Advice on digital piano purchase

[annakron]

I feel like I don't even know where to start!  I hope that you will pardon my lack of knowledge when it comes to pianos and digital pianos.  I am completely new to this.

We have three kids -- Ages 7, 4 1/2 and 1.  We were planning on starting piano lesson this winter for our 7 year old son.  Our family knows a wonderful teacher who will be coming to our home to do the lessons.  I was surprised by how reasonable her prices are for lessons, so we decided that I will also take lessons and my 4 1/2 year old might also have a short one.  My husband was a voice major in college until he changed majors later on and has played some piano, but has not for years.  He is excited to get a piano and thinks that he will enjoy starting to play some again soon.  I am excited to learn.  I always wanted to learn and it this seems like a good time to do so.

So ... We need a digital piano.  That's why I'm here.    I know that many have a bias toward getting an actual piano, but it will not work in our house for two big reasons.  (1.)  We do not have the space for a full-sized piano and (2.) We need to have the option of having a headset jack.  We homeschool, my husband works at home most days of the week in the lower level of our house and there is a lot of "activity" here at any given time.  The youngest naps, so no one would be able to practice during that time if we had a piano.  I would imagine that my husband and I would play after the kids would go to bed.  Our house is small and there is nowhere to put the piano where it would not keep someone awake or prevent someone from working or studying.

I am at a loss for what to get for a digital piano and am looking for suggestions.  I know NOTHING about DPs and neither does my husband.  From what I understand, getting a keyboard that feels as close to playing a piano is an important feature.  Well, I went to a couple of piano store and fiddled around on pianos and digitals.  Since I am not a piano player, I cannot pick up the subtleties that an experienced piano player would be able to.  We are going off the advice of other for this purchase.  I have sat and compared (or rather tortured myself!) with putting features side-by-side, but it's like trying to study something that is written a language that you don't know how to read for a non-piano player.

Two of the ones that we are considering are the Kawai CN24 ($1688) and its "little brother" the CL26 ($988).  There is a huge jump in price between those two and to someone who doesn't play the piano, its hard to see if its worth the investment.  What is your opinion on these two DPs?  The price of the CN24 is more than we thought we'd spend, but we don't want to be pennywise and dollar foolish.  We'd rather make the investment in something that we will be happy with for several years, rather than save a few bucks now and regret it in a year.  Like anyone in our shoes, we don't know for sure if anyone will be interested in playing long term.  With 4 people in the house who are interested right now, though, there is a pretty good chance that some or all of us will.

What other DPs would you consider if you were us?  The price of the CN24 is probably about as high as we can afford for now.  Also, is there a down side to buying used?  I had been looking at some ads for used ones online, but that just made it even more confusing since many of the models I found are no longer made.  (And no doubt, the new ones have many improvements.)  I welcome your suggestions and appreciate your advice!!!

[hfmadopter]

The bottom line ? The CN 24 is the better piano and the CN 34 better yet. The CL series is more affordable but the CN series has the better built action.

That said, as of late to my knowledge Kawai makes no junkie pianos. I'd spend the extra for the better action and nicer case though unless absolutely pinching pennies.

[annakron]

Thank you so much for your help!  We're going to probably wait a little bit and see if we can maybe afford something a little nicer yet.