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Firstly, Hello to all. Secondly i'd like to apologise in advance for what may potentially have been asked on this forum many times before. I am looking to buy a new piano for my flat. For the sake of saving space i'm looking at buying a digital piano. Having never owned one before i know very little about them. I have been looking at the Yamaha CLP and CVP series and like the look of the CVP's in particular. In essence all i require is as decent a piano sound/action as possible, however i like the idea of having all of the extra functions on the CVP series as well, as i like to write/record stuff. My budget at best would stretch as far as the the cvp305. Does anyone know the main practical differences between the 301/303/305 and the higher end CLP models? Any recommendations? Also if anyone would recommend something entirely different altogether i would be very interested in hearing. Anyway, sorry to ramble on for so long and thankyou in advance for any answers. They are most appreciated.

I know little about these models. I do have a pf500, and would recommend it, and I think Signa would too. It certainly would save you space over the CVP and CLP models, though it probably has fewer features. It's nice to have lots of open space under your keyboard, and I can store junk under it, as I have a tiny studio apt.

As per your requirements, it certainly has decent action, and the sound is fine, though a subwoofer wouldn't hurt. I know it has recording features, but I haven't explored them.

I would suggest checking out the Yamaha website, and then scouring the internet for prices. If you've got a Guitar Center near you, they'll match any price.
Anyone else know about these models?

I also have a pf500. it's quite an impressive instrument,

The Pf500 shares the same engine as the CLP170, the differences being different action, (GH vs. GH3) as well as a different built in sound system.

I agree with Greg about the sub, I have an M-Aduio LX4-2.1 surround sound setup (60 watt system w/Sub and two satelites) and it sounds tremendous.

I too have a PF500. It is essentially the CLP150 in a contemporary format, but with not quite the speaker strength (fixable of course with added speakers). I am happy with it and like the styling better than the faux wood cabinet pianos.

no, PF500 is not like CLP170 (not just GH vs. GH3 but more), but it is equivalent functionally to CLP150. i think CVP305 may have something in common with CLP150 too except some more sound samples and recording tracks.

CLP170 is like CVP307/309 minus some sound/recording functions as well.

the best way to find out the differences between CLPs and CVPs is to check out the specs at the Yamaha web site:

http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/Catalog/Catalog_GSXOXX/0,6363,CTID%253D203400%2526CNTYP%253DPRODUCT,00.html

levchik,

If what you're really after is the action and piano sound, I'd suggest two alternatives to the CVP series. The first alternative is the PF500 that others have suggested. The second alternative is the CLP175. That's the one with the mini-grand cabinet. It has Yammy's "natural keyboard." It's got wooden keys and a different action than the GH series. And I like the mini-grand shape;-)

The reason I'm suggesting these is that the CVP series has an immediate appeal, because of the accompaniments. But those are looped. You'll have to do a fair amount of work to program in any variety. If you're already at the stage where you're beginnning to record, those loops are not what you're after.

Instead of getting a CVP, consider getting into computer-based recording and putting your money into the apps, including a sampled piano. The included piano sounds of the top of the line CVPs (and the CLP175, I believe) are not more than 50 megs. A good sampled piano file is c.1 gig. Bigger is definitely is better, here.

If computer-based recording is a new subject for you, there are previous threads on this forum that you could check out. I've posted c.a half dozen times on this topic, and "Rodney" is an authority. If you can search via our posts, you'll quickly dig up those threads and see others' posts as well.

All the best,
DavidH