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.
Looking at craigslist as well as your local classified ads might result in finding some excellent deals on used pianos, though you may be responsible for delivery, whereas the above dealers will take care of that for you.
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.
For more information on shopping for a piano or a keyboard, I recommend you visit www.know-your-keyboard-piano.com. It is a very helpful site that might make your quest a little simpler!
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.)
Also necessary for piano study (whether you purchase a piano or an electronic keyboard) is a good adjustable footstool, which can be found at www.ymonline.com for about $50, though any hard, sturdy, flat, adjustable surface may do.
If you come across any other dealers in the area, please let me know so I can include it in this list!
Piano Shopping in Chicago
