So I've been learning to play on a crappy keyboard for about two years and am about ready to buy a piano. My budget range is between $200-800. Any thoughts on brands or sourcing options other than craigslist? I'm thinking of something like the below listing: http://houston.craigslist.org/msg/2617047042.html What do I need to know? Are there any brands I need to avoid?
I don't know much about piano buying, but there aren't any reasonably priced keyboard that really replicates the feel and sound of a new piano. The only I've played that comes close is Rolands RD700GX, and that's like $2k+. If you want a piano, get a piano.
I personally like Yamaha pianos (not keyboards). Kimball is somewhat "meh". Obviously, Steinway and Boston (a Steinway brand) are awesome, but will be cost prohibitive. But with a piano, it really is about the feel of the instrument. You can look for certain brands over others, but in the end, you'll need to sit at the instrument and play a bit before you know if it's any good. Check every key, open the top, look inside (bring a flashlight), check the action of the pedals. Look for obvious signs of repair (felt, hammers that look out of place, etc.). Ask for a service history for the instrument. When was it last tuned? Who was the tuner? You might want to contact them as well.
I have an somewhat-old Baldwin Acrosonic that has good sound for an upright. You should also consider the cost of moving the piano.
Yeah, but after being moved, odds are the instrument will need to be tuned again. And moving a piano is no picnic...even with a sweet van. EDIT: Wait... CaseyH: is this you? <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pT0NygCKPzA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Get a better keyboard. With a push of a button you can have sick beats to accompany you and/or have your keyboard sound like a guitar, violin, trumpet, and the list goes on. Pure sickness.
I have a Casio WK-200 - it has plenty of instruments and beats - but I want the feel and sound of a real piano.
Well all joking aside I have an awesome piano for sale that includes a bench for a great deal cheaper than the one you linked.
I understand why you might want a real piano instead of a keyboard; the keyboard doesn't really replicate the feel of it and many of them don't have all the octaves. My compromise was a used electric piano that at least has all the keys - easier to move than a real piano. Then again, I have a job where I have easy access to pianos in the next building over and a flexible schedule where I can practice some. One friend bought a piano for $100, but do not do this. It is pretty much beyond help, several strings and keys broken, etc. Not even worth practicing on.
Assuming you mean a keyboard as a substitute for a piano (i.e. - not a synthesizer), then I recommend the Yamaha Clavinova series. Good quality instruments that feel and sound very close to a piano. Be careful, though: a good quality digital piano can get quite expensive, sometimes more expensive than an acoustic instrument. Also, some models are more well regarded than others. If they list the model number, do some research before you call about the instrument. Shop with caution.
My Suggestion: Virtual Instruments (VST) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_Studio_Technology Weighted 88-Key Midi Controller (Just an Example) And your PC/Laptop
