For parents interested in finding a suitable starter piano, the following dealers come highly recommended and several of them you may check out online.
7655 Roosevelt Rd
Forest Park, IL 60130
(708) 771-1890
They have a large selection and also have rentals (which they allow to go towards the price of purchasing the piano).
3640 W Dempster
Skokie, IL 60076
(847) 679-9160
They have a selection of used pianos.
5907 N Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 334-4400
They also have rentals.
(847) 480-7353
Displaying a large variety of models and price ranges, they currently have good used pianos starting at $750 and up. By appointment only.
123 Greenbay Road
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 256-5226
This is where I have previously purchased my pianos. They are very helpful and cooperative.
Keyboards:
If you must use a keyboard, it is essential that it has 88 touch-sensitive (or weighted) keys and at least a damper pedal. Do not purchase used keyboards.
Listed below are some keyboards that fit the requirements:
Casio PX100
Casio PX110
Casio wk 8000
Casio px-700
Suzuki C-11
Yamaha dgx 620
All of the above keyboards can be found at Costco, Best Buy, and/or Circuit City with price ranges of $600 to $1,000, though this is often more costly than purchasing a used piano off of Craigslist. (A bench and an adjustable stand must also be purchased with an electronic keyboard.)