Buying a digital piano -brand new Yamaha YDP-143 vs used Yamaha CLP-120?

October 4, 2016 5:05 AM

Hello piano aficionados! I would love to get some advice regarding buying a piano. Just so you know, I am based out of India, am a complete beginner and have just had two piano lessons so far. My piano teacher has suggested the Yamaha YDP-143, which costs about 82,000 Indian Rupees (or 1233 USD). This is a bit on the higher side for me, given that I am absolutely new to this, have a full time job and am just exploring the opportunity of learning the piano and developing this as a hobby for the long term.

So, I have been looking around on the internet for a used piano, and have been able to negotiate one for 38,000 Indian Rupees (or 571 USD). The model is Yamaha CLP-120. Looking around on the internet, I have discovered that unfortunately, it is a very old model and that Yamaha stopped manufacturing it in 2005. However, the piano itself is almost brand new and has been used only occasionally.

I would really like your opinion on whether it makes sense to go in for the CLP-120. It is not entirely impossible to stretch my budget to the YDP-143, but I would obviously prefer a cheaper deal at this point.

I would really appreciate your thoughts on this! Thank you for your help!

posted by synapse2512 to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (9 answers total)

Best answer: I am not familiar with either model, but the reviews I skimmed make it look like the CLP-120 would be fine for starting as a beginner. There is some concern with electronics starting to fail at that age - it's not a certainty but there is some risk with something that old that it could die and you might not be able to get it repaired.

If the price difference is significant to you, starting with the less expensive option and upgrading once you hit a point that the instrument is a limiting factor to you is not a bad way to go.
posted by Candleman at 5:27 AM on October 4, 2016

Best answer: 10 years old is not that old for well-made electronic musical instruments. Yamaha is generally well regarded. You can likely sell the used one at a similar price in a year or two if/when you want to upgrade, which will not be true of the new one.

Check this thread for some comments and discussion of this piano and the general dilemma. M audio just came out with a new piano priced around 500 USD, might want to look at that if available.

If you can, go to a music store and try several, even very expense ones you won't buy.
posted by SaltySalticid at 5:38 AM on October 4, 2016

Assuming it really is in good condition, the CLP-120 looks like a better instrument than my 10+ year old Casio which is still going strong and would also be suitable for a beginner. So, yes, I think the second hand model will be fine.

I also agree with SaltySalticid that you should have a play with different models at a music store if you can. You might be surprised at what you can get for the price these days (or maybe not, I'm not familiar with the Indian market).
posted by pianissimo at 6:39 AM on October 4, 2016

Digital pianos have had the tonal synthesis thing pretty much sorted to well beyond beginner level for a couple of decades now. The most important difference between the various models, for a beginner, is in the feel and responsiveness of the keys.

Take SaltySalticid's advice and browse at a music store, to prime your intuition about what's achievable in any given price bracket. Then if you find an instrument you can afford that feels good to play, buy it and call it Job Done.
posted by flabdablet at 6:44 AM on October 4, 2016

That CLP-120 looks fine. One thing that bugs me a little is that you're getting close to the price for a new keyboard. At least here in the US weighted 88-key keyboards seem to start at around $500 new, plus another couple hundred for a stand and 3-pedal unit. Examples (follow "most popular accessories" links to work out the extras):

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/P45BK
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PX160BK
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/B1SPBK

But really, I think it's your teacher you need to be talking to, to get some more detail about what's needed beyond just naming one model. My personal minimum would be 88 fully weighted (might also be called "hammer action" or similar) keys, a stand, and a simple sustain pedal, but they might have other requirements.

I have no idea what the repair record is for the CLP-120. I recently sold a 20-year-old keyboard (a Roland RD-500) that was still in fine condition. But it did require one major repair (replacement of all hammer weights) about 5 years ago.
posted by bfields at 6:57 AM on October 4, 2016 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I have a CLP that I got for a graduation gift in 2003. It still works beautifully even with my five-year-old son "playing" it (he hasn't started lessons yet...). I'll check when I get home to get the model number.
posted by CrazyGabby at 7:08 AM on October 4, 2016

Response by poster: Thanks everyone for the great advice so far! I really appreciate it!
posted by synapse2512 at 8:30 AM on October 4, 2016

One thing I'd like to mention is space! I started with a stage piano instead of an upright, and it wedged nicely in a corner.

Have you considered the entry level digital pianos from casio/yamaha? Like the P series from yamaha ain't too shabby for its price. Proper weighted keys and all. Personally a big fan of Kawai but they do tend to run a bit more.

Disclaimer: Haven't had a piano in 3 years due to work travels :(
posted by TrinsicWS at 10:06 AM on October 4, 2016

I had my Clavinova since 1997 and it's in great shape, including surviving two toddlers.
posted by plinth at 10:16 AM on October 4, 2016