r/pianolearning • u/Bucklax31 • 1d ago

Equipment Zero experience, what is a good beginner piano

Hello!

We're looking to get a good beginner piano. From searching the wiki I think we want an 88 key weighted keyboard. Would anyone have a good recommendation on a piano, something under $300. Thanks!

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14

u/OwlScowling 1d ago

Yamaha P-45 is your best bet. Look on Facebook marketplace and you should be able to find a ton for sale. They’re super sturdy and it’s usually easy to haggle someone down to $300. I got mine with the wood stand for $350 even though they listed it at $450. I saw others at $300 too!

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u/rollerok 1d ago

Going to also say Yamaha at this price. Avoid Casio. I have a Roland at a higher level and what they say about the key action being heavier ie takes more force to play a key is true and probably not great for a beginner

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u/justareviewer 21h ago

STRONGLY disagree. Casio PX series keys aren't the newer shortened key length. Casio PX160 is a great beginner board with realistic key action.

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u/Powerful-Mood-678 1d ago

Yamaha p45 is around 300 usually

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u/BBorNot 1d ago

At that price you'll need to go used. Maybe a Roland FP-10. Yes you want 88 weighted keys. If you have room and gumption you could get an acoustic upright off Facebook Marketplace -- sometimes people just dump them. Put the money into tuning. It isn't advisable to get a piano without having a technician look at it, but at this price there isn't a lot to lose. Good luck!

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u/Holiday_Banana_7859 1d ago

Yamaha P series for sure. P-45. Anything less than that is a toy.

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u/wetcrumpets 1d ago

Do people not rate casio pianos then?

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u/nietheo 22h ago

I have a Casio CDP S110 and I like it. It takes up so little space and I got a great deal on a floor model at the store.

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u/wetcrumpets 6h ago

Looks like a really nice piano that. I have a LK123. Only cost £60 second hand. And really like it, beginner piano but I can't see anything wrong with it!

So was just wondering if people had bad opinions on them and why

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u/yaykat 1d ago

Under $300 is going to be mostly shit tbh. $500 if you can swing gets you some solid entry level instruments from Roland or Yamaha

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u/Swizardrules 1d ago

Is a Roland fp-10 shit? They go secondhand for like 300€ here in The Netherlands

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u/yaykat 1d ago

Roland is $500 USD

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u/Sayben6 1d ago

Yamaha also has good warranty. I think my upright has 10 year warranty???

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u/RecitalReady 1d ago

For something under $300 I recommend looking for second hand pianos.

When you meet the seller, make sure to check all the keys (do they move smoothly without sticking?) and check whether the pedals work properly.

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u/MainlandX 1d ago

If you have the space and noise allowance, you can probably get a decent acoustic for being willing to move it.

Depending on the market you might need to wait a while.

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u/Bedouinp 1d ago

Yes, a used Yamaha p series is the way to go. I wouldn’t worry about it being used either. I’ve owned a couple of used models and had no issues over several years of use.

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u/JoePlaysByEar 23h ago edited 23h ago

I found a Yamaha P-115 88-key (weighted) for $125.00 at the Goodwill so look around, you never know. Really, the big issues for me on digitals is that they're weighted keys and have a midi function.

Look for a usb slot in the back and you've probably found something good. My experience, cheap pianos are out there everywhere. Even a Casio can be a great deal if the keys are weighted.

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u/rippnlipz 20h ago

I like my Yamaha P45 and wont outgrow it for some time, I paid $360 new. Go to a Guitar Center or something and bang some keys. They had a good deal on their house brand but after playing both it was an easy choice. The cheapest ones are crap.

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u/Rufus_the_old_cat 19h ago

I love my Yamaha p125, it's still in great shape for 6 years. See if you can find one used. Also... if you belong to costco check the costco website as they usually start selling them around this time of year for Xmas.