The Piano Man

I still own, and occasionally use live, the Rhodes 760 (essentially the U20 in a different format) Still looks pretty cool and I can quite imagine how cool it was to own that U20 back in 1990. The main piano sample is still useable in certain band contexts.

Can’t really add much to Scott’s reply. For me, the XE20 gives me a portable piano for wedding ceremonies/accompaniments etc. The built in quarter outs and the quality piano sample, powerful speakers and a reasonable hammer action at a very fair price (£599 UK) made it a no brainer. The Liano is superlight. Sometimes I prefer a semi weighted action if I have a long night of heavy playing in a band context. I could also see me purchasing Hammond and/or Rhodes/Wurly apps for iPad and using the Liano to control it. Sure, no drawbars for the Hammond but a nice keyboard action. The battery powered ability is a handy tool to have. I also have Grandstage 73 for when only the highest quality will do. In summary, I certainly don’t NEED all three but then again, I am sure we all understand the GAS!

I would say that the other sounds are not great but then one can expect too much! I have a vague memory of a previous discussion of a “Liano Pro” idea, adding - dedicated buttons for each sound - better EPs - simple zoning ala YC etc (2 sounds either side of a split) - proper line outs - pitch/mod wheels I am trying to remember what else we requested! Maybe this is expecting too much!

Arrived this weekend. I far prefer it to the Yamaha NP32. It just feels more substantial. I really quite like the keybed. Sort of reminds me of the old Technics keyboard actions on the old Roland EP line (EP7/77/760 etc) I knew I would like the main piano sound as I believe it is a version of the Korg Italian Grand which I have on my Grandstage and a similar one on my XE20. It is brilliantly light to carry as expected. It looks good too. No cheesy arranger keyboard vibes. Yes, I would like proper line outs for hooking things up and to maintain the onboard speakers when doing so. However, I have run a 3.5 to dual 6.3mm Y cable and fired right and left side respectively into a pair of EV ZXa1. It sounds really good. Plenty of cut for live sound but still plenty of body too. It does also sound decent in mono. Amazing what you can get for not a lot of money these days. And, as I have said previously, Korg have definitely finally hit the spot with acoustic piano sound replication. The Liano with a pair of battery speakers, such as the Bose S1, would make a pretty cool stereo piano rig for wedding ceremonies.

Interesting. I would love if there was a solution. Any other Ravenscroft IOS users having success on fast passages? My setup is iPad Pro 1st gen into a Korg Plugkey into an old Technics P30 stage piano but have had the same issue with other keyboard controllers. And have also tried an iPhone 12. I will give Korg Module a try in order to rule in/out Ravenscroft as an issue. I will also try Ravenscroft using Camera Connection Kit, thereby ruling in/out the Plugkey as an issue.

I love the sound of Ravenscroft for IOS but I find that, if I play quick passages, it lags too much, no matter what settings and even on the latest IOS devices. This is why I always return to hardware. The playability is always better. YMMV.

I like having: 1) a do it all 88. That’s my Kurzweil PC3a8 2) a gig worthy 73/76. All I have here is a very old Rhodes 760 which is overdue being replaced. I’m saving for a Hammond SK Pro 73 3) a very lightweight and compact 61 with plenty split layer options. I currently have a Korg X5d which I will probably replace with a Kross 2.

A warm and engaging presenter. Made the Yamaha Piaggero sound like a high end acoustic grand.

The figure of 8 (C7) power socket annoys me. I mean, why? In the UK, there was apparently some issue with the sockets and they ended up hardwiring the power cable on later releases, harking back to U20 and old Crumar Roadrunners. Not cool. Personally, I prefer the older Roland piano sounds (RD600/700/gx) being my favourites. I find the RD800 sounds better solo and through headphones but the older ones are better for live playing in my opinion.

I think the order was: RD700 SX GX NX 800 2000 Of course, newer is not always better but, in this case, I would recommend the GX over the SX, having played both. But your ps answers the question. That is, if you can get a Nord Stage 3, go for that unless you really like the Roland keyboard action over the Fatar TP40.

Markbass? Or Phil Jones? Or something else?

I suppose the external power supply issue on the DS is negated, somewhat, by the inclusion of battery operation ie no power cable at all, should one desire!

Groundbreaking advice! You’re probably right though I’ll continue to wait for an XP40! Or buy a YC61

But if the answer is… midi it to a better keyboard, get a decent case and bring a spare power supply, then I will be a touch disappointed!

Do tell…

I hear what you are saying but it is now 25 years old and it is frustrating that there isn’t a modern replacement. I guess the Yamaha YC61 is perhaps a decent alternative or the aforementioned Roland Juno X.

The XP30 included three expansions boards built in: Session (with arguably the best acoustic piano of the series), Orchestra and Techno. So, it was packed with sounds. It was also the most compact of the series. Finally, as mentioned, it has a relatively more modern memory card slot rather than a floppy drive.

Ah, perhaps I can answer my own question… The Juno X. I think it’s the closest despite not in anyway intended as an XP30 replacement!

Released in 1999: - a “best of” soundset - a solid keyboard action - an internal power supply - a sleek and slim compact design The perfect gigging tool? The RS5/50/Juno D/Di/Ds line offers compact design and portability but keyboard action is not as strong and the cabinet is inferior plastic design with external power supply The main Fantom line (Original, S, X, G and current 6 model) offers top sounds and internal power supply but it’s a hefty beast! The Xa/FA06/Fantom06 gets closer in terms of keyboard action but still an external power supply. Then there was the revised Jupiter line but neither replaced the XP30. So, I know it has been discussed before, but I think a modern Roland XP40 could sell very well.

Both the Kross 88 and Krome 88 are due an upgrade, so your wish may well come true. There is also the Vox Continental line.

Absolutely. Top tier portable stage piano with high end acoustic and electric pianos in a pro format: Grandstage is tough to beat. Lighter weight 88 with powerful built in speakers and strong acoustic piano sounds, eg a wedding ceremony board: XE20 is very tough to beat. Portable battery powered 88 key with semi weighted action and strong acoustic piano sound: Liano is tough to beat. (At least I am crossing my fingers as I haven’t actually tried it out)

I have connected a Dore Midi USB Host and it allowed me to control my old Roland XV3080 from the XE20, mainly for adding bass patches. The old JV bass card is still competitive imho. I was also able to compare the old SRX02 pianos to those on the XE20. The Korg was much much better and, I know it is 20 years newer but, I was still surprised how much better it sounded.

These forums are bad for my gas. Have just bought a Korg Liano to go with my Grandstage and XE20. 20 years ago when I first started gigging, I would have never guessed I would become such a Korg fan when acoustic piano sounds has been my primary consideration. The latest Korgs are, in my view, incredibly competitive on acoustic piano sounds.

Has anyone compared the Liano to the Yamaha NP range? If so, what were your thoughts on keyboard action and piano sound? I have a Yamaha NP32 and it’s a handy tool but the narrow keys are a frustration and I do find myself struggling to control the touch response sometimes. That is, a note will sometimes sound too loudly etc.