Best Digital Pianos Under $1000 down to $500 – GO HERE! Korg XE20, Roland FP-30X, Yamaha P-225, Casio PX-S3100, Kawai ES120, Korg B2, Casio PX-870 REVIEW. Which one is best for YOU?UPDATED REVIEW | October 1, 2024 | Best Digital Pianos Under $1000 to $500 – Yamaha, Roland, Kawai, Casio, Suzuki, Korg, etc…which one is best and which one should you buy?! My name is Tim Praskins and I am a digital piano expert and have been teaching & playing on them for over 40 years (started teaching as a young teen:) and have taught 1000’s of students during my extensive music career. I play acoustic concert grand pianos, digital pianos, and pro keyboards professionally (as well as play and teach guitar & organ) and do digital piano consultations for schools, churches, piano teachers, studios, and families all over the world to help you decide what piano might be best for you in your price range.
I definitely know what I am talking about when it comes to hundreds of different models of digital pianos (now and in the past) because I have been doing this for over 40 years! My son Erik and I (Erik is also a very talented guy and knows his digital piano stuff) are willing to share that info with you at no charge and explain it on your level and give you free personal advice. We work in our own music studios and as I already said, Erik is quite knowledgeable about digital pianos and likes to help answer people’s piano questions as much as I do. We do not have a retail store and do not link you to Amazon sites trying to get you to buy a digital piano that you don’t need or should not own.
I am an experienced teacher & pro musician and offer digital piano advice without needing to “sell” pianos like other so-called reviewers try to do with Amazon links to digital pianos so they can make money regardless of how poor that digital piano may really be. All my reviews are my opinions and done by myself for the public at large. If you want to know more about me and my work, please go to the following link: More about Tim & Erik Praskins and AZ Piano Reviews
Picking out a new digital piano can be a daunting task because there are so many brand, models, price ranges, and features. Rather than take your “best guess” and leave it to chance, do yourself a favor and contact me and I help you get through the maze of confusion so that you can make an informed decision on the new digital piano that would be the right one for your specific musical needs and budget.
There are 5 brands of 88-key digital pianos that I recommend right now which, in my opinion, are quite good in the lower price range under $1000. Those brands are Yamaha, Casio, Korg, Roland, and Kawai. There are other name brands offered under or near $1000 including Kurzweil that you may see advertised out there, but at this point I really do not recommend them near as much as I do Casio, Yamaha, Kawai, Korg, and Roland for a number of reasons. Typically I don’t recommend a brand or model if there are noticeable deficiencies in key action, piano sound realism, or pedaling as compared to a real acoustic piano and that is why some brands or models that you may see advertised on the internet are not recommended by me.
those pianos at the following link: New Digital Pianos between $1000-$2000.
Yamaha currently offers 5 models of 88-key digital pianos models under $1000 including the P-143 ($599 internet price), P-225 ($699 – left pic), DGX-670 at $849, YDP-105 at $1099 internet discount price, and the YDP-S35 at $1199 internet discount price. I have reviewed all of the Yamaha models under $1000 with the exception of the DGX-670, so stay tuned for my reviews on them coming soon. Also, I have played those pianos many times and you can always ask me about them. I do recommend all of the Yamaha’s mentioned here, and although the least expensive Yamaha P-45 portable model is somewhat basic in what it can actually do, it’s still a good beginner piano for those people who need to stay under $500 cost. Many of the digital pianos that Yamaha produces sell for over $2000 whereas most of the digital pianos produced by Casio and Korg sell for under $2000. So when it comes to Yamaha, especially in a furniture cabinet style, you’ll need to spend a bit more money in some cases if you want better quality key action and sound, but it can be worth it. It just depends on the piano itself and what you actually get for the money.
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| Korg B2 |
Korg offers 5 models under $1000US including the newer B2 ($649 – with stand & pedals), The next model is the SP-280 ($899), the LP-180 ($729 internet price), XE20 ($879 price) and the LP-380U ($999 internet price after $200 factory instant rebate). Of the Korg models under $1000 my favorite is the LP380U which has their upgraded key action, dynamic tonal range, and velocity sound response as compared to other brands in this price range. In fact the only reason this Korg LP-380U is $999 right now is because Korg is offer an instant rebate of $350 while supplies last. I do know that this model has become extremely popular at that $999 price so if this one looks good to you after you read my review of it, then you better get it while you can.
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| Kawai ES120 and cabinet |
Kawai offers 2 model under $1000 which is called the ES120 portable digital piano at $949 internet discount price (not including optional 3-pedal crossbar unit and furniture stand) and the new KDP75 furniture cabinet digital pianos $999 internet price. This is the only 2 models that the Kawai piano company has for under $1000 and I must say they are impressive. The ES120 hammer style weighted action and acoustic piano sound is excellent in its price range as is the new KDP75 which is somewhat of a cabinet version of the ES120 but with fewer features.
The ES120 is designed to be a lightweight portable piano replacement because of its minimalistic design and lack of some of the “bells & whistles” of other pianos have. But if you don’t need or want much in the way of extra features and just want a satisfying piano playing experience in a low price range, the Kawai would be the one to pick.
It is better overall in my opinion than the Yamaha P-225 and Roland FP-30X as far as key action goes for a low priced portable digital piano. But the ES120 is also slightly more money than the Yamaha P-225. But as they say, you don’t get something for nothing in this world (unless you’re the U.S. government:)
Roland has 3 digital pianos with weighted key action for 2024 under $1000and one of them is called the FP-10, which is Roland’s lowest priced portable self-contained digital piano with piano weighted key action under $1000 ($599 internet selling price) and is offered in either satin black or satin white. Roland has the next model up from that one called the FP-30X which is $699 internet discount price. I have played both the FP-10 and the FP-30X and was impressed with some of their abilities although the key action was somewhat heavy and sluggish in my opinion. |
| Adagio digital piano |
All of these brands & models I mentioned here are the piano style weighted 88-key digital pianos, although the key action movement will be slightly different from one brand & model to another. They all have built-in speakers although the power & quality of the speaker system vary, and generally all of my recommended pianos are acceptable depending on your musical goals and experience.
However, there are other brands and models out there in the lower price ranges that I DO NOT RECOMMEND because they are of much lower piano playing realism (in my opinion) with regard to key action, piano sound, and pedaling based on all my experience with them. These pianos are lessor known brands and they include (but are not limited to) Artesia, Adagio, Donner, Suzuki, Williams, Adams, Robson, GEWA, as well as any spring action (non-weighted/semi-weighted) digital pianos.
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Also, some of the off-brand digital pianos can create and foster bad playing habits in piano students because of the deficiencies in these pianos concerning their key actions, piano sound response, pedaling, and/or other aspects of piano playing. Nice attractive exterior cabinets in digital pianos do not always mean those digital pianos are good for playing music correctly…even at minimum standards. Just because a digital piano is attractive on the outside does not it good on the inside with regard to key action, sound, realism, electronics, reliability, etc.
In fact, some of the more basic looking pianos for less money in the good recommended brands do a much better job than some of the more attractive deluxe furniture style cabinet brands in the off-brands. So you should never judge a piano by its appearance or even the hyped up sales & marketing info you get from a manufacturer. You just should not believe everything you read from a manufacturer because their goal is to sell you their piano so they often times exaggerate their claims of how good their pianos are…and I have seen this many times. So be careful.
Of the five brands mentioned in the lower price range here, I believe Casio overall offers a noticeably better piano playing key action experience than Yamaha or Roland, although Yamaha has some very nice models at $1500 and above. The lower priced Yamaha P-225 & DGX-670 are fun to play and certainly worth looking at and I do like them, but the Kawai ES120 and Korg XE20 piano key action and piano sound is superior to Roland or Yamaha under $900 in my opinion. But ultimately, all of these models I mentioned here would be fine, although everyone I talk to pretty much wants the closest reproduction a regular piano as they can get in their price range.
For many beginner or recreational piano players and students, it can be difficult for them to determine which piano actually does do the better job in terms of the piano touch, tone, and pedaling realism because sound and touch are normally a subjective thing. Also, to make matters more difficult, it’s not likely you’ll find all of these pianos in one place at one time to physically try them out these days, or even find some of them locally at all. One of the best things to do in my opinion is to your research and then listen to an experienced expert like myself and even watch some demo videos on-line and then you’ll get a better idea of what might work best for you and your family.
With regard to beginner piano students and their music education, as a long time private & group piano & keyboard teacher, this is something I know a lot about.It is never too early or too late to start piano lessons and enter into the exciting & rewarding world of playing music. I teach and have taught thousands of students from 4 years old to 94 years old. Whether you play piano as a recreational hobby, or go on to do it professionally as many of my friends and some students have done, it’s always a tremendous blessing for me to see people at any age enjoy the piano playing experience and bring music into their lives in a very personal way.The little girl in the left picture is involved in piano lessons and she loves it whether she’s playing on a big concert grand piano such as the Steinway 9′ grand she is sitting at (above left pic), or whether it’s at a digital piano utilizing iPad apps to further enhance the learning and playing experience. If you want important info on the best way to proceed as far as lessons and learning go as well wanting to be sure you’re getting the right instrument for your needs and budget, please contact me and I’ll be happy to answer your questions. Also, click on the links below to read my reviews on these pianos under
$1000.
Korg B2 Review
Casio PX770 Review
Casio PX870 Review
Korg LP380U Review
Out of all the digital pianos under $1000, I would say overall my favorite cabinet piano near or at $1000 right now is the Casio Privia PX-870 at $1199 internet discount price (left pic). This piano really surprised me for its low price after I played it because it has a nicely designed compact cabinet with the 3 built-in full function pedals and slide out key cover, and it had a pretty big sounding acoustic piano tone with a wide dynamic range. The key action has a 3-sensor key technology not normally found in less expensive cabinet digital pianos until you get around or above $1500 or more in other brands.  |
| iPad app |
There are some people who equate the name Casio and its lower prices with lower quality, and it is true that sometimes lower price can mean lower quality (especially in key action & piano sound) such as what I have experienced with the Williams, Artesia, and Suzuki digital pianos. When it comes to recognizable & respected brand names in the acoustic piano world, Yamaha & Kawai pianos have always been known to be in that recognized group and many pianists, piano teachers, churches, schools, and families do own Yamaha & Kawai acoustic pianos. But some competitive Yamaha & Kawai digital pianos right now cost more money than the new Casio pianos depending on the model.
Casio actually is a respected Japanese technology company which has been in business approx 60 years (that’s a very long time) having produced millions of electronic products including keyboards & digital pianos for about 35 years. Casio is not necessarily my favorite digital piano company because I don’t actually have a favorite. Kawai, Roland, Yamaha, & Casio are all my favorites but each one does better in different price ranges and it also depends on your musical goals and budget as to which brand and model will be best for you.
In my opinion any of these name brand recommended pianos would be fun to own and play, but the Casio company has really outdone themselves with their PX-870 furniture cabinet model at $1199 internet price, and the extra cost over $1000 is definitely worth it. This model is a “home run” for cabinet digital pianos under $1000 and also under $1200, but even with all that being said, the Casio PX-870 still may not be the right instrument for you. There may be a better option depending on your particular musical needs & musical goals, and your budget. Please contact us before you make a piano purchase anywhere and we will give you free expert advice. You may even want to spend more than $1000, as I have already suggested, and there are some good options in that range as well. Go to the following link to read my review on the Casio PX-870: Casio PX-870 Review
IMPORTANT PUBLIC NOTICE ABOUT MY REVIEWS – Just so you know, there is no precise or impartial digital piano rating system (like stars, check marks, numbers, etc) as some people on the internet would have you believe…and that’s why I don’t do it. There are just too many variables. In fact there are some so-called “reviewers” out there who have no idea of what they are talking about, they say things that are just not true at all, they rate cheap keyboards along side of digital pianos which is ridiculous (keyboards are not digital pianos), and what they report is only so they can link you to an Amazon site to make THEM money if you buy something.
their Amazon web site links. If you see something like that then run away from those people as they are not there to help you, regardless of what they say. In fact, I have noticed that many of these “fake review sites” steal my content and then post a version of it on their web sites.
I know this because sometimes they copy some of my blog review sentences would they would otherwise NEVER say and they could not have been able to test out many of the unique pianos that I have and then come up with the conclusions they state in their so-called reviews. It is true that imitation or downright coping is the sincerest form of flattery but unfortunately on those sites it is done solely to make money off of you without regard to what is actually true, and that does bother me!
I always recommend that you do your homework before you buy because as I said, ultimately any of these top pianos may be a good choice for you. However there are definitely some models that offer “more for the money” depending on the price range you can be in, and if you would like my help in making your decision, please contact me as I do not charge for my advice and I do this as a labor of love:)
***Check out my “TOP 10 “Biggest Bang For the Buck” Digital Pianos at the following link: TOP 10 “Biggest Bang For The Buck” Digital Pianos
I want to buy a piano..I have impressed in second one(Casio CDP220R).. I will definitely but this. Thank you for your price list information.
I'd love to see a post covering your recommended iPad apps.
Thank you very much for your recommendations, this will greatly help me pick a piano for my son.
I am looking for an electric piano for our vocal music major son to take with him to college. He would like one with a full size keyboard. I am unsure what kind to purchase, whether it should be digital (and the benefits of digital capabilities), and whether it should have recording capabilities. I also would not like it to break the bank. Do you have any advise?
Hi! What is difference between Casio Privia PX 350 and Casio Privia PX-330? I can bay PX330. Is it much worse? What you can suggest from this site as better for low price? It is for my daughter who just started to learn piano. Thank you
Wow, what a great blog! Thank you. It's people like you that make purchasing a more balanced experienced. I had a music store tell me they only sold yamaha digital piano's because they were the best and no other brand came even close. I'm buying the Casio Privia PX750 for my 10 year old who has been asking to play for 1 year. Again, many thanks.
Life-saver of a blog. Thank you! We are a home schooling family with six children. We have had two yamaha dgx 535 models. Both were GREAT for about seven months, and then became so clicky, i couldn't stand it. (I have played piano since the age of 4, although now am too busy to take anything seriously.) With several hours of playing time on the average day, we definitely need a work-horse. Trying a Casio once we collect enough pennies.
Do you recommend the Casio Privia PX-735CB? Is this similar to the Privia PX750?
Trying to choose between this and th Yamaha P105 or the Yamaha DGX750.
What would recommend for a prior piano player? I have played until 'grade 8 piano' about 8 years ago. I don't have the money to buy an acoustic piano yet but will buy on in the future so what would to recommend in terms of digital piano that will feel like an acoustic piano (weighted/hammered keys). Thanks!
What would recommend for a prior piano player? I have played until 'grade 8 piano' about 8 years ago. I don't have the money to buy an acoustic piano yet but will buy on in the future so what would to recommend in terms of digital piano that will feel like an acoustic piano (weighted/hammered keys). Thanks!
This site is great. Since the Casio Privia PX780 is not out yet, how do you recommend getting a feel for this piano? I am getting this for myself (I actually have an upright piano, but with 2 little kids, I have no time to play during the day. And then I can't play at night or I'll wake them up). I want to wear headphones and be able to play something that feels like a real piano, and I like what you say about the Casio.
You can play any new Casio Privia PX model including the portable versions and they will all have the same key action weight and movement. If you like one model then you will like them all:). If you have more questions on features and prices, please email me direct and I can give you more detail.
I would recommend a Casio PX850, Yamaha YDP162, or Kawai CE220.
Hi Tim ,
I am a beginner in playing piano and I just purchased the Casio CDP 220R. What is your thoughts on this Digital Piano ?
I have played this piano and it is fine for a beginner at that price but you may need to move up to a better piano if you achieve a higher playing skill level
What differences exists between px135 and px150? What do you recommand me: px 135 or p 105? Thank you!
Hi Jim,
I own a Roland E09 right now. I bought it with the intention, that I would never master the piano. Well after 1 1/2 years, my teacher is now telling me I need to get a full 88 key piano. I was going to go portable again because of heart issues that I have, but might get an upright. Please recomend a good model for me. Looking fro a good piano sound, and some good organ sounds also. Any help would be appreciated. I had to give up my trumpet after 50 years of playing, so I took up the piano.
Hi Jim
What would u recommend for a 9 years old beginner. I would like the digital piano with weighted keys and suitable to play on up to ABRSM grade 5 or 6. Thanks!
The PX135 is an older discontinued model. The PX150 is a big improvement over that piano. I would recommend a Yamaha P105 over the Casio PX135
I would recommend the Kawai CE200, Kawai MP6, or Casio PX780
Hi Tim,
Thanks for lot for the wonderful posting in this blog. It is of great help to parents like me. I have 2 sons who are appearing for London Trinity GUildhall Exam levels 2 & 3 and I am looking to buy a digital piano for them. Based on your comments, we have narrowed our choices between Yamaha p105 and Casio PX 750. I understand from your blog that the key action in Yamaha is a bit inferior compared to Casio. WOuld this make to difference given my children's current level? The price difference in India about 20% with casio being more expensive. I would appreciate your response on this as we are planning to buy the piano in a day or two. Thanks once again! Badri
Hi Badri,
In my opinion, the new Casio key action is noticeably more realistic in terms of acoustic key action as well as dynamic range for piano sound. Although the Yamaha is a very nice instrument, there are definite differences which are evident. I wish your family musical success!
Hi mr praskins,
I'm a beginner and just started my piano lessons in recent month.I'm planning to buy a yamaha Dgx 230 for practice. I learning piano just as a hobby. Do you think yamaha Dgx 230 suits my need? Thanks for your opinion.
That keyboard would be fine for now but it does not have the proper weighted piano keys. So as you get better you'll need to move up to a digital piano that has more realistic key action movement so you can play piano in a better way.
Great site here thanks. Great to see you at 2013 Winter NAMM..
hi, I'm from Singapore and considering between casio PX 735 and AP220. I know both models have similar specs. in terms of sound quality, which one is better? I tested both models recently and it seems PX735 has brighter volume. the AP220 sounds softer. is this right?
Hi Tim,
I'm an amateur classical pianist and have been playing for 20 years now. I play Chopin etudes, ballades, etc. just to give you an idea about my level. I own an acoustic piano but since I live in an apartment, I want a digital piano to practice my scales, arpeggios and heavy repetitive passages. I can buy used and am looking for something < $500. Have any recommendations? Remember, this is only for basic scales, arpeggios and for really loud passages that need to be practised hundreds of times.. Thanks in advance for your valuable advice!!
Hi
We are considering one of the following Yamaha DGX-640 & Casio CDP-220R.
It is for home use and mainly for the family to learn how to play, so the main thing is ease of use and the teaching programme. Sound, clarity etc is not important.
The reason for these two is that I have been advised to go for 88 keys & weighed keys.
If you have anything better to recommend I would appreciate that to.
David
Hi Mr. Praskins,
I read your comments and found it very useful because I don't know anything about piano.
My daughter will start her first piano lesson next week so I am planning to buy her a piano to practice at home. This is first time she is taking the class not sure if she is going to like it. Recently I see Roland F-120 super natural digital piano bundle is on sale for $1200 at Costco. What do u think of this one? Or would you still recommend me to buy one of the models that you recommended CE 200, Kawai mp6, Casio 750, Casio px 780. Or would you suggest to buy a new upright piano for about $2500 but forgot the brand. Thanks in advance and any advise will be helpful….
I agree with you on the Korg and Casio, but I wasn't to fond of the Yamaha. Also, the Kawai mp6 is a great choice if you are looking to spend a little extra.
Hi Tim,
Thanks for the great information. We're buying a piano for our kids (5 and 8), who are just beginning piano lessons. Would you recommend the Casio PX780 or the Yamaha P-105. When purchasing, pedals, a cabinet, and bench, they come out to about the same price.
Thank you,
Debra
The BEST Digital Piano REVIEWS are HERE! My name is Tim Praskins and I am an Independent Piano, Keyboard & Guitar Teacher, long time Pro Musician who has played hundreds of different digital pianos & keyboards, and expert piano consultant to the PUBLIC. I talk about piano stuff you may find interesting, including piano lessons, music technology, new & used pianos, & do in-depth REVIEWS of many Digital Pianos. read digital piano reviews
Hello dear sir,
I've just started piano lessons this week. Currently I have a CTK-230 which is a very old keyboard purchased for me when I was 13 however we live in a small town so it was hard for me to find a teacher. Now am 22 and finally decided to start learning piano. My teacher has a baby grand yamaha. I really loved the wooden keys of the piano but can't afford a grand now. I don't really care about the extra sounds and features they add, I just want a realistic piano sound and feel. Should I go with the yamaha brand CLP series or the Kawai CE220? I want something to last me to grade 8 if its possible.
hi
the advice here was really useful but at the end I'm not sure about the model and brand casio or yamaha.I'm not a beginner I played for three years but I left it and now I've found another chance to practice it with an Acoustic piano near my work twice a week but I want to have one with most similar voice to a real piano at home to practice more with an affordable price
An old Technics p30 – sampled from a Steinway…
Tim, this is all great, thanks. My issue is I have a Roland KR-3500 21 years old, and a board is bad. I want to replace the unit. I don't want a step down since I have digital sampling and weighted keys, etc., and I like the yamahas, though they are overpriced. Does the Casio 850 have accompaniment? if not, what do you suggest as your pick equivalent to the KR-3500 that is $1000-$2000, if any? Any help is appreciated.
Your question needs more conversation than what I can do here. Please email me directly and then I would be happy to give you some advice…
Will do, thanks.
I have been playing the piano for some years now and I tested the majority of the digital pianos that you recommend. What I can say is that you're right about your suggestions. I particularly enjoyed playing the Privia line from Casio. I would add to your list of best digital pianos the Roland RD300NX which is a great musical instrument along those recommended in the article above.
Thanks for your comments. The Roland RD300NX is a nice instrument, however it is well above $1000 internet discount price and it also has a key action that I am not very fond of…the Roland ivory feel-G action. Roland also has an ivory feel-S action and also PHAIII action which I do like very much, but I don't enjoy playing the G action as compared to any of the other brands in that price range. I have detailed my thoughts on that G key action in my review of the Roland RP301 & 301R which use the same key action.
Great article. I found useful information and can say that it helped me in the choosing process.
Hi. I have the same question. What did you find out between these two models? Thank you.
What are your thoughts about a Yamaha CLP430?
The CLP430 is over $2000 selling price. I have done an extensive review of the Yamaha CLP pianos (incl the CLP430) which you can find on this blog. Look on the upper right side of the blog page and you'll see a large panel link to the Yamaha piano review.
I'm looking at these 2 model to buy within a week: Roland F-20 or Kawai ES100
I see that you like the Kawai ES100 key action then the Roland F20, however, do you think the F-20 key action is "acceptable"? My impression is that the sound of the F-20 is better, however this is through youtube. Could you do a comparative description of the sound of these 2 piano? Thank you.
if you would like a detailed description of how these two piano stack up against each other, please email me directly
Hello Tim, I am nearly committed on a Casio PX-850, 750 or 780. I have only 2 questions I'd be grateful to hear your response to:
– Are all the 3 models above identical in their graded hammer key action?
– Does the 850 have any noticeably enhancements in comparison to the 780, apart from its speakers, cabinet design and 256bit polyphony memory?
Thank you.
Hi Arun,
All Casio models have the identical key action.
Hi Tim…Having known you for nearly 30 years now, I very much appreciate the wonderful information that you are sharing with folks all over the world. I have always known you to be totally honest and your suggestions are always based on education and experience and no one needs to ever doubt you know what you are talking about! Pastor Chuck Clark, Humboldt Co, CA
Hi Tim,
I am struck between casio px 350 and yamaha p 105. All I am looking forward is a closer acoustic feel and sound. Thanks for your advice and your site is cool man.. Keep up the good work – Anand
Tim, first thank you for your knowledge of these pianos and sharing it with us. I'm a person of 62, and has never learned the piano, but would like/interested to try my hand at it. Beginner all the way. Use to have a Casio electronic piano (not 88 keys) and for some reason just wasn't interested in it at the time and gave it to my grandson. But now, could be the oldness coming on, would like to try it once again. Any suggestion which one to purchase? My funds are limited. Thank you in advance.
Hi Tim,
GREAT blog! This post is exactly what I've been looking for! Thanks for sharing your expertise!
I'm curious, what are your thoughts on buying used digital pianos? Our budget is around the $500-$600ish range, but that would include a stand, bench, pedal, etc. So we are considering maybe getting a used Yamaha p95 or older Casio Privia. Obviously they are not quite as good as the newer models, and the condition would be a case-by-case thing depending on the seller, but I was just wondering if you have a strong opinion one way or the other of how these keyboards tend to hold up over time, or if buying an older used model is a poor decision or not.
Thank you!
Hi Tim
Have you tried the Casio Privia PXA100 Range? What is your opinion on these? My children are beginners and I'm looking at spending less than $1000, I've read your reviews on this range and narrowed down to the Casio range. How does it compare to the CDP220? There are so many models and options around the more I read the more confused I get 🙂
I'd just like the kids to exercise their fingers and get used to the weighted keys (hopefully we can afford a new acoustic piano in the future- there's nothing like acoustics in music playing, whatever the instrument!) and train their ears to hearing the correct notes.
I look forward to your response
Thank you
Tim, thanks for all this info, although I doubt between the Roland F120 and the Yamaha YDP-S51, just because of the space that they take, what can you recommend me as being best of these two??
thanks in advance,straight from belgium,
I like it when I find all the information I need in one place. This article was very useful and it really helped me sort out what meets my needs concerning digital pianos.
Hi Tim.
Thank you for your comprehensive reviews. I am looking to buy a digital piano for my 5 year-old daughter and based on your reviews I am trying to decide between the Kawai ES100 and the Casio PX780. Which one has a better sound and feel? Which one takes up less space? Which one is better suited for a 5 year-old beginner piano player/student? Can the ES100 be modified to allow it to be attacked to an iPad or iPod?
Looking forward to your response.
Hi Tim,
After reading your reviews of digital pianos, I narrowed down my choices to the Kawai CE220 and the Kawai CS4. However a local store is trying to sell me a Symphony DL 800a, which is roughly the same price. I never heard of the Symphony piano before and was wondering if you can give me any advice. Thank you.
The Symphony digital piano brand is really not a piano company and I do not recommend that brand. It is a private label brand made by a Chinese manufacturer who produces lower quality digital pianos for piano dealers all over the world. Although these pianos may look good on the outside they are normally NOT good on the inside. I have played virtually all name brand and no-name brand Chinese made digital pianos and most no-name brands like Symphony are terrible pianos in terms of piano key action, piano sound, dynamics, volume response, and reliability. Piano dealers like to sell the no-name brands like Symphony because they make substantially more money on their "house brands" like Symphony than on the name brands. Do yourself a big favor and stick with the name brands like Roland, Kawai, Yamaha, Casio, and a couple of others…you'll be glad you did! Please email me and I would be happy to share detailed info with you on the Kawai CS4, CE220, and other models and brands. Then you'll be more prepared to make a good purchase.
Tim, thank goodness that I read through your reviews, thank you. A quick one if you have a moment – the quality of the switches & buttons on the Casio PX350? I have a Juno D and many have packed up, thus I ask.
Regards.
I have tried the Yamaha DGX 650 and the Roland F20 and I can say that they are both very solid digital pianos. I would give the slight edge to the Roland as you are able to plug in your headphones and work with various types of newer piano software. I'm not sure so much about the Yamaha when it comes to plugging it into your PC.
hello,
i have just read your digital piano review and it was very helpful. I have one question. Which model would you recommend me for playing a background piano music in hotel restaurant or bar? I play twice a week and I use YamahaCP33 with pair of Electrovoice ZLX12 speakers. I would like to buy nice looking compact cabinet (easy to transport in van car) digital piano with good acoustic sound for this purpose and I do not want to use additional speakers. Is there any suitable model under 2000?
thank you in advance
Hi tim,
would consider 700 dollars for a 2 years old Roland F120 (rarely used) a good deal ?
thanks for your reply
I don't give advice for used pianos or their prices. Without a factory warranty, buying any used piano is a risk and therefore price is relative. I do not like the key action or piano sound on that model so I would not recommend it for those reasons. I would instead look at the a new Yamaha DGX650, Casio PX750, or Casio PX350, all of which are in that price range.
hello Tim i know nothing about pianos, i am going to start with my piano lessons sooon so i will need an piano (probably digital). My budget is about 1000 euro. What i want from my piano is a best sound i can get( natural and realistic like a grand piano) and the feeling of keys (like grand piano). I dont care about trinkets… So i want a digital piano closest to grand piano in terms of sound and touch. I am going to orient to classical music.
I dont know if my previous post was accepted, so I will post again. I am an experienced piano player, I used to have a Upright piano in my dad's house where I learnt to play. I currently own a Roland Juno Di, which I use to play my midi files from the times we had a Tropical music band. Which will be your best choice in the 700-1000 range that will give the best Sound/action combination (in that order). I really don't know how my Roland Juno Di piano sound compare to the ones in your selection.
Thanks for your contribution, your comprehensive reviews are really helpful.
for piano sound, key action, and piano pedaling under $1000 for a portable digital piano, the Kawai ES100 would be best. For lots of good (not great) instrument sounds and a good key action under $1000 for a portable digital piano, either the Casio PX350 or Yamaha DGX650.
Thanks for your replay. Since I already have the Roland with plenty of very decent sounds and features, then the Kawai seems to be the one. I just need to find a place where I can play it before I buy it to be 100% sure that's the one for me.
if you are in the US and want advice on where to find the Kawai ES100 as well as how to get lower price, just email me direct for more info
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I do have reviews of these models so look for them on my blog
Hi tim.
What do you think about Casio AP-450? I don't have info about it,
Hi I dont see a review for the casio privia px 735, could you give me your opininon please. Im purchasing brand new for my daughter, but she is a learner and I know nothing so any info would be great my budget is £500. Thankyou
The PX735 is a older model digital piano that was part of the "30" series of Casio pianos including PX130/135, PX330, PX730/735, PX830, etc. The PX735 was not available in the US so I did not review it but it would have pretty much the same specifications as the PX130 (except it's in a small furniture cabinet and has 2 more sounds) which I did review. It was a pretty good piano although the the new model replacement for it, (called the PX750) is a much better piano.
It is the same piano as the PX850, only in a more traditional cabinet for quite a bit more money (in the US)
Hi, Tim. Great work on your blog! I wonder if you've had any experience with Orange digital pianos. I've been considering their higher end i8 model. Any thoughts?
The Orange piano "company" likely buys their pianos from a South Korean digital piano manufacturer called "Dynatone." The i8 is probably just a stock piano from Dynatone and the owners of the Orange company have a company name they made up which is Orange and they label that name on the Dynatone pianos. In fact, Dynatone has made that same piano with the same cabinet for other companies or dealers in various countries. The "Broadway" digital piano is an example of something like that (it is sold in the UK) and has the identical cabinet. I have played a variety of Dynatone digital pianos over the years and although they seem to try hard to make a good digital piano, they just don't. Poor key action feel & response, disappointing piano sound realism, cheap pedaling functions, and old electronics including 64 note polyphony. A good new digital piano should have a much better product, and the Orange company appears to fall far short. Adding to all that, if there was ever a repair needed on that piano and a local tech could not be found to service it and get parts (which could be likely) you would have to pack up the piano and ship it back to the dealer you bought it from. You would be responsible for all costs and liability during that process. The piano warranty time is only 1 year which is 1/3 of the standard 3 year warranties from the name brands. I would recommend you stay away from the "Orange pianos" and their offshoot (Dynatone) brands and stick with the name brands because you get what you pay for.
Good advice. I had my suspicions about this brand. The sad thing is that my local piano store, which I've trusted for years, has switched to this brand exclusively for their digital selection.
unfortunately some music/piano stores sell "exclusive" product because it makes them more profit than name brands do. That's the hard truth in many cases.
Tim, thank you. I am looking to play and sing at a restaurant…dinner music and wonder if the PX750/850 is portable enough?
Thanks for all the helpful information. I would like your opinion on the best option between the Casio PX150, Yamaha P105, or the Kawai es100. The Casio and Yamaha are more in my desired price range but I want to get a good keyboard. Your opinion would be greatly appreciated.
I have played the Yam P -105 for the past 18 months at least twice a week. Play for church, Senior Cntrs and dances. It always performs and feels and sounds wonderful. Tim Praskins opinion is what I have relied on a few times over the past nearly 30 yrz!
Tim,
Roland F-130 is under 1000€ in Europe. Would it be your best call or would you stay with the Casio Px-850?
Best regards,
Tim
Good Afternoon, Tim.
Thank you for this article. I am currently looking for a keyboard (a graduation present from college) for my son. He played piano growing up at home, and at the music department while at college. (He was not a music major..just recreation.)
He will be moving around for various post graduate education and I want to get him a digital piano. I am torn between the Casio Previa px-150 and the Yamaha P 105. Both are in the same price range (my max) and as much as I would like to get the PX-350 or Yamaha DGX 650, there are not a possibility.
I would also probably get the "cabinet" type stand so that he has 3 pedals as on an acoustic piano.
Any insights to help me decide?
Thank you.
The Casio would have the better more realistic key action which is the most important fundamental item to be concerned about in a digital piano. But both pianos have adequate piano sound although certainly not perfect in that way. They are, after all, low priced portable pianos.
Hello, what do you think about hemingway dp-501 for the beginner. Thanks in advance
Hi Tim: I'd like to know if the CE220 has musical accompaniment. A friend bought one and it doesn't seem to have it. Thanks.
Nelson
It doesn't seem to have it because it doesn't have it:). The CE220 has drum rhythm patterns built in for a variety of musical styles (Jazz, Rock, Latin, etc), but it does not have auto arrangement accompaniments with musical instruments playing along in the background as you play.
Hi Tim,
How would you compare between Kawai ES100 and Casio PX780, both of which you seem to greatly recommend? Which one is closer to a good acoustic piano?
Thanks.
I myself have been playing guitar since I was 13 (I'm 59 now) and have just taken up playing the piano over the last 9 months. I can say from a first hand point of view that Tim is right on the money saying that it is never too late to start playing. I put it off for years and am glad that I finally jumped onboard.
What do you think about korg pro lp 380?
I like it and its price is low, but the piano sound and key action technology is fairly outdated as compared to new Casio, Kawai, and Roland pianos in a similar price range
Hi Mr. Praskins, please tell me, the best action between Kawai AHA-IV and Roland Ivory Feel S…is? Thanks.
Hello Mr. Praskins, your reviews have been extremely helpful, I really appreciate the help. When do you expect to have a review out on the new Casio CGP-700. I'm trying to decide between the CGP-700 or the PX-860. I'm not sure if the new features on touch screen and the improved speaker system are worth going with it. Please advise. Thanks!
The PX860 is for someone who wants to primarily play piano. The PX860 has a noticeably upgraded piano sound over the CGP700. If you wioll want to concentrate on playing piano in a more traditional way and getting the best piano sound possible in the lower price range, then the PX860 is definitely the best choice for that. I will have my CGP700 review completed and up by approx August 20th.
Hi Tim, I´m a complete "noob" regarding Digital Pianos and i was looking for first DP to start taking lessons and came across a good deal on the Casio Privia PX A-100 which I believe its similar to PX-150. As from a complete begginer point of view, would you consider this a good purchase? Thank you.
Thanks for the reply. I went to guitar center to try it out, and I would have to agree. They just started getting the CGP-700's in stock. The PX860 definitely has a better piano sound, but the CGP-700 did have a lot of great features and the color screen made things really easy to navigate. The action seemed to feel a little better on the CGP-700 too, I'm not quite sure why, as they say they are the same action, but it felt a little lighter and really really good. Maybe because it was brand new, but it definitely seemed different. The ivory/ebony texture was a little different too. I think the PX-860 looks much better though, like a classy piece of furniture, whereas the CGP-700 looks more like a toy. The sound was loud and clear on the CGP-700, but sounded more like a PA system that a piano. I'm still torn because I really like the action on the CGP-700, but I think I'm leaning towards the PX860 as I am more looking for piano. I look forward to your review, thanks again!
Hi Tim,
I posted a while back but my needs have changed. I sold my Yamaha acoustic piano (P22) which I loved. I am downsizing and moving into an apartment with thin walls. I'm looking to buy a digital/stage piano that I plan to use primarily for advanced classical music practice with occasional stage performance. My budget is $3000.
I'm looking at these possibilities:
1) Roland RD 800
2) Kawai MP11
3) Kawai VPC1 + pianoteq (or something like that)
Do you have any suggestions or offers for me? If so, please email me at impromptu.pianist@gmail.com. I'm looking to purchase this in the first or second week of January, 2016 after I move into the new apartment.
Thanks,
Vishnu
Hello, I really need your advice here. I need to purchase my 11 year old a digital piano sometime in the next 7 days. He is just a beginner. I have found two used/second hand digital pianos for sale, the first is a Casio PX730 for £250, the second is a Yamaha P105 for £300. Both are in really good condition. Which piano would you go for and why? thanks, Oscar
Great reviews!!
After reading I shortlisted my interest to the Px350 and the cgp700. I don't see this last one in any store in Europe. Is this only aimed to the American market? If not, any idea about availability? If this won't be available I would buy the 350 now
Thanks
Jorge
First let me say thank you for great reviews, they gave me a starting point in looking for a new piano.
I would like to hear your opinion on selecting right piano for my daughter (10 yo 2 years in elementary music school)
My curent options are px560m and roland fp 30
When we went to store i was prety sure that i want px560m we tried others and it looks to me that px560 has much lighter keys than my 100yr old upright….
Now my daughter likes casio, we both liked korg lp380 for the feel, but no usb rules it out…. and bels and whisles on casio do make it fun giving aditional motivation to my daughter (and lets be honest me included)
I am not competent to judge quality as i gavee up on piano 25 yrs ago, (but i wish to try again…) and i never tried grand or any other upright ….
So am i biased when i say that casio feels lighter…? Is there a reason (sound qualitu keyboad quality) other than price to consider roland…
I do plan to buy beter piano if she persists and goes to music high school (we have 6 yr elementary music schools)
Thanks for opinion, and again for great reviews
my daughter has been training on dgx640 from initial to grade 5 in trinity piano exams. her teacher advised us to upgrade to a better key action . she said that you can continue with Dgx 640 but it is better to upgrade . my daughter found it easier to play pieces of grade 6 with hp 603 and found it closer to the grand piano action
It's people like you that make purchasing a more balanced experienced. I had a favorite music store at clavis.nl and told me they sold yamaha digital piano, Yamaha Portable piano P 115 – Digital because they were the best for beginner. I was bought it for my 8 year old. Again, many thanks for your review. It was such a big help for me.
What about Roland F-140R, would that be a bad choice? I've owned a F-120 before, I believe, and I liked that piano.
Dear Mr Praskins,
I'm looking to buy a new digital piano for my daughters… I'ved narrowed down the models between the Casio PX-760 or the Yamaha P-115. They are currently available for the same price where I am (in Canada.) I know one is a console and one is a portable, but in terms of sound quality and key feel, would you recommend one over the other? Both are on your recommended lists. Thanks in advance!
What is your opinion about which one is better, Casio PX 760 or Casio ES 110. In my country those two digital pianos have aproximately same price. I will buy one of those for my 6 years kid. The main requirements that needed are, hammer weighted action and sound close to accoustic piano. The secondary requirements are, more keyboard like features (tones, output connectivity), less weight so can be played at school stage.
Dear Tim,
Could you please tell me which one of ES110 and PX860 have a better action? Which one do you recommend in general?
Thanks,