Dingdongler

Hi

My 6 year old will start piano lessons next year via his school. We have been asked to buy a keyboard with piano touch for him to practice.

Any suggestions would be appreciated as I have no idea about such things.

Thanks

MJW

If he's just starting out, a cheap Casio or Yamaha from Argos would probably be the best bet, I bought one for my daughter when she started learning. I got her the Casio LK-120 which has light-up keys :

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Produc...er/5401051.htm

The sounds not the best, & it's only 61 keys (as opposed to full size 88-keys) but it's good for learning on and has a headphone socket.

For professional gear & advice, try this site :

http://www.production-room.com/

ScoobyDoo555

Honestly?

KeyBED action and feel is VERY important. (I'm a session player)

Whilst the Casios etc are good for the money, spend a bit more (or buy used).

HOWEVER, you can offset this with the fact that your 6-yr old is just that : 6.
His hands will be pretty small, and if you look at 88-note, make sure that he has lessons to handle the keys properly.

If this is just an investigation to see if he'll take to it, look at something like a 61-key (synth-action) home keyboard (Yamaha, Roland, Technics) - it's pretty uninspiring JUST to play piano. With drums and accompaniment, it can be a lot more "fun" to start off with.

But going back to 88-note machines, Roland's RD range are pretty good for the money.
I've got one Roland for live work, as the action is quite light. But in my studio, I've got a Yamaha, which has a much heavier action.... but SO much more expression.

Will leave this thread for lots of opinion but feel free to PM me if you need any advice. (I also teach too)

Dan

IWatkins

What Dan said. If he doesn't know, then I don't know who does

Cheers

Ian

Dingdongler

Thanks guys.

Dan, could you actually recommend one? I have no idea how much to spend or what I'm really looking for.

As mentioned he is only six and will be just beginning lessons, I have no idea how he will do. However I have a gut feeling he'll be ok.

So I need to buy something that gives him the best possible chance to do well but am mindful of his tender age.

Any ideas?

Thanks for your expertise.

ScoobyDoo555

Hi Ding,

Difficult one tbh!! Purely based on budget, AND feel.

However:

Formal piano
Yamaha DGX-640W (£55)
Korg LP-350 Digital Piano (circa £800)
Roland RP-310R (come with drums and accompaniment) - £1300
Yamaha Clavinova range - £2000+


Keyboards -

Casio CTK-1100 - £70
Korg PA50 - £500 (the Korg PA stuff is very good - several in the range depending on budget)
Roland BK5 (nice and easy to use too!) - £650



These are just SOME of what's out there (!) - you would need to hear them though. There's also a big focus on your aspirations for what your child intends to do with this musical ability......
As stated, to inspire more than just formal piano training, something the Roland RP310r, will provide, 88 piano keys, AND the back abilities to support the inspiration.
But if you don't want 88 note piano keys, something like the Roland BK5 could suffice.

That said, if you're looking at the BK5, as the child is so young, you could look at the Casio for £70!

But there's some options for you

Hope this helps (in some way!

DAn