Welcome to the Just Plain Folks forums! You are currently viewing our forums as a Guest which gives you limited access to most of our discussions and to other features.
By joining our free community you will have access to post and respond to topics, communicate privately with our users (PM), respond to polls, upload content, and access many other features. Registration is fast, simple, and absolutely free; so please join our community today!
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 70
Serious Contributor
|
OP
Serious Contributor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 70 |
Amazon has some amazing deals on their keyboards. Most are Yamaha and Casio. I took lessons as a child and haven't played since. My interest is in teaching myself how to play. I don't want to spend more than $250 because I am a beginner per se. Any recommendations? I am leaning toward a Yamaha but don't know which model is the best... Thanks in advance for any help...
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 8,102
Top 25 Poster
|
Top 25 Poster
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 8,102 |
I would go to Sam Ash or a similar large music store to actually touch the keys and hear the sound before buying online just by a model recommended. You might not like the touch of any given keyboard, where as someone else might love it.
Play them ALL in your price range, even if just tinkering. KNow that are organ type feel keys to many on that price range, with some models having a more piano-like feel. To get close to the feel of a real piano, you would need to have it the specs say it has "weighted or slightly weighted keys". Weighted would be my choice. But they come at a higher price. Casio will probably give you more features for the same price as the Yamahas,,,but not always....lots of models out there and depends of sales and what you can negotiate with some stores.
Sales are down for retail stores, so talk the bargaining talk to get the best price...Maybe don't buy that day...Leave....come back in a few days, (NOT eager to buy),,,, to see if the manager will go even lower for you. They want sales! You may get a decent real piano-like feeling keyboard with good sounds for not that much more than your 250. Maybe even around it, if used.
Many models. Search more online just to get an idea of all of them. get ot know the model letters and numbers. Write them down and learn them. BE a keyboard guy!
Don't just get one online without first playing one somewhere.
Good hunting!
Johnny Love Those Keys! Miss em too.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,478
Top 200 Poster
|
Top 200 Poster
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,478 |
My best advice is to stay away from the 61-key keyboards because eventually you will need more notes. 88 keys are best, but it would be very difficult to find one in your price range.
The 76-key Casio WK-200 has a bit of a cult following among musicians and is well within your price range. It does have the "organ" feel keys that Johnny mentioned, but for me personally, that is a plus. (I have lousy technique!) Check out the reviews on Amazon.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 70
Serious Contributor
|
OP
Serious Contributor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 70 |
At Johnny and Kevin... thanks!! We did check a few stores and I messed around with them a bit. I read the reviews on Amazon as well. I will keep researching before I make a decision... thanks guys!!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463
Top 20 Poster
|
Top 20 Poster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463 |
Once you have tried a few and have narrowed it down to what you want buying used makes sense. Why buy new when you can get something at a fraction of the price or a better spec for your money....Musicians are always upgrading and the second hand market is plentiful of stuff at real knock down prices. Ebay is quite good for bargains....I have bought loads of musical gear there and NEVER once been disappointed or cheated. In fact I have bought stuff I would never have been able to afford NEW.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 10,347 Likes: 43
Top 20 Poster
|
Top 20 Poster
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 10,347 Likes: 43 |
Jim is right on the money. $250 won't go very far in the "new" market, but you could find a real treasure on Ebay. Best, John
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463
Top 20 Poster
|
Top 20 Poster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463 |
I forgot to mention MIDI. Most top end keyboards have MIDI in/out facilities. This function is pretty useful when it comes to composing and arranging and is pretty much essential for recording and editing.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 10,347 Likes: 43
Top 20 Poster
|
Top 20 Poster
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 10,347 Likes: 43 |
I forgot to mention MIDI. Most top end keyboards have MIDI in/out facilities. This function is pretty useful when it comes to composing and arranging and is pretty much essential for recording and editing. Plus great for connecting a string of sound modules. Yeah, I think most, if not all synths in the last decade are MIDI.I have a Roland Juno8 and it's MIDI. And that's one old synth...
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463
Top 20 Poster
|
Top 20 Poster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463 |
Yes John most but not ALL... some of the lower end less expensive makes and models do not have MIDI including Casio and bottom end Yams.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,478
Top 200 Poster
|
Top 200 Poster
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,478 |
The Casio WK-200 I mentioned does have a USB to MIDI feature.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463
Top 20 Poster
|
Top 20 Poster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463 |
Casios are OK Kevin...some of them especially earlier models do not have any in/outs except for phone socket...worth watching out for.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 70
Serious Contributor
|
OP
Serious Contributor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 70 |
@Everyone... I will check out ebay! Thanks a lot. You guys are extremely helpful...
|
|
|
We would like to keep the membership in Just Plain Folks FREE! Your donation helps support the many programs we offer including Road Trips and the Music Awards.
|
|
Forums118
Topics126,153
Posts1,166,576
Members21,470
|
Most Online37,523 Jan 25th, 2020
|
|
"The commercial that says "you never get a second chance to make a first impression" may be true. Our job should be making sure that we give the person we are judging the chance to make that first impression themselves, in person, for real." –Brian Austin Whitney
|
|
|
|