What is a good cheap keyboard/piano to buy if I want to start learning to play?

-I want to learn to play a keyboard, synthesizer or piano (something electric though), but I don't know where to start looking, because I know the good brands and they are expensive, and I can probably go and buy a cheap one on eBay that would be really bad, I don't know where to draw the line.I find that Costco of all places can occasionally have some really decent and cheap keyboards for purchase. One of my family members is a piano teacher and I know that she has often times referred many of her beginning piano students looking for a keyboard to Costco as well.
casio has resonable ones ...
Get to your local music store and try them out and/or take someone with you who is already into piano and can help make a decision. Never shop (buy) over the Internet for anything you are not familiar with and have some experience with a particular product.



Casio is a good start when it comes to electronic/digital keyboards. Yamaha makes a fine line of consumer models as being the same in quality and performance. Another, more for those a bit more serious but not too expensive is Williams.



All of these brands can offer up keyboards that provide either 'touch sensitive' or actual, physical weighted keys (more expensive a feature) to have that real piano feel for the hands. And, many have the usual different modes of play as piano, organ, chorus, synthesizer, etc. Also, many have the background band or orchestral accompaniments as well to play along with.



You will pay out more for any additional features each will provide over the other.



For now, stay away from the more professional 'controllers' and synths as they usually need additional amplification and electronics, or digital enhancements to get out all they were made for. Including monitor speakers for the full ranges of expression. And they are overpriced. (Roland, Rhodes, Kurzweil, Korg and even Yamaha.)



Consumer keyboards and digital pianos will have all that already built ito their units, enough for any player to be satisfied with. Just that they aren't 'decked out' to perform on a large stage and in an auditorium. Of which they can, but would need additional add-ons as well.



I myself have a Casio 'workstation' that has done well for about the last 10 years.