ableton82 Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 Hi all, I'm in the market for a realistic feeling midi controller and from everything I've read, the Kawai VCP1 offers an incredible experience. If that is out of my price range and I'm looking for something slightly more affordable, what would you suggest? Or in other words, what comes 2nd to the VCP1? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Golly Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 First, just to clarify, it's the VPC1, not VCP1. Secondly, given that you're coming from an upright acoustic piano, not a grand, I don't see any reason you wouldn't be satisfied with either the RD800 or CP4 discussed in your first thread, in conjunction with whatever software piano floats your boat, be it Ivory II, Ravenscroft, etc, etc, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ableton82 Posted February 26, 2016 Author Share Posted February 26, 2016 Opps! My bad Good to hear. I'm going to go play a few this weekend and see what feels best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Nathan Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 Well, I heartily endorse The CME UF80 Since you're new, I'll explain that there's pics of me and the CME floating around the interwebs. I have 2 and use both regularly. One is in my writing room and I use it to play software pianos frequently. I think you have to find the one that feels best to you though. It's absolutely a matter of personal preference. Prior to the CME I used several others with preference for ones from Elka and Peavey, but both are no longer available. The CME may not be available either for all I know, but it was perhaps the "best bang for buck", inexpensive and feels pretty good. When you find the action you like, research what it is. Most are Fatars of one kind or another, many are then modified by individual companies to their specs. If you like something in a stage piano, you may find the same action available as just a controller elsewhere. Don't rush me. I'm playing as slowly as I can! http://www.stevenathanmusic.com/stevenathanmusic.com/HOME.html https://apple.co/2EGpYXK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marko in Boston Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 SL88 Grand perhaps. Put it on you list if you can't afford the VPC1. $899 seems like a fair price: [video:youtube] [font:Century Gothic]KAWAI ES7 | ROLAND RD-800 | YAMAHA CP4 | YAMAHA STAGEPAS 400i | PRESONUS R65 & T10 | SHURE SRH1540 | SENNHEISER HD650 | K&M OMEGA [/font] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davinwv Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 Marko beat me to it! I'm about to replace my Acuna 88 with the SL88 Grand: http://www.studiologic-music.com/sl88-features.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bachus Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 SL88 Grand perhaps. Put it on you list if you can't afford the VPC1. $899 seems like a fair price: [video:youtube] I didnt like the surface of the keys, the material somehow felt unnaturall to me... The action however is great... The controlls too... Korg Kronos 88, Yamaha Tyros5 (76), Integra 7, macbook pro/mainstage Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CEB Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 The Physis. Sorry posted too quick. The Physis costs more than the VPC-1. But it is the only true dyed in blue controller being built today. The Controller market is almost dead. It is just to affordable today to install on board sounds. The Kronos is actually an excellent controller as well. If 4 zones are adequate and you do not need multiple expression pedals the Kawai MP-7 is good. [video:youtube] [video:youtube] "It doesn't have to be difficult to be cool" - Mitch Towne "A great musician can bring tears to your eyes!!! So can a auto Mechanic." - Stokes Hunt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Golly Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 The Physis. Sorry posted too quick. The Physis costs more than the VPC-1. But it is the only true dyed in blue controllers being built today. Big fan of the Physis, but yeah, it's way overkill for the OP's needs, and over his budget. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ableton82 Posted February 26, 2016 Author Share Posted February 26, 2016 StudioLogic SL88 Grand seems like a great option for me. Anyone else play this thing and can offer insight into the feel of the action? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stokely Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 If open to buying used, you can get something like the cp5 at a good price. I've seen older Kawai boards, mostly in the ES series, also for sale on Guitar Center's site...though I'm not sure how the ES line measures up to the MP11, which I thought had the nicest key feel I've ever played in a digital instrument. Older Roland boards are pretty cheap as well, though I've never really liked Roland's piano feel. There's also the Casio px range. Feel is so subjective it's really hard to give good advice...I tend to like lighter action since I've mostly played on a lighter-action upright. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CEB Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 The newer Kawai actions are faster than the older actions. "It doesn't have to be difficult to be cool" - Mitch Towne "A great musician can bring tears to your eyes!!! So can a auto Mechanic." - Stokes Hunt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
synthdogg Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 I've been using a VPC-1 for a while now, and it really is a great controller. Even so, I'm getting rid of it for the VAXmidi controller....it just suits my needs much better. It's also cheaper than the VPC-1 and may be worth looking at. Another option to check out would be looking at the used market for other Kawai Digital Pianos. They're also fantastic controllers (much more full featured than the VPC-1) and also have fantastic keyboard actions, maybe not as good as the VPC, but very close. most of them still use wooden, long throw key actions. The kicker is, I'm seeing them sold SUPER cheap...like shockingly cheap. I just saw an MP-9500 on reverb.com for $350!! And the much newer MP11 was up for less than $800 (whoops, sorry...that was an auction, not the final price,,,) . I used an MP-9500 for ages....it makes a fantastic controller. The action is a bit heavy, but it still kills the crop of affordable 88 note controllers that have been dominating the market over the past years. I hope any of this helps your search! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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