Now or Later?

[beccajo]

I'm in a quandry - I'm playing with a praise team and using the keyboard they have at the church. I have a little starter keyboard at home to figure out fingerings, etc. It's definitely not "playable" and I've started keeping my eyes open for my own keyboard that I can haul around if needed. I do a tiny bit of composing as well and would like to build on that too...

Here's the deal: My dream machine is a high-end, portable workstation and I'm planning on 3-5K. But a Yamaha YPG635 has a sale on it for like $600.

Should I get the 635 now? And forget about the dream machine?

Or wait a year or so until I can get my dream machine?

Or get the 635 and consider the dream machine down the road as well?

What would you do and why? Toys, toys, toys :D

Thanks in advance for your input! Becky

[phailes]

My advice. I would jump on that $600 Yamaha 635. That is a great price. I paid $900 for mine back last September. Keep in mind that it is a 88 key weighted action keyboard and kinda heavy. Great for in home work but I don't think I would gig with it. I have heard Nord makes some really great stage pianos, but I have not had a chance to play any. Go for it.

[beccajo]

The $600 is a clearance sale at zzounds.com this week. i'm glad you mentioned the heft - I really do want something I can haul with me - maybe not every week but whenever i feel like it. hhmmm, i sooo want a decent keyboard tho! I s'pose all weighted action keyboards are heavy tho, eh?

[spannfan]

I had a YPG 635 for less than a year and just sold it for $500. It's very heavy, attaches semi-permanently to the stand, and frankly, if I were you I'd wait if you can get a really great keyboard in a year. Or if you have to buy something better temporarily get a reconditioned PX 130 or something like that...light, over at Piano World they like the Privias better than the YPGs...

[beccajo]

thanks for the input - i checked out the PX130. that sounds nice too and 20#s lighter. Ther YPG seems to have some add'l features and a more solid casing so I'm going with that one - with a rolling case as one of the accessories to accomodate the weight. good thing my other hobby is lifting weights - lol. Thanks for mentioning you were able to sell it used fo $500 - if I overrun this keyboard sooner rather than later, it sounds like i can get most of my money out of it.

It's giong to be so nice to have a decent touch, headphones and a sustain pedal again! I had a cabinet grand until about a year ago when we moved into an apartment. That piano is now in a family where dad plays and his two little girls are growing up with it. It was beautiful - and deserved a good home. I thought I could get away with practicing at church and just working out fingerings at home, but... the 635 is ordered and the 170 is on it's way to be donated :-)

thanks to both of you for the input - it definitely helped!

[williemyette]

My 2 cents. I like the YPG series, but it is not "that portable". However, for the price point, it is a nice unit. I would recommend and X stand and not use the legs if you want it to be portable.

I am surprised at how light these boards are getting now. My P-60 is like 30lbs lighter than my old digital pianos.

Good luck! You'll like it.

[beccajo]

thanks for the rec on the stand - i also prefer to play standing up at home so that will work well there too... glad to have your 2 cents :-)