Digital Piano Advice

So, I may be picking up a music-directing job at a church in Chicago, and as such, I will need a piano to practice on. I'm looking for an 88-key, weighted action digital piano with pedal(s) and built-in speakers (no space or money for amps). The sound of the piano is not as important as the feel of it, since I'm just going to be using it for practice and composition, and not performance. So far, the Casio PX-800 is looking good, as are various Roland models. Any advice?

So you're definitely ruling out controller keyboard with computer and sampler?

Will you need any specific connections: 1 or more line outs, Midi in/outs etc.?

I don't know about Rolands but generally Yamahas are more expensive than Casios, with a noticably better sound. Since sound isn't so imporant for you, perhaps casio would be the best value. I've had a Casio AP-33 for many years and am quite happy with it.

Thanks!

In terms of digital pianos with good sounds (and feels) the Yamaha Clavinova series are just about the top. I have a CLP-280 which serves all my needs extremely well, and no doubt would suit you too. Though you could get a cheaper one if you didn't want the good sound and realistic feel. The high end Kawais are also decent.

I have a Casio Privia PX400R, is very good, it has all the features but is very heavy, I do recommend the Casio, also the Yamaha Portable Grand Series, YPG-535 & 525, S90XS(the 88 keys) .... (there is a very light model of the Portable grand NP-30, but is not 88 keys, I'm just waiting if Yamaha launch a similar model with 88 keys)

and there's a super-thing called Korg TR-88 but that's also a synthesizer, very expensive and very heavy, but is great !!!

The idea is the controller keyboard is good, but i don't know if you prefer an all-in-one built in keyboard.

See also the Kurzweil ones... SP3X, SP2X5

Yamaha is the best. ;)

For your purpose... Casio is probably is the best.

Thanks all - this is great help. I'm not opposed to a heavy keyboard, since I won't (in general) be lugging it around; it's just going to sit at home as my practice/composing instrument.

Be warned, the Clavinovas are VERY heavy.

You can move it, in parts, but it's a struggle if you don't have a friend to help you.