Are You Drowning In The Sea Of Digital Pianos? ... Feeling Overwhelmed With Choice?

"The most important thing you need from a digital piano is a realistic touch.
A good piano tone and minimum of 4 dynamic levels are also important.
But other factors such as dimensions, weight, colour, 'bells and whistles', etc.
shouldn't factor so much in your purchase decision", Graham Howard, Piano Advisor and Author

If you need advice on digital pianos, send me an email: grahamhoward@ukpianos.co.uk or call 020 8367 2080.

Confused? Need some advice? - then check out piano questions.

Articles Worth Reading:
Digital Pianos - Which Brand Should I Buy
7 Things You MUST Know Before You Buy A Digital Piano
Digital Piano Ratings - see how all pianos rate out of 100 

Most Popular Digital Pianos:

UK Pianos Shop in Enfield, North London, EN1 1PJ - Call 020 8367 2080
Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 11am to 4pm (8 parking spaces)

 

 
Buy online, over the phone, or visit our North London piano shop 
Uprights, Grands & Digital Pianos For Sale | New  Used | Digital Piano Rental | 0% Finance 

Best Sellers

Baby Grand Digital Pianos

   Baby grands for sale or rent-to-buy

Yamaha Digital Pianos 
The best and most popular by far! This is backed up by thousands of teachers around the world that not only own a Yamaha piano but usually recommend them to their students above all other makes. The most popular ranges are the CLP, CVP and YDP. The YDP offers nice sounding, budget models; the CLP Clavinova range offers the finest sounding digital pianos around; and the CVP Clavinovas offer additional instrumental voices, rhythms and advanced functions.

            >> View all Yamaha pianos 
 YDP142  YDP162 CLP430  CLP440  CLP470  CLP480  CLP-S406  CLP465GP 

Roland Digital Pianos
The Roland sound is quite unique. It's like Marmite: 'You either love it or hate it'. Personally, I love the sound. The touch feels a little too light though: I feel that my fingers start to run away with themselves when playing fast. The range of HP models is the most popular. These pianos offer a variety of sounds and functions similar to those you would find on a Yamaha CLP. The Roland is worth considering and comparing against the Yamaha, Kawai or Classenti. But the prices are quite high. Verdict: Very nice pianos with the latest technology, excellent build quality, reliable, a good name, but... a little pricey. >> View all Roland pianos 

Kawai Digital Pianos
Because Kawai also manufacture upright pianos they claim to have superior 'piano knowledge' which enables them to build the best digital pianos. Well you'll find that Yamaha have been making uprights for a lot longer than Kawai. Classenti and Suzuki also produce them - So they're not the only ones! Kawai digitals have a pleasant sound, and a medium-weight, soft touch at the bottom of the key stroke. Their top end digital pianos from the CA range are their very best (they're definitely worth comparing against the equivalent Yamaha CLP models). Their budget models are their best sellers. This is mostly because of their compact size and affordable price. Kawai also have a big range of styles to choose from. Check out the latest models: Kawai CA65, CN24, CN34


Interest free finance available on selected digital pianos and keyboards, click here.

Classenti Digital Pianos
There are 6 models in all: 5 digital pianos and 1 baby grand. The 1st models (P1 and CDP1) are designed for someone that wants a realistic piano sound and touch without the 'bells and whistles'. The next piano (CDP2) has a deeper, more resonant piano sound and is suitable for pianists of all abilities. The next piano (CDP3) looks, sounds and feels just like a traditional, acoustic piano. With Classenti you get a quality sound and a realistic, heavy-weighted touch. Unlike most other digital pianos, you don't get hundreds of gimmicks and flashing lights (otherwise known as 'bells and whistles'). Great value for money! Read reviews


           >> View all Classenti pianos
  P1  CDP1  CDP2  CDP3  GR1  CRYSTAL

Broadway
Some of the best value digital pianos around. Broadway pianos are priced at the lower end. You can choose from their budget model (EZ101), or perhaps a portable piano (BR1), or their most popular range (B1, B2 and B3) for all levels and abilities. There are also two baby grand pianos. If you're on a tight budget but at the same time want a piano that's good to learn and progress through the grades, then the Broadway range would be a very good choice.

      >> View all Broadway pianos
  BR1  EZ101  B1  B2  B3  BG1  MK10

Casio Digital Pianos 
If you're looking for a cheaper alternative to the Yamaha or Roland, but at the same time having a reasonable piano sound and touch then Casio might be an option for you. You get to choose from two ranges: The Privia PX, and the AP range. The Privia pianos are modern/cool looking space savers, but their downside is a weak, bright tone, a light/springy touch and very noisy keys. The AP range is better, but still lacks a decent touch. Casio have made improvements over the past few years but they really need to focus more on quality. >> View all Casio pianos

Latest Casio pianos: PX780, PX-5S

Korg
Korg make excellent stage pianos (some of the best), but they only have a small selection of budget range digital pianos. These pianos are actually quite good for the price. Two In particular worth checking out are SP170S and SP250. >> View all Korg pianos

Kurzweil
If you need a top end, high performing stage piano then Kurzweil are certainly worth considering. Kurzweil's basic model can be compared against the Roland FP, and Yamaha P series. Kurzweil's top model is really something else.

Browse
Digital Grand Pianos
Electronic keyboards

... Find out how all digital pianos score out of 100, click here
"The Rating System For Digital Pianos"

Best Pianos Under £500 

Best Pianos £500 - £1,000

Best Pianos £1,000 - £1,500

Interest free finance available on selected digital pianos and keyboards, click here.

Read questions and answers further down this page.

If you want an instrument that sounds like a real piano, doesn't take up as much space, or requires any maintenance, then digital pianos are for you. Digital pianos are 100% electronic, and usually have a number of instrument sounds and functions. The most popular makes in the UK are: Yamaha, Roland, Kawai, Classenti, Casio and Korg.

Advantages of digital pianos over upright pianos

• Saves space 
• Lots of instrument sounds and functions 
• Cheaper price than upright pianos 
• Headphone connections and volume level control 
• Easier to move around 
• No tuning required (£130 - £160 saving per year) 
• No maintenance needed 

Read this article which digital piano to buy - You'll find out how to save money on digital pianos, which shop to buy from, how much to pay and loads more piano buying tips. 

News

~ Classenti Digital Pianos Are Making A Big Splash In The UK...

Designed and engineered by Germans... French, German, Japanese and Chinese parts... Japanese sound technology...
 
The Classenti digital pianos have an EXCELLENT sound, 88 fully weighted keys, and they feel just like you're playing a real upright piano. The touch is slightly heavier than most digital pianos (which is good for all players - especially beginners). The slightly heavier key touch will strengthen your finger muscles so it'll be much easier when the time comes to play a real piano.
 
And, what's more... the price is competitive compared with the equivalent models from Yamaha (YDP142, CLP430 and CLP440), Roland (RP301, HP503 and HP505), Kawai (CN34, CA65) and Casio (PX850 and AP650).

Classenti Models
Classenti P1
Classenti CDP1
Classenti CDP2
Classenti CDP3
Classenti GR1

"I personally recommend the Classenti digital pianos".
"The Classenti CDP2 is the best all-round piano I've seen for around £1,000. Super value for money!"
 For more information, send Graham Howard an email: grahamhoward@ukpianos.co.uk

Graham Howard,
Piano Advisor and Author 

Buy or Sell a secondhand digital piano in the Market Place.

More Digital Piano Brands

Aura, Alesis, Amason, Andante, Axus, Baldwin, Behringer, Bentley, Berkeley, Bluthner, Chase, Classic Cantabile, Cool, Cranes, Delson, Digiano, Diginova, Dynatone, Eagletone, Ensoniq, Farfisa, Fujiyama, Galileo, Gear4Music, Gewa, Hammond, Hemingway, H.Star, Kaino, Ketron, Kingston, Kobrat, M-Audio, Mantova, Medeli, Melodic, Minster, Minueta, Orla, Pianonova, Rikter, Ringway, Robertson, Samick, Sejung, Studiologic, Sulinda, Suzuki, Technics, Thomann, Valdesta, Viscount, Williams, Winchester, Worlde, Wyman

What our customers say...

Questions and Comments

Want to ask Graham Howard a question? Send your email to: grahamhoward@ukpianos.co.uk

"I'm concerned about buying a digital piano online"

Dear Graham,

Thank you very much for your advice which is much appreciated. My only concern about buying online is if a fault develops. Sending something of that size back by post is not usually a viable option.

All good wishes, Mark

Reply/ Hi Mark

When you buy a Yamaha or Classenti digital piano online you're covered by Yamaha's 3 year warranty and Classenti's 5 year warranty.

This warranty covers you for parts and labour. It's also an 'on-site' warranty. This means that all repairs are carried out in your home. You don't have to send your piano anywhere.

If you buy from a shop, then you'll most likely have to lug it back there to get it repaired.

You're far better off buying online.

Yours pianistically

Graham Howard

--

Hi Graham,
 
Have read through whole of website and your book about buying digital piano.
 
I am a pianist of some 40 years experience and regularly do concerts, accompanying, recording, CDs etc. I have also been teaching for 28 years in schools as a Head of Music and Peripatetic piano tutor. I have recently separated from my wife and now live in a flat. Having got by with an Oberheim master KB connecetd to PC for Cubase and Sibelius, this has finally died and, in any case was not expressive enough. Whilst I have access to many Steinways and Bluthners to rehearse on, I need something here at the flat for note learning and enjoyment, teaching prob only up to grade 8 here as well as computer recording. Having been a Head of Music I have experienced (stepped in ?) most of the makes over the years - all the Yamahas, Rolands, Technics (very good at one time now dead I understand) a Kurzweil which systematically broke with class music use and shock horror a Casio Celviano !
 
OK - so I am looking to rent with a view to buy and have read all the blurb about that. Putting aside the fact that you may not rent all the pianos I am looking at, I need your expert unbiased opinion - your knowledge looks incredible :) on the following models:
 
Kawai CA63 - I have tried this in a shop and was quite impressed apart from bass
Kawai Ca93 - sadly not in the store although they said they had it - but am told its sonic 'largeness' is far superior
Classenti CDP3 - looks incredible (too good to be true ?)
 
I live in Surrey and it is not out of the question to come to Enfield and try out the Classenti.
 
Ultimately, I want a brilliant full piano sound, with maximum feel and acoustic behaviours.
 
Sorry for the dull email - prob like many you receive !!!
 
All best
 
Gareth

Reply/ Hi Gareth

The pianos I recommend for you are:

1) Yamaha CLP470
2) Kawai CA93
3) Roland HP307

The Roland has a lighter key touch and a round
sound throughout. The sound is particularly nice
and warm in the centre of the keyboard.

If you prefer more firmness to the keys then the
Yamaha or Kawai would be better for you.

My preference is the Yamaha’s solid feel,
especially at the bottom of the key’s downstroke.
The Yamaha’s sound is also richer.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

--

"Can you recommend a good quality digital piano?"

Hi there
 
What I am trying to achieve here is to get a good quality piano for my son, who is five and about to start piano lessons with an excellent teacher.
She has recommended, among other makes, Roland, Yamaha, and Kawai.
 
The models I am currently attracted to are
 
Yamaha YDP C71
Kawai CN23 / 32 / 33
Roland RP301
 
I have set an upper budget of £1,000.
 
Any ideas?
 
Dermot.

Reply/ Hi Dermot

The Roland RP301 is the best piano from
your short list…

It has the warmest, most realistic piano tone.
Its key touch is also more responsive. This
responsiveness won’t be of use for your son
right now, but it will be a real benefit as
he progresses to the higher piano grades.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

--

Hi Graham,

I used to play at a reasonable grade 7/8 standard but haven't touched a piano
in about 8 years and am keen to get back to playing. I've tried a couple of pianos
and the decision comes down to a Yamaha CLP 440 or Kawai CA63.

Do you have any thoughts on comparison of these two digital pianos?

Kind regards

Ben

Reply/ Hi Ben

They both have a good piano sound and a
touch that feels close to an acoustic
piano...

The CLP440 does have a slightly richer
tone... and the sound is a little more
mellow, especially in the central treble
region.

Another thing the Yamaha wins on is the
firmer key touch...

Although both pianos have an accurate
key weighting on the way down and on the
key's return, the Yamaha has a firmer
(harder) feel when the key reaches its
lowest point.

This gives you the feeling of having more
control under your fingers. More exactness.
And it enables you to put more feeling
into the piece you are playing.

Here's my overall scores out of 100.

Yamaha CLP440 (79)
Kawai CA63 (74)...

There's little to choose between the two.

Go with the one that feels right for you.
I appreciate it's difficult to find a
shop that stocks both.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

--

"In terms of budget I'm looking in the £800-1000 range"

Graham,

Firstly, thank you very much for the digital piano guide.
It is easy to download; and as many of your reviewers have already testified, I found it well written, very helpful and informative.

I'm in the market for a piano which both myself and my 8 year old daughter can learn to play together (from absolute beginner). I'm after a machine with good touch, which will give us the option to transition to an upright acoustic, with minimum difficulty. In terms of budget I'm looking in the £800-1000 range.

Assuming you think the budget will allow us to buy a good quality, realistic, relatively future-proof machine, and with the help of your guide I wrote out a shortlist below. Then, visited a couple of local stockists to see/hear them in the flesh.

Casio AP620 - Cheapest to buy, but looks, feels, and sounds exactly that (not a contender).

Yamaha YDP161 - Didn't sound as nice as the Kawai or Roland to my (untrained) ear. Action felt softer than the other 2 below, but at the same time more responsive. I know its the electronics that count, but it seemed smaller and not as well constructed as the 2 below.

Kawai CN23 - Liked this one, well built, nice sound, best speakers, and good feel on the keys, maybe doesn't have as many gadgets/functions as the Roland.

Roland RP301 - Best sounding piano, well built, nice action on the keys, but seemed to suffer if being played quickly, know it's a gimmick but I really liked the ivory touch keys.

I've put some comments by each, but as a complete novice, I'd really appreciate your view. I'm leaning towards the Kawai with the Roland a close second. Not quite sure if this is because I found the Kawai dealer more persuasive (something you mention in the guide).

Thanks in advance,
Phil,
N. Yorks

Reply/ Hi Phil

I would say it’s a close call between YDP161, RP301 and CN23.

This is the order I put them in:

1) RP301
2) YDP161
3) CN33

The Roland certainly has the most realistic tone.
It has more warmth and depth to it.

The Roland also feels more responsive under the fingers,
although a tad lighter than the Yamaha and Kawai.
You would get used to this fairly quickly though.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

--

"Please recommend a piano for grade 5 to grade 8"

Hi Graham, we looking for digital piano to buy, which are you recommend to us. My daughter currently grade 5 but she will go up to grade 8. Can you let me know which piano, which brand etc.  I don't have any knowledge. Pls help me. Thanks
Kathir.

Reply/ Hi Kathir

Well, it really depends on how much you
want to spend.

The best digital pianos for grade 5 and
above are the Yamaha Clavinovas...

The first model in the range is the CLP430.
This has a fully-weighted key touch and a
very nice piano tone. It is recommended
up to at least grade 7.

The CLP440 would be ideal. This has firmer
and more sensitive keys than the CLP430.
So it’s better for grade 8 standard.

You can see these pianos here:
http://www.ukpianos.co.uk/yamaha-clp430.html

http://www.ukpianos.co.uk/yamaha-clp440.html

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

--

"Please recommend a piano between £1000 and £1400"

Hi

I've read the Howard Score document about which piano to choose very carefully. I received it last June and I've not gone further with buying a piano as yet but now circumstances could be changing all that!
Budget wise I'm looking around £1000 to £1400 absolute max, and I'm hoping to include stool, headphones, and insurance or warranty with that which is what I've found to be possible from looking at your recommended online sites.

Any advice, gratefully received
Jo

Reply/ Hi Jo

There’s two pianos I recommend for you:
Yamaha CLP430 and Roland HP503.

Both pianos are good enough to take you up
to about grade 7. This is a fairly high level.

Sound wise the Roland HP503 is slightly warmer
and more mellow in the central area of the
keyboard. The Yamaha tone is richer and
more vibrant. Both equally good really.

As far as the key touch goes, the Yamaha feels
closer to a real piano. It has more resistance, and
feels smoother under the fingers. This probably
wouldn’t matter so much for you now, but it
would certainly be important as you progress
to a more advanced level.

You can see the Yamaha CLP430 here:
http://www.ukpianos.co.uk/yamaha-clp430.html

And the Roland here:
http://www.ukpianos.co.uk/roland-hp503.html

Both pianos come with a 5 year ‘At-Home’
Service Warranty that includes all parts and
labour. We send a technician to your home
if it needs fixing.

You also get a free stool and headphones.
Delivery is also included.

I realise that they cost a little over your
intended budget, but the pianos that cost less
than these are a big jump down in quality.

Would you still like some recommendations
for pianos between £1,000 and £1,400?

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

--

"Can you point me in the right direction?"

Hi Graham,

Firstly I would like to commend you on your fantastic website....which is just crammed with lots of advice, info and more!!

Your book has also been a godsend and I will be sending feedback re that too.

Now, I have a question, so here is a little background info.....

I have a very old Collard&Collard grand piano, but it needs restrung which I cannot afford to do, and have also been advised that its not worth doing anyway!
My 16yr old son plays. He is at grade 6, but is just getting better and better, and the grand is really letting him down now.
I am looking to buy a digital piano for him, as that is what he plays at school, but it's not knowing which to buy!
I have looked at your book and see that Yamaha seems to be top for quality, sound etc..., but his music teacher has said not to buy a Yamaha as they are unreliable and cannot be repaired easily!
We are not looking for lots of super-duper extras, like those you have pointed out in your book...just something that mimics as much as possible the real thing!
I do have a limited budget....up to £800, so I appreciate that the Yamaha might be out of my price-range, but would really appreciate if you could point me in the right direction?!

Thank you so very much,

Kind regards,

Annette

Reply/ Hi Annette

For £800 you really don’t have a lot of choice
if you want something that will be good for
grade 6 and above.

There’s only the Classenti CDP1 really.

If you could stretch to £900 - £1000 then
the Roland RP301 would be worth a look.

Ideally it would be best to push the
budget up to around £1400 - £1500.
You can then get something that would
be suitable for up to grade 8.

The Roland HP503 or Yamaha CLP430
would be good options at that price point.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

--

Hi Graham
 
Would you say that a new piano is superior over an old piano? And if so, for a beginner, what piano would you recommend. I notice that you seem to like the classenti? Would you go so far as to say that this is the best piano in terms of quality and value for money? Also which model would you recommend as being the best. Everywhere I look people are recommending yamaha but I can't help but think that this is pure marketing power? I would prefer a warm sounding piano and I've also read that yamaha can be a bit bright, is that true of kawai too?
 
Your advice would be gratefully received.
 
Regards, Dawn

Reply/ Hi Dawn

Questions I often get are:

Should I buy a cheap digital piano then upgrade it later
if I really take to it?

Should I spend a bit more so I won’t need to
upgrade the piano later?

Should I really splash out and get the very best
piano there is right away?

For a beginner I recommend keeping your budget
fairly low. The £600 - £900 price range gives you
quite a few decent digital pianos to choose from...

Classenti CDP1
Kawai CN23
Yamaha YDP161
Classenti CDP2
Roland RP201

You’re right about the brightness of Yamahas.
Kawais also have a bright tone in the treble.

If you prefer a warmer tone you’ be better off
with either a Classenti or Roland.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

Go to the next page for more questions and answers --->

<< Previous    [1]  2  3  4  5  ...16    Next >>