Have a digital piano recommendation?

[TBP]

Hi,

I'm considering a digital piano family gift and wondered if anyone has any recommendations. It's been a while since I've shopped for one and haven't really played one since school, but I remember Yamaha having some nice, affordable ones. If possible I'm thinking of something with 88 keys, weighted action to feel somewhat akin to an acoustic piano and probably around $400-$500. Any ideas?

[Bobby Marshall]

As far as brands, I am very happy with Kawai but you should look through forum posts on pianoworld.com for suggestions as I have found that site informative.

[TBP]

Thanks.

[geoff_hartwell]

And don't discount Alesis as well.

I got a great deal on a used 88 weighted key model on my local Craigslist.

[BubbaVO]

Yamaha makes some work horse instruments. Our electric piano has been in service for 10 years with 5 kids taking lessons.

[hamerhead]

Yamaha always made nice stuff. We looked at those first but ended up with a Casio(!) because it felt great (weighted keys/piano touch) and was right around $300 new. The sound wasn't as lush as some of the others, but it was a good jumping off point for the kids.

And the headphone jack is worth it's weight in gold.

[tbonesullivan]

I have a casio privia I have been very happy with. Got it on sale, with the stand some years ago. Weighted keys and nice sounds.

[TBP]

Thanks, everyone. There seem to be some nice ones for pretty good prices (compared to most musical instruments). The Casio's I've looked at are intriguing, along with the Yamahas, particularly the Casio PX-160. (And I just saw GC is listing the discontinued Casio CDP-130 at $300).

I had an 80s Casio in college that was surprisingly decent for the price (but I loaned it to a girl, and some of the keys didn't survive her cat).

Edit: That's MF that has the CDP-130 at $300.

[atomicwash]

+1 on Yamaha

[mrjamiam]

Happy Yamaha owner here.

[Toadroller]

Thanks for this thread. Mrs. Toadroller had been asking after the same and we went for the Casio deal mentioned above.

[TBP]

Welcome, Toadroller.

And thanks everyone. I'm thinking I might opt for the Casio PX-160.

[TBP]

As an update if anyone is curious, I got the Casio PX-160 and like it so far, especially the touch response. I'm also remembering much more than I thought I would, but it's always a little odd to play beginner pieces again.

And Bobby Marshall - Thanks for pointing me to the piano forum; the "Adult beginner" section is pretty helpful in finding material. However, I feel a little out of place, especially after reading guitar forums for years. I'm tempted to go to the gear sections and post threads like, "Has anyone restrung a piano with cobalts or pure nickels?" or "Can I replace my black keys with genuine ebony? I suspect that's where the tone is." just to feel more at home.