philby

Hi Gary, Thanks very much for your responses, and for the links which are great, in depth reviews. They also helped me dispel the Korg SP170S as the reviewer didn't seem too impressed. Not sure I want to commit any more cash at this stage so the PX 350 is probably just out of reach, I agree with your comment though, I've lost count of the number of cheap guitars/amps/pedals I've wasted money on in the past only to replace them a year later. I have managed to find a local shop which has both pianos in stock so I'm going to take my daughter along next weekend and let her decide. There's next to nothing in terms of price difference. I note your comment about keyboard quality and think the PX 150 would be the better investment. We can always hook it up to Garageband and let her play the synths in there when she wants a little light relief Once again thanks very much, I appreciate your time. Phil.

Hi there. Not only am I new to this forum but I also don't play piano My 8 year daughter has been learning to play on a hand me down keyboard which she has now outgrown. I want to buy her a reasonable electric piano or keyboard but with her being 8 and all, I don't want to spend a fortune on something that may well end up gathering dust in 12 months time. Her teacher has recommended looking for 88 "weighted" keys (I now understand there is "weighted" and there is "weighted"). I would like something that can be used as a Midi controller for my DAW, so either MIDI or (preferably) usb is a must. Whilst keyboard action/feel and basic sound quality are my main concerns anything that keeps her interested at her age is a bonus. So being able to play different sounds, additional learning tools etc would be a bonus rather than essential. My budget is around AU$600-700. I've done plenty of research and have narrowed my options down based on price, value and availability to a couple of Casio's but can't decide between the 2. These are the CDP-220/230 and the PX-150, both of which I can pickup for a little over AU$600. The main differences I can see are that the PX-150 has greater polyphony 128 rather than 48 (will this matter to a beginner/intermediate player?). The sound engine is different, although the CDP gets good reviews soundwise. What I can see I am getting with the CDP over the PX is the additional sounds (700), lesson features, sampling (of little use I imagine but fun for an 8 year old!). I would really appreciate any thoughts from folk more experienced than me that might help me decide between the 2. Many thanks in anticipation, please keep your answers non technical so that a simple guitarist can understand