Getting a new piano, help?

[blackdog666]

So I'm getting my first keyboard/piano in about a month or so, been working and saving up money fora while now. I have no real experience with pianos, but I've played guitar for about 5 years. I was just wondering if anyone had any advice to give me, on maybe what piano/keyboard to get, what I can expect in terms of playing, learning music, etc. Also, should I get a teacher ASAP or can I learn some basics from books and such?

Also, I was wondering if you guys could let me know what you think of this:

https://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-YAM-YPG625KIT-LIST

It's what I'm planning on getting.

Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thanks.

[Bob]

Get the teacher first.  Don't buy anything, piano or method books, yet.  See what the teacher thinks first.  Talk about your goals.

Make sure you actually try the instrument you buy in person. 

[ryanyee]

Get the teacher first.  Don't buy anything, piano or method books, yet.  See what the teacher thinks first.  Talk about your goals.

Make sure you actually try the instrument you buy in person. 

yeah and remember not to buy any asian made pianos. i've played one too many asian made pianos to know about their horrible sound. makes everything sound sickening to me.

[Bob]

If you're starting brand new, you need someone to guide you.

A decent digital piano will work to learn on.  An upright too.  A teacher probably prefers an acoustic, but a digital is fine for a beginner.

But you don't want to end up in a situation where you already purchased something and teacher doesn't really like it, or where you end up buying what the teacher wants anyway.  Like with the method book.  You buy one now.  The teacher makes you go out and buy another one.  You paid twice then.  Kind of the same thing with the instrument, except you're talking about hundred of dollars then.  The teacher might even have a good recommendation for a digital too, or some other idea.

Buying a piano is very similar to buying a car.  Try it out first.  You don't pay the sticker price either.  Haggle.  Shop around.  The nice thing about electronics though is that you are pretty safe buying one through the internet.  Try it out in the store so you know how it feels (or have your teacher do that).  Then order it online if the store won't negotiate on the price. 

You can always learn things on your own.  If you want to buy a book, buy a method book then.  You can pick up things on your own.  It will be a lot easier with a teacher though.  And if you get the teacher first, you can "sync" up all your stuff with what they're saying.

[slobone]

yeah and remember not to buy any asian made pianos. i've played one too many asian made pianos to know about their horrible sound. makes everything sound sickening to me.

Well that's just wrong. Yamaha is Asian made and it's an excellent piano.

... by which I mean of course their real pianos. I'm not in a position to evaluate their digital pianos. But in any event you shouldn't be considering one of those if you're serious about learning to play.

[ryanyee]

yamaha eh? now that's 1 asian piano i haven't tried out yet. maybe i'll go try it out. thanks for telling me anyway.

[mrba1979]

I bought  a Yamaha Clavinova digital piano.  I have no complaints, but still prefer the feel of a nice acoustic piano.  Because of the different sound settings and volume it is harder to practice with consistent sound dynamics.  A real piano has just one setting and if you do not like then you do not have to buy.  For beginners I recommend an acoustic  piano if possible to your situation with the previous above advice of having an instructor. 

[slobone]

yamaha eh? now that's 1 asian piano i haven't tried out yet. maybe i'll go try it out. thanks for telling me anyway.

Hmm, should have added that they're expensive. But maybe you can find a used one. Try not to get a real old one, they used to a real junky brand before -- 1975? Somebody else here will know the date.

[skipdogchip]

I own a YPG-625.  I bought it for my 4 year old daughter at the suggestion of her piano teacher.  It's SWEET, and I got a GREAT deal on it from a company in Fla.  MusiciansBuy.com.  Check it out.
Good luck!

[remy]

For advice and guidance, check out the Digital Pianos Forum:


https://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/forum/6.html


remy