Hello Graham Howard,

Thank you for your e-mail and for the ‘bible’.  Quite a lot of information to absorb; but I’ll work through it gradually. I will be in the market for a digital; possibly later this year.

I was considering having my old upright acoustic repaired and tuned (recently, a string broke) but having since spoken to David & Richard, I have decided to go ‘digital’.  My piano is an unknown ‘hybrid’, poorly assembled from parts of other models by a dealer in Tottenham about thirty years’ ago, and it is simply not worth spending any money on it.  If it were a known ‘name’ and of better quality, I would not hesitate to have it repaired.  However, over the years’ it has served its purpose and seen my daughter achieve a Grade 4 with it and myself to almost a Grade 1.
Now, however, technology has changed and continues apace.  I am informed by the late Vic Arman, whom patiently helped me achieve this minimum standard, that the new digitals are excellent and closely resemble a quality acoustic.  Of course, the more money you spend the better the quality.

I am looking at the Yamaha P115.  The polyphony rating, GHS Keyboard and quality sound engine among many other facets of this model are of interest in this price range.  And portability is an extremely important issue for me at present.
I may have, I almost certainly will have, lots of questions.  But I shan’t bother you with any until nearer the time.

Kindest regards,
Graham Careford.

—

Hi Graham,

Thanks for your help.  I really did find the Piano Bible extremely useful but I’ve decided to save a bit more and go down the acoustic route instead.  I have to say I’m a bit of a Ludite and all of the high tech wizardry was daunting.  When I’m in a position to be able to afford a decent baby grand size acoustic I’ll be in touch.

Once again many thanks for your help and advice – greatly appreciated.

Val

—

Hi Graham,

Having recently viewed some keyboards locally, I came across your guide whilst investigating for gremlins/known problems which might befall a purchase,  I had already done a lot of background reading and understood most of the terminology, though you described in one place what had taken me weeks of research!

I thought your guide appeared to be well thought through, and included loads of good advice and ideas – particularly about trying out the keys, the sensitivity and the resonance qualities of the keyboard and its electronics.

Prior to visiting your site, we spent an hour at a local dealership and identified the Yamaha CLP545 as amongst the best in the price range, so we must have done something right. Also as a bonus, the 600 series is now coming in and the 500 series is starting to get discounted.

My wife is the primary user, and has a traditional upright. She preferred the 545 composite wood/plastic action over the all plastic 535 action. However, she then had a run on the similar Roland HP603, and preferred its keys over the 545, just. She also liked the Roland Bechstein sound over the Yamaha CFX and Bosendorfer offerings. I thought them almost identical in feel and sound, but I was also quite happy with the cheaper 535. I thought the Roland electronic control interface, a strip across the top of the keyboard, looked clunky and old-fashioned. The electronics on the Yamaha looked much more modern, and I suspect are a generation ahead of Roland which must be due a re-vamp.

Whilst the Yam and Roland were originally almost the same price point and over our budget, the 545 is actually now affordable in the run out. Not sure the Roland is worth the extra.

Problem now is to choose. We’re not in a rush, aiming for August (our anniversary.)

Thanks for your contacts. I’ll un-subscribe now as I think we’re in the right place. Once we have chosen and got a few keyboards hours under our belts, we’ll get a review to you.

Regards, and thanks for your helpful guide and your interest,
Andy Bullivent.

—
Hi Graham,

Thank you for your piano course and for your interest.  As someone attempting to start playing after 60 or so years, I am trying to do some practice every day.  I do remember most of the very basics but I did find your course a helpful reminder of good practice. I am in a state of limbo at the moment as I only have a keyboard to play until our family upright piano is returned to me by my daughter and so rather than working hard at one piece, I am really using the keyboard to work out fingering. Once the piano arrives I know that I need a new adjustable bench with music storage space and so shall revisit your store.

I am very appreciative of all the information and help that you provide. I am sure a complete beginner would find your whole course invaluable. In a previous life I did learn up to Grade 4 standard and so your later lessons were of most use to me, particularly directing attention to the aural aspects of playing.

Your enthusiasm is very encouraging and I have been spurred on to make more of an effort to relearn skills I have lost – even co-ordinating my hands has been more difficult than I anticipated.

Thank you for your help,
Kind regards,
Ann

—
Dear Graham
Many thanks for your advice and help in deciding upon a suitable digital piano.
Your leaflet examining the plethora of details relating to choice of instrument
and their relevance was particularly helpful.
I will buy the Broadway BI piano bundle in rosewood finish

Frances Hewitson

—
Q/ Hi Graham

I am interested in the Broadway MK10 Ebony Piano.

I currently have a Technics SX-PR51 and like its feel and sound but want to upgrade.

I have also seen the Yamaha CVP709GP

Can you please give me some advice over the 3 pianos ie MK10 v CVP709GP and how they are better than the SX-PR51

Thank you

Kindest Regards

Phil Hart

A/ The Broadway MK10 has recently been replaced
by the MK11.

The Broadway MK11 and Yamaha CVP709GP have
a superior and more realistic key feel to your old
Technics piano…

Technology has advanced so much over the last
10 years that the feel of the keys is better weighted
to feel closer to the real thing.
The repetition is faster, and the keys on both these
pianos are made of wood, as opposed to the plastic
keys on your Technics.

The CVP709GP has larger speakers than the Broadway,
resulting in a deeper tone in the centre and bass.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard