electric piano recommendations

[evan]

My brother would like a piano, but doesn't have the space or desire to move the thing in a couple years. Instead, he would like to buy an electric piano. Can any of you suggest a few good models for him to consider? He's most interested in the feel and sound of the electric piano matching as closely as possible to a real piano. He does not care at all about different sound effects, instruments, etc.

Both my brother and I are pretty ignorant on this. Any advice would be appreciated. I'm sure he'll try before buying, but he'd like go in with a bit of knowledge.

Thanks in advance!

[chhite]

Yamaha's Clavinova line offers many different levels and price points depending upon the amount of bell and whistle-age you desire. I have a CLP-240 from 2005 and have found it sufficient for my needs. A friend of mine says Yamaha uses sound samples from Kurzweil and they are known for their accurate representation of acoustic pianos. YMMV

[termite]

I have a Kurzweil stage piano which is pretty good but it's designed for carting around to gigs - it comes without a stand or speakers. I think there is a built in speaker version but I've never played one.

This decision usually comes down to either Roland or Yamaha. The yamahas usually have a heavier touch and is often a deciding factor for classical pianists. When I looked at instruments recently (stage pianos without speakers), the Roland was the big loser in the sound department and the Kerzweil a narrow winner over the Yamaha. (I was looking at a cheaper line of instruments than the Clavinova).

I've played a couple of Yamaha Clavinovas of different vintages and been pretty blown away by them. We have one in our small Church (like a large living room) and it would have to be the closest you could get to a grand piano in electric form.
I would probably prefer it to a small cheap upright piano.
The only thing I don't like about it is that it is a bit hard to play fast double octave passages on - my middle fingers tend to hit the buttons above the keyboard. I haven't played the Clavinova back to back with the Kerzweil and Roland equivalents so I can't give you chapter and verse there but the Yamaha is good enough.

Regards

Gerard

[iiipopes]

Yes, like the above have said. I've played many, owned none. One of either the Kurtweil or the Yamaha models should do just fine for him.

[MartyNeilan]

The Yamaha P series have outstanding action and piano sounds, and speakers powerful enough to not require an amp in smaller venues. Not a lot of bells and whistles, and some of the other sounds (B3 especially) are not as good, but the basic pianos are top notch. You should be able to find a P200 or P250 used. The newest is the CP300.

[evan]

Good comments! I'll have to point him at this page now

thanks