The new Privia PX-130 from Casio (available online for $500) is a nice model for those who want an inexpensive digital keyboard that has the feel of a real piano.
I tested it recently at a musical-instrument store and I liked what I heard and felt. Strike a chord with force, and it’s noticeably louder than a softly formed chord. The keys at the lower registers are slightly more stiff than in higher registers, just like an acoustic piano, and notes fade convincingly when using the sustain pedal.
The Privia PX-130 includes 16 sounds, such as harpsichord, bass or organ. (Changing instruments requires that you press a combination of two buttons, however, which is a bit clunky.) The keyboard offers a duet mode for student and teacher that duplicates a particular range on both ends of the keyboard.
This keyboard seems to be popular among shoppers: While I toyed with it, several customers interrupted to ask about its price and features. I can assure you it wasn’t my playing that spurred their interest. Rik Fairlie
