My Final Digital Piano

[RonH]

I'm a 65 year old semi-retired pianist. I have used synths in days past, but I am basically a piano plunker who has written, arranged and produced for recording studio sessions for many years (over 40), in addition to performing live. I recently sold my Roland RD600, along with my positively ancient Roland U20 synth, 27 year old Peavey KB300 amp, Ultimate Support stand and the rest of my related performing gear. In my semi-retirement now, I wish to purchase the LAST digital piano (NOT synth, NOT workstation - - STAGE PIANO) that I will subsequently utilize until I exit this mortal life. I am not(and have NEVER been) intrigued by technological evolution. I want the best weighted action stand alone board incorporating the best onboard true acoustic sounds (without 8-10- funky, derivative,off-the-wall tonal degradations)of piano, EP, organ, orchestral voices and brass and string sections. Would those who understand and appreciate my desire for superlative, cutting edge quality married to basic operational simplicity please render a recommendation for my last stage piano? (over the course of the past quarter century, I have purchased 3 Roland pianos (the 300S, the 500, and the 600) after auditioning them head-to-head against comparable models from Yamaha, Kurzweil and Korg. I have tended to strongly favor Roland's action and sounds, but I don't appreciate their overkill on quirky variational tones. Thanks.

[BernMeister]

This is always a touchy topic (no pun intended). I would suggest you listen to an online demo of the Nord piano. The sound is quite impressive. And if you go beyond just the piano sounds, listen to their Nord Stage 2. If you like either one, then try one out in person. As for the keyboard, it is definitely different from the Roland feel, so that may or may not be to your liking.

 

Alternatively, the Yamaha CP1 comes to mind; great sound. Again, action is a toss-up. Roland's latest crop of stage pianos is another possibility.

 

While there is, realistically, no such thing as a final piano (let alone a digital one), in the end (no pun intended here either), there's only one way to decide if any of the latest crop will suit you; try them out at your local dealer.

 

 

[SK]

I'm a 65 year old semi-retired pianist. I have used synths in days past, but I am basically a piano plunker who has written, arranged and produced for recording studio sessions for many years (over 40), in addition to performing live. I recently sold my Roland RD600, along with my positively ancient Roland U20 synth, 27 year old Peavey KB300 amp, Ultimate Support stand and the rest of my related performing gear. In my semi-retirement now, I wish to purchase the LAST digital piano (NOT synth, NOT workstation - - STAGE PIANO) that I will subsequently utilize until I exit this mortal life. I am not(and have NEVER been) intrigued by technological evolution. I want the best weighted action stand alone board incorporating the best onboard true acoustic sounds (without 8-10- funky, derivative,off-the-wall tonal degradations)of piano, EP, organ, orchestral voices and brass and string sections. Would those who understand and appreciate my desire for superlative, cutting edge quality married to basic operational simplicity please render a recommendation for my last stage piano? (over the course of the past quarter century, I have purchased 3 Roland pianos (the 300S, the 500, and the 600) after auditioning them head-to-head against comparable models from Yamaha, Kurzweil and Korg. I have tended to strongly favor Roland's action and sounds, but I don't appreciate their overkill on quirky variational tones. Thanks.

I understand/appreciate what you're looking for. The best answer will depend on what you can afford.

[Steve Nathan]

There are several great choices if money is no object.

Please provide your budget and let the compromising begin :-)

[Sven Golly]

What I'm not gleaning from your thread is whether you actually need a *portable* DP. Is this for home? If so, look into the Yamaha Avant Grand. If not, check out the Roland FP7F and V-Piano ("portable" means different things to different people ).

 

Welcome to the Keyboard Corner!

 

[Dave Ferris]

I In my semi-retirement now, I wish to purchase the LAST digital piano (NOT synth, NOT workstation - - STAGE PIANO) that I will subsequently utilize until I exit this mortal life. I am not(and have NEVER been) intrigued by technological evolution. I want the best weighted action stand alone board incorporating the best onboard true acoustic sounds (without 8-10- funky, derivative,off-the-wall tonal degradations)of piano, EP, organ, orchestral voices and brass and string sections.

 

I hear you loud and clear Ron. Unfortunately in today's world, most people can't make do with just "one sound". Almost every "DP" today with the exception of the Avant Grand and V-Piano (and even those still have variations) will have some kind of Rhodes, DX7, Wurlitzer sounds in them.

 

Possibilities:

 

Yamaha Avant Grand- comes in 3 models. As close to an Acoustic action as you're going to get from a digital keyboard. The samples are good, not great but very good. The sound is highly dependent on the AG's internal sound system and the realism of its action. They're expensive--in another league, price wise, from all other MI offerings.

 

Roland V Piano- less pricey then the AG. Still in the neighborhood of 4-5K though. Many Roland fans love them, I'm not a huge fan but that's me.

 

Back to MI world.

 

Yamaha CP1-the highest price MI DP on the market. The sound and action are subjective. For every 5 people that love the new Yamaha SCM technology and NW action, you'll find 5 that hate it. I have the Yamaha CP5,it's a good compromise weight (for gigging) and price wise to the CP1. It has the same basic CF Grand sound found in the CP I. The entry level CP50 has the older graded Yamaha action and the same basic CF Grand sound found in both the CP1/5. Good value, the 50s can be had for around $1350.

 

If you're not crazy about the Yamaha sound, the Roland RD700NX or FP7f might be to your liking.

I think the 700NX is the nicest stage DP Roland has ever produced. The FP7f has the speakers in it, that's pretty cool too. Again, no getting around "other sounds", it's part of the sonic landscape today.

 

Kawai has two excellent models out. The MP10 which arguably might have the best action for a "stage dp". And a scaled down version with different action but some of the same piano samples, the MP6.

 

You can even look at the Nord Piano. It might just strike your fancy. It's one of those keyboards where I think an experienced pianist either loves it or hates it within 60 seconds.

 

Many people swear by the Kurzweil piano sounds--I'm not one of them but I wouldn't rule them out. I'm not a fan of the Fatar action they use. I'm not up on all the latest models although I did play their new SP4-8 at Namm. The sound was good but the overall piano player connection felt like a toy to me.

 

Those are the main ones but there are others too like Casio , Studiologic.

The Korg SP250 is good for the price, you might want to look at that.

 

Other then that my best recommendation would be to get a real piano.

[RonH]

My sincere thanks to you all for your assistive recommendations. I desire a board which sports a less than $2,000 purchase price, weighs in the neighborhood of 40 pounds, features sparse, simple, intuitive controls with dedicated buttons, and incorporates high quality piano, EP, organ, solo orchestra voices, brass ensembles and string sections inclusively (for my studio work). I'm involved in gospel, blues, classic R&B and country genre recordings. I do not need (or want) the sound of an extremely flatulent drunken monkey doing his best Rod Stewart imitation. This will truly constitute my final instrument purchase. Needless to say, I'm not a technogeek. I do not tweak, edit, create or update sounds. The forthcoming stage piano will be used AS IS - - right out of the box. Thanks for your help.

[Dave Ferris]

Well then that might be the Kurz SP4-8. Don't take my word for it, play it for yourself. I might have been in one of my typical grumpy moods when I was auditioning it, also Namm is not the optimum place for even hearing a friggin' ukulele much less a keyboard.

 

I think the "other sounds" of the Kurz might be of higher quality then your typical stage DP. I don't for sure if they are exactly the same sound engine has the PC3X, that would make a big difference.

[reidmc]

Before you buy anything, make sure you demo a Kawai mp6 and a Roland FP7f. (Make sure you play the 7f, not the 7.) IMHO these should be the best bets for you based on your criteria.

[MoodyBluesKeys]

I have not played the Kurz SP4-8, but I've owned its bigger brother, the PC3X, since March, 2008. It is excessive to your needs in having about 1,000 factory patches; but you won't find better orchestrals, I'm very satisfied with the Wurly and Rhodes sounds, and the Hammond/Leslie emulation has been improved to the point that I frequently don't take my Nord Electro 3. I liked it well enough to buy a PC3 a year later for gigging (76 key, lighter weight to carry). I'm 69, BTW, and don't like carrying heavy stuff around.

 

Acoustic pianos - one seems to either like or hate the Kurz piano sound. I'm in the camp that likes it. It has at least 4 good solo pianos including the "Pro Piano" which has extended dynamic range, and also has Blues Piano, which is a good mono patch that cuts through in a band, or Rock Piano, more cutting.

 

Even though there are lots of other sounds, particular ones are easily selected. Price wise, if you find a dealer that still has them, the PC3X are being sold at a considerable discount from what I paid.

 

YMMV, just one added avenue to try. One thing I very much agree with are the postings that suggest you play all the different brands, hopefully somewhere that you can get the feel of the instrument; before spending your money.

 

[WheelHead]

I have been a fan of a lot of products by the small boutique companies. Here is one I like that can run modeled or sampled piano software that is upgradable that runs on Windows embedded with a powerful board, I believe they upped as this originally used Pianoteq only, stock. This would run Ivory II also.I think it can be easily underesstimated that leaving digital controls out of view can contribute to the digital piano illusion. Not for those who want a host of sounds. A piano. I own their Hamichord that is excellant.

http://www.bgmi.it/?a=showproduct&b=3

 

What one person likes another may hate paraphrasing another remark stated.

W

 

 

[David Loving]

I would buy any 40 lbs. board made by kurzweil. You are really better off with a PC3X even though it's a little over your weight limit.

[Gary75]

Man that's ugly IMO. I have found myself that multi GB software pianos don't sound any much better on the road through PA speakers of various quality, than hardware pianos. Obviously if it's for the home and you have nice speakers, you'd of course use a computer and controller which would work out much cheaper than this.

[Meisenhower]

I wish to purchase the LAST digital piano (NOT synth, NOT workstation - - STAGE PIANO) that I will subsequently utilize until I exit this mortal life. I am not(and have NEVER been) intrigued by technological evolution. I want the best weighted action stand alone board incorporating the best onboard true acoustic sounds (without 8-10- funky, derivative,off-the-wall tonal degradations)of piano, EP, organ, orchestral voices and brass and string sections.

 

Hate to break it to you this way RonH, but you are simply NOT going to find that laundry list of "best" acoustic onboard sounds (especially brass and orchestral and string) sounds in ANY STAGE PIANO. Period . . . not for $2K, not for $10K. It doesn't exist.

 

That brings you to a Workstation.

 

Now, you want a great action 88, with the "best" onboard sounds (a highly subjective definition at best), without all the ancillary sounds, bells and whistles and buttons that are a necessity that go along with workstations (sequencing, sampling, arps, rhythm kits, etc)

 

AND . . . . wait for it . . . you want it to be $2k or under.

 

My apologies if my response sounds "snarky," (it's not meant to be) but what you're asking for in both your original and subsequent posts are simply incongruous from a product standpoint. Truly, in order for you to get the most significant parts of your requirements met, you're simply going to have to make some concession on the others.

 

You want a good weighted 88 key action, with a great piano AND truly usable orchestra, brass, strings, organs, and EP,s you're going to have to live with the "flatulent monkey doing Rod Stewart" sound, you so deeply want to avoid. Same goes for the other 1287 onboard sounds that you'll never have any use for.

 

Small price to pay for getting everything else you want in your keyboard.

 

Best of luck in your search!!

 

 

[johnchop]

Dave Ferris mentioned the Kawai MP models. I would suggest keeping them on your list. The MP6 comes in way under $2K, and actually has MORE sounds (and "tech" features you don't care about, like multiple zones) than the MP10, which is more hardcore about its piano experience.

 

I just bought a Kawai ES6--a portable but less "pro" version, with built-in speakers--and to my fingers, the action is absolutely killer... better than comparable Rolands and Yamahas I've played.

 

Touch is an extremely personal thing, so I'd suggest laying your hands on a Kawai. Don't count them out.

 

As for the ES6... yeah, it's operationally quite simple: handful of front panel buttons and a three-digit LED. Decent choir/string sounds for layering, nice-enough Rhodes/FM pianos when the situation calls, an iffy Wurli, some bass sounds. There a handful of variations of the main piano sound, all good.

 

It's my "home" board, but I could absolutely gig with it without hesitation. Should I have more gigs lined up and wanted to haul a weighted board, I'd strongly consider picking up an MP6 as well.

 

-John

 

 

[Dana.]

I recently sold my... 27 year old Peavey KB300 amp...

Proof that it's never too late to get rid of shitty equipment.

 

 

[marino]

I'm in a hurry right now, but I would suggest to try the Kawai MP10. It's a bit more than $2K, but in my opinion it still has the best *combination* of touch, piano sound, "other" sounds and price. Only con is, it's heavy.

 

 

[Dana.]

I do not need (or want) the sound of an extremely flatulent drunken monkey doing his best Rod Stewart imitation.

I would actually like to hear this in a preset.

[Marzzz]

Hopefully whatever you end up with, it should last at least 30 years.

[keyoctave]

Hey Ron and welcome!

 

I would look at the Kurzweil PC3X. Yes, some don't like the piano sounds but you will find that about any brand. What I like about Kurzweil is that they support what they make. There is a very active forum (Sonikmatter) of Kurz users that includes direct communication with Kurzweil factory programmers (who also post on this forum). There have been timely system udates (many with direct input from users) that continue to improve it's already excellent performance and sound. If you plan to keep a keyboard for awhile, this would be one for serious consideration.

[Adan]

Sounds to me like a run-off between Kurz SP4-8, Yamaha CP50, and Kawai MP6. I'm assuming that for someone who's 65 and plans to have this board a long time, weight is probably a criterion you don't want to be flexible about. That's certainly how I feel, and I'm 20 years younger.

 

But you should also consider the Nord Stage 2, which should be hitting stores in the next few months (as will the SP4-8). If I'm thinking about something I will use for 20 years, a couple of thousand dollars in price difference becomes a fairly small consideration. Of course, that assumes one has the money to spend . . .

 

edits: forgot to mention the Roland RD300NX, which should also be hitting stores soon. I didn't like the action on current RD300GX, but Roland says the NX has a redesigned action.

 

I find online discussions of how DPs sound to be almost useless. Put 5 players whose opinions you respect in a room with 5 DPs, and they probably won't agree on anything. DPs, more than anything else, require a hands on test.

[ProfD]

The OP has come to the right place considering someone here is probably familiar with any DP he may encounter.

 

However, the first step is always to spend some in a music store test driving various DPs. A lot has changed since the Roland RD600 was released.

 

Check out a few DPs in your price range and slightly above it. Whichever one establishes the finger-to-ear connection is a good start. Then, come back and ask specific questions about the models of interest.

[drawback]

At this point in time, there is no doubt which I'd buy: a Yamaha Modus. I've played the H01 and loved it, even alongside the Avant Grand. It has a small footprint if you haven't room for a grand, the onboard sound system is great and it's the best Yamaha soundset.

 

If I had the room (and the dough) I would consider an Avant Grand - but one thing is for sure, the DP would be a Yamaha.

 

http://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical-instruments/keyboards/digitalpianos/modus/?mode=series

 

 

 

[dazzjazz]

I'd swear "Peavey" is a French word that means "shitty tone"...

 

I recently sold my... 27 year old Peavey KB300 amp...

Proof that it's never too late to get rid of shitty equipment.

 

[Adan]

At this point in time, there is no doubt which I'd buy: a Yamaha Modus. I've played the H01 and loved it, even alongside the Avant Grand. It has a small footprint if you haven't room for a grand, the onboard sound system is great and it's the best Yamaha soundset.

 

If I had the room (and the dough) I would consider an Avant Grand - but one thing is for sure, the DP would be a Yamaha.

 

http://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical-instruments/keyboards/digitalpianos/modus/?mode=series

 

 

 

Aside from ignoring the OP's price and weight criteria, that's a great suggestion.

[Dave Ferris]

I wish to purchase the LAST digital piano (NOT synth, NOT workstation - - STAGE PIANO) I want the best weighted action stand alone board incorporating the best onboard true acoustic sounds (without 8-10- funky, derivative,off-the-wall tonal degradations)of piano, EP, organ, orchestral voices and brass and string sections.

 

It was late last night when I read this so I guess I missed the part of you DO want the extra sounds. I read over that just seeing the key words--stage Piano and "without". I thought you were referring to other sounds. My mistake.

 

So forget the Nord Piano as it only does AP, Rhodes, Clavinet and Harpsichord.

But for your criteria the CP50, the Kurzweil SP4-8, Kawai MP6 or Roland RD300NX (which isn't out yet) might be your best bets.

 

But to echo the past few posts, go and play them for yourself. You can have 5 different, great players with 5 different opinions. Narrow it down to 2 or 3 and then it might be easier to hone in on the particulars of each.

[drawback]

Hey - yes - I read his first post and overlooked the "oh yeah" post.

 

Well, there's a used CP-300 on Craigslist somewhere, certainly.

 

[Dave Ferris]

At this point in time, there is no doubt which I'd buy: a Yamaha Modus. I've played the H01 and loved it, even alongside the Avant Grand. It has a small footprint if you haven't room for a grand, the onboard sound system is great and it's the best Yamaha soundset.

 

If I had the room (and the dough) I would consider an Avant Grand - but one thing is for sure, the DP would be a Yamaha.

 

http://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical-instruments/keyboards/digitalpianos/modus/?mode=series

 

 

 

Aside from ignoring the OP's price and weight criteria, that's a great suggestion.

 

The Modus is very nice, I've played them on several different occasions. The action isn't as good as the AG but still feels solid and expressive. I thought when they first came out they were typical of Yamaha home models- way overpriced. Maybe they've come down now with the AG being fairly mainstream.

 

Overall a good integration of touch, sound and speakers system make for a cool instrument for your living room or studio area.

[burningbusch]

Several digital piano reviews in the latest Keyboard Magazine.

 

Don't bother clicking on this link if you have iOS

Keyboard Mag

 

Busch.

[Joe Muscara]

Don't bother clicking on this link if you have iOS

WTF?? You know that iOS renders PDFs perfectly fine, right? And if you read the info there and click on two sequential links, it takes you to a PDF version of the mag.