Digital Pianos

[impressive]

I'm thinking about buying a digital piano, primarily for my son, but usable by the family. I took years of lessons (from a nun-dom) as a child, but have no experience with the digital instrument.

It would appear, from a quick Google, that basic models run around $499. However, I found THIS ONE (Yamaha PSR-E413) on eBay for $199 new, and I'm wondering if it's a decent model for someone that is (a) a beginner and (b) not likely to do more than hobby-around with it.

And, it seems from the specs that it'd be possible to record directly to the computer. Yes? No?

TIA!

 

[cop1047]

While not the best for sound quality, youtube is great for these kinds of things. Just typed in Yamaha PSR-E413 and hit search, first video worked but I liked this one better --> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ndP8d4gWBc

If it plays half as well you'd be getting your money's worth.

 

[impressive]

While not the best for sound quality, youtube is great for these kinds of things. Just typed in Yamaha PSR-E413 and hit search, first video worked but I liked this one better --> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ndP8d4gWBc

If it plays half as well you'd be getting your money's worth.

Oh, cool! Thanks!

 

[oggbashan]

I liked this one for a demonstration as an almost straight piano:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcBgnvM0x28

Or this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p361uzX-AtM

Og

 

[impressive]

I liked this one for a demonstration as an almost straight piano:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcBgnvM0x28

Or this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p361uzX-AtM

Og

Thanks, Og!

 

[xssve]

I believe it's worth the extra money to get a touch sensitive model - otherwise, it's not really a piano-forte, it's an organ.

 

[al_Ussa]

I prefer the e-ano! It'll take any song in the world and turn it into this!

 

[impressive]

I believe it's worth the extra money to get a touch sensitive model - otherwise, it's not really a piano-forte, it's an organ.

Not sure that matters at this level, but thanks for the input!

 

[impressive]

I prefer the e-ano! It'll take any song in the world and turn it into this!

Into what? (And I Googled "e-ano" -- nothing relevant.)

 

[al_Ussa]

Into what? (And I Googled "e-ano" -- nothing relevant.)

Thats because its not relevant. Its a reference to a dumb tv show and I was going to put a link to a clip but I couldn't find it on youtube so I just gave up. Stupid copywrite laws.

 

[Weird Harold]

...(Yamaha PSR-E413) on eBay for $199 new, and I'm wondering if it's a decent model for someone that is (a) a beginner and (b) not likely to do more than hobby-around with it.

That model will do what you want with ample room for growth if needed. It is actualy more than you need, but at that price, you can afford more than you need. (and it does have the touch sensitive function recommended by xssve.)

And, it seems from the specs that it'd be possible to record directly to the computer. Yes? No?

That's one of those more than you need functions, but yes you probably can record direct to the computer and/or let the computer play it for you. At the very least, you will be able to offload recorded sessions and upload midi files for playback.

 

[DeeZire]

The Casio Privia (?) is decent, with weighted action and a full sized 88-note weighted keyboard. The weighted keyboard is essential for building up strength in the fingers, and it's much more fun to play. What you want to do with any touch sensitive keyboard is play scales and notice if the black keys sound louder than the white keys - a common occurrence on cheaper models.

Any keyboard with a midi output will interface with a computer with an add-on midi interface. Many newer keyboards come with a USB port instead, which also allows you to plug in to a PC or Mac with no additional hardware needed.