White version here: https://www.belfieldmusic.com.au/collections/all/products/ro…
I have a feeling this might be their normal price, however at other music shops, the FP-30X is listed anywhere from $1200-$1250.
The FP-30 (older model) sells for $1099 usually (though a few shops have it discounted to $980). However, the FP-30X has line-out, higher polyphony and more sample tracks. I think that is worth the extra $50.
Just ordered the Casio PX-S1000 ( they also have the S3000 for a couple of hundreds more) for my son. It's going to be his first as well.
They have an App for Android and iOS which allow you to connect to the piano and plays it like one of those "self-teaching" Apps.
Oh and I only learnt the other day, these electric pianos have 61 and 88 keys… something to be aware if you haven't already :)
I'm brand new to this myself so I'm not really going to recommend specific models (though I chose the FP-30X to start with, due to its size, MIDI over bluetooth, and better keyboard over the casio px-s1000).
Though do look for ones that have MIDI out, either via USB or bluetooth (bluetooth is convenient, however). That way he can connect up to the iPad easily for apps and whatnot. I'd also recommend one with a headphone jack, so he can practice in peace without disturbing anyone. I'd also look for one with fully weighted keys. That way if he ever moves to a acoustic piano, there is less of a difference to account for.
I'll direct you to this link: https://www.pianodreamers.com/piano-buying-guide/ which has a tonne of information, and some recommendations. Just keep in mind prices suggested in the article are in USD$
Depending on your budget, certainly look at the second hand market.
This would be perfect.
Or if you would like a furniture piece check out the Kawai KDP110
thx guys - Ideally one under $1k and with stand would be great
when are the sales on :)
Roland FP10 at BetterMusic - $909 inc timber stand and delivery :)
Just keep in mind you don't need the wooden stand they advertise (and the $179 Roland asks for the FP30X stand is completely overpriced…). A simple X stand (can be had for under $50) or a Z stand (can be had for under $90 on amazon) are definitely better options. Of course, if you're handy with a drill and maybe a saw, a few pieces of plywood from bunnings and you can have a pretty nice wooden stand for under $50 too.
@Haulien: yeah i dont like the stand add on - id prefer one that looks like a piano with stand and pedal - the x and z stands look very cheap
something like this
https://www.soundseasy.com.au/products/korg-b2-sp-digital-pi…
@botchie: Before I bought mine I looked into pianos around that price point.
The Roland FP-10 I think was the better choice as the key action felt closer to an acoustic piano, which is a huge win if the intent is to move to an acoustic later down the line. Plus the FP-10 also has bluetooth MIDI (again, positive for mobile devices). I've seen it in a kit with the piano + stand for ~$879-920.
Though the only real downside of the FP-10 (especially compared to the Korg B2) is it only supports a single pedal. Now, as a beginner, it's my understanding that you likely won't use the other 2 for quite a while in the learning journey….. something to keep in mind for longevity though. I suppose the pedal that comes in the box with the FP-10 is kinda crap too. Roland sell a better pedal, the DP-10, however at $69-80, it's not ideal (with the piano+stand you're looking at $930).
I suppose there's one more downside of the FP-10…. they can't make them quickly enough…. consistently on backorder (which is also the main reason I went with the FP-30X myself) 😥
Again in my extremely limited experience, the wooden stand that (at least Roland) sells isn't all that sturdy, and stupidly expensive for what it is. The Z stand however, is super sturdy. Though it then depends if you want something thats easily transportable, or a furniture piece.
@Haulien: thx for the info, being new to this its very appreciated
I guess for the beginner level I don't think I can go wrong with either Roland which is a better brand no doubt or the Korg
I do like the look of the Korg MUCH MUCH better as it would fit the area as furniture piece really well
Then down the line depending on how his progression goes we can upgrade to a mid tier
I don't think I will ever buy acoustic piano, they are just a hassle :)
@botchie: Your son cannot bring the piano everywhere. He will have to play at the teacher's place, nursing homes, Opera House …, and very likely pianos at those places are acoustic ones. Learning weighted keys from beginning save a lot of time.
For your price range you can get a nice 2nd-hand Clavinova: https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/calamvale/keyboards-pianos/y…
@werty98: I thought Korg B2 has weighted keys
plus some features good enough for beginners - the Yamaha one you linked too is a very old model it seems
@botchie: The B2 has weighted keys, you'd be hard pressed finding a product marketed as a "digital piano" without them. Keyboards on the other hand…. could go either way.
… is this a sign?
My FP30 got rained on last night and I only discovered today when I tried to play. It sounds like a dying cat.
I'll have to have a look at the FP30X to see if it's worth the upgrade.
There's not much difference between the normal and X.
The X gains line out (via 2 1/4" jacks), slight cosmetic changes, more sounds (56 vs 35), and double the polyphony (256 vs 128). Based off some reviews, some of the piano sounds have also changed to sound closer to their inspired counterparts, however I can't personally comment on that.
Other than that, they're really quite similar. Same PHA-4 action. Same bluetooth connectivity. Same stand/foot pedal unit, same (frankly annoying) volume control
Might be a sign to get a FP-60X or something a little higher end?
It looks amazing… but I think the 60X would be an overkill since it's mostly for my kids :)
Geez sorry to hear. Out of curiosity, how does that happen?
It was near a window that was open and then it rained heavily while we were away :(
Can I upload rhodes piano sounds into this so I can play one?
Just had a chance to play with the iPad apps for it. Doesn't seem so. You can tune the piano with one of the apps, so you might be able to get close with a bit of tweaking. There is a nice 1976 Suitcase tone however: https://youtu.be/R1UD8i80104?t=210
This or the yamaha p-125?
Based on reviews online, people prefer the PHA-4 action on the Roland over the GHS action on the Yamaha. The FP30X has stronger speakers and bluetooth MIDI. Otherwise, they're both comparatively specced. Similar polyphony. Similar tone count. Both have line out, headphone out, usb over midi, etc.
Might be wrong, but FP30 has Bluetooth and P-125 doesn't?
Was just looking at either the Roland FP-30 / 30X or the Yamaha P-125 since my 5 y.o kid is starting out on the piano (not sure if he's that interested, loses concentration about 40 mins into the 1 hour session, but I guess that's another question altogether)
Cheapest I've seen the FP-30 is $949 (there maybe one at $929 if you subscribe to their newsletter, but most time $979)
Is it worth getting the stand? and what's those 1 or 3 pedals anyway for? Aye, nay?
Personally I picked up a Z-stand off of Amazon and found it too large…. ended up picking up the official stand (though it's not as stable). The official stand is made of 3 pieces of plywood…. so for the $179 asking price it's an absolute ripoff. Could make your own really for <$50.
For learning only 1 pedal is really needed, the sustain pedal. One comes in the box.
The other 2 pedals are a soft pedal, which dampens the sound, and a sostenuto pedal (which is similar to the sustain pedal). Both are used, however as a beginner it's likely it'll be years before putting them into practice.
Hi guys
long time piano player here, but also having left home, haven't had the access to a piano - am used to playing a Kawaii, grand.
wondering what a good replacement would be as far as an electronic keyboard - wondering if its even possible to get the same touch, tone, weight etc.
Any electric keyboard aficionados out there?
thank you :D
Could potentially check out the Kawai ES520. Has good reviews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc_DmUAZVyI
What’s the difference between playing an upright and a grand?
can anyone recommend a digital Piano for 8 year old
would be his first - hes pretty good and would like ipad connectivity to play music off that etc