I spent several hours over two weekends choosing a digital piano. I eventually settled on the Roland HP605.
I decided on a digital piano instead of an acoustic because a digital piano takes up less space, can be played silently using headphones, does not need to be tuned and would likely be considerably cheaper.
Amongst digital pianos I considered models from Yamaha, Kawai, Roland and Casio. Yamaha and Kawai were quickly ruled out because their quality digital models (NU1, CA67 and CA97) cost substantially more than comparable models for the other brands. Within my budget of $5000, getting a Yamaha or Kawai would mean settling for their lower end models.
Although within the price range, I ruled out the Roland LX15 for its bulk. Finally at the store I narrowed it down to the Casio GP300, Roland HP605 and Roland HP603.
It was a tough choice. I finally ruled out the HP603 because of its limited sound projection. I chose the HP605 over the GP300 because:
GP300 had a clacking sound. This hinted at a risk of mechanical noise or even failure of the full wooden keys.
Higher expected wear of fully wooden keys on the Casio
Wider range of voices on the Roland
More intuitive interface and placement of jacks for the Roland
Keys on the Roland feel better, according to Aaron. More ivory feel.
Slightly lower price for the Roland
