I am looking to buy a digital piano for my wife for Christmas (she misses her standard piano). She has made noises that a digital one would be acceptable as long as it had weighted keys (like a standard piano), a full sized keyboard and keys and a headphone jack as it will have to go in the living / dining room (not as much space as we are used to here).

I have had a search around and, not being musical at all, can find quite a few to the point that I am now confused which would be the best buy.

I have seen that there are a few musicians on here and was wondering if anyone had any opinions on this and can help. I am not concerned with the budget at this stage but it would maybe help to know that she is pretty good.

I hope my wife isn't reading this!

We have a Roland HP103E - cost about 4000CHF. My son is a pianist, considering turning professional. To polish his performance, he has to use our real piano. But he uses the electric during unsocial hours, to start learning new pieces, and it's fine for rock, jazz, singing along to. He says it has the right "feel".

The Yamaha Clavinovas aren't as good for the same price as the Roland. If you go into a music shop, though, they'll try to sell you a Clavinova. If money is no object, then get a high-end Clavinova - ~18000 CHFs.

Do invest in a good set of headphones.

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Down with racism. Long live miscegenation!

The new Roland V-Piano got an excellent review in the May edition of Sound On Sound. The UK price is £5199 inc VAT.

Is your wife's purpose just for leisure? If it is, digital pianos are definitely the way to go with its advantages of portability, space saving and the convenience of playing it at any hour of the day. The technology of digital pianos has made some impressive strides in the last couple of years.

Yamaha bangs (excuse the pun) on a feature their digital pianos have, called the graded hammer effect which means that the feel is more or less similar to a grand piano and keys are heavier on the lower register and lighter in the higher register of the keyboards. This sounds like what your wife would like. If you really want to splurge, you can get something like a Yamaha Silent Series, which is an acoustic piano with the digital piano silencing capability added. You get the best of both worlds, but you also pay the price. Their most popular lines are the home piano range (CLP) - if your budget allows, the entry level (YDP - second best choice), and their portable pianos (P Series).
The Rolands are just as popular and its sound is taken from a Steinway concert grand piano. The HP and KR range have a lighter touch than the rest and the RD and FP range (which is targeted more at the travelling professional pianists) has extra key weights.

Casio is on the other end of the spectrum with regards to price. Probably not quite as good as the Rolands or Yamahas, but they're generally cheaper designed for beginners or people who just want the odd tinkle now and then. Go for the Celviano range if you are considering a Casio. The keys are heavier and sound's really good for the price.

Not sure if you have a huge music store where you are but Musik Hug in Zurich has a wide range of Rolands - they even do rentals as well.

Sorry if I come across sounding like a digital piano salesperson. I am actually in the market for an upright and had a tinkle on some of the digitals as well just last week.

Hope you find the perfect piano for your lucky wife soon!

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Remember when someone annoys you, it takes 42 muscles to frown, BUT it only takes 4 muscles to extend your arm and b****-slap the mother-f***er upside the head.

I'd second the recommendation for the Roland HP103E!

Yes my wife plays only for her own enjoyment. I am not sure on what scale of "good" she is but I've heard complex classical pieces being played - sometimes like Les Dawson but that goes after a couple of warm ups.



(for those that do not know Les Dawson)

I am in the UK next week in a big car and it looks like I may be able to fit one in at a much lower price than over here, I will check out your recommendations thanks.

Paul

The prices in the UK are certainly competitive and the dealers are very cutthroat ! Might be an idea to check what import duty will be and also the warranty situation.

If you visit Le Clavier opposite Stravinsky Auditorium Montreux they know their stuff well and are very helpful.

Thanks everyone, especially Heather for your offer of help (PM), we have something sorted but I cannot say what until after Christmas!

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