Help me decide!

[samj99]

I've been trying to decide which digital piano to buy, and I've narrowed it down to these 4:
Kawai cs3
Yamaha clp 330
Yamaha clp 430
I want the best action and sound I can get for my money, but it also has to look nice. Which of these would you choose? Unfortunately there isn't a shop near me that stocks Kawai so i can't try it out in person, I have tried the Yamaha 430 and it felt and sounded good, I don't think there is much difference between the 330 and 430 though?

[jimbo320]

The Yamaha CPL 340 has synthetic ivory keys which really adds a great feel and has better action then the 430 imho. Check it out...

[49410enrique]

if you can afford it, get the best kawai you can find. hands down from what i've played and read the best action/nearest to a real piano action you can get. 

i have a cheapy so i couldn't get a kawai but wish i'd been able to get one every time i play it (my cheapy digi is a back up piano i have  grand so i definately notice a difference and miss it when i can't play on it i.e. for noice reaons/early or late hours).

[roseamelia]

i'd say the Yamaha CPL 340.

[lhorwinkle]

The 330 came out in late 2008, and was discontinued in early 2011 when the 400 series (including the 430) was released.

There really isn't much difference between the 330 and the 430. They have the same GH3 keyboard action, so they'll feel the same.

If you can negotiate a bargain on remaining stock of the discontinued 330, get that one.

(I cannot speak about the Kawai. I never tried one. But many people find Kawai actions superior. Note, though, that Kawai has been having quality problems with their keyboard actions. Definitely run one through serious testing before you buy one.)

[gvfarns]

All fine instruments.  If you go the Yamaha direction I'd go for the 340 because it will likely be cheaper and they have the same action.  And the difference in sounds among Clavinova models is negligible (though there is sometimes a noticeable difference in speaker quality).

Kawai makes some of the best actions in the industry.  The CS3 uses the RH action also found in the MP6.  It's not as good as their higher end RM3 action, but I suspect it's better than Yamaha's action.  I previously had a Yamaha GH action piano and liked it but then I got a Kawai and liked the action better (though it was not an RH action).  The CS3 also looks noticeably better than the Yamahs to my eyes.   Progressive harmonic imaging is just ok.  Personally I prefer the Yamaha sound engine.

If it were me buying and I had those choices, I'd get the CS3 for the looks and the action.  I use software pianos to generate my sounds.  If you do not intend to do this, then probably the 340 is the best bet for the money from that group. 

Of course, if money isn't an issue (or isn't much of an issue), you can walk up in either the Yamaha or Kawai lines.  In particular, going up to the CA63 would be a large improvement over any pianos mentioned here.  The Clavinovas mostly get better speakers and cabinetry as you go up.  I wouldn't tend to pay for that.

[tannertuner]

"I want the best sound and action I can get for my money..."

Take a look at the new line of Samick digitals. Lot of features for the money. A lot of Yamaha dealers are ordering them.

[lostprin36]

I think you would better to buy the Yamaha clp 330 for its some sounds quality.....