Auricae Posted June 5, 2004 Share Posted June 5, 2004 Hi everyone, I am new here. I was hoping you could all give me some insight into buying a new stage piano. I am a student (so my budget is limited) and I am just starting to play jazz piano. I have been looking through some magazines with various stage piano's (such as the Kurzweil sp-88x and the Yamaha P90) as well as browsing this forum a bit to try and glean some info. Of course, I will visit the store eventually to try them out. What are your recommendations for a stage piano? There are 3 factors that are most important to my decision: 1) Price - Something under 1000$, and the cheaper, the better. 2) Keyboard action - I want something that I can practice my jazz on. The most realistic keyboard action. 3) Sound of piano - I already own a synthesizer, so I don't care about any of the other sounds. I only care that it has 1 good piano sound. Which do you all recommend? I am sorry if this topic has been covered to death. Your input is greatly appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superbobus Posted June 5, 2004 Share Posted June 5, 2004 There are tons of topics about this. I would say check out the Yamaha P90. http://www.bobwijnen.nl Hipness is not a state of mind, it's a fact of life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reverend Rhythm Posted June 5, 2004 Share Posted June 5, 2004 Do a search of the forum, and you'll find a lot of info. Remember that price/quality is usually a trade-off. It's hard to get both. But, saying that, I think the mid-priced yamaha and roland models have a nice sound and good feel. David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Loving Posted June 5, 2004 Share Posted June 5, 2004 I like my sp88x. Yamahas are good, too; I've owned them as well. Just play some at the music stores and get the one you like that you can afford. Obsessing over equipment never made anybody a better player, but an instrument you like can bring out the best. The main thing is to take some lessons and practice. All the time you are looking around you could be playing scales! "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auricae Posted June 5, 2004 Author Share Posted June 5, 2004 I guess I should focus my question a bit then: if you could pick one stage piano using the criteria I mentioned above, which would it be? The Kurzweil sp-88x, the yamaha p90, or something else? If you guys could just throw out your favorites with a quick blurb on why, that would help me focus my search and only try out piano's that are worthwhile. I tried searching through the forums for info on this topic, and though there are some comparisons between the kurzweil and the p90, nobody really mentions any other real contenders. Are these the only 2 really good stage piano's in this price range? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marino Posted June 6, 2004 Share Posted June 6, 2004 I think the Kurzweil SP series has a different (older) piano sample than the newer, and more expensive, PC2X - so you should really compare the P90 sound with the PC2X. You could also check the Kawai ES3; slightly less expensive than the Yamaha (in my country at least), but also, the keyboard action is slightly less satisfactory in my opinion. So there seems to be a reason most people are recommending the Yamaha P90 or P120 (the latter is quite similar, but with built-in speakers); their performance/price ratio is truly exceptional. I'm also told the newest Roland digital piano has an excellent action and sound - sorry, I forgot the model name, FP-something perhaps. You could check that one too. Anyone knows for sure? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auricae Posted June 6, 2004 Author Share Posted June 6, 2004 Great! Any more suggestions? Seems like the yamaha p90 is winning so far... Also, in your opinions, would it be okay to practice jazz on a stage piano or would this hurt my technique and ability to play? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reverend Rhythm Posted June 6, 2004 Share Posted June 6, 2004 You need to check them out live. You'll probably be sorry if you don't. David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lvercaut Posted June 6, 2004 Share Posted June 6, 2004 2) Keyboard action - I want something that I can practice my jazz on. The most realistic keyboard action. If keyboard action is also important for you than you really need a P series piano. P-90 or P-120 but no P-60. Good luck with your choice.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auricae Posted June 6, 2004 Author Share Posted June 6, 2004 Thanks for the advice. I will definitely go check them out before I buy them. I want to have a good idea before I head in though, of what I want. I also noticed some other stage piano's in the same price range that nobody seems to mention. What do you all think of the Alesis QS8.2 or the Korg RD-170 (which is starting to push out of my price range)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lvercaut Posted June 6, 2004 Share Posted June 6, 2004 You ment the Roland RD-170.I played it a week ago.Very nice grandpiano sound but the keys or much too light for a real pianofeel.I never played Alesis... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p120dUdE Posted June 6, 2004 Share Posted June 6, 2004 For a stage piano under or $1000, check out the Yamaha p90. Its a great stage piano. If you can spend some more $$$, then check out the Yamaha p120. It is da bomb! Regards, p120dUdE My Gear: Yamaha P120 Professional Stage Piano, Yamaha CS1x Synthesizer, Yamaha MSP5 Monitors, Behringer Eurorack UB802 Mixer Music I Play: Classical, Jazz, Blues, Classic Rock, Rock The Yamaha P120 Pro. Stage Piano is absolutely superb, fantastic, awesome! It rocks! Chris M. West Brook Music Studio, New England USA Yamaha P120 Specialist My Synth Group Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve-uk Posted June 7, 2004 Share Posted June 7, 2004 The other alternative is to buy a master keyboard that you like the feel of and a module that has the piano sound you like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chaso DeChaso Posted June 7, 2004 Share Posted June 7, 2004 I don't think you could go too wrong with most of what has been mentioned. I was in the same situation as you and (a pianist looking for the best action first and then the best sound). Though I ended up going with the RD-700 (a little more than I first wanted to spend - took me an extra six months of saving!), I would recommend looking at the Roland FP's. The current model is the $1300 FP-2: http://www.kraftmusic.com/catalog/digitalpianos/stagepianos/index.asp?product=2811 You might be able to find an older FP-3 on clearance for $1000 or $900: http://www.bananas.com/productdetail.asp/pid_60/productname_Roland-FP-3-Digital-Piano Unlike most of the other manufacturers' entry- or mid-level products (and even unlike Roland's own RD-170), the FP-2 and FP-3 utilize Roland's top-of-the-line PA-5 action, which felt best to me of all the keyboards I played. I am extremely picky about action (I am a piano player not really into synths, etc.) and this just felt right - much better to me than the Yamahas. This is one of those personal things and it seems Yamaha action is the most popular around here...but I just wanted to throw in a vote for Roland's PA-5 action (found on RD-700, FP-2, but not the RD-170). What you are paying for in something like the FP-2 is awesome action and very good piano sound and not a whole lot else. These are also marketed more as home units than stage pianos, for what it's worth. I actually considered the QS8.2 quite a bit (probably because I started my journey thinking about the fact that I had always wanted a QS8 when they first came out). There are two problems: the action was changed on the QS8.2 (the 8 and 8.1 feel better to me), and the sound technology is dated: the piano sample seems stagnant, I think because - though it is a pretty good sound quality (to my ears) - nonetheless it isn't sampled at multiple strike velocities...so there isn't as much expressiveness. But if you want to save a lot of money, you might consider paying $650 for a used QS8 or QS8.1. Good luck! Play as many as you can and see what you like and can afford. (I just went through this - it's a hard decision, isn't it?!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
resigned Posted June 7, 2004 Share Posted June 7, 2004 A used Kurzweil PC88 would also fit the budget and the application quite nicely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thurmo Posted June 7, 2004 Share Posted June 7, 2004 Hi- Don't forget about the difference in key action in the Yamaha P series. Of course, Dave Horne's earlier post (9 posts back), "Why do people complain about the heavy action of the P series" is real good. Also, go to Harmony-Central.com and choose "Synths/Keyboards", then click on "Manufacturers". There are some good comments on the P series, and others. "Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are beautiful." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auricae Posted June 8, 2004 Author Share Posted June 8, 2004 Wow.. thanks for all the great advice guys! This really helps a lot. I dropped by the store today and played some of the pianos. I really liked the P120. Actually, I thought the P120 sounded and felt a little better than the P90. Anyone else notice this? Though they were very similar, the P120 seemed to have a slight edge. I also tried out the Roland and Alesis, but I didn't particularly like either. I think I may end up going with the P120. The speakers on it seem a bit weak, but should do the job for my personal use at home. If I ever need better speakers, I figure I can get them later. I will probably keep looking around for another couple weeks, so please keep the suggestions coming! Also, anyone have any ideas of the best place to purchase the keyboard? I am looking to buy it online, so I don't have to pay sales tax. Also, a place that doesn't charge S&H, is reputable, and perhaps throws in a few extras (such as a stand or a case) would be nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Horne Posted June 8, 2004 Share Posted June 8, 2004 oops ... No guitarists were harmed during the making of this message. In general, harmonic complexity is inversely proportional to the ratio between chording and non-chording instruments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Horne Posted June 8, 2004 Share Posted June 8, 2004 Originally posted by Auricae: Also, anyone have any ideas of the best place to purchase the keyboard? I am looking to buy it online, so I don't have to pay sales tax. Also, a place that doesn't charge S&H, is reputable, and perhaps throws in a few extras (such as a stand or a case) would be nice. Froogle Enter the brand name and model and you'll be given prices and places. All the best, Dave No guitarists were harmed during the making of this message. In general, harmonic complexity is inversely proportional to the ratio between chording and non-chording instruments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thurmo Posted June 8, 2004 Share Posted June 8, 2004 I just checked 8thSt.com and they have a P120 that comes with a stand for $1,195 and free shipping. Also, I've found that if you get a decent quote from someone else first - Then you can usually get them to budge a little when you give them that price. And it also is good to call - Not just to go with the posted price that they show on line. "Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are beautiful." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reverend Rhythm Posted June 8, 2004 Share Posted June 8, 2004 Don't forget to tell us what you get and when you get it. Keep in touch. David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auricae Posted June 8, 2004 Author Share Posted June 8, 2004 I definitely will. That froogle search engine works really well. I found some places that have the p120 for 1099 and free S&H, but I don't think they include the stand. Are stands expensive? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auricae Posted June 9, 2004 Author Share Posted June 9, 2004 Hey guys, I've pretty much decided to buy the P120. Now, I just have to pick the color I only saw the silver version. I like the black version from pictures, but I'm afraid it might look cheesy in real life. Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p120dUdE Posted June 9, 2004 Share Posted June 9, 2004 I own a p120 and I LOVE it!! Its absolutely superb! I have the black wood finish. It looks awesome. The wood finish adds the wood touch of a piano. By the way, enjoy your p120, it is da bomb! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me. The first thing you have to check out is the beatiful and superb "Grand Piano 1". Regards, p120dUdE My Gear: Yamaha P120 Professional Stage Piano, Yamaha CS1x Synthesizer, Yamaha MSP5 Monitors, Behringer Eurorack UB802 Mixer Music I Play: Classical, Jazz, Blues, Classic Rock, Rock The Yamaha P120 Pro. Stage Piano is absolutely superb, fantastic, awesome! It rocks! Chris M. West Brook Music Studio, New England USA Yamaha P120 Specialist My Synth Group Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Horne Posted June 9, 2004 Share Posted June 9, 2004 Originally posted by p120dUdE: I own a p120 and I LOVE it!! Its absolutely superb! I have the black wood finish. It looks awesome. The wood finish adds the wood touch of a piano. By the way, enjoy your p120, it is da bomb! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me. The first thing you have to check out is the beatiful and superb "Grand Piano 1". Regards, p120dUdE P120dude, you love the P120? I never would have guessed. No guitarists were harmed during the making of this message. In general, harmonic complexity is inversely proportional to the ratio between chording and non-chording instruments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auricae Posted June 11, 2004 Author Share Posted June 11, 2004 Hey P120dude, Do you plug your P120 into additional speakers or use it as is for your home? I plugged the P120 into a pair of KRK RP5 (300 for the pair) at Guitar Center and I thought the sound was 10X better....I'm wondering if it's worth the extra money for the speakers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alby Posted June 11, 2004 Share Posted June 11, 2004 Originally posted by Auricae: Hey P120dude, Do you plug your P120 into additional speakers or use it as is for your home? I plugged the P120 into a pair of KRK RP5 (300 for the pair) at Guitar Center and I thought the sound was 10X better....I'm wondering if it's worth the extra money for the speakers.I found the speakers on the P120 a bit lightweight. Actually distracts from the quality of the p120 regards alby Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auricae Posted June 11, 2004 Author Share Posted June 11, 2004 The P120 was only 100 bucks more and I thought it sounded and felt better. Maybe I was imagining things, but it definitely felt different to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guestuserguestuser.com Posted June 11, 2004 Share Posted June 11, 2004 Originally posted by Auricae: I plugged the P120 into a pair of KRK RP5 (300 for the pair) at Guitar Center and I thought the sound was 10X better....I'm wondering if it's worth the extra money for the speakers.The difference between the P120 and the P90 is not just the speakers & amp. It is voiced differently (even though it apparently uses the same sample ROM). Thus, if you plugged the P90 and P120 into the same sound system, they will sound different. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue4RC Posted June 11, 2004 Share Posted June 11, 2004 I just bought a P120 a few months back and got it @ my local Guitar Center for $999 including tax. I printed off an online quote and they did a price match, no questions asked. I was happy with that deal and didn't have to wait for it to ship. Go here: http://www.instrumentpro.com/page/MUO/PROD/250/YAMP120 Put in your email address where it says "SALE" and they'll send you a coupon for $100 off their price of $1099. print that off and take it with you. You should be able work the same deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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