preowned 309 or new 403? please help

[jessica]

I am purchasing my first piano (digital piano). I had ordered and paid for the ebony 403 new for £2.2k. Last week I went into my local music shop and they showed me a preowned (3years old) ebony 309 for £3.2. Now I find myself in a decision dilemma, they advised me the spec is much higher and the 309 looks like a m uch nicer peice of furniture. I would really appreciate your views and opinions as I am a beginner, who has a passion for music and a desire to learn and play the piano well, I would rather spend the money now and get a very decent piano but I cannot afford £5k for a 409. Any opinions? Thanks all Jess xx

[puddlee]

Having owned a 309 and now a 407 I would have to say sound is everything and looks are secondary to that.
As a beginner once I can understand your desire to have the best out there
If it was my choice id choose the 309 over the 403 simply because it has far more than the 403 can offer you plus it sounds way better

BUT £3200 for a three year old 309 when a new 407 can be had for the same price I would forgo the polished surface and drop on the 407 in a flash

[Midi Magic]

Hi

How about an immaculate ebony CVP 209 in an as new condition for £1,750 ono. This is a must sell as I need the space.

[tomz17]

Hi

How about an immaculate ebony CVP 209 in an as new condition for £1,750 ono. This is a must sell as I need the space.

Personally, given the prices listed here, I would take the 209 in a heartbeat (if I didn't already own one)... In my experience, it is very comparable to a 309 (with only a few minor differences that you can research here).

In either case, you would be much happier with a 209 or a 309 over a 403.

-Tom

[dbjorck]

Hi!

But the point made about the 407 is better. Presuming the quoted price to be accurate.

Brgds

Danny

[jessica]

Thanks guys for your prompt replies, I made the decision yesterday to stick with the 403 as I wanted a new machine ( the preowned 309 had many scratches on cabinet and worn keys) . As I am a beginner and the sampling, recording, sounds etc will all be new to me I thought it best to spend at the lower end and if I pursue this hobby and become any good at it then in a few years I will then upgrade to the more advanced models (whatever that will be at the time). I felt quite tempted by a new 409 but they are a small fortune, and I decided that they are only as good as the person playing and also the knowledge of all the functions and as I am currently playing on a £100 keyboard (casio) the 403 is still a massive leap.

Thanks for your responses, I will probably be posting once my 403 is delivered and I am stuck with the functions, I am guessing the manual will be a monster to read ;)