Thinking of buying a keyboard

[nathanjlangman]

I've never played a piano or keyboard before but I've always been interested in it, I'm thinking of buying a cheap digital piano so I can give it a go and see if I like it, I'm going to university in September so I'm hoping not to spend too much money.

I've been looking at the Yamaha NP30 and NP31, they seem pretty decent and not too expensive.

Does anybody know anything about these instruments and if so I'd much appreciate any advice.
Thanks

[oxy60]

If you look around on this board you will find a lot of threads on this very subject. We all have our personal preferences and you will see our thoughts on each possibility.

A little research goes a long way!

[jimbo320]

All I know of these models is that the best setting of the touch response is 'fixed'.

[gvfarns]

A little more money buys a lot more piano at this end of the spectrum, so if you can, try and add a little to the budget.

On the low end I believe Casio tends to beat Yamaha.  Look to the well-received PX-130, for example.  You can compare it to the also well-received Yamaha P95 or P85 (they are about the same).

[oxy60]

Many of these models have features you may never use. You are just starting out so don't buy more than you'll need for now. I started with a very cheap 60 note, sold it and went up to an 88 note. The only mistake was that I sold the small one. Now I would like to have it back on the rack above the 88 note for certain effects. It also had a terrific tone generator that I could use with my midi software.

[jimbo320]

A little more money buys a lot more piano at this end of the spectrum, so if you can, try and add a little to the budget.

On the low end I believe Casio tends to beat Yamaha.  Look to the well-received PX-130, for example.  You can compare it to the also well-received Yamaha P95 or P85 (they are about the same).

I agree with the saying "you get what you pay for". I used to use a P95 until I played on a CP5 which is a bit more costly but worth it.
Even friends who love their grands, and play classical, are pleased with it...

[albertus_magnus]

I agree with the saying "you get what you pay for". I used to use a P95 until I played on a CP5 which is a bit more costly but worth it.
Even friends who love their grands, and play classical, are pleased with it...

  Agree. I highly recommend the CP5.