The Piano Man

Bonners Music in Eastbourne stock them, so I am sure someone will have seen them. I’m up in the North East of Scotland so an 8 hour drive to Bonners for me! The stores up here basically just stock low end Yamahas and Casios

I never see anyone playing a Dexibell but I guess they must be doing okay if they are still releasing new models. Am I right in saying that Dexibell is ex Roland Europe? I know looks aren’t the most important thing but… I get that they need to carve their own niche (and it works for Nord) but I am really not a fan of the color/design of the Dexibell boards. I think it would be cool if they brought out an all black model and/or a black model with wooden end panels. In terms of substance/features, I’d like to see Dexibell add internal power supplies with C14 socket and to offer more flexibility zoning/split/layering options. The sound quality certainly seems decent. And I presume the fatar actions are decent too.

I think the P-S500 is intended to fill this gap. I get it, it’s the GHS action and more plastic construction than the P515, but I just don’t see how a P525 fits in to the range without being very pricey. The P-S500 is coming in at a similar price to the P515.

Yamaha CK61 and CK88 Hammond XK4 Nord Stage 4 Adding to these, I predict… Korg will add some new color options for the SV2 Roland will release something very underwhelming, like FP10-x and a new gig bag for their V Accordion range! (I suppose they could refresh the Juno DS line) A RD2000 replacement would be cool but perhaps not quite yet. Kawai could have a new MP model? Any other predictions?

I have a feeling I have asked this sort of question before but couldn’t find the thread. Here’s the thing… I really like the Yamaha NP30/31/32. For me, I like the semi weighted action and the bright piano sound. I also love how light the board is. My only issue: I need proper line outs. If I use the headphone out, I lose the built in speakers. So, what are my options? I could get a Yamaha P121 but I actually prefer the semi weighted NP action. I would also lose the battery option. Is there any other workaround or other option? I see Korg Liano has taken the same course. Semi weighted, nice bright sound, light weight to carry, battery powered option and built in speakers but no proper outputs. I think there might be a Casio that has the spec but I just don’t like the Casio sound or action. Here’s hoping for a new, slighter more pro Yamaha NP model. Probably wishful thinking!

Yamaha LC61 keyboard action. Pretty decent action and much better than so many modern synths. Internal power supply too.

RD1000 and Korg TR rack? Nice.

Could that indicate an Elton John-esque approach? That is, a real piano with midi sensors connecting to some hideaway digital module or something?

Opened this thread hoping that Yamaha or QSC had re-purposed one of their powered speaker lines in the case/shape of a Roland KC with several inputs etc. I would buy one! KC functionality with QSC K sound quality = winning “combo”

Think I have solved my own problem… Found Organ Flutes on the Orchestral expansion and then discovered some pipe scenes in Bank E on the RD. Thanks all

I have an RD88. I need a few church/pipe organ sounds to get through a wedding ceremony gig. I do have MarcMoerd on iPad, which is very good, but as it is only a few hymns, I am looking just to use the RD88’s internal sounds. I cannot find anything on the unit so thought I might get something on the Roland Cloud. There does not appear any way to search for church organs, so… any ideas which volume/pack might have what I need? I have a vague memory that SRX06 (orchestra) had a few but thought I would ask in case there is a better option on one of the other expansions. Thanks!

Intrigued by your choice of Bose 802 for keys monitoring. I had a pair for general PA use and, even using with the Panaray controller, I found that I got much better sound with my QSC K10s. However, I never did try the 802 for just keys. Do you mind me asking your setup in terms of controller and amp? And is it Series 2 or 3? Also, what keyboards/sounds are you putting through it? I wouldn’t rule out giving it a try as 802s often come up at a fair price locally. Thanks!

As the OP, I can perhaps provide a short update. Firstly, I haven’t bought any new hardware yet. GAS has taught me that it is always good to delay any purchase at least a little. In the meantime, I have really been enjoying exploring some iPad apps. I already own Ravenscroft and iFretless. Have been demo-ing Korg module and Neo Soul Keys. Very impressed. I also see Hammond B3-x, but the price has put me off so far. Anyway, despite searching and experimenting, I have not worked the answer to these two questions… 1. Is there a host type app that allows you to load in various iOS soft synths (Ravenscroft, Neo Soul etc.) and set up your controller to make program changes. That is, could I use a basic keyboard like my Korg X5, Alesis QS6.1 or Rhodes 760 and use the buttons/switches on the synth to switch between, say Ravenscroft and Neo Soul? I have Korg Plugkey to hook it all up. Alternatively, is there a good iPad or iPhone mount that affixes to a keyboard X stand, available in the UK? 2. Can two midi keyboards use different sounds on one iOS device? That is, could I put Ravenscroft on channel 1 and Neo Soul on channel 2 and then put my Alesis on 1 and my Korg on 2? And use a single Korg plugkey and single IOS device? If not, is there an alternative method, short of using two IOS devices and two Plugkeys? Perhaps I need a Plugkey alternative with two midi ins? Thanks!

Indeed. Over the years, I have spent a lot of time searching for the reverb setting to get the piano leakage out of my assigned/panned acoustic bass output. Having flirted with the joy of stereo piano samples, I have come to the conclusion that they only really work in a live setting if the performer either i) uses decent stereo in ear monitoring or ii) uses very high end stereo monitor speakers, such as RCF TT/Nexo/Logic/d&b etc. This came most to the fore when I owned a Nord Stage 2 ex. So, I now embrace mono piano samples. It’s all about trial and error with different samples, L output, R output, blocking the unused output etc etc. Ultimately I subscribe to “if it sounds good it is good” and “most of the audience don’t notice the difference.” (or aren’t sitting in a position to benefit from stereo in any case!)

I just assumed boards would have panning as a feature. It’s such a basic feature! My ancient Rhodes 760 has it (A 76 key Roland U20 essentially) The Rhodes 760, though very dated, also allows six sounds to be layered and/or split left and right. It also has a C14 power connector with internal supply. It’s also only 10kg. They don’t make ‘en like they used to! Maybe I should just use the Rhodes 760 and see if the audience notice the piano sound is from 1985 or whatever!

Thanks for the recommendation. One major issue, for me at least, with the Numa is that it has neither output assign nor panning. In other words, I will not be able to send the piano to one output and bass to the other. I cannot believe they don’t have panning in as an option!?!

You interpreted correctly. But I did confuse things by listing the Nautilus 73 as an option. I generally like the lighter feeling hammer actions. By this, I mean TP40L, GH3, Technics P30 etc. I also quite like the Yamaha balanced hammer and even can handle the GHS. But I also like the semi weighted piano style actions such as those on the older Roland EP77, EP760 (I think a Matsushita/Technics design). I have heard good things about the Vox Continental keybed (is it the Korg LS action?) I wonder if the Korg B2n has the same? It would be great if all manufacturers listed the exact keyboard action model number. And I can just about get by on the best quality semi weighted synth actions. I remember liking the Korg Triton Pro (presumably a Yamaha FS action). Also heard that the Korg M3 had a great semi weighted action (on 61 and 73 key models) Not sure if Nautilus is the same or a lighter version. The Kross/Krome is absolute junk in my opinion. You know, for a very low cost semi weighted action, the Yamaha NP range is really surprisingly good, despite the keys being on the small side. Maybe I should consider the Kurzweil SP6-7 and just get a flightcase/soft case with a compartment for the power supply. Thanks as ever for the really quality responses.

Absolutely!! I actually have the P30 and its successor, the silver P50. Both very nice and compact boards. Very much ahead of their time. The hidden Rhodes sound is brilliant.

Thanks Mike! I actually own an Alesis QS6.1 Is the Jazz piano card a good upgrade? I certainly dislike the stock piano sound!

Hello all, I know there have been a few of these threads but here goes… Currently I use - 88 key stage piano (an old Technics model) - Korg X5dr module - Peavey keyboard amp - DI to FOH I have already made one upgrade. I have an EV ZXa1 monitor which will replace the keyboard amp. Better sound in all respects. All I typically need is 1 - Decent bright acoustic piano sounds 2 - A wurly and rhodes 3 - An upright bass patch I would like to move on from the 88 key piano and module setup to a single board (73 or 76 keys) with all the required sounds. Semi weighted keys are fine though I do prefer the piano style keys to the synth style keys. Crucially, I need a board that can layer two sounds in the bottom half of a split. For the type of music I do, I need piano and bass layered in the bottom half, and a single piano sound in the top half. Extra wish would be an internal power supply with C14 socket and a max weight of around 35lbs (15kg or so) Any thoughts? So far, the boards that I think cover the above needs are: Yamaha CP73 Nord Piano 5 73 (pricey!!!) Nord Electro 6d 73 Korg Nautilus 73 (not sure about the keyboard action) Anything I have missed out?

Looks like they changed their mind and decided not to make the L1. No further info since the January 2021 video, whereas the other piano in the video (LP380u) has been available for quite a while. AnotherScott’s point about the cocktail hour is a good one. Definite niche in market for sleek piano at low weight (probably semi weighted to keep the weight down) with very powerful inbuilt speakers. A great one board solution potentially.

I like Ravenscroft best. I also tried Colossus and Pure Piano. Others have mentioned the Ivory expansion for Korg Module, though I have not tried it. My only issue with all iOS pianos is the very very very slight latency. Not so noticeable playing slow but becomes apparent when playing faster staccato passages etc. Also, I find the Ravenscroft disappointing in mono. It sounds great through headphones in stereo but I often monitor in mono for convenience. Even monitoring in stereo through a pair ZXa1 was not as good as I felt it should be. I always found myself going back to the immediacy of my hardware options such as Kurz PC3x, Roland RD88 and even an old Technics P50. I think you mentioned in another thread you use a pair of DXR10 Jim? Great monitors. Perhaps you will find a way to make the Ravenscroft work. It is certainly a very rich sample and sounds great at home in decent headphones. It really outshines many hardware options in that environment, in my opinion. (Speaking of top quality samples, I actually had the same view on Nords actually. Great in the home in headphones. No use for me when playing live.) Let us know how you get on if you buy Ravenscroft. How do the SK Pro pianos compare to the SK1? I owned the SK1-73.

PC4 looks good but still loving my PC3x. I know they divide opinion but I love the Triple Strike pianos. The Studio Grand with a touch of longer release edited in works for me. It cuts through so well but still has plenty body. I used to own a Nord Piano and the sound was just lost when playing live. It didn’t matter what program I used or what setup. The PC3x, even in mono, into a EV ZXa1 is almost perfect for me. Just a little bassy when I go direct in without a mixer. So, one slightly OT question: I see the PC4 has onboard eq via knobs. Can I adjust the low, mid and hi eq on the PC3 and, if so, how? step by step guide would be amazing!! Looking for the quickest way to take some low end out of the Studio Grand program.

I’ll try… SP Series - stage pianos - focus on piano and other sounds in a simple format - recent moves to focus on portability - decent zoning/multi capabilities - single pair of audio outputs - wallwart power supply PC Series - mid range - zoning/multis - huge sound range - sequencer - extra pair of outputs - wallwart power supply The PC3 was an anomaly as it was, I believe, designed for Andrew Lloyd Weber. It is therefore more high end in terms of build/internal power supply etc. But if you look at PC2 and PC4, they fit the above criteria (albeit the PC2 may not have had the extra outputs!) K Series - the ultimate high end model To me, the Artis was an attempt at a high end stage piano to compete with RD2000 etc and the Forte was the same idea at a higher level. The Forte was then updated such that it became a PC3 successor (after PC3x, PC3k and PC3a variants) The new SP7 Grand confuses things a little more. Perhaps it should have been given an Artis or Forte branding. Anyway, personally, I love Kurzweil. They might even be my favourite brand. The sounds are excellent, particularly acoustic type instruments. The UI is really straightforward in my view, yet also very very deep on some models. My only complaint with recent models has been the design. I love the PC2/3 SP76 type classic styling. I am not so keen on SP6, PC4. However, I suspect the shape is something to do with trying to keep the weight down with a plastic design. It’s a bit like the Yamaha MOFX etc. These models are always quite light but just look so bulky. I like what Roland have done with the RD88. Quite a nice classic design and shape and nice and light. Also Korg with the D1. That’s my idea of style.