Electronic Keyboard (instrument)

[NightmareWarden]

I'm strongly considering getting an electronic keyboard. I'd like to learn to play the piano, but obviously this would be much more portable, require less maintenance, and it would be less of a hassle if I were record it and put it on my computer. I don't want a synthesizer, though. I believe that I could get one for about a hundred dollars and I doubt it would cost more than another fifty if I wanted to get any additional equipment for it. I'm considering getting one because I think that I would really enjoy playing it and maybe even make some recordings with it. I'm very hesitant though because I don't want to end up wasting the money (or wasting my parents' money if I ask for it for my birthday next month). This wouldn't be the first instrument I've played, but I'd like to hear from others how much they've enjoyed playing one, their thoughts on it, anything.
So my fellow escapists, I ask you: Is it worth the risk to use spend this much money on something which I could enjoy for years to come or simply be wasted? I realize how horrible and arrogant what I'm about to say is, but that much money isn't really very much to me and I don't really know what else I want to buy. Any suggestions if I should get a different kind of keyboard or any other comments on your views on them would be appreciated. Thanks!

PS- Here is the type of keyboard I'm considering right now:
http://www.frys.com/product/6027238?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

 

[SilentlyHilly]

The way I see it, with things like instruments, the amount of money is irrelevant if you really put a lot of time into it. I've played piano/keyboards for most of my life and I absolutely love it, but I've also put an absurd amount of hours into it to reach that point. So if you're serious about learning, then I say go for it.

Typically, I don't think Casios are as high quality as other brands. But really, any $100 keyboard isn't going to be that fantastic in the first place. I say whatever you get just to make sure it has weighted keys on it, as that will be the most similar to playing an actual piano (a full 88 keyboard would be nice too, but that can get a little pricey). Also, make sure you pick up a sustain pedal as I didn't see one included with the one you linked.

 

[NightmareWarden]

The way I see it, with things like instruments, the amount of money is irrelevant if you really put a lot of time into it. I've played piano/keyboards for most of my life and I absolutely love it, but I've also put an absurd amount of hours into it to reach that point. So if you're serious about learning, then I say go for it.

Typically, I don't think Casios are as high quality as other brands. But really, any $100 keyboard isn't going to be that fantastic in the first place. I say whatever you get just to make sure it has weighted keys on it, as that will be the most similar to playing an actual piano (a full 88 keyboard would be nice too, but that can get a little pricey). Also, make sure you pick up a sustain pedal as I didn't see one included with the one you linked.

Thank you very much for the answer, but I have a few questions/concerns. This would be my first piano/keyboard, would you recommend a yamaha? I literally know nothing about playing a piano/keyboard, would you still recommend that I get a full size or should I get something like a midi keyboard? I've found a few articles which recommend yamaha because it is a better quality keyboard, but I've also read that the casio is better for beginners because of features on something like: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Casio+-+Portable+Keyboard+with+61+Standard-Size+Lighted+Keys/9940346.p?id=1218198089672&skuId=9940346

I'm still looking at different options at Fry's electronics and Best Buy right now.
Here is another one which I'm considering: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Casio+-+76-Key+Full-Size+Keyboard/8885655.p?id=1211455041798&skuId=8885655&IcsCsid=2-39-2095-25-5-139782-139768-25-2095-460-25-2095-1763-0-1#BVRRWidgetID

 

[SilentlyHilly]

Ya I prefer Yamahas to Casios when it comes to keyboards. The keyboard I have right now is a Yamaha and I love it. But Casios aren't necessarily bad. That second one you linked looks like a good buy for a beginner actually, it's only one octave short of a full keyboard, has at least semi-weighted keys it looks like, is touch sensitive, all good things for a beginner. If you want to go a bit more pricier than I would just go for a Yamaha at that point, but for around $200 range the one you picked seems fine to me.

Hope this helps, and I hope you put in the time to practice if you do buy it. Playing piano is one of the favorite parts of my day, but it definitely didn't happen overnight.

 

[cerealnmuffin]

eh.... I saw the first keyboard and it was a casio with 48 keys. With only 48 keys you will quickly find that you really do need the lower octaves. 61 is marginally better and I guess okay for starting out though. Also casio is rather awful. I second the idea of getting a yamaha. I have a strong prejudice versus casio as they don't sound good in the least. The more special sounds a keyboard has the more lackluster the piano sound.

Look on craigslist, I managed to get a yamaha portable grand series 76 key with touch sensitive keys for 200.

when you start learning check shawn easy piano on youtube as I used his stuff early on and he teaches a lot of classical and popular songs. Work on learning to read sheet music and then you have tons of options such as Josh's piano site for anime and game music.