Digital Piano - new or used?

[amanfang]

I am looking (and I have several months to look) for a digital piano.  I am planning to have this short-term for two or three years.  The price range I'm looking for is probably around $2,000.  Should I look for new or used?  I would imagine I could get something good used for a better price, but if I buy from a dealer, I can get full value trade-in for up to 5 years, plus the digital would come with a good warranty.  However, what's to say that if I buy from a dealer and am ready to trade in and upgrade to acoustic, that I again couldn't get a better deal buying something used from somewhere else and reselling the digital on my own?  Any thoughts on this?

[timothy42b]

I have an older model digital that I bought used and got a good deal on.

It has served me well.

But the newer models are light years ahead of mine in touch, sound, and features.  And when mine breaks it is unrepairable, no parts are available.

I think if I were you I'd look at new.  Of course I'm a long way from being an expert.  Though I did sleep in a Holiday Inn Express on my last trip. 

[steinway13]

I would personaly say none because my fingeres can hit a single note faster then the key has time to come back up. but since you are wanting to buy one... I would go with new because the probably have a better weight system then the older ones.

[leslieb547]

I've had my Yamaha CLP 970 since new, 5 years ago, when it was top of the range. It has a very good feel, good sound and , I think, looks good. I have had no problems except that the key action has become noisier, but still acceptable. You should be able to find one at your price with low usage and, if you can, I would definitely try it out.

[amanfang]

Steinway - A digital is not really what I want, but it is unfortunately the only option at the moment.

Leslie - the Yamahas do seem to be somewhat "noisy" - Does the "action" of the digitals wear out with time?  Why is it worse now? 

Also - does anyone know about how much you can get off the "sticker" price on pianos at the dealership?  One I was looking at was $3300.  Could I get a third off that and pay $2,200?  (Ha - he told me they were "having a sale, and that the piano was $600 off the sticker price...yeah whatever.  I'm sure I could negotiate lower than that, I just don't know how much.)

[leslieb547]

Yamaha CLP 970 - I think the noise has increased because the felt has 'flattened' to some extent although, having just listened to the clatter without switching on, the noise is more or less even the full length of the keyboard. As the notes at the extreme ends are played much less this would appear to indicate that it has allways been this noisy and I have become more critical as my playing has improved - what do I know! You would have to try one to know if it is acceptable to you. I don't believe the action itself is wearing at all and it is a very realistic 'proper' piano action. The reason I have a digital is because I live in an apartment and, although it is well soundproofed, I still need to consider my neighbours and turn the volume down a little. Good look with your search.

[gyzzzmo]

Definitely dont buy a used digital piano. Its risky because they usually get technically bad after some time, especially the klavier.
I found yamaha clavinova's the best, but thats only my opinion ofcourse. My advice is to just go to a decent-sized dealer and spend alot of time there trying them out yourself. Also dont forget to ask for a good headphone and try them out with that too because you'll have to like that sound too.

good luck,
gyzzzmo

[gerry]

I've had a Yamaha PF100 (portable Clavinova) for more years than I care to count and it has served me well as a back-up piano--I've taken it camping (with a small Honda generator) and to Mexico in order to practice during an extended vacation. I've also been able to get several gigs because I was able to bring a decent piano to an event where there was no piano or a sorry excuse for one, so one thing you might consider is portability. The old PF100 has been improved much since and has many many more bells and whistles. Another thing that really impressed me back then was that it had by far the best internal speakers - worthy of performance in a small space - whereas other brands had to rely on the addition of cumbersome and expensive external amplified speakers to achieve similar sound. I also think Yamaha is superior in technology and reliability concerning the key weight, touch sensitivity and response. Good luck.

[allthumbs]

I have an older model digital that I bought used and got a good deal on.
I think if I were you I'd look at new.  Of course I'm a long way from being an expert.  Though I did sleep in a Holiday Inn Express on my last trip. 

I think that does make you an expert. lol