jcalais

Especially in Europe with exorbitant electricity prices, it’s perfectly normal. The prices just went from like 4 cents per kWh to 40 or even 70 last winter. That made everyone count kWhours really attentively. Now the prices have gone down - in some cases a lot, but the reflex to check prices is still there. A lot of us now have stock-bound contracts, so whatever the current rate for electricity is what we are paying.

That means we all have apps (mine is on my Apple Watch) and whenever the stock price is low we start our saunas, washing machines, ac:s etc. Currently the price is 4 cents per kWh and since the price is determined 24 hours in advance, I can see that the whole day will have similarly cheap electricity.

I knew there was a reason I didn’t buy Diablo IV yet.

“I didn’t need tickets” is the right answer.

Imogene, would you like a Gooseberry-cinnamon yogurt?

Meanwhile, a lot of other apps have “not affiliated with Instagram” as a disclaimer as their first line of the description. I was wondering if Apple requires it or even automated it somehow.

God for you! When someone only takes energy from you and never gives it, you’re usually better off without them. Hope the future is brighter.

I’m using it without vpn from Finland. Why would you need vpn?

Just a quick note: There is a new Casio design piano (PX-S7000) that costs around 2500. I tried it today and to be frank, it doesn't bring that much more to the table compared to the USD 500 PX-S1100, so I would not recommend it unless your have extra cash and design is something you value above all else. Good luck finding a good instrument!

Oh and about maintenance and repairs. Short answer: no, I don’t think you need to worry about any maintenance for at least 10 years and then, you’d be better served buying a new instrument. Your mileage may vary and sometimes these instruments break. The better you treat them (no liquids, no slamming, no dropping, no exposure to direct sunshine all day), the better they usually last. In normal use a normally functioning piano will last you a long time with no maintenance save for wiping it with a damp cloth if the keys feel sticky. An acoustic piano will require at least a hundred dollars of maintenance per year if you want it to work and sound properly. Digitals are almost free in comparison.

Also: a good pair of headphones is good to have. It is important the pianist feels they can practice without remorse or wondering if they are disturbing others. The possibility to play silently is one of the main reasons for getting a digital instrument.

There is a pretty vast difference between a digital and an acoustic and for advanced players it is a real concern: they should get to practice on a real instrument. But that is after playing for 10 years and if the pianist is gifted. “Normal” players playing for their own amusement can play on a digital all their lives in my opinion. I’ve been playing for 42 years and I still have a Kawai upstairs and a hybrid Yamaha downstairs as my main piano and I am between advanced and very advanced these days.

The Casio PX series has received fairly good reviews. I didn’t much care for the older models, but the new (and very slim) PX-S1100 and the slightly older S1000 felt pretty nice. I think it would serve you well. One thing to keep in mind is that I don’t recommend the X shaped stands. They are cheap, but ultimately get in the way of learning to use the pedals as well as are really annoying when they get in the way of the legs.

A new pianist can maybe get away without using a pedal for the first year, but it is an essential part of playing and depending on the teacher, it will be needed sooner than later.

Kawai ES-110 and 120 are great. Also Yamaha P125 and Roland FP30 are great beginner pianos. Naturally also the higher numbers from those mentioned.

I’ve been playing for 42 years now and I just purchased (for the second time) a Kawai ES-110. I’m sort of in awe about how good it is for he price. Feels awesome to play. My primary instrument is a Yamaha NU1X hybrid.