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Hello! Im a private music teacher that mainly teaches violin with a few beginner piano students. I just recently sold my acoustic baby grand. I was getting sick of tuning it! My budget is around 1500.00 I bascially just use the piano to accompany my students. I also want something that looks good since it is in my front room. I have played all of them besides the casio but have kept it as an option since it looks the best honestly. I have to decide this week- any help would be much appreciated thank you!!

I am trying to decide between these 4 models:
1. Yamaha arius ydp141-181(trying to decide if there is really a big difference between the 3 for the price)$1049-1599
2. Yamaha ydp240 $1799
3. Casio ap6(black polish) $2000
4. Kawai cn32 $2000

If it were me, I'd decide based on #1 key action, #2 the sound , #3 price, and #4 if you like how it looks in that order. You can move the priorities around.
I'm surprisedthere is not Roland model on your list. I think they have the best sound (with the new "Supernatural" piano)and arguably the best key actions

1. Yamaha arius ydp141-181(trying to decide if there is really a big difference between the 3 for the price)$1049-1599

Yamaha uses two different key actions, "GHS" and "GH". The 141 uses GHS and the 160 uses GH. Most people like GH better. The feel of the keys is very different you need to try each of them. A few are lucky and actually prefer the lower priced GHS keys. I bought the Yamaha P155, mainly because of the GHS key action. With the matching lp140 stand the P155 looks good. Maybe better than those others that are covered with fake wood

2. Yamaha ydp240 $1799

See above. Check out the key action. This is a GHS based piano.

3. Casio ap6(black polish) $2000

Is this just a PX130 in a shiny case? Do you need automatic accompaniment? You are paying $1550 for a case and auto automatic accompaniment. I think Casio is the brand you buy when you can't affor anything else. I just don't see the point of a $2,000 Casio piano, not when Roland has RD700 for same price.

4. Kawai cn32 $2000

I play on an older version of one of these now and then. It is a pretty good basic piano. In the past Kawia's sound was not great but this is improved and the key action is pretty good. Lighter then Yamaha'a GH. I still prefer my P155.

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You might want to consider the Casio AP 620. It's essentially the same thing as the AP 6 except it doesn't have a polished finish and is $600 cheaper.

Also, the AP 6 and AP 620 aren't PX-130s in fancy cases. They are actually modified PX-330s. (The AP620/AP6 have ivory touch keys while the PX-330 doesn't.)

Ashbar5, if possible try to ask your Kawai dealer about the CN33.

As the name suggests, this is the latest model and features an improved keyboard action and the ability to load/save songs to USB memory.

As ChrisA suggests, the current Roland instruments are receiving a considerable amount of praise for their realistic 'SuperNatural' piano sounds and PHAII/PHAIII keyboard action. If your budget can stretch to an HP-302, you may wish to consider this model also.

Good luck with your search.

Kind regards,
James
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I've been looking with my girlfriend at some of the same models. Actually, we both prefer the touch of the Casio AP-620 to the Roland and Yamaha. Haven't been able to test a Kawai yet, as no dealer in the town and the nearest one isn't stocking any DP's until mid August for back to school. Quite frustrating really.

Anyway, I think the $2000 is too high for the CN-32 by some margin. You might check with other dealers, and certainly have a look through the "prices paid" thread here. Maybe Kawai James can confirm what the MSRP list price is, although Kawai seems loathe to discuss their prices in any meaningful way, so he may not be able to comment.