piano - but I also want to bring to gigs and I want hammer weighted keys - the price point for what I'm really looking for is very high - so I'll have to make a compromise of some kind - but what? Your video has really helped me with this. Warm regards Jennie

[@calikokat100]

IM still..using my clavinova clp 320 from 2004 :/

[@niccolonannucci3977]

What about modeling technology introduced by Roland and developed by Yamaha with their Grand Expression Modeling and Virtual Resonance Modeling on their Clavinova CLP-700 series ? That sounds quite close to an acoustic piano.

[@joewilson1295]

Great video guys. I’m in Edinburgh, Scotland but found this very useful as I think about learning piano. I thought number 10 on your list about the right number of keys was very relevant to me.

[@CWoodOne]

Great videos, guys.

[@kawthars.9365]

Thank you so much for sharing those tips, it was helpful🤍

[@chrisw1462]

Threw me there for a second when you said you had a 'spring action' behind you, and for a second I thought you were referring to the Kawai !!! Yeah, no way it could be that, and I realized you were referring to the one on the left, but for a second there I was about to become one of those people who leaves nasty remarks under your video! 🙂

[@neoibanez]

Someone has expirience with Roland FP-30X??? It's a good opcion for an intermediate student????

[@TuhinTulsyan]

My aim is just to learn to play by hear. Will I be better buying a digital piano or a midi keyboard with 88 weighted keys? Please suggest a model 🙏 Thanks & regards

[@DizzyRL]

Yamahas are a good brand from what I’ve heard, and yes, 88 keys, weighted keys. Also think about what you want, for example: “do I want a simple $300-$400 with not very many features or accessories” or: “do I want a more advanced $600-$700 with a lot of features and accessories”

[@DizzyRL]

On number 2 is weighted keys also another word for that? And if so, 88 keys, weighted keys, Yamaha for around $600-$650 would be a good beginner piano? And I know it depends if I’m gonna use those features, but I feel like if I went with one that was $400 and not very many features 4 or 5 years later I’ll want to have more features and it might not last as long.

[@guikentaro]

Need help to choose here!! I'm a violin solist and composer. I wanted a piano with weighted keys to help composing and recording. I already have since I was little a spring-loaded key digital piano, but as they said, it isn't for older people. I also have experience and had practiced with real pianos. I was looking for a Casio CDP s100, and at my country it is between $400 to $450, and I can afford it. I really just wanna have it for home playing, neither for professional reasons nor for gigs, and I even can afford a speaker. What do you guys think? Is it good for me or do you have any other opinions? (Edit: just asked here for second opinions, even if all of it sounds perfect for me or not) Happy (late) New Year!

[@JosephFlemming]

we have an upright piano with baby grand size action that used to sound pretty good, but has been very neglected, is out of tune, needs felt replacement and lives in a dusty basement. I felt it would be better to buy a digital piano because I felt the price to bring the piano up to a playable state would be as much or more than a decent digital. I got a Casio px870 and hoping when it arrives it will be a suitable replacement. [I tried the very similar ap270 and really liked it] So I know it will be an adjustment especially because I was used to an out of tune piano. I hope I made the right choice!! What do you all think?

[@cor3944]

I would have liked to SEE more examples than only explaining. But it helped me anyway. Thanks

[@lucasbudescu1504]

I am a professional classical pianist and i want to buy a nord grand, it doesnt affect my finger? I want the real feel and touch..

[@andrewwhite3495]

Lucas I’ve been playing for 25 years just about and I’m also in the market for a new digital piano or hybrid. I was almost going to buy a Nord grand but I don’t really like the pads available. Depending on how much you care about the action and touch of the keys I would buy something better like the Kawai VPC or the Kawai MP11SE. The MP11SE will have the best action you can get from a digital most likely. The Nord will have more to offer for number of voices however. If you have MIDI software such as Ableton and Omnisphere go with the better action and just plug in your computer. If you don’t, then it’s your call what matters more to you personally. I’m either going to get the Kawai MP11SE or the Kawai CA99 myself. Price is also a factor.

[@apianogallery]

We second the comment by Andrew below!

[@lucasbudescu1504]

Andrew White thanks for the answer! I need a computer if i buy the kawai MP11SE?

[@andrewwhite3495]

@@lucasbudescu1504 No, you don’t. I need one because I play for church and like to layer a lot of pad options with my keys, so MIDI to USB is a must for me. The Kawai options will have great defaults for the keys, because it’s Kawai, but the pads on any piano focused instrument is going to be lacking. That’s where Ableton and Omnisphere come in with your DAWs.

[@lucasbudescu1504]

Andrew White can i have youre instagram or facebook?

[@a2roland]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@greggchambers9716]

It's interesting that in your discussion of things being "too complicated", you sing the praises of touchscreens, even though in most cases this single innovation screws over an entire contingent of musicians--blind ones, to be precise. I am one such. If a keyboard can only really be tweaked using either a touchscreen or a non-screenreader-friendly app on my phone, that pretty much locks its features behind an access barrier, and makes the piano unpalatable to purchase. Please, be more considerate when making top 10s like this.

[@jamesvasconcelos]

Hey! Great video! Need help here, if anyone could. Have an option to buy either a NEW Casio CDP-100 for 450 Euros or a SECONDHAND Casio Privia PX350m for 420 Euros. Which would be better for a beginner but surely will be playing for years?

[@Boaz2108]

I wanted the cdp 100 as well, but the seller recommended the Yamaha P45 to me, which is about the same price and a way better quality instrument

[@ziadkadi]

Hello. My daughter has a casio lk280 and she outgrew it. She's now asking for a full keyboard and weighted keys and portable, sound is high priority. What do you recommend please?

[@hacksaw4966]

Roland fp-30x looks like one of the best options right now for around $750

[@dnews9519]

I just bought a Casio cdp-s100 and the key action is much better than my older Yamaha p95. It sounds better too and will even go portable with AA batteries. Its also easy on the wallet.

[@ziadkadi]

@@dnews9519 thanks for your reply, ended up getting a roland fp30x

[@dnews9519]

@@ziadkadi you can't go wrong with that one it sounds fantastic. Enjoy!

[@kjwong4730]

I made the mistake of buying the p515 without trying it first. Keys are way too heavy.

[@manilowmaniak]

Although I think this was a great idea for a video because many newbies need a lot of advice when making their first or even second purchase of a keyboard. I was not able to watch the entire video yet but I kind of disagree slightly with #3 and #6. Yes, digital pianos prices can vary, but most first time buyers rarely go "all in" by purchasing anything over $5000. Why I disagree is because I have found that no matter what the instrument is, a person may lose interest because it is an inferior product. Whether it is the sound or the action, they give up playing it because it does not provide the adequate experience. I would always suggest purchasing something of quality. Regarding #6 I also have a problem with your recommendation. I do agree that not everyone that chooses to learn the piano is looking to be a producer, composer, or arranger, but having a synth over a just a digital piano may just open up the creativity the person did not know they had inside of them. I would always recommend anyone wanting to learn piano to choose a synth/workstation because it opens up a whole new world to them. They can be overwhelming, but they can also choose not to use any of the miscellaneous options available to them and just use the piano patches.

[@chocolatezt]

I am surprised that you would rate the audio that comes from the built in speakers instead of just getting some 100-200 buck studio monitor speakers which will yield better sound quality than pretty much any build in speakers up to many thousands dollars worth of digital piano. The synthesizer is pretty much what limits the quality that you get with a speaker setup, but that has been decent since many many years now. I slapped a couple active bookshelf speakers on the 90s digital piano of my friends and it sounds better that pretty much any you can buy now, only the synth could be better.

[@Gloomshroom_1221]

Looking for an 88 key keyboard. Is the dinner dep 10 a good pickup? Not a complete beginner but still pretty new

[@Boaz2108]

Have you picked up 1 already? Would recommend the Yamaha P-45. Prob the best beginner digital piano under 500 dollars

[@arnelarson2849]

I am looking for an affordable keyboard as a present for my wife. She is a concert pianist and appreciates a fine instrument (e.g., Steinway or Bösendorfer), but for many reasons, we had to sell her grand piano a few years ago. I think she would enjoy playing a keyboard just for fun, but I don't want to spend $5k on a new professional piano keyboard. Would she be satisfied with this, or just feel like it's a toy?

[@derschwarzejulian7201]

I want to buyself an E Piano. I have a normal keyboard, and I know how to play, but I want to actually be able to play a real piano with weighted keys and the right amount of keys (88 I guess). But I also want to get started in music production. Is a E Piano still the right choice for me ? Or shall I decide for a midi masterkeyboard ? Isn't the midi master keyboard just a e piano with more features ?

[@Boaz2108]

A digital piano is an 88-key keyboard that focuses on a realistic action and piano sound. Its also a big midi keyboard. If you know a few things about computers and have a music production app a nice digital beginner piano is the way to go

[@vladimirgontcharenko2825]

Enjoyed watching. Thank you. May I ask what would be the best 88 keys not portable digital piano for just piano playing. I am doing 7th grade royal conservatory working on Yamaha p85 fitted in a wooden original stand and three pedals set. The keys in 8 years of learning became kinda loose and noisy and I look for somth new and better. Sorry for bothering you and thank you in advance! And yes : my budget is up to 5 k Canadian.

[@pianomanic71]

Yamaha Clavinova CLP775 or Kawai CA99. for more purchasing info 210-428-3743

[@vladimirgontcharenko2825]

@@pianomanic71 thank you very much. Got clp745 three weeks ago.

[@tranceformer110]

Mistake 11: not buying a Kawai like you should have to begin with.

[@Leonidasmavrole]

Thanks a lot for your advices!!

[@bonnibel_bubblebuns]

so for the first ever keys I'm gonna put my fingers on, is the roland fp-60x too much?

[@ka4sxi]

Not too much. You should try it first. Roland big selling point is the key action. I had the fp-60x for a week and I didn’t like the key action. I loved the texture of the keys but the key action I did not. Just my opinion.

[@Amir-Farno]

I bought a Yamaha P125 and I think I should have really bought a ydp 144, they pretty much cost the same but the difference is pretty big Idk, what’s your opinion?

[@deadmanswife3625]

125 is great

[@sobine]

How about wanting to have an acoustic piano, but, the players don't have enough space for an acoustic piano? Will digital pianos still be a good idea for practices?

[@ilkari7684]

Same problem here! I played acoustic piano for 10 years but where I live now I don’t have the space for an acoustic piano! And having to be quiet, so playing with headphones would be helpful too, I’m just scared that I won’t get on with a digital piano 🥺

[@timallen6025]

All good stuff, thank you !

[@DavidHotrum52114]

Thanks guys. I used to live in S.A. and have actually been in the store. I have not played for many years and want to get into it again. I am in the Philippines so I must look for something here. The pastor wants a Yamaha. Expensive but Iknow they are good.

[@stephenstrange4009]

Hello, can you update me as soon as you buy a digital piano? Id like to buy as well when I start Earning money. From ph as well

[@DavidHotrum52114]

@@stephenstrange4009 In FB go to A&B Music shop. Yamaha PSR E463 19,600 P

[@stephenstrange4009]

@@DavidHotrum52114 i'm afraid that is not a digital piano, more like a digital keyboard

[@FlaThunderstorm]

I have noticed that most digital pianos, even some that are very expensive, do not have a rhythm accompaniment application. Have no idea why as I would suspect that most pianists would want this application with the exception of strictly classical. I myself would never purchase one without it and would need it to be a good rhythm accompaniment application.

[@sagnikmaulik]

Rhythm accompaniment is an arranger keyboard thing so i guess they are excluded out of digital pianos.

[@buddhabinaural]

You say a digital doesn't sound like an acoustic, yet I played Joe Hisaishi playing on a concert grand on my computer and then paused it and played the same bit on my Roland RD300 SX which was only £650 when I bought it new about 15 years ago and it sounded identical, so I don't understand after 15 years of advancements that digital can't sound like an acoustic. Yes there is stepped pressure, rather than exact response to touch but it is such a minor effect on the end result. When my Roland was hooked up to my monitors it sounded amazing and with the variety of 9 piano and 10 electric piano sets in the sound bank, that non noticeable stepped pressure compromise became completely irrelevant compared with the advantages of having 9 different piano's to choose from.

[@dynoroad]

The sound and how it reaches your ears when sitting in front of an acoustic piano (not in front of a computer playing a recording) is vastly different from the sound coming form a digital piano.

[@justintorrex6676]

The Arius ydp 103 is best bang for buck option. I have mine connectected to a 2100w RMS sound system and ocationally I use it as midi for fl studio. I luuuve that versatile sturdy bastaerd.

[@6806goats1]

2008, hey I want a digital piano. Hey this Roland RD-700GX Stage piano is built well, click...on the way. Way too much for a beginner. Still works well and sounds great but no way would I try to take it on a gig unless I'm really good, which I have my doubts. Forgot to mention that was when I was working overseas. Postal service about had a cow. Possibility of returning overseas, looking at the Roland FP-30X as the new one is so much lighter and has all the functions I'll need. Looking at Yamaha and Kawai but the new 30X works for me. Guess we'll see what happens. Good video, thanks!

[@josemiguelcarrizo7373]

Another mistake: buying without trying, just because you have heard You Tube videos and read reviews.

[@jfan4reva]

Yes, but it's kind of hard to bring yourself to walk into a music store to try out keyboards when you can hardly even play scales. You can add bravery to the list of things that learning to play an instrument requires of you. Most people who quit just aren't brave enough to be bad for as long as it takes to start being good.

[@wedemeyerr]

@@jfan4reva ....and in fact it's so stupid. I had the same problem, but then I walked into the piano store and asked the salesman that I'm a beginner. So he played some piece on different pianos so It was possible to compare the sounds. Then I just try the keyboard actions and compared them with all pianos in the store. You just have to manage your fear and walk in. Everybody of us was once a beginner. And believe me, the piano stores have every day beginner like you and me