Hey, I was in Toronto today and passed by one of your locations! I almost walked in to see if I could meet stu but couldn't with time. Hope everything is great!
Really helpful - thank you. Interested that the Yamaha P225 did not make the list - think it had been released at the time of this review. Love the channel
You're very welcome! Thanks for watching! It comes down to a matter of personal preference of course, but we felt that there are other piano models that offer better cost-to-value ratios in this price category currently.
Would love to see an updated refresh review on the casio CDP-S360, especially how the action stacks up when playing classical pieces. I know the FP-10 has the better action for this use case, but would love to know how the CDP-S360 action ranks against other actions besides the PHA-4 from Roland.
Thank you for the suggestion! I will be happy to pass it along to the production team. I'm sure they will do their best to tackle an updated review of the CDPS360. :)
I mostly use the DGX670 as a piano only instrument. For me it does the job just fine. Yeah it's prity big, and heavy, however considering I don't need to move all the time I don't really mind the weight🎹🎶
I went to Guitar Center and played that DGX-670...it was really nice. I'm looking to upgrade my DGX-530 (very old but has been reliable) and was thinking about staying Yamaha or going with the Roland RD-08.
The DGX670 is a very solid instrument, but it would definitely be worth trying out the Roland FP-E50 and RD08 as well. They offer excellent cost-to-value ratios in my opinion. :)
You're very welcome! Thank you for tuning in! Best of luck with your piano journey. Playing piano is an incredibly rewarding activity to invest your time into. :)
I have thoroughly enjoyed your educational/information videos. Would you consider doing a video on keyboard arrangers vs workstations? The three that seem popular are Ketron, Korg and Yamaha. Having used Roland for years I am in the market for some newer technology. Thx in advance Stu.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks so much for tuning in and supporting our channel! We really appreciate it. I will be happy to pass along the suggestion to our production team. I'm sure they will do their best to tackle the comparison for you if at all possible. :)
Hi, what digital piano would you recommend for a budget of around $1200? I am an intermediate player who trained with an upright; I will be using the piano for live, online music streams, sometimes at night when I may need to use headphones for the neighbors. I do not need special features and will mostly be playing classical music. My biggest priorities are the speaker sound for playing in front of friends, realistic key feel so my technique is maintained, and output sound for online streams. Thank you so much for your assistance, your videos have been so helpful! :) If you think a piano out of my budget is necessary for these scenarios, please recommend it as well
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks so much for reaching out with your question. Are you in Canada or the United States? The price points we are talking about would be a bit different in that case. However, I would say that models like the Roland FP30X, FP60X, and FP-E50 are likely going to be the best options for what you are seeking. If you exclusively need a solid piano sound and are not concerned about arranger/accompaniment functions, the FP60X has a very impressive speaker system and all of the connectivity options that you require. If you do require accompaniment functionality, the FP-E50 is certainly worth consideration. However, the speaker system is not as loud as the FP60X. Thanks so much and hope this helps! :)
We are not Kurzweil dealers, so it is a bit trickier to tackle the company's models for reviews/comparisons. But, we do get pianos come in on trade sometimes, so we will do our best to tackle that model (along with any other pertinent Kurzweil pianos) if possible. Thanks for the suggestion! :)
Hey Stu, thanks for your very helpful content. I'm intending to buy my first digital piano this week so would love some more insight. Locally here in NZ, my options for a triple pedal console are limited and the options I'm looking at are the Kawai ES120 (1899 NZD) & the Casio PX-770 (1699 NZD). I will have the opportunity to trial both in store, however I'd love to hear your personal thoughts on the actions of these two when compared to an acoustic and what sound you preferred. Overall the best value for money, why would you choose one over the other? Cheers!
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! That is very exciting! Thank you for tuning into our channel and writing in with your question. While both of these models are excellent pianos with great cost-to-value ratios. I would personally give an edge to the ES120 in terms of tone/touch authenticity. It is a slightly heavier action and warmer tone, which is more comparable to an acoustic piano. Thanks again and hope this helps! :)
Wait the Fp-60X is $999 now in the US.. is the ES120 still a better choice? I’m coming from the Korg B2 which I had for 2 years, and honestly love how that sounds..
We are located in Canada, so the price points and price gaps of certain models do vary compared to other markets, hence why certain instruments might not be considered in this video.
I am trying to find a nice digital piano for my son, there is another piano in the house and he had been learning how to play on his own for a while. He will start lessons and since we have new additions to the family, he needs a piano for his room, so he can play and practice without worrying to wake up his sister and brother. So far I am convinced on fp30x, I have watched a lot of reviews and it always comes up. How does fp30x compare to fpe50, there is 100 euro difference between, is it worth it? I don't play the piano, I am totally clueless, trying to educate myself on the topic.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for the question! The Roland FP30X and FP-E50 have virtually the exact same core piano experience. They have the same action (PHA4) and same core tone engine (SuperNATURAL Piano). Even the speaker system is quite similar. The differentiator is that the FP-E50 has way more built-in sounds and features. More specifically, the FP-E50 offers a plethora of accompaniment patterns and rhythms to play along to. If that feature isn't that important or appealing, the FP30X is likely the better option. Thanks and hope this helps!
Hello Merriam music I had a question as a total beginner with digital pianos, I wanted to know what is the cheapest digital piano with 88 keys because honestly I do not care about the sound the piano makes (do care about how the keys feel and the quality so it won’t break in a few months but will last me a very long time even with extensive use). I learned that you can hook up your piano via a usb to your software and that way I could use a “grand piano” and since I will be playing to learn I’d prefer headset over traditional sound coming from the piano, is there any piano that suits my needs and won’t cost me €445 euro? I have been looking at the Roland 10 and the Yamaha P145 B but it’s just to much, I kinda want to bypass the need for a piano that will cost that much when I can just hook it up to a software and get a better experience (I am still unfamiliar with the process of hooking it up to a software so please help me out). All I care about is 88 keys a great headset audio output, feeling of the keys don’t need to be exactly like a grand piano neither plastic just something you could use if you get me 😊 I love the piano animenz uses on TH-cam in which he plays anime themed songs, it’s a Steinway piano of course buying a similar piano like that will cost you a lot of money but I’d thought if I can just replicate that sound with a headset and the feeling of the keys are just fine and the overall is above decent or good I would be happy 😃 Appreciate the advice thanks!!
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for the suggestion! It is important to note that there are some 88-note non-weighted keyboards and that some of them do not have USB/MIDI connection to be able to partner them with virtual instruments and apps. To that point, my top suggestion would be the Roland FP10. It has one of the most authentic feeling actions in the price point and also provides the USB connectivity you are looking for! :)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for responding! I should have mentioned the price I was looking to get a piano for was under the €200 range just is there a piano that suits my needs and requirements ? I had found the Devine VersaKey 88 USB/MIDI keyboard that would possibly do the trick but I have no idea if that’s going to be a good option for me, what do you think Brent ?
I have an Hoffman P126 at home. All that I want is a digital piano that has a great action so I can practice when I am not at home. Kawai ES120? Speakers are not very important, I also have a high-end sound system available.
Hi! Brent here! The ES120 is a remarkable piano for the price point, but it will not really compare to the quality of something like the P126. Budget permitting, you might find that an instrument like the ES920 would be a more rewarding musical experience. :)
I’m looking for a piano, price is no object. I’m a new piano student and will learn when I have time. For now I want a beautiful decoration piece. Should I go with Steinway Model S, Kawai GL-10, Boston GP-156 or Yamaha GB1K? I am partial to Yamaha as I love my YZF-R1, and if the piano is anything like my bike, I know it will be well built.
Hi there! Thanks for the question! Those pianos are all in very different price and quality categories. The Steinway Model S would be the highest quality instrument, followed by the Boston GP156, Kawai GL10, and Yamaha GB1K in that order. At the end of the day, if budget is no object, it really comes down to a matter of personal preference. The Steinway Model S would certainly be the most premium instrument from that list. If you are looking for an incredible baby grand piano, I would also consider checking out the C. Bechstein A160 and L167 models. :)
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! They are both excellent pianos, but they are very different offerings given their form factor. If the piano is going to stay in one place within your home, the Kawai KDP120 is a superior instrument. It has a more advanced action and speaker system. With that said, if portability is a factor, the ES120 would be the option given its streamlined, lightweight design. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
Hi Brent @@MerriamPianos, if we put the cn 201 on the list what would you recomended for a child (11 years) to learn classic music at the music conservatory and i has well, has an hobby? Taking at the consideration both 3 pianos? The school provides their pianos to students!
Thanks for tuning in! They are both excellent pianos that offer different things musically. The Kawai KDP120 is a warmer tonal profile versus the Casio PX870, which is on the brighter side. For me personally, I gravitate towards a warmer sound, so I would give the edge to the KDP120.
Thank you! I also noticed this warm sound in kawai, but it seems to me that kawai is a little bit overrated and Casio offers more functions for the same price.
I'm surprised not to see the Roland FP-E50 here. I understand why you suggested the FP-30X but aside from the action and the slightly better build quality the E50 does everything the 30X and 60X for that matter and so much more for relatively the same price.
why there aren't korgs in reviews? I would like to see a review of the Korg D1 vs FP30x, it has no speakers to have an apparently premium quality action (RH3)
Hi, in the fp 30x if i connect the piano using usb (A to B) and only those to my computer, the audio will come out of the speaker? or I'd have to use another cable or interface to make it come out of the speakers?
Hi there! The FP30X has a USB audio interface, so you can use it in conjunction with VST plugins and have the audio playback through the onboard speakers. :)
Hi! Brent here! The Kawai VPC1 is largely considered the best MIDI controller on the market right now. It has an all 88-note wooden key action that plays amazingly well!
How it could be compared with nv5s and nv10s action? Witch is better? I use synchron piano library and for me important only action. And second question. Is possible to ask when you do review about Bechstein C8 that was released recently. I have bechstein concert 8 2022 white polished with my name on it. I very interested in difference and in high anticipation in this video from you! I’m big fan of your channel friends!❤
I like Nord Stage. Unfortunately I don't own one, but I play it sometimes. It has awesome action and sounds. My second choice would be Yamaha YC88. Also, I don't think it makes any sense to play $200 VST on $5,000 keyboard.
It really comes down to a matter of personal preference. I would recommend testing out both to see which one you connect with more. I would give an edge to the PXS3100 in terms of the sound and feature offering, but a slight edge to the P225 in terms of touch.
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for the Reply! Unfortunately, there is no demo stock for the Pxs3100 in any of my nearest music stores for me to try. I only got to try the p225. I do love the feel of the p225 it feels closer to my upright piano! initially decided on getting the white p225 but the pxs3100 went on sale now they are the same price and as you said more features now I am hesitant. I scoured TH-cam for reviews and I am still undecided lol. Also, I found your reviews very detailed and gave me a good insight into other options so thanks for that.
We did a comparison video for the P525 against the FP90X, but I am not sure if there are plans for a solo review of the P525. You can check out the comparison video here though: th-cam.com/video/PEBf0DmYGgU/w-d-xo.html
could you make an updated video about headphones? "for example" the meze 99 neo. they are the same as the 99 classics you use but 100 euro cheaper (199euro). [beyerdynamic dt 770 pro 80ohm] [sennheiser hd 560s(open back)] [audiotechnica m20xbt(70euro)] [audiotechnica m50xbt2(bluetooth ldac headphones for wireless use on other devices too)] [hifiman he400se(planarmagnetic->completely different sound technology)]
Hi there! We definitely plan on doing a headphone update in the near future. We appreciate these suggestions! I will pass them along to our production team. :)
Kawai and korg aren’t generally available in India, also Roland fp10 and30x are pretty much out of stock, which can you recommend between fp10, Yamaha 145 and Yamaha 225??
Hi! Brent here! For me, the FP10's PHA4 action is far superior to the actions in the Yamaha P145 and P225 models. From that perspective, I would lean in that direction. :)
@@MerriamPianos thanks for that Brent…it was really helpful…I have no previous musical experience, do you think I should stick with fp10 or just buy a low budget 61 key?
@@toxicrbis9206 buy 88 key with great action if you wanna play a real piano. Roland is a very good "simulator". Your skills (apart pedalling, which is easy) will transfer very well to a real piano
It needed your opinion summary/comparison at the end - why you would pick one over the other, not as comprehensive as your full comparison videos, but perhaps a couple of minutes total.
We appreciate the feedback, but that is not our call to make. All of these pianos offer different musical experiences that will align with different players/customers. It really comes down to a matter of personal preference and subjectivity. :)
@@MerriamPianos "not our call to make" - I am not suggesting you tell people which one to buy, only which one _you_ prefer over another and why. "All of these pianos offer different musical experiences that will align with different players/customers" - Yes, but if they did not value your opinion, they would not be watching your channel.
@@williamtaittinger4529 "that is YOUR call to make according to your needs" - Please read previous comments before replying. I am not looking for a decision on which one to buy. Also, in that statement you are assuming too much of the expertise level of the viewer.
They're saying the whole list of keyboards here are good options at this price point. We all know Stu is a huge fan of the PHA4 action, past that, it is really subjective.
It is a matter of subjectivity really. But, for me, the ES120 is the most authentic sounding piano and the FP10/FP30X are the most authentic feeling pianos in this price category.
It's always good to look around at the used prices. Some retailers sell practically untouched keyboards as used and for a good deal less than standard price. Besides, with these types of keyboards, even after "using" it for decades it should still be immaculate.
The Casio PXS3100 is a very compelling option with a very extensive list of amazing sounds and functionality! I find it to be a very good option for pop and rock repertoire. :)
It is a solid piano, but, in our collective opinion, there are better offerings in the price category. It is important to note that piano preference will always come down to subjectivity though.
I had P-125 before and now I have DGX-670. Price is almost the same, but DGX-670 has more sounds (hundreds of sounds) and has better speakers. I tried P-225 in store. I think it is almost the same as P-125. For me P-125 only had 2 or 3 usable sounds.
I haven't tried the Korg but I have played the rest. I felt most comfortable with the Roland FP30X with Kawai ES120 a close second. Btw, ES120 feels a lot better - much better than the improvements on paper - than its predecessor ES110. As for Yamaha, I have never been a fan of Yamaha actions and this is no different. But this is something very personal, they just don't work for me.
I have the DGX-670. The action is fine, however the complexity of the the OS drives me nuts. Plus the string voices don't sustain with the pedal on the one I have. There is a guy in London who has one, and he says his string voices do sustain. Unfortunately there is no upgrade path for the firmware which is a major shortcoming on many of these instruments. It's too bad they don't have SSD's that can be changed out or upgraded.
I agree. Actions are a personal thing same with sound. me I personally don't like the PHA4's touch responce when playing softly. Glad you like the FP30X🎹🎶
@@JoeLinux2000 I didn't mean to imply that Yamaha actions aren't good or offend anyone. Who am I to judge a brand whose history speaks for itself. I just feel more comfortable with Roland and Kawai actions. Enjoy your musical experience.
Thanks for the sharing your thoughts and experiences! The FP30X still holds up as an amazing instrument with a fantastic touch/action for its price point. It is definitely a difficult one to compete with at this price point. :)
My doubt lies between purchasing the Casio PX-S1100 or the Roland FP-30X. I require a digital piano with an action similar to that of a real piano to train my pianist technique, but at the same time, I need one that I can use for recording in my DAW. I'd also like to add that I would need it for live performances, but my main focus is for daily practice in the studio. To be honest, I like the design (Red Color) of the Casio PX-S1100, and I feel its sound is fuller and not as bright as the Roland's. However, I don't have the opportunity to play them live; I can only rely on TH-cam videos for comparison. Therefore, I would appreciate guidance on whether the Casio PX-S1100 meets my requirements or if I should consider the FP-30X, especially considering that in my country, the price difference is only $30, with the Roland FP-30X being the more expensive option.
Hi! Brent here! The decision and preference comes down to the tastes of the player ultimately. In my opinion, the FP30X has a more authentic feeling action. It is substantially heavier and has escapement simulation, whereas the PXS1100 is quite light. The sensor system is also more advanced in the FP30X. If you're looking for a playing experience that is as close as possible to an acoustic piano, I would personally give the FP30X the edge. With that said, if you're looking for portability, the PXS1100 is an excellent gigging instrument.
I would say, save up to buy Roland FP30X before buying any other keyboards. After that wait till you can buy a german upright and then an European baby grand and Finally C. Bechstein A192 and call it a life. Yes, this works great fo someone with a house and polite neighbors and no young children; as I did not mention any hybrids here.
Have the Roland FP30X and now looking for a Yamaha U1 acoustic upright. Could be tempted with a Kwai K300 but unfortunately I detest the black polymer finish on pianos and want a wood finish which rules out Kwai unless I opt for a K200 but not not none are appearing on the market as second hand!
The FP30X is an excellent starting point - that is for sure. It has a heavy touch and very good sensor detection, which makes for a more seamless transition to an acoustic piano down the road.
Electronic is OK but for true sound experience, cannot beat an acoustic if you can afford it, have the space and tolerant neighbours or a Celeste (quiet) pedal. I have a Roland FP30X. No complaints but this was an experiment to decide whether learning piano was just a passing phase or not. Well it isn’t and so now looking to progress to a second hand upright acoustic and thinking of Yamaha U1 or Kwai K300 but as K300 is only produced in black, looking for a wood finish Yamaha U1..
Hi there! Digital pianos certainly have their place in the market, but acoustic pianos have a magic and nuance that is hard to fully emulate electronically. Also, the K300 comes in polished mahogany and snow white polish as well.
We didn't forget the Yamaha P225. It is a solid piano of course, but we feel that there are instruments that offer better cost-to-value ratios than that particular model.
@@MerriamPianos yes sir thanks alot for your response i have watched several of your video's i was confused between the fp 30x and p-225 which one to buy and your videos helped me alot
Hey, I was in Toronto today and passed by one of your locations! I almost walked in to see if I could meet stu but couldn't with time. Hope everything is great!
Thanks for tuning in! Stu is periodically at the showrooms, so you might catch him if you pop in sometime. :)
It's a must for this channel to make video comparing digital pianos to keyboards now.
Thank you for the suggestion! We will do our best to tackle that for you. :)
I got my Kawai ES 120 from Merriam - very very happy with it.
We're very happy to hear that! Thanks so much for the support and enjoy your ES120! :)
Really helpful - thank you. Interested that the Yamaha P225 did not make the list - think it had been released at the time of this review. Love the channel
You're very welcome! Thanks for watching! It comes down to a matter of personal preference of course, but we felt that there are other piano models that offer better cost-to-value ratios in this price category currently.
@@MerriamPianos Really helpful and thanks for the quick response. Have just bought a FP30X for my little boy.
Recently picked up the ES920 as a result of watching your other videos and want to thank you! Absolutely love it : )
That is amazing to hear! I am a massive fan of the ES920! Congrats on your new piano and happy playing! :)
can you please get stu to review the korg liano, it is unlike anything else on the market, would be great to hear stu’s thoughts on it.
Hi there! Thanks for the suggestion! I will pass it along to our production team and I'm sure they will do their best to tackle that model for you. :)
Now all we need is one under $2000 list🙌🏻
We will try to tackle that video as well for you! :)
First time i heard stu confirm that the kawai es120 has the k60 upright. Nice touch on adding the korg!
Thanks so much for the feedback and for tuning in! We appreciate it. :)
Would love to see an updated refresh review on the casio CDP-S360, especially how the action stacks up when playing classical pieces. I know the FP-10 has the better action for this use case, but would love to know how the CDP-S360 action ranks against other actions besides the PHA-4 from Roland.
Thank you for the suggestion! I will be happy to pass it along to the production team. I'm sure they will do their best to tackle an updated review of the CDPS360. :)
That would be awesome, thanks! 👍
What do you think about the Alesis prestige and the prestige artist?
Maybe you should do a comparison about it!
Great video!!
Hi! Brent here! We are not Alesis dealers, so it may be tough to tackle that review for you, but we will do our best. :)
The first time was mentioned Korg here))) Progress!
We are always doing our best to cover as many lines and models as possible .:)
I mostly use the DGX670 as a piano only instrument. For me it does the job just fine. Yeah it's prity big, and heavy, however considering I don't need to move all the time I don't really mind the weight🎹🎶
That's awesome! We're glad you found an instrument that aligns well with your needs and musical preferences. :)
Great video i've been always impressed by Korg !
Thank you so much! We appreciate that. :)
I am quite sad that the Yamaha P225 do not make it to this list, but here in Vietnam I am able to get it for about $550 bucks which is a crazy deal
The P225 is a solid model of course, we just feel that there are stronger competitors in this category.
I went to Guitar Center and played that DGX-670...it was really nice. I'm looking to upgrade my DGX-530 (very old but has been reliable) and was thinking about staying Yamaha or going with the Roland RD-08.
The DGX670 is a very solid instrument, but it would definitely be worth trying out the Roland FP-E50 and RD08 as well. They offer excellent cost-to-value ratios in my opinion. :)
Thank you for your videos! I am very interested in learning!
You're very welcome! Thank you for tuning in! Best of luck with your piano journey. Playing piano is an incredibly rewarding activity to invest your time into. :)
I have thoroughly enjoyed your educational/information videos. Would you consider doing a video on keyboard arrangers vs workstations? The three that seem popular are Ketron, Korg and Yamaha. Having used Roland for years I am in the market for some newer technology. Thx in advance Stu.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks so much for tuning in and supporting our channel! We really appreciate it. I will be happy to pass along the suggestion to our production team. I'm sure they will do their best to tackle the comparison for you if at all possible. :)
@@MerriamPianos thank you for the quick response. Will look forward to any input.
Hi, what digital piano would you recommend for a budget of around $1200? I am an intermediate player who trained with an upright; I will be using the piano for live, online music streams, sometimes at night when I may need to use headphones for the neighbors.
I do not need special features and will mostly be playing classical music. My biggest priorities are the speaker sound for playing in front of friends, realistic key feel so my technique is maintained, and output sound for online streams. Thank you so much for your assistance, your videos have been so helpful! :)
If you think a piano out of my budget is necessary for these scenarios, please recommend it as well
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks so much for reaching out with your question. Are you in Canada or the United States? The price points we are talking about would be a bit different in that case. However, I would say that models like the Roland FP30X, FP60X, and FP-E50 are likely going to be the best options for what you are seeking. If you exclusively need a solid piano sound and are not concerned about arranger/accompaniment functions, the FP60X has a very impressive speaker system and all of the connectivity options that you require. If you do require accompaniment functionality, the FP-E50 is certainly worth consideration. However, the speaker system is not as loud as the FP60X. Thanks so much and hope this helps! :)
Has a review been done on the Kurzweil KaE 1-LB? Just reading the specs and price, it seems to be the best value beginners' piano.
We are not Kurzweil dealers, so it is a bit trickier to tackle the company's models for reviews/comparisons. But, we do get pianos come in on trade sometimes, so we will do our best to tackle that model (along with any other pertinent Kurzweil pianos) if possible. Thanks for the suggestion! :)
Hey Stu, thanks for your very helpful content. I'm intending to buy my first digital piano this week so would love some more insight.
Locally here in NZ, my options for a triple pedal console are limited and the options I'm looking at are the Kawai ES120 (1899 NZD) & the Casio PX-770 (1699 NZD). I will have the opportunity to trial both in store, however I'd love to hear your personal thoughts on the actions of these two when compared to an acoustic and what sound you preferred. Overall the best value for money, why would you choose one over the other?
Cheers!
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! That is very exciting! Thank you for tuning into our channel and writing in with your question. While both of these models are excellent pianos with great cost-to-value ratios. I would personally give an edge to the ES120 in terms of tone/touch authenticity. It is a slightly heavier action and warmer tone, which is more comparable to an acoustic piano. Thanks again and hope this helps! :)
Wait the Fp-60X is $999 now in the US.. is the ES120 still a better choice? I’m coming from the Korg B2 which I had for 2 years, and honestly love how that sounds..
We are located in Canada, so the price points and price gaps of certain models do vary compared to other markets, hence why certain instruments might not be considered in this video.
I am trying to find a nice digital piano for my son, there is another piano in the house and he had been learning how to play on his own for a while. He will start lessons and since we have new additions to the family, he needs a piano for his room, so he can play and practice without worrying to wake up his sister and brother. So far I am convinced on fp30x, I have watched a lot of reviews and it always comes up. How does fp30x compare to fpe50, there is 100 euro difference between, is it worth it? I don't play the piano, I am totally clueless, trying to educate myself on the topic.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for the question! The Roland FP30X and FP-E50 have virtually the exact same core piano experience. They have the same action (PHA4) and same core tone engine (SuperNATURAL Piano). Even the speaker system is quite similar. The differentiator is that the FP-E50 has way more built-in sounds and features. More specifically, the FP-E50 offers a plethora of accompaniment patterns and rhythms to play along to. If that feature isn't that important or appealing, the FP30X is likely the better option. Thanks and hope this helps!
@@MerriamPianos I have ordered FP30X. I think he will be very happy. Thank you for taking the time to answer.
Hello Merriam music I had a question as a total beginner with digital pianos,
I wanted to know what is the cheapest digital piano with 88 keys because honestly I do not care about the sound the piano makes (do care about how the keys feel and the quality so it won’t break in a few months but will last me a very long time even with extensive use).
I learned that you can hook up your piano via a usb to your software and that way I could use a “grand piano” and since I will be playing to learn I’d prefer headset over traditional sound coming from the piano, is there any piano that suits my needs and won’t cost me €445 euro? I have been looking at the Roland 10 and the Yamaha P145 B but it’s just to much,
I kinda want to bypass the need for a piano that will cost that much when I can just hook it up to a software and get a better experience (I am still unfamiliar with the process of hooking it up to a software so please help me out).
All I care about is 88 keys a great headset audio output, feeling of the keys don’t need to be exactly like a grand piano neither plastic just something you could use if you get me 😊 I love the piano animenz uses on TH-cam in which he plays anime themed songs, it’s a Steinway piano of course buying a similar piano like that will cost you a lot of money but I’d thought if I can just replicate that sound with a headset and the feeling of the keys are just fine and the overall is above decent or good I would be happy 😃
Appreciate the advice thanks!!
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for the suggestion! It is important to note that there are some 88-note non-weighted keyboards and that some of them do not have USB/MIDI connection to be able to partner them with virtual instruments and apps. To that point, my top suggestion would be the Roland FP10. It has one of the most authentic feeling actions in the price point and also provides the USB connectivity you are looking for! :)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for responding! I should have mentioned the price I was looking to get a piano for was under the €200 range just is there a piano that suits my needs and requirements ? I had found the Devine VersaKey 88 USB/MIDI keyboard that would possibly do the trick but I have no idea if that’s going to be a good option for me, what do you think Brent ?
I have an Hoffman P126 at home. All that I want is a digital piano that has a great action so I can practice when I am not at home. Kawai ES120? Speakers are not very important, I also have a high-end sound system available.
Hi! Brent here! The ES120 is a remarkable piano for the price point, but it will not really compare to the quality of something like the P126. Budget permitting, you might find that an instrument like the ES920 would be a more rewarding musical experience. :)
I’m looking for a piano, price is no object. I’m a new piano student and will learn when I have time. For now I want a beautiful decoration piece. Should I go with Steinway Model S, Kawai GL-10, Boston GP-156 or Yamaha GB1K? I am partial to Yamaha as I love my YZF-R1, and if the piano is anything like my bike, I know it will be well built.
Hi there! Thanks for the question! Those pianos are all in very different price and quality categories. The Steinway Model S would be the highest quality instrument, followed by the Boston GP156, Kawai GL10, and Yamaha GB1K in that order. At the end of the day, if budget is no object, it really comes down to a matter of personal preference. The Steinway Model S would certainly be the most premium instrument from that list. If you are looking for an incredible baby grand piano, I would also consider checking out the C. Bechstein A160 and L167 models. :)
@@MerriamPianos thanks for the reply and suggestions. I’ll have to look into those others.
I'm surprised that the Roland FP-E50 didn't make the cut. It's well under $1,000. (£622 in the UK when on sale and £5 coupon.)
We are based in Canada, so the FP-E50 sits a bit above the $1000 price point here.
@@MerriamPianos Gotcha. Thanks for explaining.
Hi @MerriamPianos ,good morning, i'm a little bit divided bettwen kdp 120 and Es 120 can you guive me a help in terms of choosing?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! They are both excellent pianos, but they are very different offerings given their form factor. If the piano is going to stay in one place within your home, the Kawai KDP120 is a superior instrument. It has a more advanced action and speaker system. With that said, if portability is a factor, the ES120 would be the option given its streamlined, lightweight design. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
Hi Brent @@MerriamPianos, if we put the cn 201 on the list what would you recomended for a child (11 years) to learn classic music at the music conservatory and i has well, has an hobby? Taking at the consideration both 3 pianos? The school provides their pianos to students!
Thank u for your playing!
Kawai p120 or Casio 870 if price in my city is almost the same?
Thanks for tuning in! They are both excellent pianos that offer different things musically. The Kawai KDP120 is a warmer tonal profile versus the Casio PX870, which is on the brighter side. For me personally, I gravitate towards a warmer sound, so I would give the edge to the KDP120.
Thank you! I also noticed this warm sound in kawai, but it seems to me that kawai is a little bit overrated and Casio offers more functions for the same price.
I'm surprised not to see the Roland FP-E50 here. I understand why you suggested the FP-30X but aside from the action and the slightly better build quality the E50 does everything the 30X and 60X for that matter and so much more for relatively the same price.
Here in Canada, the FP-E50 is above the $1000 price point, hence why it did not make the list. Otherwise, it certainly would have! :)
@@MerriamPianos Gotcha, Thank you.
@@Boleyn1895 its trash quality compared to 30x and 60x. Plastic and chessy accompaniaments
why there aren't korgs in reviews? I would like to see a review of the Korg D1 vs FP30x, it has no speakers to have an apparently premium quality action (RH3)
Thanks for the suggestion! We will do our best to tackle some Korg models in the near future if the opportunity presents. :)
Hi, in the fp 30x if i connect the piano using usb (A to B) and only those to my computer, the audio will come out of the speaker? or I'd have to use another cable or interface to make it come out of the speakers?
Hi there! The FP30X has a USB audio interface, so you can use it in conjunction with VST plugins and have the audio playback through the onboard speakers. :)
Hello! Help me please! What are the best action piano or midi keyboard that money could possibly buy?
Hi! Brent here! The Kawai VPC1 is largely considered the best MIDI controller on the market right now. It has an all 88-note wooden key action that plays amazingly well!
How it could be compared with nv5s and nv10s action? Witch is better? I use synchron piano library and for me important only action.
And second question. Is possible to ask when you do review about Bechstein C8 that was released recently. I have bechstein concert 8 2022 white polished with my name on it. I very interested in difference and in high anticipation in this video from you!
I’m big fan of your channel friends!❤
I like Nord Stage. Unfortunately I don't own one, but I play it sometimes. It has awesome action and sounds. My second choice would be Yamaha YC88. Also, I don't think it makes any sense to play $200 VST on $5,000 keyboard.
I’m stuck between the Casio px s3100 and the Yamaha p225 which would you recommend?
It really comes down to a matter of personal preference. I would recommend testing out both to see which one you connect with more. I would give an edge to the PXS3100 in terms of the sound and feature offering, but a slight edge to the P225 in terms of touch.
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for the Reply! Unfortunately, there is no demo stock for the Pxs3100 in any of my nearest music stores for me to try. I only got to try the p225. I do love the feel of the p225 it feels closer to my upright piano! initially decided on getting the white p225 but the pxs3100 went on sale now they are the same price and as you said more features now I am hesitant. I scoured TH-cam for reviews and I am still undecided lol. Also, I found your reviews very detailed and gave me a good insight into other options so thanks for that.
Do you know when you might review the Yamaha P525?
We did a comparison video for the P525 against the FP90X, but I am not sure if there are plans for a solo review of the P525. You can check out the comparison video here though:
th-cam.com/video/PEBf0DmYGgU/w-d-xo.html
@@MerriamPianos Thank you. Hopefully there will be an individual review for the P525 at some point.
could you make an updated video about headphones? "for example" the meze 99 neo. they are the same as the 99 classics you use but 100 euro cheaper (199euro).
[beyerdynamic dt 770 pro 80ohm]
[sennheiser hd 560s(open back)]
[audiotechnica m20xbt(70euro)]
[audiotechnica m50xbt2(bluetooth ldac headphones for wireless use on other devices too)]
[hifiman he400se(planarmagnetic->completely different sound technology)]
Hi there! We definitely plan on doing a headphone update in the near future. We appreciate these suggestions! I will pass them along to our production team. :)
Kawai and korg aren’t generally available in India, also Roland fp10 and30x are pretty much out of stock, which can you recommend between fp10, Yamaha 145 and Yamaha 225??
Hi! Brent here! For me, the FP10's PHA4 action is far superior to the actions in the Yamaha P145 and P225 models. From that perspective, I would lean in that direction. :)
@@MerriamPianos thanks for that Brent…it was really helpful…I have no previous musical experience, do you think I should stick with fp10 or just buy a low budget 61 key?
@@toxicrbis9206 buy 88 key with great action if you wanna play a real piano. Roland is a very good "simulator". Your skills (apart pedalling, which is easy) will transfer very well to a real piano
It needed your opinion summary/comparison at the end - why you would pick one over the other, not as comprehensive as your full comparison videos, but perhaps a couple of minutes total.
We appreciate the feedback, but that is not our call to make. All of these pianos offer different musical experiences that will align with different players/customers. It really comes down to a matter of personal preference and subjectivity. :)
@@MerriamPianos "not our call to make" - I am not suggesting you tell people which one to buy, only which one _you_ prefer over another and why.
"All of these pianos offer different musical experiences that will align with different players/customers" - Yes, but if they did not value your opinion, they would not be watching your channel.
@@mountainhobo that is YOUR call to make according to your needs. He tells you which the best action is.
@@williamtaittinger4529 "that is YOUR call to make according to your needs" - Please read previous comments before replying. I am not looking for a decision on which one to buy. Also, in that statement you are assuming too much of the expertise level of the viewer.
They're saying the whole list of keyboards here are good options at this price point. We all know Stu is a huge fan of the PHA4 action, past that, it is really subjective.
Which one is most like a real acoustic piano?
It is a matter of subjectivity really. But, for me, the ES120 is the most authentic sounding piano and the FP10/FP30X are the most authentic feeling pianos in this price category.
I wonder why you didn't include Kawai KDP75?
The KDP75 is $1399 here in Canada, so it is above the $1000 price threshold. :)
@@MerriamPianos Thank you for your fast answer :) Do you think it is better than these listed here? I am glad that i know this channel!
The Kawai ES 120 sounds best. The action is superior too.
It is hard to argue with how good the ES120 sounds and plays - that is for sure! :)
It's always good to look around at the used prices. Some retailers sell practically untouched keyboards as used and for a good deal less than standard price. Besides, with these types of keyboards, even after "using" it for decades it should still be immaculate.
es 120 has only 2sensors in keyboard which makes it to me a nogo because the fp30x has 3 sensors.
That is certainly fair! The ES120 has a great tone, but the FP30X's PHA4 action is a bit more advanced.
If I have about $600, What is the very best electric keyboard I can purchase to learn piano on?
Hi! Brent here! The Roland FP10 is an excellent option. It has a fantastic tone and touch for the price point. :)
What happened to the Roland FP E50 it only cost me $800 850 dollars
In Canada, the FP-E50 is at a higher price point (above the $1000 mark). It still holds up as an amazing piano for its price though! :)
Which is best for woolly bully watch it now 😮
The Casio PXS3100 is a very compelling option with a very extensive list of amazing sounds and functionality! I find it to be a very good option for pop and rock repertoire. :)
The reviews (or rather product information videos) are getting shorter unfortunately.
True
We are always experimenting with new video formats, but do appreciate the feedback. :)
So the Yamaha P-225 did not make the cut?
It is a solid piano, but, in our collective opinion, there are better offerings in the price category. It is important to note that piano preference will always come down to subjectivity though.
I had P-125 before and now I have DGX-670. Price is almost the same, but DGX-670 has more sounds (hundreds of sounds) and has better speakers. I tried P-225 in store. I think it is almost the same as P-125. For me P-125 only had 2 or 3 usable sounds.
Si which one the best here
It all comes down to a matter of musical preference and the context of use. But, all of these pianos present excellent cost-to-value ratios. :)
I haven't tried the Korg but I have played the rest. I felt most comfortable with the Roland FP30X with Kawai ES120 a close second. Btw, ES120 feels a lot better - much better than the improvements on paper - than its predecessor ES110. As for Yamaha, I have never been a fan of Yamaha actions and this is no different. But this is something very personal, they just don't work for me.
I have the DGX-670. The action is fine, however the complexity of the the OS drives me nuts. Plus the string voices don't sustain with the pedal on the one I have. There is a guy in London who has one, and he says his string voices do sustain. Unfortunately there is no upgrade path for the firmware which is a major shortcoming on many of these instruments. It's too bad they don't have SSD's that can be changed out or upgraded.
I agree. Actions are a personal thing same with sound. me I personally don't like the PHA4's touch responce when playing softly. Glad you like the FP30X🎹🎶
@@JoeLinux2000 I didn't mean to imply that Yamaha actions aren't good or offend anyone. Who am I to judge a brand whose history speaks for itself. I just feel more comfortable with Roland and Kawai actions. Enjoy your musical experience.
@@JoeLinux2000on mine the strings just fade away slowly. It's a 2023model🎹🎶
Thanks for the sharing your thoughts and experiences! The FP30X still holds up as an amazing instrument with a fantastic touch/action for its price point. It is definitely a difficult one to compete with at this price point. :)
Why not Roland fp e50?
The Roland FP-E50 is above the $1000 mark here in Canada. Otherwise, it is a fantastic instrument with an excellent cost-to-value ratio. :)
My doubt lies between purchasing the Casio PX-S1100 or the Roland FP-30X. I require a digital piano with an action similar to that of a real piano to train my pianist technique, but at the same time, I need one that I can use for recording in my DAW. I'd also like to add that I would need it for live performances, but my main focus is for daily practice in the studio. To be honest, I like the design (Red Color) of the Casio PX-S1100, and I feel its sound is fuller and not as bright as the Roland's. However, I don't have the opportunity to play them live; I can only rely on TH-cam videos for comparison. Therefore, I would appreciate guidance on whether the Casio PX-S1100 meets my requirements or if I should consider the FP-30X, especially considering that in my country, the price difference is only $30, with the Roland FP-30X being the more expensive option.
Hi! Brent here! The decision and preference comes down to the tastes of the player ultimately. In my opinion, the FP30X has a more authentic feeling action. It is substantially heavier and has escapement simulation, whereas the PXS1100 is quite light. The sensor system is also more advanced in the FP30X. If you're looking for a playing experience that is as close as possible to an acoustic piano, I would personally give the FP30X the edge. With that said, if you're looking for portability, the PXS1100 is an excellent gigging instrument.
I would say, save up to buy Roland FP30X before buying any other keyboards.
After that wait till you can buy a german upright and then an European baby grand and Finally C. Bechstein A192 and call it a life.
Yes, this works great fo someone with a house and polite neighbors and no young children; as I did not mention any hybrids here.
Have the Roland FP30X and now looking for a Yamaha U1 acoustic upright. Could be tempted with a Kwai K300 but unfortunately I detest the black polymer finish on pianos and want a wood finish which rules out Kwai unless I opt for a K200 but not not none are appearing on the market as second hand!
The FP30X is an excellent starting point - that is for sure. It has a heavy touch and very good sensor detection, which makes for a more seamless transition to an acoustic piano down the road.
Thanks for another useful video, but how come you NEVER talk about Korg?!? Any specific reason!?
You're welcome! We are not Korg dealers, so we have a tough time tackling their pianos for review/comparison videos.
@@MerriamPianos what a pity!! Your insights would be really helpful !! Some things can't be noticed just by playing it for 10 minutes at a store!!
Electronic is OK but for true sound experience, cannot beat an acoustic if you can afford it, have the space and tolerant neighbours or a Celeste (quiet) pedal. I have a Roland FP30X. No complaints but this was an experiment to decide whether learning piano was just a passing phase or not. Well it isn’t and so now looking to progress to a second hand upright acoustic and thinking of Yamaha U1 or Kwai K300 but as K300 is only produced in black, looking for a wood finish Yamaha U1..
Hi there! Digital pianos certainly have their place in the market, but acoustic pianos have a magic and nuance that is hard to fully emulate electronically. Also, the K300 comes in polished mahogany and snow white polish as well.
bro forget yamaha 225💀
We didn't forget the Yamaha P225. It is a solid piano of course, but we feel that there are instruments that offer better cost-to-value ratios than that particular model.
@@MerriamPianos yes sir thanks alot for your response i have watched several of your video's i was confused between the fp 30x and p-225 which one to buy and your videos helped me alot
Now all we need is one under $2000 list🙌🏻
We will try to tackle that video as well for you! :)
@@MerriamPianos How about the Best Digital Pianos period? Any Merriam opinion will always be sought after.