Enjoyed reading the replies,(re the Barbie piano link...is it available in other colours? Pink just isn't my colour LOL!)

"Played with proper regard for the room, and other performers, an electric piano is OK by me." I agree with this..especially if you substitute 'electric piano' with the words 'musical instrument'.

Also, likewise with... "The crucial bit with all of them is that in the wrong hands they can be awful, just as they can be wonderful when in sympathetic hands."

I have listened to some wonderful musicians play all sorts of instruments. I have also heard some dreadful 'attacks' on instruments...people playing instruments with no awareness of others and the time and place they are playing.

In my humble opinion, your musical instrument should almost become part of you when you play, you should play it with feeling, empathy towards the venue, audience and occasion. When I take my accordion to sessions, I join in quietly and try to compliment rather than compete with the music. I am not saying that I am a perfect,virtuous, never make a mistake, performer, just that I do try to consider others. I have heard some accordion players blast everyone's eardrums and drown quieter instruments out.

So if boogie piano is required, fine, likewise with a classical piece or piano ballad...
All I would like to have, is the opportunity to use my piano in the place of an absent 'real' one.

"As a purist, I stayed away from elec for many years, then when it came time to replace my piano I got an electric one." The electric piano has advanced tremendously, I am very fortunate (in my piano-loving view, anyway!)to have an upright piano, plus keyboards, an old Clavinova and a quite recently acquired stage piano. I also thought that an electric piano would be a poor replacement for a traditional one, but with weighted keys and the opportunity to even alter the amount they are weighted, to suit the player, I think they have a very well-justified place as a decent instrument.

Thanks for replying. Good to hear what others think.