I've been looking into 88 key simple boards don't need many voices but a strong piano sound. Effects are less important than sound quality. Always interested in recommendations. Do you play it or does it stay in its case? I have two guitars cased one at the ready the rest stored.

I have this one kawai-global.com/product/es1… Really nice sound, has a proper deep-travel pedal, MIDI, some other features I don't use.

And good value, I think I paid £400 ish for it.

It has a nice look. I don't know my British pound to USD conversion at the moment and lazy web is kicking in but fall into a reasonable price range I'm looking for something a little less expensive because it's a stepping stone to an actual piano and a higher-end keyboard.

Kawai is nice too, the price point new is attractive in comparison (I usually buy used, so I go for the "road tested")...

Actually used is a good idea I'm pretty sure that would be an affordable entry and anyting not too fancy would be quite affordable at that range I just want an 88-key. I'm pretty convinced I'd like the weighted keys. I have to really go and try various keyboards to get a feel.

If going for a used one, then I definitely recommend something really rocksolid like Yamaha … a thing to look for: a home studio and the owner clearly babys the gear (dust covers) or it’s in a really solid road case. Another thing, Yamaha in particular has a consumer line…++

I get it you love Yamaha LOL but that's really great information I thank you both for helping me through this I got to get to the store and actually put my hands on a variety of keyboards. It's not enough to just do online research. It has to be a good fit for the individual. 🎹

Yea, twitter sucks for nuances, but "good fit" IS what I was trying to convey. For instance there is "weighted" action. and there is "actual hammer" weighted action... try first!! It is the PRO Yamaha gear I like, not so much the consumer/Costco level stuff. +++

Above Yamaha pro-level stuff, there is NORD... pricey, and I can't tell you much about it. My criteria for creative technologies is "Robust/Stable/Effortless(UX)" For instance I prefer Nikon over Canon, because Nikon controls are easy and intuitive, it's better UX.