- Joined: November 2002
- Post Count: 1,847
In 2004 the piano I inherited from my grandmother was destroyed in Hurricane Charley. It was an old piano and barely worth $500. I still have it because I can't bring myself to discard it (and just how does one throw away a piano anyway?)
My wife and I have discussed replacing it. Neither one of us (for opposite reasons) is too keen on buying another upright. I also don't have the room for anything else. She suggested an electronic keyboard.
I figured I could buy a pretty decent keyboard controller for $500 or so w/ weighted keys, aftertouch, etc. and I found a bunch. Trouble is - none come with a stand. When I look for stands online all I can find is flimsy X shaped aluminum portable stands. YUK!
The only other thing I saw was a casio electronic piano for about $1000 - but I don't think it would please me or be of similar quality to a good controller.
So what do you all think? Are there any good looking stands or boards w' stands out there? It has been about a decade since I've been in the game - this will mostly be for my kids to learn and for me to tinker. I just want something which will look nice left in place against a wall and not set me back several thousand. Any suggestions? Should I open "Eric_L's High Quality and Attractive Keyboard Stand Company"?
Martin Luther observed that the human race is like a drunkard who falls off his horse on the left and makes up for it by falling off the next time on the right.
- Joined: November 2002
- Post Count: 1,847
Re: Advice from keyboard musicians
Well,
It's not just a matter of aesthetics, but also an issue of stability. My three children aren't exactly the most delicate musicians. (The Who in training)
I figure I need some stability as well as quality. At this point I may end up building a cabinet myself. I'm not half-bad at it . Who knows - maybe there's a market for that sort of thing...
Martin Luther observed that the human race is like a drunkard who falls off his horse on the left and makes up for it by falling off the next time on the right.
- Joined: November 2002
- Post Count: 1,847
Re: Advice from keyboard musicians
I've checked out Kawai - but it looks to be sold in Europe mostly. Not a single one on Ebay.
I'm not nearly as interested in getting an ultra-realistic feel so much as a reasonable instrument which more closely resembles furniture than an electronic toolbench.
Martin Luther observed that the human race is like a drunkard who falls off his horse on the left and makes up for it by falling off the next time on the right.
- Joined: May 2002
- Post Count: 3,596
Re: Advice from keyboard musicians
Quote:
| (and just how does one throw away a piano anyway?) |
Quote:
| My three children aren't exactly the most delicate musicians. (The Who in training) |
tell the keith moon wannabe to go to town on the piano with his drumsticks, it should be toothpicks in no time.
CJ
And then when I feel so stuffed I can't eat anymore, I just use the restroom! And then I CAN eat more!
- Joined: November 2002
- Post Count: 1,847
Re: Advice from keyboard musicians
I had a goofy idea yesterday and I thought I'd run it past ya'll. My grandmother's piano cabinet is not in bad shape. What if I hired a furniture finisher to gut it and essentially turn it into a stand for an electronic board and amp? I wonder what it'd cost, if it'd look ok, and if it'd protect some of the sentimental value. What do you think?
Martin Luther observed that the human race is like a drunkard who falls off his horse on the left and makes up for it by falling off the next time on the right.
- Joined: January 1999
- Post Count: 1,086
Re: Advice from keyboard musicians
As someone who spent a year as a piano salesman, I truly think you would pay a refinisher a lot of money to do this. Plus, you would have to find a piano repair person to pull the harp, the keyboard and hammers, and incorporate the new unit in, so that it passes muster. It's really a lot of money for something destroyed.
If you are really wanting something to tinker on , and something for the kids to learn on, get a Yamaha keyboard. The sound quality is great, and they have so many great features that they are fun to play, even if you aren't classically trained.
Do you think Grandma would want you to spend a lot of money to keep her old piano, or would she rather you spend money on the kids, getting them something fun to play, so they can learn to love music?
FYI, I was at Sam's not too long ago, and they had an 88 key Yahama, built in stand, decent weighted action, for under $800.00 (if I recall correctly). I've been wanting to upgrade my Yamaha for some time, and was sorely tempted. So, there are decent keyboards out there.
Also, stay away from Casio. They are just toys. Truly, IMHO, there is nothing like Yamaha. Remember, they started out as a musical instrument company (making organs). Look at their emblem. Know what it is? Three crossed tuning forks (part of my old sales spiel, put it is true).
Randy T.
Orlando, FL
ºoº Home of The Mouse!!!
"Oh, come on, guys. It's so simple, maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings nowadays!"
- Joined: November 2002
- Post Count: 1,847
Re: Advice from keyboard musicians
Thanks for the input Randy. I ran the idea past my boss last night and she wasn't as keen on it as I expected. There is some polishing the cabinet needs and I will confess abundant ignorance to the process of removing the keys, harp, etc.
I've been looking at Yamaha e-pianos online thanks you everyone's advice. (and yes - describing a casio as a toy is generous IMHO) I think I've narrowed it down to one of these;
YDP223YDP131CYDP213
I know - The price varies almost 100%. In spite of the fact my kids will be the primary benefactors I still hold out that I will finally find the time to compose some of my cheesy pursuits. I have cakewalk and maybe might get a midi-module to link to it and use it as a controller. From what I read the 223 should do the job. I don't see where the 213 will. The 131C looks to be about midway - and seems to give alot more for the buck than the 213 - at least the online summary says so. I gotta find a place where I can go check these out.
Also - back in the day - Buying a keyboard was like buying a car - you never pay sticker. Is that still the case? How much is the markup? It used to be about 30% afik.
Martin Luther observed that the human race is like a drunkard who falls off his horse on the left and makes up for it by falling off the next time on the right.
- Joined: June 1999
- Post Count: 266
Re: Advice from keyboard musicians
If you're just going to slap an electronic keyboard in the the shell of your old upright, why not just buy a new upright??
Anyways, that said, I've been playing piano since I was in grade 1. There is
no electronic keyboard that is the same as a real piano... that said as well... I have an electronic keyboard now instead of a real piano because. logistically speaking, it was just the smarter choice right now.
I purchased a Yamaha P80 a few years ago for close to $2000CAD. It was the best one for that money at the time, in my opinion. Realistic piano touch (although not perfect, none ever are) and extremely realistic playing sound (although not
perfect, none ever are). That model has now been replaced by the
Yamaha P90. You should probably be able to pick up a slightly used P80 for much less than $1250US I would think, and maybe less than a grand (no pun intended
).
Lillooet, B.C.
Canada\'s Arizona
- Joined: November 2002
- Post Count: 1,847
Re: Advice from keyboard musicians
I don't buy a new upright because of the cost and bulk factor. Also because I do have an interest in using it as a MIDI controller and using Cakewalk sometime before old age sets in...
Martin Luther observed that the human race is like a drunkard who falls off his horse on the left and makes up for it by falling off the next time on the right.
- Joined: November 2002
- Post Count: 1,847
Re: Advice from keyboard musicians
So - is it still the standard to offer 30% less with cash - or has haggling been mercifully removed from the purchase process?
Martin Luther observed that the human race is like a drunkard who falls off his horse on the left and makes up for it by falling off the next time on the right.
- Joined: January 1999
- Post Count: 1,086
Re: Advice from keyboard musicians
When I sold, there was a definite "retail" price, and then a low price. We received our commission based on the "low price", and then received an additional percentage of anything above low.
The other thing we were always taught was "never reduce from retail without a reason". In other words, don't just drop your pants on the price. Customer's don't respect a salesperson who says right up front, "It's $4,995.00, but I can get it to you for $4,100". They think that if you can drop it that much that quick, you should be able to do more. So, we had many different elaborate stories that justified our reducing the price, which made the customer feel better about buying. And I would fight with the manager on the phone for the price (even though the manager was my wife, at home cooking dinner).
So, if they offer a keyboard from the district reps home, or if they offer a demo model that was returned from a customer, or one used at a convention, it's probably going to be new out of the box. It's just an excuse to reduce the price, without just dropping the price.
Shoud you dicker. Yes! Dicker!
I don't know about cash, because often, they can get a kickback if they process a loan through a bank. But, come up with some sob story they can latch onto, in order to give you a discount. And then, ask for more. And then, ask for more. Then, walk out. Leave. Then, come back, and ask for more.
Randy T.
Orlando, FL
ºoº Home of The Mouse!!!
"Oh, come on, guys. It's so simple, maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings nowadays!"
You could even incorporate the amp and speakers into the case of the piano....it would be like a giant speaker cabinet. 
