Which one to keep? Grandstage or Rd88

[kwyn]

My ears are just exhausted now from hours comparing the two. I'd Ike to sell one

 

I like the feel of the Rd 88 better. I think Iike the acoustic pianos better. And I like the synth pads better.

 

The Grandstage seems to have a much better Wurly!! I love the Wurly in general (more than the Rhodes) and can't quite match the sound with the rd88. I think the brass on the Grandstage is better too and we use it for Spanish Moon.

 

My ears are spent now, so here I am looking for feedback from you all. 

 

FYI...

My Grandstage is a 73, rd88 is obviously 88 and I have an Skpro61 (which I'm keeping) on top.

 

TIA

 

 

 

[AnotherScott]

Especially since each has sounds you prefer, I'd say that if you like the feel of the RD88 better, I'd lean that way. You can always add a better Wurli sound to it (from an iPad or whatever), but you can never make the Grandstage feel better than it does.

[niacin]

try playing the SKpro’s wurli from the RD88 via midi, see if you can tweak the wurli sound on the SKpro to something you’re happy with, there’s plenty of editing options and the basic sound is quite good

[drawback]

I liked my GrandStage 73 a lot, but found it too limited. And it’s one of those boards that never gained popularity, so the longer you wait to sell it, the less value it will have. The Roland is more versatile and likely has a better chance of resale down the road if you decide to part with it later. 

[zephonic]

I played GrandStage for a year plus at this church. It's good, but I wouldn't buy one. 

[Fleer]

Sell the GrandStage and get a Vox (or three) to accompany your RD-88. 
I did. 

[rickzjamm]

With The RD88 you connect with the key feel plus you have a vast library from Roland, there's your choice.

[Mighty Motif Max]

If you really do like the RD88 pianos better and like the feel of the keybed, then just go with that. Me, I would definitely prefer the Grandstage, even not being a huge Korg piano fan. I find the RD88's acoustic sounds in general to be subpar, and that PHA4-Standard action is not to my liking. Synths are good though.

[ProfD]

Between slab digital pianos, it's 6 in one hand and 1/2 a dozen in the other.😁

 

Keep the RD88 because it offers more in the grand scheme of things and especially if it feels better. 

 

The OP can always find another Wurli sound even if it means getting used to that sound in the RD88.😎

[Ibarch]

Keep the RD-88. 

In my opinion, enjoyment of playing is 60% feel and 40% sound. Sounds can be added to or replaced but you can't download a feel better keybed pack. 

 

Roland Cloud has some expansion packs with better EPs in. If you've not checked them out it is definitely worth a look. You can get a free trial and try them out via the Zenology VST. Then get them in the cheapest 2$ per month plan. You will need to purchase an expansion pack to download into the RD-88 to use withiut a PC but they are not too badly priced. 

[kwyn]

Thanks all! I think you're right. I'm gonna keep the RD. I have some decent tones from komplete. Not sure if Im ready to gig with kontakt but maybe...

[lesmisaceventura]

It really depends on what you need from a digital piano. The Yamaha Grandstage is designed with live performance in mind, while the Roland RD-88 is designed with studio recording in mind. If you need a digital piano for live performances, the Grandstage is a great option, but if you need a digital piano for studio recording, the RD-88 is a better choice.

[Ibarch]

2 hours ago, lesmisaceventura said:

It really depends on what you need from a digital piano. The Yamaha Grandstage is designed with live performance in mind, while the Roland RD-88 is designed with studio recording in mind. If you need a digital piano for live performances, the Grandstage is a great option, but if you need a digital piano for studio recording, the RD-88 is a better choice.

The RD-88 is a stage piano  designed primarily for live performance and gigging musicians. 

[xp50player]

I think the GrandStage has a better variety of pianos, like 32 Gb worth if I remember correctly. Then you have the CX-3 tonewheel engine from the Kronos and the transistor organ engine, presumably from the Vox Continental.  I like the favorites storage on it. The RD-88 has a shorter pivot point action, although if you prefer it, it’s a personal choice. I like my PHA-4 Concert action over the RH3 , but the RH3 over the PHA-4 Standard.