Beginner keyboard and book?

[Emil Harvey]

I'm new to the forums, so please be patient...

I played a little piano when I was younger on and off (more off than on), and moving to a new secondary school, I was looking to get back into playing piano again, especially since I plan to major in music in university (I'm in secondary school grade 10 right now). I play low brass (mainly tuba) in my secondary school bands, so I know the fundamentals of music already. I might take lessons in the summer, but right now it will be too heavy during my week (and too expensive) to take lessons. I'm located in Canada

I've looked around online on suitable keyboards. I was hoping for a hammer action "more piano than keyboard" kind of instrument. My budget would be as low as possible, but I would like something that lasts. (up to $500 or so).

There's the Casio px150. It's $600 on musician's friend so over budget, but I could try to squeeze it in. From what I've read, it has a nice feel (not that I'm an expert in this). It'd be great to work with this keyboard, I just don't want this to be 'overkill' and be a waste of money.

There's also the Casio CDP 120. It's $450 on musician's friend. It's less expensive, so would probably feel a little worse than 150, but hey if it will suffice for now, I'm ok with it.

There's a lot of cheaper keyboards out there, my main question would be whether a budding pianist would be smart to buy those such as the Williams Allegro 88 key. It is $300 ($310 CAD), so a lot cheaper than the other two mentioned.

There's also the aspect of piano books. I know how to read music (might take me a while to get used to treble clef), so I was also wondering if there's any books that starts a little ahead rather than reviewing the basics of theory (but starting from the beginning wouldn't hurt either). Since I plan to take lessons in the summer, I am looking for a more self directed piano book.

I know that lessons is important, especially when preventing bad habits from taking place. In that case, it might be smarter to start piano lessons (and buy the instrument) in the summer and have a more guided approach.

Thanks in advance and any suggestions will be greatly appreciated

 

[happyrat1]

This is considered a standard work in piano exercises and it's in public domain.

Good place to start I'd imagine.

http://imslp.org/wiki/The_Virtuoso_Pianist_(Hanon,_Charles-Louis)

As for buying a keyboard, I'd say go to a music store and actually try out the ones you're interested in. Last time I checked, I believe Costco had a few floor demonstrators of Casio Privias at least here in Mississauga.

You don't mention what city you're located in, however I'd say if you plan to buy a keyboard online DO NOT buy it from an American vendor.

No offence to our American cousins, but in Canada you will A) Get Raped on Shipping and Brokerage Charges and B) Stand a good chance of not having any warranty whatsoever on the purchased product. Many times Canadian Manufacturer Subsidiaries WILL NOT HONOR AMERICAN WARRANTIES!!!

However I have a few good links to Canadian Music Stores which will generally match if not beat American prices on a lot of keyboards.

Here's some of the better ones.

http://www.lamusic.ca/Default.asp

http://www.tomleemusic.ca/main/music.cfm?CFID=52095602&CFTOKEN=46294009

http://www.axemusic.com/store/

http://www.fleetsound.com/catalog/

http://www.long-mcquade.com/

And yes by god even Future Shop handles web orders on some professional keyboard gear as well.

http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/cate...spx?path=e37f993ce1169ee99327d5ea66eb9cd4en01

I've dealt with many of these companies myself and they are all reputable, authorized CANADIAN dealers and their prices on some stuff puts American prices to shame.

My advice to you is if you plan to pursue music as your major in university, then don't cheap out too much on your keyboard. Think of it as an investment you will grow with for a very long time.

Gary