hi all, I need some help deciding what I need. I play piano and want to move on to create a more complete sound. i have no performing aspirations but would like to create stage accompanyments/backing for home parties etc. I have no keyboard experience and I am concerned at the reduced number of keys available with a keyboard. I don't envisage using a lot of the rhythm sections and generally speaking I'm looking to enhance the songs of people such as bruce hornsby, billy joel, elton etc. Do I need a synth or keyboard or just locking up?

If I were in your shoes, I would seriously consider the Yamaha DGX-500, which provides you with a lot of the same features that more expensive arranger keyboards offer, but at a substantially lower price. Lots of great voices, styles and it has 88 keys. It sells for about $599 in most retail outlets, however, some online stores sell it for less and throw in free shipping.

[img]http://us.st11.yimg.com/store1.yimg.com/I/tech1global-store_1883_1031397[/img]

Good Luck,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

Thanks Gary I'll check it out

Hi Gareth (you just HAVE to be from Wales???)
Yes I would agree totally with Gary that the
DGX-500 is worth a long look.
I even considered getting this 88-key Board myself recently.
cheers
Eddie Johnson

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Eddie from Rotherham
Skype:eddiefromrotherham
www.yamahakeyboards.info

What about the DGX-505 which is newer and has better voices?

George

Yamaha Clavinovas are great if you can afford one and don't plan to move it.
DonM

Yes, the DGX 505 is the newer of the models. My understanding is that Yammie will be replacing the DGX 505 soon. I believe someone mentioned that the replacments were at winter NAMM.

I owned a DGX 505, not a bad instrument at all. I traded it for a Casio Privia 400 because I wanted a more acoustic type piano action. It came down to personal preference. For home I have a Clavinova CVP 307, in my opinion it's one of the best products avaliable. Everything from the action to the piano samples, styles and a lot other features. IMHO the pianos are so good that I sold my Samick grand piano to get the Clavinova. No need for frequent tunings, regulation and other work that acoustic pianos need to be kept in good shape.

Thanks Eddie-yes I am indeed from God's chosen acre despite the probable result on Saturday! I'll check out your suggestion thanks again.

I had the opportunity (at Winter NAMM) to see, hear, and play the following new replacements:

YPG625
YPG525
YPG225

This included catching a terrific show demonstration of the Yamaha YPG625 digital piano, presented by: Martin Harris. Here are some image capture 'stills' I grabbed from the video movie I shot of the event:





Scott

Thanks George I'll check out the DGX 505 also