Is the yamaha np30 good for a beginner?

[Melanie30]

My daughter wants to learn to play the piano and has been begging me to buy her a digital piano. I've been reading some good reviews for the Yamaha np30 (http://www.yamahanp30.com/) and it seems to be a good electric piano. Does anyone have any experience with this piano and can let me know what you think of it?

[SoulFire]

I've seen Np30's around and had a chance to play them, and for the price, the portability and simplicity, as well as the features you get with it are pretty good. I would say that for a beginner, that will definitely suffice. My only issue is if she decides to take it more seriously then she will find certain things on this board inadequate.

The 76 keys (rather than 88), as well as the lack of sounds and lack of weighted keys would hinder an intermediate to more advanced player. I think what you need to look at is how long u believe your daughter will keep playing the piano. If you expect that she will stay playing simple things, drop the hobby later on, or if you're willing to upgrade to a different board later, this keyboard could definitely be for you.

However, if you expect she will take it very seriously and keep taking lessons and play long into the future I would reccomend a different board for longevity. The Yamaha DGX models are pretty good all round digital pianos for intermediate players. My personal preference in digital pianos at the moment tho is the Roland Fp-4, just because of the quality of sounds and performance mode. There are also many others out there you could look into. While the keyboards above are significantly more expensive than the Np30, their quality is much better and your daughter would get much more out of them in the long run.

Hope that helps. Remember tho that this is just advice, talk to some other people on the forum, or others you know about it before making a decision. Remember, buying your first keyboard can be a serious decision! :)

Regards,

Soulfire

[sparkey]

The main thing to look for, is if you wish to learn piano,

You are doomed unless you get weighted keys...at least doomed to never play the real thing

If you don't learn on weighted keys there is no way you will have the finger strength to play fast songs on an actual piano one day, and really hinder you from progressing

Sadly weighted keys are more expensive and only come on 88 key model keyboards

So you could always buy a cheap as chips keyboard from a second hand store first, and see how she goes, If that goes well

Than upgrade to a weighted key model?

*edit* it says it has some soft touch, thing?... i have never used it, i'd say it feels better to play on, but i question if it would be that good when learning to play which requires building strength

[Maximus]

Casio Privia

[stagekid57]

Check out the Casio CDP100, great 88 key piano action, simple selection of sounds, in built speakers, ideal for a beginner.

http://www.casio.co.uk/Products/Musical_Instruments//Digital_Pianos/CDP/CDP-100H5/At_a_Glance/