If I want to play the piano, is a keyboard a good start?

Question:

If I want to play the piano, is a keyboard a good start?

I want to learn to play the paino, but I don't have the money or the space to get one right now. Is learning on a keyboard a helpful start to get the basics? Also, are there any good keyboards for around $100?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Right now, Musician's Friend is having a moving sale. You can find keyboards there for under $100. However, I am a piano judge for competitions in NY. You will want to play a REAL piano as much as possible. If you must start on a keyboard, then get the most NOTES (61 at least, 76 if you can) and the most POLYPHONY, so notes do not drop out on you when you play with both hands and the pedal. The number of instruments sound or voices does not matter at all, unless you are into composing multi-layer things - and then, your computer's sound card will do that all for you anyway! Yes, you will need a sustain ("damper") pedal. And headphones will allow you to practice in privacy. You can also connect the keyboard to your computer, and even download free instructional programs that will help you learn how to play!