"Ceren, what piano should I buy?"I get this from almost every new student. Parents, adult beginners, returning players — everyone wants a straight answer. So here it is.
The One Rule: Weighted Keys or Nothing
If a keyboard doesn't have 88 fully weighted keys, don't buy it. Unweighted or semi-weighted keys teach your fingers the wrong thing. You'll develop habits that are painful to unlearn later.This means your minimum budget is around €400. I know that's not what everyone wants to hear, but a €200 keyboard will hold you back more than it helps.
Beginner: Yamaha P-45 (€400–600)
This is what I recommend to most new students. The Yamaha P-45 has 88 weighted keys with Yamaha's GHS action, which feels remarkably close to an acoustic piano. At 11.5 kg, it's portable enough to move between rooms.I've recommended this to over 15 students. The ones who practice regularly on it progress just as fast as students with acoustic pianos.
Intermediate: Roland FP-30X (€600–900)
When students are ready to upgrade, I point them to the Roland FP-30X. The sound quality jump is significant — Roland's SuperNATURAL engine captures the resonance and decay of a real grand piano.The Bluetooth feature is a quiet game-changer. Students can play along with recordings through the piano's speakers, which makes practice sessions more engaging.
Advanced: Yamaha P-125a (€900–1400)
For students practicing daily and working through intermediate repertoire, the Yamaha P-125a is my recommendation. The Pure CF sound engine was sampled from Yamaha's flagship concert grand, and you can hear the difference.
Digital vs. Acoustic: My Take
For the first 2–3 years, digital is almost always the better choice:
No tuning costs (€80–150/year saved)
Practice with headphones (your neighbors will thank you)
Lighter, more portable
Built-in metronome and recording
Once you're sure music is a long-term part of your life, an acoustic piano is a wonderful investment. But don't rush it.
What About 61-Key Keyboards?
I don't recommend them. You'll run out of keys within months. The Yamaha P-45 is only 133 cm wide — about the width of a small desk. If you have room for a desk, you have room for a proper piano.
Still Not Sure?
Every student's situation is different. Budget, living space, musical goals — they all matter. Ask me directly and I'll give you a personal recommendation.Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and trust in my teaching.