What would be the best option?

[mazer]

Hello everyone,
I've wanted to learn piano for quite a long time now. We have an upright piano at home, but I was planning on buying a small keyboard to practice on. I'm going to have to buy one anyway because I'm going to university next year. So what do you recommend me, a keyboard, midi keyboard. I should also mention, that I don't know much about these, all these keyboards, synthesizers and others.

[jimbo320]

Mazer,
The best thing is to go to a music store and try some out. How serious is your playing greatly influences your choice.
If you're going to be moving around I suggest whatever you get make sure you get a hard shell case...

[megadodd]

Yes, as above. Go to the music store, try some out.
What music would you play, is weighted keys something you want?
Does it have to be light or can it be heavy? How much are you willing to spend?

But start practicing on your upright piano. It will strenghten your fingers better than a synthesiser and help you out in the long run.

[pianoplayjl]

If you are going to buy a keyboard, buy Yamaha, the best brand available to my knowledge. Must be weighted because the non-weighted ones are pretty hard to play on. But try out all the keyboards and see which ones you like and suit your criteria.

JL

[willvenables]

Although I am an acoustic piano specialist - considering you need something portable... a digital piano is of course the only option. What you really need is a 'stage piano'. A stage piano is a freestanding digital piano with focus on the piano sample, touch sensitivity, graded weighted keys and offset key hinge (equivalent position to a real piano key's balance point) - about 1.5-2" behind the playing surface of the key. Built in speakers are handy... but not essential. Think about the weight: what is more important - speakers? or weighted keys? - the answer is weighted keys. Headphones will most likely give a more faithful sound than speakers; you will most likely be playing at a realistic acoustic piano volume and therefore develop a better habit with your playing. Having weak (light weight) speakers, turned down to a socially acceptable level, will be far too quiet and you will be throwing too much weight into the keys and have a shock when you play on an acoustic (real) piano - need to suddenly play more quietly and find your timing, expression and note selection(!) all wrong. It is easy to play confidently... but skill is required to play subtlety.

Yamaha and Kawai are probably the best option as they are both acoustic piano makers and should therefore have a better understanding of the whole operation of a digital/stage piano.

Yamaha P60,70,85 models are the sort of thing I am talking about. Better models for professional use are the CP series. Kawai have a similar range as both manufacturers are always in direct competition (coke/pepsi of the piano trade).

They should have speakers built in - for convenience more than performance, and the they have a thin sound because they are light in weight. Again, use headphones or route through better independent speakers if you prefer.

[pianobilliam]

Just go around to your local music stores, they are bound to have pianos there that you can try and test. if you find one you like, get it! But DO NOT settle for one! I remember I settled for my first piano, and I had it for about 10 years before I decided to get a new one. Now my goal is to get a dark red (maroon) piano.
Also, I practice on a  little tikes keyboard, it only has 9 notes to play, but its gets the job done.

[pianoplayjl]

Also, I practice on a  little tikes keyboard, it only has 9 notes to play, but its gets the job done.

You need 88.

JL

[kemar52ellis]

Well mazer like me, you can start with vertical piano, best to begin with.
You can take it for rent first, and if its suitable for you, buy it!

[themanwhowas]

I bought a digital piano to start with. It was a good starting place I think because if I didn't like it I hadn't wasted too much money. After a year or so I outgrew it and bought a 2nd hand (probably a 3rd, 4th or 5th hand actually ) upright. Best decision I ever made