Krakit Posted September 14, 2005 Share Posted September 14, 2005 This week I'm going to be working on a new project. The most ambitious recording project I've ever undertaken. Unfortunately, my Roland RD-100 has developed a bit of a problem and I'm considering trading it in. The F above middle C is louder than any of the other keys. I'm told by authorized service people that this is "common" and "an easy fix" but it's going to run me about $200 to fix. Should I just trade it in for something new "as is" or should I pay for the repair. I'm concerned because I think that perhaps this is the beginning of the end for my trusty RD-100. If I trade it in I'm considering getting a Korg SP. The SP300 is being clearenced out at my local GC for $650. I'm guessing that I'll have to fork over some cash to make the exchange. Alternatively I could probably get a 1:1 trade for one of the new Casio stage pianos. I've found the action and sound on them to be okay. However that Casio name is just like an aberration to me. I don't know if I could ever bring myself to gig with a keyboard that said "Casio" on it. What to do. Carl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric Posted September 14, 2005 Share Posted September 14, 2005 Maybe it would be less expensive to avoid using that particular F? Perhaps play all the black keys instead and use transposition if you really need to hit that particular note? Actually, I think $200 seems a bit steep for the repair of one key - can you get a second opinion on this? If you like the KB and this is the only flaw, I don't know that I would go to the trouble of trying to swap it for something else. Another option would be renting or borrowing a KB from somewhere vs. spending money to buy something new. I guess that depends on how long you need to use it and if it will be a long term investment. I'm not a huge fan personally of the Korg stage pianos. I really like the Yamahas and Rolands. I played the Casio pianos one day and was pleasantly surprised for the price. I know one guy that bought one last year, put some gaffer tape on the name and is quite happy with it. I've been considering the purchase of a digital piano solely for family home use (kids starting lessons). My top candidate is the P120 and maybe its alleged successor, the P140. Regards, Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krakit Posted September 14, 2005 Author Share Posted September 14, 2005 That IS the second opinion. The first guy I talked to was in the neighborhood of $300. I'm going to need a reliable long term solution for recording and live performance. I happen to like the Korg piano sound on the SP300 a lot. Again, the Casio sounds and feels pretty good too, the price is right but that name, CASIO just makes me shudder. If I could afford it I'd get a P90. Carl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Golly Posted September 14, 2005 Share Posted September 14, 2005 Originally posted by Krakit: Again, the Casio sounds and feels pretty good too, the price is right but that name, CASIO just makes me shudder. The Casio + a roll of suitably coloured duct tape would take care of your qualms about the name. Just don't tell anyone here that you're playing the Casio... or the cool kids won't let you hang out with them any more. Cheers, SG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krakit Posted September 14, 2005 Author Share Posted September 14, 2005 That Casio stigma. It's a real shame. Carl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Golly Posted September 14, 2005 Share Posted September 14, 2005 Originally posted by Krakit: That Casio stigma. It's a real shame. Yeah, I hear ya. I share it, in fact... but that comes from the short time I spent in MI retail, with most of the trauma occurring during the Christmas rush. Argh. Cheers, SG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krakit Posted September 15, 2005 Author Share Posted September 15, 2005 I went to GC and the Korg SP300 was gone. If I want one now I'd have to pay $1000 for it. I've got to say that the Casio does feel far better than the Korg (went to Sam Ash and re-auditioned the Korg). I think that I might actually suck it up and buy the thing. How will I ever bear the shame of that? Carl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marino Posted September 15, 2005 Share Posted September 15, 2005 Carl - if you think that owning a Casio is going to give you a case of sleep deprivation, don't settle for tape; just PAINT over the Casio logo, and nobody will ever know! One of those Privia models looks quite similar to the Yamaha P120... Seriously; I've played the Casios, and they left me quite impressed, especially for the price. If the new/upgraded ones which are coming out now have the same keybed, but a better piano sound, they could be quite desirable. My advice: Buy one the simplest models, after having verified that the keybed and piano sound are the same than on the bigger ones (I'm not 100% sure of that). The extra sounds and frills on the more expensive models are just laughable. Who needs to pay for an atrocious GM bank, plus auto-accompaniment of the worst kind?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krakit Posted September 15, 2005 Author Share Posted September 15, 2005 I can't believe I'm typing this, but I am very seriously considering the Casio. The feel is phenominal, not just for the price but also the weight. This thing is light. I picked it up and was ready for "oompf". The thing jumped up in my hands and I had to catch it. That isn't the case with the Yamahas. I really love the Yamahas, no contest between the Casios and the Yammys. However, for the money and the helium filled realistic action, it's going to be my next 88 key controller. I think that I will cover the name, but I'll use a magnet strip in case I ever recover from my Casio-phobia. Don't want to blem it. Carl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krakit Posted September 15, 2005 Author Share Posted September 15, 2005 I just went to Casio's website, Bleech what a f'n turn off. Hey Casio, why don't you make a subsidiary brand (ala Boss and Edirol) for instruments like the Privia so I don't have to be traumatized by your calculators and watches? I think I need to take a shower. Carl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krakit Posted September 15, 2005 Author Share Posted September 15, 2005 Well, I've just finished fixing the RD-100. I had to completely dismantle it and clean the actual contacts inside. About a million screws. Now it works (and looks like) new. Should I continue with plan B and trade it in for the Casio? Carl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MusicaL Posted September 15, 2005 Share Posted September 15, 2005 Originally posted by Krakit: Should I continue with plan B and trade it in for the Casio? Carl If I were you, I'd continue to enjoy your new--old keyboard. I used to have an RD150. I loved the action, but didn't much care for the sounds. I got rid of it, and although I now like my Yamaha keybeds, every once in a while I still pine for that Roland action... aL Gear: Yamaha MODX8, Mojo 61, NS2 73, C. Bechstein baby grand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DafDuc Posted September 15, 2005 Share Posted September 15, 2005 Originally posted by Krakit: I just went to Casio's website... I think I need to take a shower. Carl LOL... I played in an 8 piece horn band. We would often get bored. So...three words: "Tower of Polka." - Calumet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krakit Posted September 15, 2005 Author Share Posted September 15, 2005 Originally posted by Music*aL: Originally posted by Krakit: Should I continue with plan B and trade it in for the Casio? Carl If I were you, I'd continue to enjoy your new--old keyboard. I used to have an RD150. I loved the action, but didn't much care for the sounds. I got rid of it, and although I now like my Yamaha keybeds, every once in a while I still pine for that Roland action... aL The action on the Roland is top notch. As for the piano sound, it's only really good when I layer it just right with my QSR True Stereo (as can be heard on Wabi-Sabi ). Still, I'm afraid that the RD-100 may be on its way out, and I'd rather trade it in now, while it's working 100%. The Casio dosen't have a bad action at all. The Piano sound isn't that great, but perhaps with the right layering, it too can work. Carl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MusicaL Posted September 15, 2005 Share Posted September 15, 2005 Carl I think I am having the same Casiophobic reaction that you talked about earlier... I just can't see me trade in a Roland RDxxx for it... aL PS. I remember Wabi Sabi... It was one of my favorite tunes on that KC comp!! Gear: Yamaha MODX8, Mojo 61, NS2 73, C. Bechstein baby grand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erlic Posted September 17, 2005 Share Posted September 17, 2005 Posted by Krakit I can't believe I'm typing this, but I am very seriously considering the Casio. Just think....it could be worse. The keyboard itself could say Farfisa on it, or may Vox, or maybe Lowery, or maybe some other off brand or product that is no longer made. I say, simply remove the "C" and "S" from the name and you'll have a new keyboard by the name of Aio. Sounds good to me _____________ Erlic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moj Posted September 17, 2005 Share Posted September 17, 2005 Carl Have you checked out the new M-Audio ProKeys88 stage piano? I think it's comparable to the Casio in price (749.00 msrp) and the demos sound pretty good, too. Hopefully, the action has been improved from the maligned Keystation Pro 88. http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/ProKeys88-main.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krakit Posted September 18, 2005 Author Share Posted September 18, 2005 As a matter of fact, I made a specific trip to GC just to audition the Pro 88. The result was major disapointment. Both in the action and the highly touted "Grand Piano" patch. I was so sure that I would be blown away. After all, so much memory devoted to each patch. Believe it or not, the Casio wins over the M-Audio. Still, it would be nice to have so much control over my MIDI rig. But I'd rather get the CME7 over the M-Audio. Carl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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