Piano or keyboard?

[Arsony]

Hello people,

I play the guitar but I've got a friend who learnt to play the piano until about Grade 6 and fell out. I want him to continue to play and I want to surprise him with a gift. Now here is where the problem is. I know nuts about piano and keyboards and my friend is living in KL and I'm here.

First question, should I get him a piano as in piano or would an electric piano be sufficient? Is it a difference of earth and sky? Cos if I can buy something that's not so big, then I can put it in my car and drive up to KL to give it to him.

Assuming electric piano or keyboard is a fair gift, how do i go about choosing one for him? I intend to buy used one. What are the things i would consider and look out for?
Thanks so much people! Dont know what and where to ask also if I dont have you guys....

Arsony

[Cheez]

Arsony, this friend must be a very good friend indeed! Firstly, buying keyboard/piano is not like buying mp3 players or clothes. It's not cheap. And if the person is not going to use it, you will end up buying a white elephant.

Is he still playing? If not, when did he stop playing? Is he even remotely interested in continuing to play?

If he's interested in continuing, then go for a digital piano. Perferably one that comes with speakers. Something like Yamaha lower-end P series.

[Arsony]

Thanks for the reply. He stopped playing about 2-3 yrs ago. Still has it la.... saw him play again recently and not too bad...But does a digital piano differs very much with a real piano in terms of playability and feel? And how much would the Yamaha P series would cost me? Thanks!

Arsony

[Cheez]

Digital piano will never feel and sound like a real piano. But it is cheaper. The closest to the real piano will be Yamaha - in terms of touch and feel. What is your budget?

[Arsony]

Well, no strict budget....err... I guess anything about $1000 and below? 2nd hand that is... better not buy new as I'm not 100% sure of the outcome. But anything that's value for money is welcomed.... Please recommend a few in terms of price range. Thanks in advance!

Arsony

[Cheez]

Perhaps Yamaha P70? Now that the P85 is just announced (to replace the P70), the price of P70 should drop.

[Arsony]

Ok... and how much would I expect to pay for that? And another question. Would say... the P70/P85 be able to produce other sounds like a keyboard can or does it have only piano sound?

Arsony

[Cheez]

I've not been to Yamaha for a while. Listed price for P70 is about 500 USD which is just below S$1000. Can others comfirm that?

Yes, it has other bread and butter sounds like electric pianos, organs, harpsichords, strings and vibraphones.

[Hydesg]

cheez do u recommend a cp33 or a p140 for a beginner?

i am thinking of picking up piano lsesons

[Cheez]

CP33 has no build-in speakers. Both are Ok for beginners.