Choosing my first instrument

[dynde87]

Hey guys

I've been playing guitar for a couple of years now, and I want to try my hand at piano - so to speak.

Firstly, I'm sorry if this should've gone in the "beginner's forum", I was a bit unsure.

I'm a little stumped as to what the best instrument for me to choose is, as I've been looking at these two:

psr-e423:
https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical-instruments/keyboards/digitalkeyboards/portable_keyboards/psr-e423/?mode=model

np-31
https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical-instruments/keyboards/digitalkeyboards/dk_-_piaggero/np-31/

One is a keyboard with tons of features, and the other is a digital piano with more keys, and "Graded touch".

Now, I understand that the graded touch makes the keys lighter towards the higher notes, and vice versa, but I don't really know if it's needed.

Likewise, I don't know if the extra keys will be worth it compared to all of the features of the keyboard?

I suspect I'll be playing MOSTLY piano sounds, so I guess in a way you could say that maybe all of the sounds and features of the keyboard could be overkill?

But then again - if the sound quality is better in the keyboard? Not that I'd probably be able to tell the difference much - as I'm not exactly a professional

The price is the same, making the choice much more difficult

If anyone could give me some advice, it'd be much appreciated!

[outin]

You should consider what you are aiming at. If your aim is to learn to play the piano, you need a properly weighted full keyboard.  If you want to make and record popular music, the keyboard might be even better. If you want to play classical music, you will definitely need all 76 keys.

Then again if you really want to learn to play the piano, you might want to consider something more solid than the portable keyboard.

[dynde87]

Well, my aim is to simply have fun with it. Basically play for me and my enjoyment - this is what I do with my guitar. Never took a lesson, just youtube and tabs; don't know any musical theory, and I have fun with it, as a hobby.

Space issues dictate that a full piano is out of the question. In fact, I won't even be playing the portable keyboard/piano on a table or similar surface, but probably on my lap, sitting in my bed

I definitely want to play Classical music, while popular music is less of an interest, but still something I definitely want to do - like say Coldplay or even classics like Van Halens jump - which made me think keyboard. But then again, I play a classical guitar primarily, and I play everything from Metallica to Yiruma on that, so I can live with it not being "authentic" - though it would be nice

I'm leaning more and more towards the NP-31 - from what I read, in that price range, this should be some of the best available? Anyone care to dispute or confirm this?

[teosoleil]

I'd still recommend to get a weighted keyboard. Heck, look on Craigslist and see if you can get a good old upright or spinet for under $300. I'd prefer the second option you listed. A weighted keyboard is a necessity for any pianist, especially since you want to play classical pieces, so I'd go with an acoustic piano if I were you.

[roseamelia]

Digital pianos don't really sound like a real piano. I wouldn't get a digital they sound pretty fake. A real one would do best.

I'd still recommend to get a weighted keyboard. Heck, look on Craigslist and see if you can get a good old upright or spinet for under $300. I'd prefer the second option you listed. A weighted keyboard is a necessity for any pianist, especially since you want to play classical pieces, so I'd go with an acoustic piano if I were you.

Yep.

[pianoplayjl]

Digital pianos don't really sound like a real piano. I wouldn't get a digital they sound pretty fake. A real one would do best.

Yep.

But they are a very good substitute for an upright piano for those who can't afford one or non serious piano players. Only if you are a concert pianist is it necessary to have one. I think the sound quality of digital is better than those of keyboards. If you are using the keyboard for creating garage band music then keybaord is ur best option. If you consider taking piano lessons then you really need a piano with more keys. 88 is the best. If considering digital pianos I recommend Clavinovas.

JL

[outin]

Of course an acoustic is nice to have, but a digital piano would be ok for you.

But playing with a small keyboard on your lap?
Sorry, seems impossible to learn any proper technique that way...playing classical without proper technique is real pain (I should know)...

I would still look for a cheap digital piano. I started with used one (Yamaha P-70) and the smaller ones really don't take up so much spac. I soon upgraded but just to get started it was fine.