Keyboard vs Digital Piano

[thecrow]

I have an acoustic piano which I practice on during the day (grade 9 RCM level) but I get my creative urges in the evening when my family is around watching TV or sleeping. I plan on continuing my practicing during the day on the acoustic but I would love a digital piano for the evening/night to either practice or try new things (recording, composing etc.). As well my 8 year old son has shown an interest in all the different instrumental sounds available with the digital which has has developed a renewed interest in practicing so these features are important because I want him to use his creativity and continue with piano studies. Besides the obvious portability/storage issue - what is the difference between a full size keyboard that sits on a stand and a digital piano that looks like a piano. I know absolutely nothing about digital pianos but I do know I want 88 weighted keys and the pedals. Please help me if you can - maybe recommendations too. Thanks!

[jabbz]

Digital pianos emulate (or try to emulate) a traditional acoustic piano, keyboards...don't! 
I think keyboards are generally used for synths and the like, I'm not really sure. But go for a digital for sure, I hate them, but they're better than no piano at all. I think a fairly decent DP is the Yamaha clavinova, not too pricey either.

[gerry]

I've used an old Yamaha PF100 (portable version of the Clavinova) for years as an alternative to my acoustic. I think Yamaha has the best technology (properly weighted keys, great grand piano samples, and the best internal speakers of all the competitors). I think you should consider getting one of their newer 88-key portables - they come with a solid spinit type base stand for home use but offer the flexibility of being able to take it with you (to events, family reunions, etc.) or to just tuck it away in a closet when you don't need it. Check out the new models at Yamaha.com. They now come with an amazing number of bells and whistles as well as education software that can aid in teaching your child. Good luck.

[nyonyo]

Even the cheapy Casio works fine for practicing. The only problem is that it is hard to practice Debussy or other impressionistic pieces. Casio does not respond well to very soft and light touch.

[thecrow]

Thanks so much, I'm definately looking for a realistic piano sound along with the other instrumental sounds to encourage my son's creativity. I'll take a look at the Yamaha site later today! I personally have always been against digital but I am starting to open my eyes to new possibilities however I will never give up my acoustic piano! I have also read about concert pianists who practice on both an acoustic and a digital piano so I assume the technology has advanced since I touched a keyboard (back in the 80's). I will also go to some of the music stores and start trying these out because it seems to me, like an acoustic, personal taste on how it feels (action, weight of keys etc.) is very subjective. Thanks so much - anymore feedback would still be appreciated.

[jabbz]

DaWhale played one live somewhere, it was an improv on 'Mack the Knife', but I figure it's because there was nothing else.