need ideas for a music keyboard

[G.]

Any recommendations for a (music) keyboard for a Christmas gift? I am looking for something between a toy and a professional instrument, ie., good value. Something for the wife to make pretty sounds on, something for the kids to annoy the entire houshold.

Thanks in advance!

Someday, we'll get the piano from the MIL...

[trish]

Elton John's piano :) (http://artpad.art.com/gallery/?irtkjr1mpux4)

[racer2c]

We bought this one for my daughter for her b-day last year. 88 key, touch sensitive, decent sound (although very low volume with built in speakers).
I understand it's about the best you can get for an entry level 88 key/ touch sensitive unit.

link (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6662827&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03109&id=1087341424972)

[JohnHKart]

Pro keyboard player here. The Yamaha looks good but it's lacking weighted keys which give you the true piano feel. (All real pianos have weighted keys). You will get better so much quicker if you have the real feel of weighted keys. Weighted keys are also just more fun to play on. I will look at one of my catalogs to see if there are some alternatives.

John

[nrc]

We have an old upright piano you can have if you'll pay an insured mover to drag it out of the basement. :)

[KaBoom21]

I suggest the one this guy used:

http://www.ipass.net/chasb/boys5.gif

Bring back the '80's! Or not.

[JohnHKart]

Sorry for not getting back to you with a worthy answer sooner. Here we go. Ok here's a few worth checking out:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/701593/

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=key/search/detail/base_pid/702280/

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=key/search/detail/base_pid/702158/

Again, make sure they have weighted keys, you won't be sorry. Any questions I'm happy to answer. These should be available at Guitar Center as it's the same company as Muscian's Friend. Don't go for the cheesy 400 dollar Casio stuff.

John

[JohnHKart]

edit.....

John