Which Keyboard

slade_x

I have just recently decided to buy a keyboard and learn how to play

Can anyone help me decide which keyboard out of the following would be better,

But first, between Yamaha and Casio, which is the better brand?

Note: the links lead to the product and description on Audiocity.ie

Casio CTK800 - From Argos is €209.99

Argos quick Description :
61 Keys
255 Tones
120 Rythms
32 Polyphony
USB
PC

Yamaha E-303 from argos is €199.99

Argos quick Description:
61 Keys
482 Sounds
106x2 Rythms
32 Polyphony
Adaptor
PC


Thanks!

Savman

Much of a muchness but from those 2 I'd go with the Yamaha.

slade_x

Savman wrote:

Much of a muchness but from those 2 I'd go with the Yamaha.

Thanks although my preference has changed somewhat, i am now looking at the

Note: the links now lead to yamaha's official product description

Yamaha PSR295 from argos its €299.99

Argos Quick Description:
61 Keys
487 Sounds
135x2 Rythms
32 polyphony
USB
PC
Adapter


Yamaha DGX205 which is €449.99 from argos

Argos Quick Description:
76 Keys
487 Sounds
135x2 Rythms
32 polyphony
USB
PC
Adapter

The only thing is all the yamaha models seem to have the exact same capabilities from their specs, with the slight exception of the DGX205 having 76 full size touch sensitive keys as opposed to the 61 full size touch sensitive keys for the lesser models, is there any other benfits like, superior sound reproduction etc..

I was told that touch sensitive keys would be my best bet considering im learning the keyboard while i keep a real upright (vertical) piano in mind, weighted keys was also mentioned like the DGX505 which is an 88 key portable grand but costs about €750

I am really set on a yamaha now as this quote appeals to me

Portable Grand™
Playing piano is fast and easy with Yamahas Portable Grand function. One dedicated button brings up a great sounding piano, stunningly rich and authentic in its sound and exceptionally responsive to your playing touch, as well as setting up the keyboard to play as a piano in full keyboard mode. On top of all this, a wealth of special piano-only "Pianist" styles, like Slow Rock and Stride, provide professional sounding piano accompaniment that change chords automatically as you do, while you play a piano melody on top!

What i am really trying to ask is will the differences between the models i just mentioned benefit me, or are they really just a one man band kind of instrument, however if there are superior quality and can reproduce superior sound reproduction, i wont mind paying for them. I just dont want to end up with a keyboard that may sound like crap to me once i know what i am doing, if that makes any sense

Thanks!

jimi_t

Forget about that "Portable Grand" Feature, it's only a gimmick. If you want to get proper piano sound/feel get a weighted controller keyboard and an external midi sound module. Period.

Out of all of them I'd probably pick the Yamaha PSR295 given what I take to be youre budget - You're better of getting something cheap so you can splurge out later on when you have the money on proper equipment

smog

Can see from your sig, you have a computer anyway. Why not just go for a master Keyboard and let the computer control the tones and sounds? This way with the likes of reason you can potentially get any tone. With the M-audio USB keyboards you dont even need midi inputs. Simply plug the usb cable in and it has all the connections and power it needs. Only draw back of this is if you want your solution to be portable/live use then you need to start thinking of Laptops and sound cards. But this solution will never really become dated as its software controled and you have all the racks in reason or whatever software is your preference.

slade_x

jimi_t wrote:

Forget about that "Portable Grand" Feature, it's only a gimmick. If you want to get proper piano sound/feel get a weighted controller keyboard and an external midi sound module. Period.

Out of all of them I'd probably pick the Yamaha PSR295 given what I take to be youre budget - You're better of getting something cheap so you can splurge out later on when you have the money on proper equipment

The money isnt really a problem, i just want something to learn on, that will grow with my abilities, i dont want to buy something and then soon "outgrow" it, but at the same time i dont want to buy something that i may never get use out of, if that makes sense

I was thinking about the DGX505 which is a full 88 key, weighted and touch sensitive instrument but i dont think i am ready to pay €750 on a keyboard considering i dont even know how to play one yet, i would like something with the ability to teach (Yamaha's Y.E.S 4/5 suite) while at the same time last me a few years for when i know how to play, and hopefully eventually have the room for a second hand "baby" grand piano or settle on a space saving "upright" piano

The_g-man

Your price range seems to have jumped a bit, so I suggest checking www.musicstorekoeln.de . The Yamaha DXG505 sells for €645.68, so after delivery charge not much of a difference but there are some other ranges selling for much less. On the home page there are several stage pianos for €444.