Jazz trio: suggestion for an electronic piano

Discussion in 'Miscellaneous [DB]' started by SteSte, Apr 25, 2019.

  1. SteSte

    SteSte

    Mar 28, 2017
    Rome, Italy
    I have a small flat and i want buy an electronic piano to play with friends (drums, e.piano and double bass), used.
    I will play unamplified and i'm serching for some suggestion on a nice sounding "natural" electronic piano, piano sound only.
    I hate electronic instruments but at this time i cannot afford a piano in my house.
    Maybe better ask to a piano forum?

    Ciao
    Thanks
    All the best music for you.
     
  2. Roland GR 88

    Roland GR 88 Commercial User

    Sep 16, 2013
    Ontario Canada
    Retail store manager
    There's basically two choices to consider. Weighted or non weighted keys. Almost all weighted keyboards will have 88 keys and the non weighted will range from 49 to 76. Most piano based keyboards will have speakers built in and often only a headphone output and USB connections for computers. Small synths like the Yamaha MX49 or similar will have more complete patching options and MIDI capabilities.
    Decent piano based keyboards are the Yamaha P-45, P-125. Roland FP-10 or FP-30's. If you can find a Roland RD-64 for a good price it should be at the top of your list. It's small (64 keys) fully weighted, has very good piano/organ/Rhodes sounds and complete patching abilities albeit without speakers. Older Yamaha models have smaller numbers as their model and are usually easy to find used for less than $300. Roland's will be a bit more expensive. Korg models are ok but IMO lack the sound quality of Yamaha and Roland.
    If you're on the cheap and can live with non weighted keys the Yamaha PSRE line are ok but have lots going on inside that you'll never need. Roland's GO Piano is small and sounds very good (the scat sounds are a hoot) and the Yamaha MX-49/61 have the Yamaha piano patches and are a good value for what you get.
    Avoid Casio unless someone other than Wal-Mart is the dealer in your neck of the woods.
    Good luck and happy hunting.
     
    SteSte likes this.
  3. donotfret

    donotfret

    Jun 11, 2018
    Never mind the sound, it's limited anyway. Go for one with a good weighted keyboard, that's far more important. The longstanding manufacturers are all quite good at that - Yamaha, Kawaii, Roland etc.
     
    SteSte likes this.
  4. Carl Hillman

    Carl Hillman

    Jan 1, 2010
    Believe it or not, Casio is making some good keyboards these days.
    Several local piano players who I hold in high esteem are using Casio Privia digital pianos. They like the feel, sound, portability and price.

    You can get the PX-S1000 for about 600 bucks.

     
    Last edited: Apr 25, 2019
  5. SteSte

    SteSte

    Mar 28, 2017
    Rome, Italy
    thank you both.
    Now i have a better knowledge.
    I will go for a weighted Roland RD-64 or Yamaha 'smaller numbers', you clarify everything to me. Through internet was too much to understand, now i know.
    Thanks
     
  6. rickwolff

    rickwolff ‘Leave the clams in, let ’em know we're human,' Supporting Member

    Go play the Yamaha DGX-660. If it's going to stay and your place and not travel from gig to gig (it's heavier than a 'stage' piano) this is the one to get.

    88 weighted keys and a beautiful acoustic piano sound. Reasonably priced, too.



    It has lots of features you may never need or use but you may surprise yourself.

    Bottom line: itsi the SOUND and the weighted key ACTION. Go play one yourself and see what you think. I did, and now I have one in my studio.
     
    Last edited: Apr 25, 2019
  7. SteSte

    SteSte

    Mar 28, 2017
    Rome, Italy
    thanks for your suggestion but i seen that is around 800 euros and it's really too much. i was searching for something really cheap , used instrument.
    I don't play piano as harmonic instrument (i have a guitar) and i'm not sure also of this 'new trio' at my home so i would like to buy something simple that i should sell in the future without loosing money. and i hate electronic instruments and fake sounds in general so spending lot of money to have music exiting from a speaker should make me sad. i'm one of the remaining crazy gui who still try to play always acoustic w gut strings and crazy action.... :)
     
  8. rickwolff

    rickwolff ‘Leave the clams in, let ’em know we're human,' Supporting Member

    Got it. Good luck with your search!
     
    SteSte likes this.
  9. GutJazz

    GutJazz

    Mar 5, 2019
    Roma - Italy
    Hi,
    there are many real pianoforti that are very cheap, someone give it away for free. BTW I play old style double bass too, in Roma, why didn't we never met? :)
     
  10. SteSte

    SteSte

    Mar 28, 2017
    Rome, Italy
    than
    k you
    Ciao i know that there are acoustic piano for very low price but i'm living in a very small apartment i cannot have a 'real' piano here.
     
  11. Wow, that RD-64 is a nice board!!!!
     
  12. Tom Lane

    Tom Lane Gold Supporting Member

    I agree with the advice above but I'll add that I prefer the tone of Yamaha's products over Casio, but it is a personal preference and I know very good pianists that prefer the Casio. They're a bit cheaper. Roland has a nice weighted keyboard along with Yamaha, Casio, and Korg, and at the high-end, Nord. Nord is typically twice as expensive. You might want to look for an older unit used. Otherwise, for your started needs, you could consider something like this:

    https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...1-V5mR0K2wxh-UeeRLf9iPcL4bH5S6PhoCth4QAvD_BwE

    It has a weighted keyboard, is light and compact, so easily movable, and if you get a gig, you could bring it if necessary. It also has built-in speakers which will probably be loud enough for your band to rehearse with in your apartment. Good luck with your search. Once you get it, you might consider exploring playing it because having functional piano skills is a game changer, IMO.
     
    Chris Fitzgerald and SteSte like this.