Advise on Purchasing a Digital Piano

[nellsblue]

Hello,

I play classical piano and I'm experimenting with songwriting.  I'm looking to buy a 88 Key digital piano that has as close to a faithful acoustic piano sound as possible.  I know absolutely nothing technical about digital piano's and the information and range in features and prices is overwhelming.  

While I wouldn't object to having features to help me learn more about chords, composition, transposition,  etc., my primary concern is the quality of sound to be  realistic to an acoustic piano.  I don't need all the bells and whistles, I will probably mainly play just piano however I do want the ability to record.  

My price range starts at around $1,500 but I'd be willing to go up to as much as  $2,000 if the difference was really worth it it in sound.  If it is the gadgets that jack up the price, than I'm fine without them with the exception of the recording feature.    I'm looking for total quality above all else.  As for the size, I like the looks of the Roland F-series (F-100, F-90), FP-5) as they appears to be manageable to move around.  I want the speakers included and I don't want to have to purchase separate equipment. I also want the keys to the same size as an acoustic piano so it really feels like I'm playing an acoustic piano.  

Can anyone recommend:
a) What brands/models to look into
b) any websites that will educate me or offer the best deals that are authentic (it can be really overwhelming)

Thanks for taking the time to help me.
Ellen

[rlefebvr]

There are 2 very good threads on the subject just below yoursthat should help you.

Scroll down just a little and you should find them.

Which Digital piano and Digital piano.

[nellsblue]

Thanks for the tip.  I will most definitely check out string of suggestions.  

All bests,

Ellen

[wes_56]

Hi,
I played a Roland piano and Yamaha digital piano and the Yamaha one sounded more superior. The price of both are about US$3800.

You may like to look at CLP series of Yamaha digital pianos. They are great sounding.

Here is URL for FAQ on digital pianos, but it is biased towards Yamaha.

www.cvpug.com

I have a Yamaha CVP 208 and it costs US$3800 in Singapore. It is sophisticated and has a lot of bells and whistles which you may not need. But you can compose a whole orchestra piece with it and record onto disk.

yamaha is great! (But I have heard a good Roland digital piano too).

Visit a piano dealer and try as many digital pianos as possible. Get one that has genuine piano hammer action.

Wes