what piano to buy?

[freakyfrog]

ok so I've been playing keyboard for about 2 years with a really cheap one. I'm saving up to buy a good digital piano, one that has the closest sound to a real piano, but I don't know which to buy. What's the best digital piano or keyboard that I can get for no more than 600 and that has the closest sound to a real one?
thanks

[cmg]

I have had a great experience with my Kawai Professional Stage Piano.  The weighted keys are actually a bit heavier than most Yamaha grands I've played on.  The only drawback, of course, are the sampling limitations that arise when you need to capture  a full keyboard of sonority with the damper pedal.

Otherwise, it's a good enough substitute for a grand piano.  I need to use the digital in the evenings when neighbors might complain since I'm an NYC apartment dweller.   

[mixcom]

I had a Yamaha Clavinova which I had for 3 years until I bought my acoustic Petrof upright.  Was very happy with it and thought the sound and action was very acoustic like.   My piano teacher was nervous at first because unless the keys are weighted properly, you often wind up having an awkward transition back to an acoustic piano.  I had no issues going back and fourth with the Clavinova.

 While I was told by another piano dealer that Steinway "endorses" the Roland digital keyboards as it's alternative to their acoustic pianos, I've never been able to confirm that was the actual deal. 

As for the Yamaha Clavinova, it's sampled sound comes from their Conceert grand so I'd suggest making sure you like the sound of Yamaha grands before considering.

[enderw20]

I had a Yamaha Clavinova which I had for 3 years until I bought my acoustic Petrof upright.  Was very happy with it and thought the sound and action was very acoustic like.   My piano teacher was nervous at first because unless the keys are weighted properly, you often wind up having an awkward transition back to an acoustic piano.  I had no issues going back and fourth with the Clavinova.

 While I was told by another piano dealer that Steinway "endorses" the Roland digital keyboards as it's alternative to their acoustic pianos, I've never been able to confirm that was the actual deal. 

As for the Yamaha Clavinova, it's sampled sound comes from their Conceert grand so I'd suggest making sure you like the sound of Yamaha grands before considering.

I played a Yamaha Clavinova the other day and it sounded better than a number of Grands that I've played, I was shocked that a digital piano could produce such a great sound. Plus the volume control is great if you worried about disturbing neighbors. The one I played was 11 grand but I've seen much cheaper used ones, If I ever have to move back into an apartment I'm definately getting one.

[keymoo]

I played a Yamaha Clavinova the other day and it sounded better than a number of Grands that I've played, I was shocked that a digital piano could produce such a great sound.

You obviously didn't press the sustain pedal then...