Advice on school boy keyboards

Wizard

My 13 year old nephew has just started High School at Rondebosch.
He has elected music as a subject and they are learning piano / keyboard.

So ... parents want to buy him a keyboard for him to practice.
But know nothing about it.
And don't want rubbish.

They've set a budget of 3,000.
What would the guru's advise?
Who's got something really good waiting for a new home?

AlanRatcliffe

Firstly, see what the teacher expects as a minimum - some can be quite specific. Often they will have a relaionship with a store on a certain brand too...

Otherwise look at Roland or Yamaha. I prefer Roland as they are easier to get repaired in CT, but Yamaha is apparently doing some great entry-level models lately.

It's also "back to school special" time, so phone around the big stores and see what they have on special, compile a short list and do a little research.

vic

Alan Ratcliffe wrote: Firstly, see what the teacher expects as a minimum - some can be quite specific. Often they will have a relaionship with a store on a certain brand too...

Otherwise look at Roland or Yamaha. I prefer Roland as they are easier to get repaired in CT, but Yamaha is apparently doing some great entry-level models lately.

It's also "back to school special" time, so phone around the big stores and see what they have on special, compile a short list and do a little research.

+1 on the Roland. I have an older model and have been using it for many years. Excellent authentic sounds.

Wizard

Something like this?
http://capetown-westerncape.gumtree.co.za/c-Electronics-audio-music-equipment-Yamaha-PSR-190-Piano-Keyboard-W0QQAdIdZ451322384

Is there a minimum something-or-another that one should aim for?

vic

Wizard wrote: Something like this?
http://capetown-westerncape.gumtree.co.za/c-Electronics-audio-music-equipment-Yamaha-PSR-190-Piano-Keyboard-W0QQAdIdZ451322384

Is there a minimum something-or-another that one should aim for?

That looks very good at the price...wow !

Gearhead

Key (no pun intended) points are touch-sensitivity, weighted keys, hammer action and number of octaves - each one instrumental (no pun intended) in making the keyboard feel and function like a piano. Having said that, it is unlikely that an infant will get more out of an 88-key unit than a 76-key one.
Second hand, pianos can be much cheaper than keyboards - while feeling more like a real piano than any of them. However, they may affect the price of neighboring houses as well as one's glass insurance.

AlanRatcliffe

Unfortunately it is very difficult to find a decent acoustic piano under R5K and most of those will be in a sad state of repair. Also - in the target price range of R3K - it will be very difficult to find any keyboard with weighted keys let alone hammer action. Touch sensitivity fortunately is a given these days.

Also don't forget to factor in a pedal for the damper. Most keyboards don't include them in the price.

Norman86

an M Audio SP2 should work... and its less than R300.. and includes free shipping if bought at maxmusic..

http://www.maxmusic.co.za/category.aspx?categoryID=344&startpage=1

check the available pedals! ?

sometimes you get lucky though..., end of range stock goes cheaper too..
other times, you really score a bargain.. I bought Mika's old keyboard for R300 and its probably the best R300 i have EVER spent! Sure its a casio, and 61 keys, but it was in perfect working order!
so be on the lookout! ?

[deleted]

Gearhead wrote: Key (no pun intended) points are touch-sensitivity, weighted keys, hammer action and number of octaves - each one instrumental (no pun intended) in making the keyboard feel and function like a piano...
Second hand, pianos can be much cheaper than keyboards - while feeling more like a real piano than any of them..

Weighted keys and hammer action are pretty important. In my experience the only keyboards that really replicate this accurately are high-end pro keyboards like Kawai's MP3 or MP5.

Another alternative would be to hire an upright piano. (This would be my first choice, personally) I think it's pretty cheap and you can hire on a monthly basis. Also, that way if he changes his mind about learning piano there's no harm done, as it were.. (Is he planning to do music for matric, or is this "class" music?)

Presumably also, a school like Rondebosch High has a practice block where kids can use school pianos? That'd be the cheapest option I guess...

Wizard

MoreCowBell wrote:
Gearhead wrote: Key (no pun intended) points are touch-sensitivity, weighted keys, hammer action and number of octaves - each one instrumental (no pun intended) in making the keyboard feel and function like a piano...
Second hand, pianos can be much cheaper than keyboards - while feeling more like a real piano than any of them..
(Is he planning to do music for matric, or is this "class" music?)
Presumably also, a school like Rondebosch High has a practice block where kids can use school pianos? That'd be the cheapest option I guess...

This is "class" music ... but he, his parents and his uncle (me) are keen on him getting a proper exposure just in case he has a twinge.
But also to not have too much of a sunk cost if the twinge thing doesn't happen.

[deleted]

I would definitely investigate hiring an upright, in that case. No major cash outlay, he can practice on the real deal, and if he doesn't fall in love, no damage done...