| Which Piano? |
I'm starting to make plans for my small studio (about 5 x 3 meters). I want to get an Electric Piano and would like to hear some feedback from all you dedicated Piano Players. Bear in mind I'm not a pro Piano player, but for those of you who know me, I'm a multi-instrumentalist and with time I can play to a reasonable standard. I think I've got a good touch, so I've been told, but only know a couple of songs on the Piano, hence I'm always creating songs rather than doing covers.
It's going to remain static in the studio, so one with a wooden frame is fine, but I'd still consider a portable.
The most important two things are the sound and feel of the keys, plus as compact as possible.
So far based on my research Yamaha and Roland seem to be the kings of keys, but I'm open for suggestions.
The Roland F120 looks like a good bet to me. http://www.roland.co.uk/products/productdetails.aspx?p=1185
I'm lucky in that there is a Piano Shop only about 5 miles from my home. Here is a link to there website
http://www.ukpianos.co.uk/
I've set a budget for about £1000.00 - I don't mind if it's a good second-hand one, if I can get something good for less, all the better.
I'd be interested to know of your experiences and your thoughts on what grade and quality of Piano I should buy. Essentially I'll be playing, creating and recording.
It's going to remain static in the studio, so one with a wooden frame is fine, but I'd still consider a portable.
The most important two things are the sound and feel of the keys, plus as compact as possible.
So far based on my research Yamaha and Roland seem to be the kings of keys, but I'm open for suggestions.
The Roland F120 looks like a good bet to me. http://www.roland.co.uk/products/productdetails.aspx?p=1185
I'm lucky in that there is a Piano Shop only about 5 miles from my home. Here is a link to there website
http://www.ukpianos.co.uk/
I've set a budget for about £1000.00 - I don't mind if it's a good second-hand one, if I can get something good for less, all the better.
I'd be interested to know of your experiences and your thoughts on what grade and quality of Piano I should buy. Essentially I'll be playing, creating and recording.
I have no clue, but I play with quite a few keyboard players. They like Roland ... but for some reason they seem to gravitate towards the Kurzweil stuff. I've heard comments that the sound is a little richer in tone. Not sure if that true though.. I'd say check them out and A/B the roland, Korg, and Kurzweil piano's..
I use the Casio wk1500 (ancient keyboard) as a controller for my Steinberg Grand Piano software.
http://www.zzounds.com/item--STEGRAND
I use the Casio wk1500 (ancient keyboard) as a controller for my Steinberg Grand Piano software.
http://www.zzounds.com/item--STEGRAND
I´m also not a competent advisor in keyboards. I guess you´re not doing wrong with Yamaha, Roland, Korg, Kurzweil.
Another company to keep in mind may be "Clavia". They make some great stage pianos and other keys.
Depends on your purposes.
http://www.thomann.de/gb/clavia.html
As a non-native-keyboarder I´m happy with my Yamaha "MO6" Synth. It provides all ( and more) I need and can handle. Decent Piano- and Organ sounds, fantastic solo-, lead and pad-synth-sounds, great multi-layers etc.
U.L.I.
Another company to keep in mind may be "Clavia". They make some great stage pianos and other keys.
Depends on your purposes.
http://www.thomann.de/gb/clavia.html
As a non-native-keyboarder I´m happy with my Yamaha "MO6" Synth. It provides all ( and more) I need and can handle. Decent Piano- and Organ sounds, fantastic solo-, lead and pad-synth-sounds, great multi-layers etc.
U.L.I.
| Yamaha P85 |
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261097269803?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_520wt_1397
Doing loads of research and the above meets my needs, that is a realistic Piano feel and sound - I'm always on the hunt for a bargain. The P85 on eBay was bought for a daughter three years ago, not had much use. It's compact has three pedals - Sostenuto is a new term I've learned using the middle pedal, this works like on an acoustic pedal and sustains (un-dampens) all the strings creating an authentic sound as apposed to a standard sustain, which only sustains the notes you press, so you get more of a digital effect . I was gonna wait until my studio's built, but I can still make use of it now, I've found a space for it under my bed, the keyboard is made to measure, I can store the stand in the Attic
- I can still set it up if I want to use it. X fingers I could hopefully win the auction, I think with the stand, stool and frame of the modern equivalent sells for about £650.00, If I can get it for £300.00 I've done well. If I don't win not a problem, I'll be patient.
In German - This a good demonstration video, wish I could speak German
Doing loads of research and the above meets my needs, that is a realistic Piano feel and sound - I'm always on the hunt for a bargain. The P85 on eBay was bought for a daughter three years ago, not had much use. It's compact has three pedals - Sostenuto is a new term I've learned using the middle pedal, this works like on an acoustic pedal and sustains (un-dampens) all the strings creating an authentic sound as apposed to a standard sustain, which only sustains the notes you press, so you get more of a digital effect . I was gonna wait until my studio's built, but I can still make use of it now, I've found a space for it under my bed, the keyboard is made to measure, I can store the stand in the Attic
- I can still set it up if I want to use it. X fingers I could hopefully win the auction, I think with the stand, stool and frame of the modern equivalent sells for about £650.00, If I can get it for £300.00 I've done well. If I don't win not a problem, I'll be patient.In German - This a good demonstration video, wish I could speak German
ULI wrote…
I´m also not a competent advisor in keyboards. I guess you´re not doing wrong with Yamaha, Roland, Korg, Kurzweil.
Another company to keep in mind may be "Clavia". They make some great stage pianos and other keys.
Depends on your purposes.
http://www.thomann.de/gb/clavia.html
As a non-native-keyboarder I´m happy with my Yamaha "MO6" Synth. It provides all ( and more) I need and can handle. Decent Piano- and Organ sounds, fantastic solo-, lead and pad-synth-sounds, great multi-layers etc.
U.L.I.
I've got a Behringer midi keyboard with semi-weighted keys, it's great for organ, strings and synths, but I want to get a Piano with a Piano hammer action feel and sound. The Clavia looks pro stuff, too much money for me.
actually I dont like the sharp piano sounds from the p-series of Yamaha.
Nord has brought out it's stage piano organ
But you're always restricted to the fixed sounds of these keyboards
I'd prefer Roland or Kurzweil for a real grand piano feeling with weighted keys. But their piano samples are rather synthetic so drop down their volume and use that keyboard as a midi controller for a VST instrument.
Check out TruePianos VST. You can find it here: http://www.truepianos.com
You can also follow a discussion about VSTs and Acoutic pianos here: http://forum.cockos.com/archive/index.php/t-25507.html
Nord has brought out it's stage piano organ
But you're always restricted to the fixed sounds of these keyboards
I'd prefer Roland or Kurzweil for a real grand piano feeling with weighted keys. But their piano samples are rather synthetic so drop down their volume and use that keyboard as a midi controller for a VST instrument.
Check out TruePianos VST. You can find it here: http://www.truepianos.com
You can also follow a discussion about VSTs and Acoutic pianos here: http://forum.cockos.com/archive/index.php/t-25507.html
TritonKeyboarder wrote…
actually I dont like the sharp piano sounds from the p-series of Yamaha.
Nord has brought out it's stage piano organ
But you're always restricted to the fixed sounds of these keyboards
I'd prefer Roland or Kurzweil for a real grand piano feeling with weighted keys. But their piano samples are rather synthetic so drop down their volume and use that keyboard as a midi controller for a VST instrument.
Check out TruePianos VST. You can find it here: http://www.truepianos.com
You can also follow a discussion about VSTs and Acoutic pianos here: http://forum.cockos.com/archive/index.php/t-25507.html
btw
my Korg Triton (Rack version) has some nice piano sounds.
Acoustic Piano
Attack Piano
60s Piano
Classic Piano
You can listen to the Acoustic Piano on this track here: https://forum.bandamp.org/Audio_Review/1413.html
my Korg Triton (Rack version) has some nice piano sounds.
Acoustic Piano
Attack Piano
60s Piano
Classic Piano
You can listen to the Acoustic Piano on this track here: https://forum.bandamp.org/Audio_Review/1413.html
Even Jazz piano players prefer Kurzweil's dynamic range of hammer weighted keys, more than "normal" lead weighted keys . They're absolute fantastic and give the player a real grand piano feeling in live perfomances. Also for recording purposes I would always prefer such keyboards.
TritonKeyboarder wrote…
btw
my Korg Triton (Rack version) has some nice piano sounds.
Acoustic Piano
Attack Piano
60s Piano
Classic Piano
You can listen to the Acoustic Piano on this track here: https://forum.bandamp.org/Audio_Review/1413.html
Beautifully played TK, but it sounds synthetic to me...
TritonKeyboarder wrote…
Even Jazz piano players prefer Kurzweil's dynamic range of hammer weighted keys, more than "normal" lead weighted keys . They're absolute fantastic and give the player a real grand piano feeling in live perfomances. Also for recording purposes I would always prefer such keyboards.
| Roland FP-2 |
I went to my local Piano store and tried a Roland FP-7 http://www.roland.co.uk/products/productdetails.aspx?p=1123 - latest stage piano and it was awesome, the sound and touch are superb. I've seen a Roland FP-2 http://www.roland.com/products/en/FP-2/ which is an older version on eBay http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261098087976#ht_500wt_1414
The auction ends this Monday coming.
It's nice and compact, plus comes with a case on wheels - The seller said he'd meet me at a nearby Tube station.
I'm very excited - x-fingers I'll win the auction
*EDIT* Not so excited, now - researched the Roland FP-2. The sound is brighter, not as nice as the latest models, can't find a decent demo either. Back to the drawing board
The auction ends this Monday coming.
It's nice and compact, plus comes with a case on wheels - The seller said he'd meet me at a nearby Tube station.
I'm very excited - x-fingers I'll win the auction
*EDIT* Not so excited, now - researched the Roland FP-2. The sound is brighter, not as nice as the latest models, can't find a decent demo either. Back to the drawing board
| M Audio Oxygen 88 |
http://www.maudio.co.uk/products/en_gb/Oxygen88.html
I can get this midi controller keyboard with hammer action keys for £309.00
I also downloaded a trial version of true pianos VST recommended by TK. http://www.truepianos.com/ Sounds really nice, nice tone and dynamics, balanced tone. I'd love for some members to try it and give me their opinion.
I'll try and upload something soon.
Does anyone have hands on experience with the M Audio Oxygen 88?
I can get this midi controller keyboard with hammer action keys for £309.00
I also downloaded a trial version of true pianos VST recommended by TK. http://www.truepianos.com/ Sounds really nice, nice tone and dynamics, balanced tone. I'd love for some members to try it and give me their opinion.
I'll try and upload something soon.
Does anyone have hands on experience with the M Audio Oxygen 88?
love that Kurzweil sound!
I own an Oxygen 8, small 25 keys none weight small keys, so I can nót help You :p
actually I dont use my old 88 keys Technics much, but when I use it with Halions piano, I do like that sound much.Would love to try those True pianos, but dont have time now.
I know, I aint a great help, just chatting.
I own an Oxygen 8, small 25 keys none weight small keys, so I can nót help You :p
actually I dont use my old 88 keys Technics much, but when I use it with Halions piano, I do like that sound much.Would love to try those True pianos, but dont have time now.
I know, I aint a great help, just chatting.
MaxdB wrote…
love that Kurzweil sound!
I own an Oxygen 8, small 25 keys none weight small keys, so I can nót help You :p
actually I dont use my old 88 keys Technics much, but when I use it with Halions piano, I do like that sound much.Would love to try those True pianos, but dont have time now.
I know, I aint a great help, just chatting.
I had a little play on one of these when we were in Japan last month very impressive ...also played on a nord stage ...both excellent & pricey.
http://www.korg.com/sv1
http://www.korg.com/sv1
yokoinc wrote…
I had a little play on one of these when we were in Japan last month very impressive ...also played on a nord stage ...both excellent & pricey.
http://www.korg.com/sv1
Thisone seems to be what you´re looking for, Denis.
It provides all the characteristics a good e-piano should offer. Weighted keys, foot pedal, wide range of authentic sounds, and knobs and switches (and no digi-displays) giving a natural, haptical feeling to the player.
For what I see and hear I´d say : keep it in mind, I guess it´s available for an affortable price, Korg stuff mostly has fair prices.
It provides all the characteristics a good e-piano should offer. Weighted keys, foot pedal, wide range of authentic sounds, and knobs and switches (and no digi-displays) giving a natural, haptical feeling to the player.
For what I see and hear I´d say : keep it in mind, I guess it´s available for an affortable price, Korg stuff mostly has fair prices.
ULI wrote…
Thisone seems to be what you´re looking for, Denis.
It provides all the characteristics a good e-piano should offer. Weighted keys, foot pedal, wide range of authentic sounds, and knobs and switches (and no digi-displays) giving a natural, haptical feeling to the player.
For what I see and hear I´d say : keep it in mind, I guess it´s available for an affortable price, Korg stuff mostly has fair prices.
Price ranges between £1200 - £1400 for the Korg SV1 - Looks great value. It will be on my short list for the studio. In the meantime I'm still on the look out for a basic electric piano with hammer action keys, I'll be using it as a midi controller, so the built in sounds are not important. I've got my eye on a Roland FP-2 (already mentioned in this thread), auction ends Mon 24th Sept. I was playing around with the truepiano VST TK recommended, I like it, the only thing is sometimes the acoustic harmonic sounds don't blend well with the raw piano sounds, making it sound false or even digital. I'm gonna try a few more demo's, read up on what others are using.
| Ordered Casio CDP-120 |
I've ordered a Casio CDP-120 - £329.00 inc X-Frame and a carry case, brand new - best deal I could find.
I tried many Digital Pianos, ranging from a Top of the range Roland to a Technics SX-50 stage piano. To be quite frank I could not tell much difference between them, only because I'm a novice, I don't doubt the Roland FP-7F is a superior instrument in terms of build quality, but for me it's home use and I will store it in it's case every time I've finished playing with it.
The main reason I went for the Casio is because it has a USB midi interface - simply plug and play, I liked the feel of the keys, surprisingly the build quality feels/looks reasonable if not solid compared with the Roland and finally I actually like the look of it, even the keys have an Ivory look to them like on a real acoustic.
I'm still keeping my Berhinger Midi-controller, I think sprung keys are better for Organ, plus it has a pitch wheel and modulation wheel (think that's what it's called....lol), plus a few knobs to change VST peramaters and what not.
I should get it Friday or Monday - I've a feeling I'm gonna enjoy improving my skills on the Casio Piano.
I tried many Digital Pianos, ranging from a Top of the range Roland to a Technics SX-50 stage piano. To be quite frank I could not tell much difference between them, only because I'm a novice, I don't doubt the Roland FP-7F is a superior instrument in terms of build quality, but for me it's home use and I will store it in it's case every time I've finished playing with it.
The main reason I went for the Casio is because it has a USB midi interface - simply plug and play, I liked the feel of the keys, surprisingly the build quality feels/looks reasonable if not solid compared with the Roland and finally I actually like the look of it, even the keys have an Ivory look to them like on a real acoustic.
I'm still keeping my Berhinger Midi-controller, I think sprung keys are better for Organ, plus it has a pitch wheel and modulation wheel (think that's what it's called....lol), plus a few knobs to change VST peramaters and what not.
I should get it Friday or Monday - I've a feeling I'm gonna enjoy improving my skills on the Casio Piano.
Actually that casio would have been my second to the korg , good value and playing ,in Japan many of the live houses that supply keys as part of the back line use them.They always supply good gear all around .
Keyboard players also bring modules and computers that can be managed from those casios.
The other good thing about them is that they are available in department and electric appliance outlets.Don't even have to be tempted by going to a music shop....funny world.
I'm still using my Roland jv 80 with usb converter for the computer , it was fitted with a new keyboard 2 yrs ago ..one of the last 2 left at roland in oz so I got lucky. The weighted keys in it are good enough.But still got a hankering for one of those korgs ...doh ....so I'll have 2 have a chat with the wife
Just l;ove when boxes of new stuff turn up.
Happy times
Keyboard players also bring modules and computers that can be managed from those casios.
The other good thing about them is that they are available in department and electric appliance outlets.Don't even have to be tempted by going to a music shop....funny world.
I'm still using my Roland jv 80 with usb converter for the computer , it was fitted with a new keyboard 2 yrs ago ..one of the last 2 left at roland in oz so I got lucky. The weighted keys in it are good enough.But still got a hankering for one of those korgs ...doh ....so I'll have 2 have a chat with the wife
Just l;ove when boxes of new stuff turn up.
Happy times
yokoinc wrote…
Actually that casio would have been my second to the korg , good value and playing ,in Japan many of the live houses that supply keys as part of the back line use them.They always supply good gear all around .
Keyboard players also bring modules and computers that can be managed from those casios.
The other good thing about them is that they are available in department and electric appliance outlets.Don't even have to be tempted by going to a music shop....funny world.
I'm still using my Roland jv 80 with usb converter for the computer , it was fitted with a new keyboard 2 yrs ago ..one of the last 2 left at roland in oz so I got lucky. The weighted keys in it are good enough.But still got a hankering for one of those korgs ...doh ....so I'll have 2 have a chat with the wife
Just l;ove when boxes of new stuff turn up.
Happy times
I just reinstalled the steinberg the grand.. it's pretty good,, but I found a free vst piano plug in
http://www.vstplanet.com/Instruments/VST_Piano.htm
http://www.vstplanet.com/Instruments/VST_Piano.htm
toastedgoat wrote…
I just reinstalled the steinberg the grand.. it's pretty good,, but I found a free vst piano plug in
http://www.vstplanet.com/Instruments/VST_Piano.htm
Denis wrote…
Thanks for the link. You probably have seen in the thread I purchased a basic Casio CDP-120 digital piano, it suites my purpose for the moment - I've been playing with it almost everyday, I'm really getting into it. I'm using pianoteq v2.3 VST, I love the sound, warm, mellow and realistic. I'm trying to learn Moonlite Sonata 1st movement, I'm hopeless at reading music, but found some great tutorials on YouTube. I can just about follow it, the piece is about 6 mins long, it does not repeat except for one small section. I don't know what it is about reading music that I find difficult, although despite being patient by nature, I don't seem to have the patience to learn how to read music. I have a great ear for music, but it's a hell of a challenge learning a classical piece that is forever changing. Does anyone else have this problem, any tips on how I can improve my reading.toastedgoat wrote…
I just reinstalled the steinberg the grand.. it's pretty good,, but I found a free vst piano plug in
http://www.vstplanet.com/Instruments/VST_Piano.htm
It's like learning to read any language start at the beginning, work your way up.
get a copy of Mark Levine's Jazz Theory Book, or once that is similar
some good websites out there.. and like learning any good piece of music, one measure at a time.
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