i came here to check out the Kawai MP11 review, but ended up subscribing because of Adam Berzowski. Simply outstanding, best review guy I have ever seen on TH-cam.com period. EXCELLENT REVIEW!
Thank you for demo. Can you please recommend good and stable keyboard stand for KAWAI MP7? I take very seriously about it, and want to have the best solution. And what I want to tell. This is strange, but I can't find any demo of powerfull Pipe Organ sound demonstration. I was very dissapointed and very wondered, that this so important sound for classical musicians is missing in KAWAI MP11. Just can't understand, how it's possible - they put some marimba, bass etc. sounds, but didn't include classical organ sounds (I don't care about all this jazz, rock etc. organs). That's why I'm now looking on MP7.
No organs of any kind (pipe or electric). Of course, you can use it as a MIDI controller for an organ VST or other sound source, but nothing is built in. Also only one harpsichord. It's really a dedicated piano for pianists.
We have filmed an RD800 demo and will be editing it soon. Stay Tuned! Thanks for your interest in Kraft Music and our product demo videos. - Dave McCullough Kraft Music Marketing (800)783-3368
Well I think it"s very very good. Why ?? the sound and resonance is the best I ever heard. Not a metallic sound or digital which can heard as very poor and thinn. IN COMPARISON WITH THE ROLAND RD-800, IT LIVES and it"s breathing in the air. So not that dry sound.
I'm new to the whole digital piano market but I'm considering purchasing one of these until I can clear my credit up to purchase a new grand. I am torn between this model and the VPC 1. The question I have is can this model be driven by piano software such as Ravenscroft 275 or Vienna Symphonic Library? I ask because I would like more acoustic piano options than what is on board the piano.
Hervin Balfour I know your post is old, but for the sake of other viewers: YES, the MP11 can be used as a controller for software VSTs (such as the two you mentioned), just like the VPC-1. I know so many people who wish Kawai would just release a "VPC-2" with the "Grand Feel" key technology that the MP11 uses. Kawai's piano sounds are certainly serviceable, but most people don't want to pay an extra $1k for them, not to mention the extra weight of the hardware required to produce those sounds. I just want that awesome Kawai keyboard action without the fluff!
Thanks for your response. Better late than never! I still haven't purchased a keyboard as yet but your response did give me a better idea of which way I should lean. Ravenscroft makes a custom VPC-1 that they rigged to feel like an actual Ravenscroft grand but I'm trying to determine if the extra cost is really worth it. The fact that I can just plug in the MP11 w/out having a computer is what drives me towards it. Thanks so much Teddy for your response. It was indeed helpful!
Hervin Balfour You're welcome! Glad it was helpful. I have a couple more thoughts that you may find helpful. If nothing else, they'll help me clarify my own feelings. I can't speak specifically for the Ravenscroft-modified VPC-1, but personally I'd recommend against it for a couple reasons. (a) I'd warn against tying yourself down to any one VST. Ravenscroft is incredible by all means, but you can be certain that something better will come along in the future. Kawai carefully crafted the VPC-1 to be a general purpose controller with authentic piano action, so why give up that flexibility? (b) I'm sure such a niche, customized product must come at a high price. I highly doubt the gains from the customization will warrant the added cost. Besides, the MP11 has even more authentic action than the VPC-1 (according to the marketing material and all the comparisons I've found thus far). I'm also trying to decide between the VPC-1 and the MP11 because I want a digital piano on which I can practice classical music and technique most accurately (until the day if/when I can ever afford a worthwhile baby grand). I'm leaning much more toward the MP11. Another list to explain why! (1) Mainly because of the new "Grand Feel" key technology versus the VPC-1's RM3 MkII tech. (2) True, the GF tech makes the MP11 heavier, but what difference does 10 lbs make when we're talking about 65-75 lb keyboards? You're going to want two people to carry either one. The MP11 is also slight deeper (less than 10 cm difference), but once again, when did 10 cm every make a significant difference? (3) As you mentioned, the MP11 has included piano sounds. They may not be able to beat the best VSTs, but they're still really great once customized to one's personal taste. Remember also that the sounds have been tailored specifically to be played on the MP11, so you can be damn sure they take advantage of its unique capabilities. Also, it's nice to have those built in sounds for quick use or when you're feeling too lazy to boot up a computer. (4) Another caveat is that the MP11 is about $1k more expensive, but when you're looking at recreational music gear in this price range, I can't imagine that's honestly a deal-breaker in many situations. I know this goes against point b above, but my argument is that the MP11 lots of value whereas a customized VPC-1 adds little and, in fact, loses a good deal. (5) The MP11 can do everything the VPC-1 does and MORE. Mod wheels, knobs, built-in sounds, etc. So you can't really go wrong getting the MP11 if you have the funds for it. That was quite the self-indulgent essay, but I hope it helps :) Right now I'm desperately trying to find a store in Seattle where I can demo the MP11 but I've had no luck. Based on all the glowing reviews though, I'm confident enough to make a purchase without testing, but I've got a few months before it makes sense for me to make the purchase (going to be moving soon), so I'll keep on trying.
Ive seen another pianist here on YT use the vpc1 with ravenscroft, not sure which version. His channel is pianomanchuck, he gives very good keyboard reviews. The vpc1 is made to be used as a controller and not a stage kb. The mp11 is the closest to a grahd piano action. The voc1 also has a close feel to a grand piano's action.
No organs, no synths (except a few generic pads). No drums or rhythms. There is one bass sound which is a combination bass and ride cymbal, bt that's it. There's only 40 sounds in total. This is really a dedicated piano. If you want a more general purpose board, consider a Roland RD-2000 or Korg Kronos. But the MP11 really does have a great piano key action.
True the Kawai MP11 has an excellent grand piano sound. But in today's world with all of the technical possibilities, compare the Roland RD2000 which has over 1100 sounds, plus effects, plus rhythms! And it has a great Steinway (and other) grand piano sound - all notes can be tweaked/modified in many, many ways to suit custom taste. If Kawai matched their piano sound with ALL of the capabilities, they could be #1. Another consideration is Kawai is 71 lbs compared to 48 lbs of the RD2000. Lighter is better. :)
Who’s said lighter is better? This digital piano has real hammer action !!!! Your none sense comment of the year!!! If you want to use a keyboard for gigs I would use a kontrol mk2 61 native instruments! That’s light !
Can't think of anything sillier than deliberately imitating the irksome alien noises of a real piano. Why not untune it also and add some extra 500 kg to make it more realistic in every aspect)) Some faulty keys and chattering strings wouldn't harm either.
i came here to check out the Kawai MP11 review, but ended up subscribing because of Adam Berzowski. Simply outstanding, best review guy I have ever seen on TH-cam.com period. EXCELLENT REVIEW!
Agreed. Wow great piano player.
You're awesome Adam! you make these reviews great and fun to watch, don't stop my friend!
Clear explanation and great playing - good job Adam!
congratulations on the speech! this guy knows how to properly comunicate
I like this guy. He's awesome. Nice review.
Nice Piano sounds from Kawai.
great demonstration of this brillant stage piano. i own this model...using on stage is perfect. brillant sound and best japanese craftsmanship. 🎶🎶🎶
I bought one but the key noise is too large. Do you have the similar problem?
what monitoring you have for to have this sound ? i have the same kawai but my sound is not the same , thanks
is there a name to what he plays in the beginning?
Trying to decide between this and the Promega 2+
Is he just improvising in the beginning, or is that an actual song? If so, what song is it?
How come you and every other video I see you never talked about the speakers you use with his keyboard.
It's a review of the piano. Not the monitors.
Thank you for demo. Can you please recommend good and stable keyboard stand for KAWAI MP7? I take very seriously about it, and want to have the best solution.
And what I want to tell. This is strange, but I can't find any demo of powerfull Pipe Organ sound demonstration. I was very dissapointed and very wondered, that this so important sound for classical musicians is missing in KAWAI MP11. Just can't understand, how it's possible - they put some marimba, bass etc. sounds, but didn't include classical organ sounds (I don't care about all this jazz, rock etc. organs). That's why I'm now looking on MP7.
No organs of any kind (pipe or electric). Of course, you can use it as a MIDI controller for an organ VST or other sound source, but nothing is built in. Also only one harpsichord. It's really a dedicated piano for pianists.
great review, thanks !!
Sold! Mine's on its way. ^_^
Markarian So? Like it Haha?
Review the RD 800 please and compare to Nord Piano 2
We have filmed an RD800 demo and will be editing it soon. Stay Tuned! Thanks for your interest in Kraft Music and our product demo videos.
-
Dave McCullough
Kraft Music Marketing
(800)783-3368
Good job man! Nice review though.
Does this have built in speakers?
ROCA XM no
You guys should send me one for free. Nice review Mr. Adam
Well I think it"s very very good. Why ?? the sound and resonance is the best I ever heard.
Not a metallic sound or digital which can heard as very poor and thinn.
IN COMPARISON WITH THE ROLAND RD-800, IT LIVES and it"s breathing in the air. So not that dry sound.
I'm new to the whole digital piano market but I'm considering purchasing one of these until I can clear my credit up to purchase a new grand.
I am torn between this model and the VPC 1. The question I have is can this model be driven by piano software such as Ravenscroft 275 or Vienna Symphonic Library? I ask because I would like more acoustic piano options than what is on board the piano.
Hervin Balfour I know your post is old, but for the sake of other viewers: YES, the MP11 can be used as a controller for software VSTs (such as the two you mentioned), just like the VPC-1.
I know so many people who wish Kawai would just release a "VPC-2" with the "Grand Feel" key technology that the MP11 uses. Kawai's piano sounds are certainly serviceable, but most people don't want to pay an extra $1k for them, not to mention the extra weight of the hardware required to produce those sounds. I just want that awesome Kawai keyboard action without the fluff!
Thanks for your response. Better late than never! I still haven't purchased a keyboard as yet but your response did give me a better idea of which way I should lean.
Ravenscroft makes a custom VPC-1 that they rigged to feel like an actual Ravenscroft grand but I'm trying to determine if the extra cost is really worth it.
The fact that I can just plug in the MP11 w/out having a computer is what drives me towards it. Thanks so much Teddy for your response. It was indeed helpful!
Hervin Balfour You're welcome! Glad it was helpful. I have a couple more thoughts that you may find helpful. If nothing else, they'll help me clarify my own feelings.
I can't speak specifically for the Ravenscroft-modified VPC-1, but personally I'd recommend against it for a couple reasons.
(a) I'd warn against tying yourself down to any one VST. Ravenscroft is incredible by all means, but you can be certain that something better will come along in the future. Kawai carefully crafted the VPC-1 to be a general purpose controller with authentic piano action, so why give up that flexibility?
(b) I'm sure such a niche, customized product must come at a high price. I highly doubt the gains from the customization will warrant the added cost. Besides, the MP11 has even more authentic action than the VPC-1 (according to the marketing material and all the comparisons I've found thus far).
I'm also trying to decide between the VPC-1 and the MP11 because I want a digital piano on which I can practice classical music and technique most accurately (until the day if/when I can ever afford a worthwhile baby grand). I'm leaning much more toward the MP11. Another list to explain why!
(1) Mainly because of the new "Grand Feel" key technology versus the VPC-1's RM3 MkII tech.
(2) True, the GF tech makes the MP11 heavier, but what difference does 10 lbs make when we're talking about 65-75 lb keyboards? You're going to want two people to carry either one. The MP11 is also slight deeper (less than 10 cm difference), but once again, when did 10 cm every make a significant difference?
(3) As you mentioned, the MP11 has included piano sounds. They may not be able to beat the best VSTs, but they're still really great once customized to one's personal taste. Remember also that the sounds have been tailored specifically to be played on the MP11, so you can be damn sure they take advantage of its unique capabilities. Also, it's nice to have those built in sounds for quick use or when you're feeling too lazy to boot up a computer.
(4) Another caveat is that the MP11 is about $1k more expensive, but when you're looking at recreational music gear in this price range, I can't imagine that's honestly a deal-breaker in many situations. I know this goes against point b above, but my argument is that the MP11 lots of value whereas a customized VPC-1 adds little and, in fact, loses a good deal.
(5) The MP11 can do everything the VPC-1 does and MORE. Mod wheels, knobs, built-in sounds, etc. So you can't really go wrong getting the MP11 if you have the funds for it.
That was quite the self-indulgent essay, but I hope it helps :) Right now I'm desperately trying to find a store in Seattle where I can demo the MP11 but I've had no luck. Based on all the glowing reviews though, I'm confident enough to make a purchase without testing, but I've got a few months before it makes sense for me to make the purchase (going to be moving soon), so I'll keep on trying.
Ive seen another pianist here on YT use the vpc1 with ravenscroft, not sure which version. His channel is pianomanchuck, he gives very good keyboard reviews.
The vpc1 is made to be used as a controller and not a stage kb. The mp11 is the closest to a grahd piano action. The voc1 also has a close feel to a grand piano's action.
Just play the Kawai sounds, they're excellent. And the extra bulk is because of the action, not the sound generator.
does it have a good b3 or oberheim? jazz rhythms with brush kits?
No organs, no synths (except a few generic pads). No drums or rhythms. There is one bass sound which is a combination bass and ride cymbal, bt that's it. There's only 40 sounds in total.
This is really a dedicated piano. If you want a more general purpose board, consider a Roland RD-2000 or Korg Kronos. But the MP11 really does have a great piano key action.
I bought one. Tey noise is too large.
key noise
lmao you are the guy who is commenting that on every Kawai MP11 video on YT. do you have nothing better to do?
True the Kawai MP11 has an excellent grand piano sound. But in today's world with all of the technical possibilities, compare the Roland RD2000 which has over 1100 sounds, plus effects, plus rhythms! And it has a great Steinway (and other) grand piano sound - all notes can be tweaked/modified in many, many ways to suit custom taste. If Kawai matched their piano sound with ALL of the capabilities, they could be #1. Another consideration is Kawai is 71 lbs compared to 48 lbs of the RD2000. Lighter is better. :)
Who’s said lighter is better? This digital piano has real hammer action !!!! Your none sense comment of the year!!! If you want to use a keyboard for gigs I would use a kontrol mk2 61 native instruments! That’s light !
Can't think of anything sillier than deliberately imitating the irksome alien noises of a real piano. Why not untune it also and add some extra 500 kg to make it more realistic in every aspect)) Some faulty keys and chattering strings wouldn't harm either.