I'm looking to get my 9 year old a Keyboard for X-Mas and saw this Casio Keyboard (CTK-496/CTK-720) for $79.99. She is taking piano lessons at her Mom's and was thinking of getting this Keyboard so she can practice at my home. Is this a good Keyboard? If so, is it a good price? Is their a better one I should consider? Now that I think of it, does a Keyboard and a piano have the same key lay-out?
Thanks for anyone's help on this

From doing a quick search on these keyboards, just be aware that they are cheap, beginner keyboards. They are only 61 keys instead of a full piano keyboard of 88 keys. The keys are also not weighted piano-type keys. It would depend on how much these factors would matter to a 9 year old. She perhaps would not be practicing any pieces that would require more than the 61 keys on the Casio, but in my opinion, I think it would be beneficial to have as close to a actual piano keyboard as possible. It may throw her off practicing on lighter keys all week long and then switching to playing on a piano. It may be worth an investment in a good, full 88-key keyboard with weighted keys. Yamaha is one company that makes good ones and used ones can often be found at good prices.

Joe thanks for that info,I know nothing about this so that helps a lot. Have to hunt around and research this. If anyone has anywhere to start looking for good place to buy(on-line or B/M) I would really appreciate it.

I'm not sure of the best place to buy, but here's one link to the Yamaha keyboards carried by Musician's Friend:

http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfrien...+200996+338018

The P series are supposed to be good. There's a P-85 that selling for $599. If you have a music store that sells these keyboards you could get a first hand look to see what may be suitable. You can probably find good used deals on Craigs List or eBay also.

Hot Deal!