Jo seems to think I’ve done o.k. with the 2 pieces learnt so far, time to move on to more tunes and a new(ish) chord position. Well sort of new, it’s that G7 again, but this time on my right hand. Now this does feel weird. Fingers 4&5 aren’t programmed in my mind to work that way.
Mind you, got used to it fairly quickly on the left hand. Talking of the left hand, these pieces require melody to be played on the left also, which isn’t as bad as I thought.
Will try and post a Mp3 of the efforts so far, however connecting the MacBook is a chore at present – so maybe not just yet.
First one is a tune called Merrily We Roll Along (possibly London Bridge – it is an American book)
The right hand is fairly simple, but this time the left is playing chords. Going from C to G7
Second tune is Largo from the New World (think Hovis advert)
Again the alternating C to G7 chord on the left took a while to get used to. Still think I’ve nailed it now. Maybe just need to work on the timing. Will try to hook up the MacBook to record and score the 2 tunes.
Seemed to go well, though I think Jo may have to get used to me jumping ahead of my ability on occasion. Most important thing for me is I’m starting to read music and use my left hand for more than a single note.
I’m still not overly convinced about the sound of 7th chords, but I’m sure in time (and when the fingering gets better) it’ll sound better. I’m starting at fairly basic level of book, but still there’s a lot which I cannot do. Biggest thing for me will be the sight reading, currently I memorise the pieces before playing. I’ll get there.
2nd lesson next Thursday (long weekend knackered it up a bit for Monday).
Well, all seems to be going well. Enjoying plinking and plonking along. So I decided to upgrade…….
Casio PX-320
…..so it’s a Casio. Famous for their 80’s calculators, watches, mini keyboards and sometimes a device that combines all 3!
I decided on the Casio after a little bit of playing with different keyboards. First on my list was the M-Audio ProKeys 88. Which on paper (and in real life) is an outstanding bit of kit for £360. I tried it and didn’t like the keyboard. So that was off. Next up was a choice amongst the following:
The Casio CDP – 200 is a nice keyboard (as with all tried, the weighted hammer action was good), only issue with the CDP-200 is the pedals or pedal, as it only supported 1. The PX-720 on the other hand had all 3 pedal built in the stand (unit came complete with piano/stand/pedals). Sound wise, this was superb. The built in speakers were great. But feature wise it seemed weak compared to the CDP-200.
Yamaha on the other hand are considered to be ‘the best’ according to a poll on Uk-Piano forum. It was indeed a great bit of kit. But again seemed lacking feature wise. For £50 more the Casio PX-720 had the pedals and stand. Short supply of the P85 and accessories was also a consideration.
Looking around on the internets I read that the Casio keyboards tended to be noisy. So I had a look, they were a little, but then again the Yamaha seemed to be similar. Confused (as usual) I turned the ever reliable internet (yeah right) and looked around again.
I found another Casio, the PX-320. This was selling for around £499, but with no stand/pedals. But it seemed to be better specified piano compared to the PX-720. Looking at the specifications the PX-720 is more of a PX-120 in a better cabinet. That’s not to be disingenuous about either the PX-120 or PX-720. So the search for a retailer with it on display started. Epic fail. Fairdeal music had them, but not on display. In fairness to Fairdeal, they had all the others which I tried. Other music shops in Brum seem to concentrate on Guitars. Understandably we are the home to Sabbath and all budding guitarists need an Axe. The larger stores (Refurb and PMT) had a selection of Roland keyboards but not much else. Oh Well.
So I turned to the Internet and found a site (www.gear4music.com) knocking the PX-320 and stand out for £499. Only thing missing was the pedals, I did look locally, but it was easier to purchase from Gear4Music. So I did. £555 all in (inc £7 postage!). Looking around at the site they have the PX-120, stand and pedals for £449, which is a great price.
Reading a few sites, most seem to be very happy with the Casio. Can’t wait for it to arrive now. The pedals are awaiting delivery, so it’ll slow the order down to the 9th April. But I’m busy knocking holes in walls that week.
Also as a plus, the M-Audio keyboard I bought has gone up in price. So hopefully can shift it for what I paid for.
