The BIG question!!!

[jamiew]

Hello!

First, please allow me to aploogize for the questions I am going to ask. I am a clavinova newbie, and these are very newbie questions. I am a member on a few other types of forums, and I know that the questions I am going to ask are sometimes tiring to those who are more experience and spent time on the forums. I did search the forums but didn't see anything on point.

A brief background: I played piano for about 1 year when I was about 14. (I never practiced, so my mom "fired" me.) In the last few years I have regretted not continuing on, and I now want to begin playing again. After some inital research, I decided fairly quickly that a Clavinova was the right thing for us (my wife plays a little, and we are beginning an family). I essentiall want to play for fun. I will definitely want to use MIDI files, hook-up my notebook computer, and take advantage of as many of the wonderful features as possible.

I was originally looking at the CLP series, but our church music directior advised that I would be better off with the CVP series. So, the question is WHICH ONE? I had hoped to stay under the $3000 mark, so I am not sure which model best fits our needs. 103? 105? 107? 200 series?

I have done a fair amont of reading on the clavinova site, and have visited some dealers, but I would very much appreciate some un-baised opinions. Which model might you think would meet the needs I have described?

Thanks very much for your time and input.

Jamie W.

[wally]

Just judging by the amount of enthusiasm you expressed, I believe that nothing less than a 207/209 will do for you. <grin>

Seriously, I've never EVER heard anyone say, "You know, I really wish I had purchased the next LOWEST model." Buy the highest model you can afford. You won't be sorry.

Wally

[Howard]

Jamie

If you are really keen to get back into playing the piano and using midi you cannot go wrong with one of the CVP range. Not only are you buying an excellent quality keyboard you are also buying something that you can have lots of fun with.

Your notebook would be the ideal companion for midi sequencing. There are thousands of midi files on the internet which can keep you occupied for hours listening to the marvellous sound quality of the CVP's. I also find this a great help in learning arrangements and in particular drum patterns which I find difficult as a non-drummer.

Which one to buy? My advice on this would be to buy the best that you can afford, bearing in mind the CVP range is more suited to your needs.

The other thing to consider would be the second hand market. When the 'even' numbered CVP's are launched, I am sure that there will be people wanting to upgrade from 'odd' numbers. This could be a good time to pick up a bargain.

Keep us all posted on what you decide to do.

Howard

[jamiew]

Thanks for the replies. Are there any good online music stores where I can get an idea of prices for the different CVP models? I did a Google search but did not find much. Thanks.

[gurneets]

You wont find any web sites here in the US. The only sites you'll find are in Europe. There's www.pianodepot.com and www.musicians-gear.com. These sites offer CVPs at a much lower cost since they are a lot more cheaper in Europe.

I myself ordered a CVP 204 from musicians-gear.com a few days ago. And it's going to cost me around $2500 including shipping.

The downside of ordering from Europe is that the voltage that they run on is 220V and we run on 110V. You'll need a step down transformer to make this work. Which is not a big deal.

Thanks,
Gurneet

[Howard]

Jamie

I got my CVP 209 from www.themusiccellar.co.uk.

I've done a quick check on prices and converted to US Dollars (I have used 1.5979 $ to the £). All prices include 17.5% V.A.T. (Value added Tax) - this is basically a sales tax in the UK. I think if you buy something in the UK to export you can claim the VAT back - which is the equivalent to 17.5% discount - which should go towards shipping charges and any import tax you may have to pay. Details of VAT can be found here www.hmce.gov.uk

CVP 209 $5511
CVP 207 $4633
CVP 205 $3386
CVP 203 $2555
CVP 201 $2124

Hope this is useful

Howard

[wally]

Just a note to let you know that I moved this thread to the Purchasing forum. Once prices are discussed, it has to be contained in this forum.

Wally

[krugera]

Jamie,

Being a brand new member to this group, I may as well give you my 2 cents worth.
Ask yourself the question, "How long am I planning on keeping this instrument?" If your answer is that you want to upgrade in two years, buy a lesser expensive CVP and see what it is that you would want in the next one.
But if you want to keep this one for quite some time, buy the best and the most expensive unit that your budget will allow.
We are all living in a "fast" world. You buy something today and tomorrow they will market something that is better with more voices, accompagniments, etc.
If you are a professional, you may need to stay up to date. But for "home pleasure" it is not needed. I have a 209 and it will last me for a long long time.
Good luck in your search!

ALEX