The Piano Man Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 What, in your view, is the most aesthetically pleasing modern stage piano? I"m talking about any model from the year 2000 onwards probably. That is, you can"t pick a classic Rhodes model. It needs to be something that has grand piano sounds. I like the look of the Valente electric piano (though probably no grand piano sounds) the Korg SV in black (though too many buttons to look sleek in my opinion) and the Kawai VPC1 (though very heavy for the stage) I also like the Technics P30, which has no buttons on the front panel. I think there is a niche in the market for something really classic looking, maybe even a Wood effect finish. When you think of the stunning guitars you can get and even some stunning Wood accordions, we are missing out. Albeit the weight does need to somehow be kept as low as possible. Not easy! Anyway, let me know what you think is the best looking stage piano, or any other thoughts on the topic. I mean, ultimately the standard of the player and the stuff on the inside is what matters most but, you know, I"m bored... Quote Kurzweil PC3x Technics SX-P50 Korg X3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProfD Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 I'm partial to my SV-188BK but as a runner-up...Kawai VPC-1 and Nord Grand. Weight and girth have always been a non-issue to me. That's because I've always felt that KBs should be a foreground instrument. Years ago, I attended a live performance and the KB player had a Nord Electro front and center. It looked totally ridiculous on that stage. Quote PD "The greatest thing you'll ever learn, is just to love and be loved in return."--E. Ahbez "Nature Boy" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CEB Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 It"s stage presentation is only as classy as the stand system. Quote "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...
jeffincltnc Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 I'll say V-Piano. Quote Yamaha U1 Upright, Roland Fantom 8, Nord Stage 4 HA73, Nord Wave 2, Korg Nautilus 73, Viscount Legend Live, Lots of Mainstage/VST Libraries Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timwat Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 Two words: Piano. Shell. Quote .. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timwat Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 An example: Dutch Grand Quote .. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EscapeRocks Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 The ones I paint, with the stands I build Quote David Gig Rig:Depends on the day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drawback Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 Although it's quite conservative in design, I like the CP4 best. Quote ____________________________________ Rod Here for the gear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoken6 Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 There's a difference between "acoustic piano substitute" and "Rhodes/Wurlitzer substitute". In the latter category I nominate the Crumar Seven. Cheers, Mike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProfD Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 Two words: Piano. Shell. Brotha Tim beat me to this as it covers both KB stand and stage footprint. Bands like Coldplay and Twenty-One Pilots have it figured out. Quote PD "The greatest thing you'll ever learn, is just to love and be loved in return."--E. Ahbez "Nature Boy" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElmerJFudd Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 Quote Yamaha CP88, Casio PX-560 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cp-the-nerd Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 Purely on looks, I vote Korg SV keyboards. I am not impartial though. Not too many stage keyboards really leave an impression on me, but lots of beautiful synths out there. Quote Keyboards: Nord Electro 6D 73, Korg SV-1 88, Minilogue XD, Yamaha YPG-625 Bonus: Boss RC-3 Loopstation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MathOfInsects Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 Quote Now out! "Mind the Gap," a 24-song album of new material. www.joshweinstein.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mate stubb Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 I quite fancy the looks of the Keybird. Yep, it has an acoustic piano sound. Quote Moe --- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RABid Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 I have a different take on this than most people. I think to a quote I once heard about actresses and dresses for awards shows. You don't want a dress that wears the actress. You want a dress that highlights. I don't want a gaudy red piano on stage. I want sleek and black. I want to be the one that stands out. For that reason I choose Roland or Yamaha. Quote This post edited for speling. My Sweetwater Gear Exchange Page Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
16251 Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 I always like the look of Yamaha original CPs. Edit: I guess the Rhodes Suitcase, for me, is another favorite. I never owned one, although I did convert my Rhodes with Satellite speakers. In hindsight, the Suitcase is better. Great sound on stage (I did get to play them.) Quote AvantGrand N2 | ES520 | Gallien-Krueger MK & MP | https://soundcloud.com/pete36251 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cp-the-nerd Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 Is it that hard to follow the rules of the thread? Modern stage pianos: which one looks best. Not piano shells. Not vintage keyboards. Quote Keyboards: Nord Electro 6D 73, Korg SV-1 88, Minilogue XD, Yamaha YPG-625 Bonus: Boss RC-3 Loopstation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
16251 Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 Is it that hard to follow the rules of the thread? Modern stage pianos: which one looks best. Not piano shells. Not vintage keyboards. Sorry, I'm late to thread and only read title, which could of been more precise. It I had to choose modern (weight not a factor I'd probably go with... Quote AvantGrand N2 | ES520 | Gallien-Krueger MK & MP | https://soundcloud.com/pete36251 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Lobo Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 Anyway, let me know what you think is the best looking stage piano, or any other thoughts on the topic. Is it that hard to follow the rules of the thread? Modern stage pianos: which one looks best. Not piano shells. Not vintage keyboards.The rules as stated by the OP: there are no rules. Quote These are only my opinions, not supported by any actual knowledge, experience, or expertise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElmerJFudd Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 I think stands are part of the problem. Most stage pianos look plenty fine or good enough. But the look is ruined by what it"s sitting on. Hence the notion of a shell. The Yamaha CP1 is a black tolex and chrome beauty, but on X stand, Z stand, console stand it loses its vibe. They should have done optional screw in chrome legs for it. Quote Yamaha CP88, Casio PX-560 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TommyRude Posted January 9, 2021 Share Posted January 9, 2021 Quote Some music I've recorded and played over the years with a few different bands Tommy Rude Soundcloud Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niacin Posted January 9, 2021 Share Posted January 9, 2021 Kawai ES8, the equivalent of a little black dress, just enough curves: Quote Gig keys: Hammond SKpro, Korg Vox Continental, Crumar Mojo 61, Crumar Mojo Pedals Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PianoMan51 Posted January 9, 2021 Share Posted January 9, 2021 Are we discussing 'best looking" from a player"s or an audience perspective? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nadroj Posted January 9, 2021 Share Posted January 9, 2021 I"m a big fan of the Crumar Seven. Hell, anything inside of a custom made shell or case is going to look cooler than 90% of stage pianos sitting on top of an X-Stand. Quote Hammond SKX Mainstage 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timwat Posted January 9, 2021 Share Posted January 9, 2021 For whatever it's worth - I wasn't trying to be cute or clever when I mentioned piano shell. I was dead serious (as OP had asked for "any other thoughts on the topic"). I don't own a shell, but I've played a few digitals in shells on gigs. Audiences listen more than 75% with their eyes. When they see what to them looks like "a piano" - they reach the conclusion - "Man, that piano sounds great" - even if it's the cheapest sounding POS digital that the club could find. From their perspective - I'm a more authentic piano player when it's in a shell. It really becomes part of the overall experience. And the funny bonus is it feels a little more like playing a baby grand to me too - when I stick a scrap of set list or whatever on top of the "grand piano", and it's at the same height I expect as a piano player. Anyway, not looking to beat a dead horse. But I've considered buying a small portable shell for my "piano only" gigs, but haven't found quite the right unit and then of course all our gigs got postponed or cancelled. But still sort of thinking about it. Back to the regularly programmed discussion. Quote .. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baggypants Posted January 9, 2021 Share Posted January 9, 2021 I quite like the Korg SP-250 with it's funny wood effect inserts, multi tone top and bendy pipe legs. SP-280 ruined it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biggles Posted January 9, 2021 Share Posted January 9, 2021 From an audience view, No digital piano looks good. They have never, looked good. They are a box on scaffolding with untidy wires coming out of the back. Guitarist walks on stage with their Strat, Les Paul etc and immediately looks cool. Saxophonist walks on stage and looks cooler still It is what it is. Quote Col Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rogs Posted January 9, 2021 Share Posted January 9, 2021 ....Guitarist walks on stage with their Strat, Les Paul etc and immediately looks cool. Saxophonist walks on stage and looks cooler still.... ....Keytar? --- OK, maybe not Quote Yamaha - YC61 - P105 - MOX6 - HC2 -- Neo Vent 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bennyray Posted January 9, 2021 Share Posted January 9, 2021 For whatever it's worth - I wasn't trying to be cute or clever when I mentioned piano shell. I was dead serious (as OP had asked for "any other thoughts on the topic"). I don't own a shell, but I've played a few digitals in shells on gigs. Audiences listen more than 75% with their eyes. When they see what to them looks like "a piano" - they reach the conclusion - "Man, that piano sounds great" - even if it's the cheapest sounding POS digital that the club could find. From their perspective - I'm a more authentic piano player when it's in a shell. It really becomes part of the overall experience. And the funny bonus is it feels a little more like playing a baby grand to me too - when I stick a scrap of set list or whatever on top of the "grand piano", and it's at the same height I expect as a piano player. Anyway, not looking to beat a dead horse. But I've considered buying a small portable shell for my "piano only" gigs, but haven't found quite the right unit and then of course all our gigs got postponed or cancelled. But still sort of thinking about it. Back to the regularly programmed discussion. Tim you are spot on people listen with there eyes mostly instead of ears good grief in my younger days I was in a band that was really talented but our show and stage presence was off the charts. Very successful band back in the 80's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CowboyNQ Posted January 9, 2021 Share Posted January 9, 2021 From an audience view, No digital piano looks good. They have never, looked good. They are a box on scaffolding with untidy wires coming out of the back. On the money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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