Which model to buy!!!???

[plstokes]

I have been looking and looking and looking, trying to figure out which digital piano to buy. Obviously Yamaha Clavinovas are far in the lead. The problem is the price of these instruments. For a single mother on a limited income, it seems like an impossible dream. Also, after reading the comments on this site, I'm feeling very overwhelmed again . . . I'm not sure I'll be able to figure out how to use it, although I saw the recommendations for the tutorial. But still, am I going to pay tons of money for something I won't really use because I can't remember how to use it every time, or I can't figure it out? Also, I could use some advice on which model to get to have the most fun and spend the least amount of money -- and where to get the best price. Of course, I'd like to have at least the 305, but may not be able to afford it.

[Scubacpa]

Most people on this board are big CVP fans so the answer is going to be get a CVP, and go as high up the model chain as your budget will allow you. The 305 is great, the 307 is even better, and of course the 309 is the tops.

But the jump in features for price is the greatest between the 305 and the 307. The 307 will give you a larger screen and much more power in the amplifiers. So if you are stuck between those two and you can afford it, go for the 307. The jump from 307 to 309 is not as severe. It's the same screen (you get a few more voices and styles but that's a luxury). The biggest difference between the 307 and 309 is the natural wood keyboard. If that's not a big attraction than the 307 will be fine. I bought the 309 specifically for the natural wood keyboard, not the extra electronics they just came along as a bonus. If not for the wood keyboard I would have been happy with the 307s features.

As far a learning. It sounds like you have kids in the house? (you described yourself as a single mom). The kids seem to learn these electronic things by shear instinct and they can teach you. And you have already discovered the tutorials which will teach you step by step.

All that being said, let's step back a minute. If all you want to do is play the piano and you don't care about recording and playing along with a built in backup band and all the cool voicings, the CVP may be more machine than you need. And why pay for things you don't need or want.

[plstokes]

Thanks for you reply. I do want the fun stuff since I'm not an advanced player, and my kids are older teens who will probably play with it, but are probably too busy to really get into it. I just know that my keyboard was fairly difficult to learn, and I could never remember how to do things. I hope the Clavinovas are easier. Now if I can just come up with the money and a good deal!!

[wadef]

Totally depends on budget. My advice is to go as high as your buget will allow... then pick the next model above :p . I actually ordered a 301 then went to the 303 at the last minute and am glad i did but still wish i could have afforded the 305 or even the 307...

The 303 had the larger screen (B&W), softfall keyboard and dynamic stereo sampling over the 301
The 305 had the colour screen and GH3 keyboard over the 303.
The 307 has the larger colour screen still and bigger speakers.

Best of luck choosing... just shop around and you will save heaps.

[kempedkemp]

I would say that what instrument you purchase depends on what type of music you would like to play. If you want a rhythm section with auto or "fill-in" accompaniment, go with the CVP series. If you want to play all the notes/parts yourself, go with a CLP.

Exactly how much are you interested in spending? It is possible to purchase a CVP307 for $5,000 U.S. according to posters in this group.

I don't consider myself to be a very technically saavy individual but figured most of it out on my own and got great help from members of this group. I did purchase Simon's tutorial but only listened to a couple of the discs. I find the set up of the instrument to be very intuitive.

Good luck. I hope you can get a CVP. The kids WILL go for it if someone will give them a brief tutorial on the rhythm section and how to get to the XG voices.

[kempedkemp]

kamb1ng on this CVPUG has a CLP170 for sale. I'd suggest you go to your nearest dealer and try one out! Its a great instrument and you may get a really good deal on this 2 yr old.