Cheap vs Expensive Digital Pianos | Is It Worth It To Spend More On A Digital Piano?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 พ.ค. 2024
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0:00 - Video Introduction “Is It Worth It To Spend More On A Digital Piano?”
1:13 - Opening Playing Demo on Roland FP30x
1:35 - Video Overview
3:30 - What do digital pianos cost?
5:26 - Piano touch v.s. piano sound
8:22 - Discussion on digital piano actions
9:56 - Low to Mid Range Digital pianos
11:35 - Digital Pianos - $2000 and up…
13:15 - High-end Home Digital Pianos
15:16 - Conclusions
16:28 - Outro
Welcome to the Merriam Pianos TH-cam channel. In this video we’re going to tackle the question of whether or not it’s worth it to purchase an expensive digital piano as opposed to a more basic digital piano.
Is it worth it to spend the money on an expensive digital piano? Let’s find out.
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Background
As we get into back to school season here, many families will be shopping for a piano for the first time. Let’s say you’ve already decided to go digital. The next question is whether or not it’s worth it to spend some extra money on a nicer digital piano.
Like most subjects, there’s no simple answer to this question here. For a parent purchasing a piano for a young beginner, the answer is going to be different than for the professional, and that too will be different for a variety of other types of customers.
In this video, we’ll be focusing on parents and hobbyists getting into piano lessons for the first time.
How Much Does A Digital Piano Cost?
For the purposes of this video, we’ll be speaking specifically about 88-key weighted action digital pianos.
There are options out there starting around $500 for a new digital piano, but for something from one of the big manufacturers such as Casio, Roland, Yamaha and Kawai, digital pianos start around $700.
Touch vs Sound
On digital pianos we think people should prioritize touch, whereas on an acoustic piano we generally recommend prioritizing sound.
As such, we recommend making the key action the main point of focus when shopping for a digital piano. Most teachers are going to agree with this advice as well since developing a sense of control and nuance with regards to touch is probably the single most important thing for a beginner to focus on.
There are some great actions that can be had for a pretty affordable price, especially the PHA4 action from Roland.
Moving Up In Price
Getting into the $1,000-$1,500 price range and suddenly you can prioritize both touch and speaker quality.
At this point, most players are still primarily playing without headphones, so getting a good set of speakers that can deliver solid sound becomes a bigger consideration than the tone engine itself.
$2,000 - $2,5000
Once you’re above $2,000 in price, it’s only going to make sense to go with an instrument in this category for a beginner is if there’s multiple family members who may be playing piano at some point, or if you’re looking for a longer term investment.
Pianos in this category have very good key actions and speaker systems along with more complex sound engines. The built quality here is also going to be better overall.
High-End Digital Pianos
Above $3,000, we’re now into very advanced digital pianos with some of the best components available.
Beginners are going to have a tough time discerning the differences in this price point from lower price points, and as such, it’s not as common for a beginner to jump into this category.
Wrap Up
These are the categories of digital piano you’ll encounter when shopping for a digital piano for a beginner player. We hope that this provides some clarity and helps in answering the question of whether or not it’s worth it to spend more on a digital piano for your family.
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I actually can‘t believe how well structured, informative and helpful this video is for people like me, who just got into playing the piano and want to find a good entry level digital piano. Massive props for your objective and honest review, one can clearly see that you actually want to help people rather than solely trying to sell your most expensive pianos. I applaud you for that and hope that this approach pays off.
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words! We are very happy to hear that you found the video helpful and informative and we appreciate your support of our videos and channel immensely! :)
I agree, this introduction is really helpful! I'm very grateful.
Which digital piano did you choose?
We have bought Yamaha YDP145 for a kid who goes to musical school. I love it. Nice in touch and sound is good.
Great general introduction, as always. You can’t imagine how you videos helped me in navigating to my first digital piano purchase, and, eventually to the higher end upgrade. Thank you!
You're very welcome! It makes us very happy to hear that the videos have been helpful to you throughout your piano journey! Thanks for the support! :)
Thank you for providing your well thought out and valuable insight on this topic Stu!
We're glad you enjoyed the video and found it helpful! Thanks for tuning in! :)
Really appreciate the depth you go into in your reviews. I know next to nothing about pianos, and most of the other channels I've come across basically just read the spec sheet for the different pianos without providing any information as to why any of that matters. I don't even know if we're in the market for a piano, but we've talked about it, and this is exactly the content I needed. So thank you.
Also your hair is awesome.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks so much for the incredibly kind words and for tuning in! We're very happy to hear that you find the information helpful in your process. Thanks again for the support and all the best! :)
Like all your reviews Stu, I find this a clear, honest and informative presentation!
We're glad you have been enjoying Stu's reviews! Thanks for tuning in! :)
A very respectful way to talk about refinement! I am constantly impressed with your careful delivery as you maintain your mastery while speaking to rank beginners. No hidden elitism here; you know your stuff and don't make me feel shame that I don't.
At some point I'd very much appreciate you comparing the utility and the value of external keyboard amp combos and external monitors vs spending extra to get top end internal sound systems in a digital piano. Can I do better going to an external sound system?
Thank you for taking the time to check out our channel and for your very kind and considerate words! We sincerely appreciate it!
We try to tackle as many user-submitted video suggestions as possible, but, with so many piano types and models out there, it is difficult to get to every single one. With that said, I think a comparison of internal speakers versus external amps and studio monitors would make for a wonderful and helpful video. Thanks for the suggestion! We will certainly add it to our list. :)
Thanks for a great discussion!
You're very welcome! Thanks for tuning in! :)
Action/touch is the most important thing when it comes to digital pianos. If you are a complete beginer and you buy a digital piano/keyboard that has ''non-standard'' action/touch, even ''non-standard'' keys (spacing, size), ... you sure will learn how to play it, but once you try a real piano or a ''standard feel'' digital piano, you won't be able to play it properly.
This is a very excellent insight! Many pianists and teachers will certainly agree that starting with a weighted key touch and full 88-note range will ultimately save a lot of relearning and readapting down the road. Thanks for tuning in! :)
Excellent buyer’s guide! So much quality information. For my students I recommend the Yamaha Arius series. I find it to be a good balance between touch and sound that (with proper volume adjustment) transfers well to playing an acoustic. Thanks for the video!
Absolutely true, I felt it myself. Been practicing for years on a cheap yamaha, light, soft keys, until I touched the real instrument. The difference is outstanding.
excellent video: very informative and put togehter, thanks ! 🧡🎹
You're welcome! Thank you so much for tuning in! :)
I completely agree with you about the priority on digital being the key bed. That's why I went w/ the Korg D1 as it has the wonderful RH3 keyboard. And I agree with you that the sound is malleable. Because this has legacy MIDI, I could down the road massively upgrade that by running a Dexibell module. I am not sponsored by Korg, but I tried all the sub $1K units and this was winner to me for playability. Honestly my first inclination was to go Yamaha, as all my pro player pals use Yammie.
I am very happy to hear that you found a piano that you connect and resonate with! It is a very personal and subjective thing, so that is fantastic that you've found the option that works for you! And given the fact that MIDI and external speakers/amps allow for variable tone and speaker power, it is common for players to prioritize action when shopping for a digital piano as that is the constant that you will be "stuck with" so to speak.
Thank u for this video! It is very informative.
I'm a beginner to piano and I took the leap from a entry level piano to a Casio PX-S7000 within a span of 5 months. I am a late starter but i did have background in drums. I got a cheap piano to try out but I soon realised it is not enough for me.
I've not looked back since i got my Casio. I've been practicing so many times a day because I really love the feel of the keys and the sound. The feel of the keys is def important. My teacher commented I've improved recently, it must be all the practices.
The need to change came when I tried my frd's Casio AP 270. I never knew that piano can sound so good and I made the switch aft some online reading. I got the privia partly due to space constraints too. I'm not gg back to anything less than my Casio now.
Thank u for ur review on Casio PX-S7000. I watch it when I was looking for a new piano. I got it in yellow. Like what u mention, it is really a great piano. 😊
Amazing! Congratulations on your new PXS7000! The yellow finish is super striking too, so I know you will be thrilled with the piano both musically and aesthetically. Thanks for tuning in and sharing your thoughts! A better piano will have many benefits. There are technical benefits from playing a superior action, but one cannot rule out how effective the additional practice motivation can be for stimulating progress. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
wow: it's a nice piece of design! congratulations!
Stu you are without peer in your well balanced and articulate presentations. Watched a few and yes you lead the pack. Keep them coming. Applaud your skills and keyboard technique. You are a lovely ambassador for the piano business and you do your homeland proud. A fellow Canuck salutes you. Learned so much
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in! Stu is awesome and a man of many talents as you have come to know. We are lucky to have him! I will be happy to pass on your kind words and compliments to him on your behalf. :)
Thanks, you've helped me a lot ❤️
You're very welcome! We're really happy to hear that! :)
Fantastic video (as always)! Your comparison to wine totally rings true; the $20 vs. $50 analogy is a great way to look at mid-priced to more expensive digital pianos. The only thing I would like to add is ease of use/functionality - I traded in my FP-30 even though I loved the action and the sound, because the user interface is so clunky.
Thank you kindly for tuning in! Glad to enjoyed the video! That is a fantastic point as well. The user-friendliness of the interface will also be an important detail for some customers. :)
that is exactly the reason why I dropped the FP30 off my list (hard decision, because the action is amazing compared to its costs.)
Most digital pianos I have tried have clunky action. What did you get? Is the action still quiet? Are you happy with it?
I really don´t know if there are people who are realising how precious these informations are. Thank you Stu, that is exactly what many of us need!! ♥
Kind Regards from Austria,
Christian
Thank you so much for the kind words and for tuning in! We appreciate it. I will be sure to pass on your thoughtful words to Stu on your behalf. :)
This is an exceptional video. Thanks Stu! Usually, the price increases along with quality and features, but after a certain point, the marginal benefit/cost comparison gets very personal. A beginner cannot make that decision while still a beginner.
Thank you kindly for the nice words and for checking out the video! I think there is a lot of truth to the sentiments you've shared. As we become more experienced in our playing, we tend to get more fussy or at least a little more certain as to what we want and need out of an instrument to feel fully satisfied.
A beginner cannot make that decision while still a beginner...so true
19
Love the way you play the piano, thanks and GOD bless.
Thanks for tuning in and for the kind words! :)
Enjoyed watching your video. I have been so fortunate to still have my very first 88-key Yamaha PF-80 Weighted Electric Piano. I had purchased it brand new in 1986 and it still plays as the day I had purchased it. Never had to make any repairs so far. I’m self-taught and I was more worried that I would lose interest in teaching myself and playing it once I had purchased it. I’m thrilled that wasn’t the case. However, it doesn’t have a lot of fancy voices and features, but I’m more of a purist so it not a concern. It was one of the best long-term investment that I have ever made. It still gives me joy playing it after all these years.
That is amazing to hear! I would say it has paid its fair share of dividends on your initial investment at this point. Thanks for sharing and all the best! :)
I'm currently in the position you were in 1986. Going for a Yamaha P-45 and hopefully I can end up just like you!
Excellent video. Very informative and absolutely on point what the essentials in each prize category are concerned.
Thanks so much! We're glad you enjoyed it. :)
Thank you. I give piano lessons and this has given me some fresh ideas about talking to my families about buying a digital piano.
You're very welcome! Digital piano technology has certainly come a long way! There are some very impressive models out there that are wonderful and more affordable alternatives to acoustic pianos. :)
Interesting story. So recently I purchased a Casio Digital PX-s1100. It was at a piano store, not Guitar Center. They carried a $200,000 Fazioli. I told the clerk that I've never played a really good piano before. I've played a lot of pianos, mostly low-end, bad action, tinny tones. He let me play the Fazioli. I was so excited because I always imagined what a really good piano would be like. And it was then I realized how little I knew about pianos. But I sat down and I couldn't discern between my digital keyboard and a $200K piano. My new keyboard's grand piano sound was sampled from one of the best grand pianos so the Fazioli was very nice, but I've grown used to a nice sound. I hadn't been playing for awhile so I had to play some Billy Joel tunes on a really nice piano. I felt like an idiot after 30 years of playing.
Since then, I've learned some harder pieces, e.g., Claire De Lune, Chopin's Nocture in E-flat, authentic rags like Joseph Lamb, Gershwin and I'm getting a better understanding of the nuances of what makes a good piano. One of the biggest drawbacks of my digital piano is the action. When my fingers get too high on the key, the keys are harder to press.
Eventually, I would like to go back and play the Fazioli again.
Thanks for tuning in and sharing your insights! It is a very good and relevant point. It takes time for our ears and musical preferences to become more discerning, but it is almost inevitably going to happen for every player. Getting the opportunity to play as many pianos as possible is definitely helpful in developing one's tastes as well. :)
I've been shopping around for a digital piano for about 6-8 weeks now and this is the video that really helped me narrow my search ( so I subscribed). I haven't played piano for 50 years now and wasn't formally trained nor any good the first time around. But I really miss the enjoyment I used to have of just figuring out how songs are put together. Learning to recognize talent, it steered me into jazz and classical piano. This time around, I plan to work on drills and music theory so maybe I can get competent at it. Thanks for the great video. I've pretty much decided to go with the Yamaha P225. Tough choice.
Thanks so much for taking the time to tune in and subscribe! We sincerely appreciate the support. It's great to hear that you've decided to resume your piano journey. We're also glad to hear that you found our videos helpful in narrowing down your search. Wishing you all the best with the next phase of your piano journey! Happy playing! :)
All great points Stu, especially about the wine. Yesterday I was at a friends house with a 6-7 foot Baldwin and it was a discernible difference from his 9 foot on the lower section of his home. But I’ve been playing 35 years so there you go to your point. And TRS beginners should not spend more than $800 I agree. An FP30 would be perfect
Thanks for taking the time to check out the video and write in! We sincerely appreciate it! All the best and happy playing! :)
Excellent review.
Thanks so much! We appreciate you tuning in! :)
Great comparisons! Another thought, although in a slightly different category, is an 88 weighted midi controller. I use the Arturia 88 key Mk2 and paired with NI Kontakt and various sample libraries, it’s a combo that is hard to beat.
Thanks for the suggestion Steve! I know many of our community members appreciate it! Thanks for tuning and supporting our channel! :)
Steve.....I like the way you think. But Brent was talking entry level pianos. I don't think the average suburban couple shopping for their kid is gonna go down this rabbit hole. But yeah......by going MIDI you can get into the Fatar key beds for a fraction of the price of a Nord or Dexibell sand alone.
The feel/action was my make or break when choosing. I have a real piano in the house which I've started messing around on over the last few weeks. But as I got more into playing and was practising late at night with the kids in bed, I needed another option with headphones for obvious reasons. I have a FP10 now for the last few days and I was sold on this because of multiple reviewers praising the feel and it really is a good representation of my old out of tune acoustic :) At least for the money I could afford.
Absolutely! Every player will have their own priorities when piano shopping. With that said, action is paramount for many players. I am glad you discovered the FP10. It is a wonderful instrument with a fantastic touch. All of the value is packed into the action, which makes it a perfect candidate for what you were looking for. :)
Hi Stu & Crew.
Informative and on point.
Hairstyle "after serious Chopine session" fits well :-)
Or was it just long night session with friends and delicious wine?
If so, i hope that you keep in your vault raw recording of all of those. Every recorded sesion has a value.
Field multitrack recorder always in your toolset...
Hi there! Thanks for tuning in and for the complimentary words! We're glad that you found the video informative and helpful.
I certainly agree with your sentiment! Every musical recording has its beauty and value. It serves as a time capsule of that one unique and specific moment. :)
I recently bought a Yamaha P45. It fit into my budget and has a very nice sound which can be spiced up with reverb. I'm just a beginner who always wanted to learn piano and didn't realize digital pianos were so nice.
Digital pianos have certainly come a long way! Even entry level models offer a wonderful playing/sonic experience. We're happy to hear that you found a digital piano that you enjoy and that fit into your budget. Thanks for checking out our videos! :)
U cannot go wrong with a P45 but I think Roland do a better deal price for performance and Stu might agree.
I listened to a review of several digital pianos on the lower end of the price scale and at least to me, the P45 sounded the best and most like the real thing.
Brilliant, thank you.
You're very welcome! :)
@@MerriamPianos 😊👍
I bought a technics SX-PX228 in 1998 for almost six thousand dollars. The weighted keys are so good you couldn't differentiate the difference between a Steinway baby grand and it. The sound was also fashioned after a Steinway, so amazing.
Though the general weight action couldn't be adjusted, you could change the sensitivity to soft or hard and the tone from mellow to bright. This allowed a sort adjustment to what would be comparably done one an acoustic unit for the action and hammers.
All these years later, it still sounds amazing though the power supply burnt out and a couple of the capacitors. I am having a specialist rebuild a custom power supply and new capacitors because parts can no longer be found. He is also installing a couple of cooling fans over the computer boards. The unit didn't have them and those are crucial to a healthy mother board.
Turning the unit off and on frequently is what kills it fast. If you turn it on then leave it on for the day. Using it a couple of hours and then hitting that power button over and over is what wears it out. Sitting in power on mode isn't that hard on it. It's like leaving a light bulb on for years. Turning them off and on is what wears it out... same with electronic components.
I'm sorry to hear that you've been experiencing some issues with your SXPX228. However, that is awesome that you have found a skilled technician that can service it and restore it to a playable state again. It is hard to find an instrument you truly connect with, but, when you do, it is certainly worth doing everything you can to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. :)
A very smart review. Thank you very much. Greetings from Argentina.
Hello from Canada! Thanks so much for the kind words! We appreciate it! :)
Thank you very much Stu for all your informative, and calm videos.
You really helped me to choose my first digital piano last year as a beginner and decided to go with the FP-30X. I really enjoy playing it, though as an audiophile I hear the difference between this and a much more expensive one but for now it's more than enough for me.
So again, thank you for your videos and support!
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks a million for supporting our channel! We really appreciate it and we really enjoy hearing that players like yourself have found the videos useful in their decision making process. The Roland FP30X is a wonderful instrument with a fantastic touch. I am confident you will thoroughly enjoy what it has to offer musically. :)
@@MerriamPianos Thank you Brent! :)
It may be outside the scope of digital piano shopping, but I would mention MIDI keyboards for people who may want to play piano, but also explore music production. It does require other equipment (computer, studio monitors, software), but it is a very versatile setup and easily allows you to record your playing.
There are several good, 88-key controllers, including one from Kawaii, that have good, fully weighted keys.
It is important to note that without a computer, software, and speakers, MIDI keyboards won’t make sounds, but for some shoppers, it may be something they would appreciate. I sure do. I bought a Native Instruments S88 MkII, and I have thoroughly enjoyed learning the piano on it, and toying around with producing music.
Absolutely! That is a very good point. For anyone interested in music production or is simply technologically savvy, a MIDI controller in conjunction with a good piano VST is always an option worth considering. :)
Back in 2016, when my son started his lessons we purchased a PX350, at that time the second cheapest piano in Casio Previa line. It shown itself perfectly up to the task. I never noticed the instrument was somehow limiting the progress of the learning. My son love it and still play it every single day. And the only maintenance I did is to a quick fix on one of the pedals earlier this year. I also purchased an expensive Roland electric drum kit that is sitting idle. My dother got tired of being a drummer after 5 months. Do yourself a favor and don't overspend on something your are not even sure if it will be used for long. USD 700 piano is just OK for the beginner and I simply don't belive a USD 1500 one will make your kid learn any better or faster.
Every piano shopper is different and has a different assortment of boxes they are trying to check off. With that said, there are wonderful entry level digital pianos out there, like you have experienced with the PX350, that not only offer a great value but also an impressive musical experience that one can get a lot of longevity out of. I am happy to hear that you have had positive experiences with the Casio Privia line! They are doing impressive things these days on the digital piano front. :)
@Mario for many like me even $700 is expensive. I am looking at the Alesis Prestige Artist, Yamaha P45 and Roland FP10 and even these exceed my $500 budget by about $100. Does Casio have something that competes with these 3?
As a beginner my primary concern is tactile and sound. If these pianos can sound natural and feel like a more expensive piano I’d be happy. All the extra features don’t interest me as my goal is to learn the basics first. FYI I am retired and learning an instrument I think is good stress free way to pass the time.
@@navinadv Hello Navin. I am not an expert and I am definitively not current with recent launches. I just wanted the people to know that a cheaper piano worked quite well for us. I took a look on Casio's site and I saw they no longer have the PX160, that was their direct answer to Yamaha P45. The cheapest piano in their Privia line in now in USD700 range. They have also the CDP line, but those seem to have less sophisticated mechanics. Yamaha P45 used to be a great choice, and I belive it would certainly do the job. But I really don't know if the competitors toYamaha had come up with even better value during the last couple of years.
If your lessons are on an actual acoustic piano, a weighted, graded, hammer action, triple sensor digital piano is what I would select for practice at home. The feel is closer to an acoustic piano.
The Casio PX-560 at $1,300 serves that need reasonably well.
The Casio PX560 definitely presents a wonderful playing experience and value! I definitely agree. Budget permitting, a weighted, graded hammer action tri-sensor digital piano helps bridge the gap to an acoustic piano quite well. Thanks for tuning in and sharing your insights!
Nice videos! Do you have some info on the Fatar keybeds? Thanks!
I have a Keylab 88 MK2 controlling a Pianoteq 7, amplified by a Topping 22 connected to a pair of B&W hometheater speakers and a pair of active ht subwoofers. Oh ... an observation: my mom, who plays accoustic since 1949 was impressed with the Arturia but says it's not the same thing so she goes back to her 1949 Brazilian Essenfelder accoustic - which is in need of some adjusting.
Hi! Brent here! Thank you kindly! We're glad you enjoyed the videos! :)
I have not had a chance to play Fatar instruments myself, so, unfortunately, I can't really comment on their actions and performance. With that said, I have heard some positive words about what the brand offers.
I'd like to add go and try out as many pianos as you can. Based of my own experience, I watched many reviews on potential pianos but after playing and listening them in real life, I ended up buying one I originally didn't even consider.
Also, buy a digital piano from a local store with good service verses buying online. I bought a digital piano last year and it started to develop clicky keys, but thankfully I was able to bring it into the local music store in which I bought it and get a loaner while mine was being repaired. Good luck trying to get that quick and easy service online.
Thanks for tuning in and adding to the conversation! These are all very wonderful insights and words of advice to our community. Thanks for sharing! :)
This was a helpful video.
We're very happy to hear that you found it helpful! :)
As honest as you are always, stud. I bought one year ago a roland fp30x based on your videos and have not regret it a simple second. Thanks for your work!!!?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I will certainly pass on the incredibly kind words to Stu. I know he really appreciates them! We're all very glad to hear that our TH-cam channel has been helpful in your piano journey. All the best and happy playing! :)
Great video … thanks!!!!!
You're very welcome! Thanks for tuning in! :)
This was great. I just had a piano delivered today. It's a newer model Roland console--an HP704. It ran me right at $4000. I was quite taken with the reviews of the action and the speakers. I am not a beginner. I'm 69, and I started lessons at 4. I just recently retired from the practice of law. I have a Steinway L (recently replaced in the U.S. by the O) in our living room. It's wonderful, but it's LOUD.
I wanted something that I could play late at night and early in the morning. I can't wait to get it put together and take it for a spin. I'm hoping to go back into the classical accompanying business at the University now that I'm not working on big bankruptcy cases. I feel good about my selection after having watched this video.
Thanks so much for tuning in and congratulations on your Roland HP704! It provides an excellent balance of tone, touch, aesthetics, and speaker fidelity! I know it will serve you well musically. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
I was asked to check out some affordable digital pianos for a starter, sub $1000. Apparently one art has been lost in time: doing a good job on the ADSR part. Play a note or a chord without using the sustain pedal. The sound dies out way too fast when compared to an acoustic piano. The brand didn't matter much, although the Korg SP-280 seemed to do a slightly better job. My now ancient Roland HP-3000S, which I kept for sentimental reasons, is near perfect in that department.
A beginner will probably not notice such details, but I would love to hear your opinion on this.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I think part of this may have to do with the heavy transition from synthesis to sampling. This is a relatively common complaint amongst some players, particularly with the lower sample-based digital pianos. With that said, it is a constant process to improve and refine, so I imagine it is only a matter of time before these gaps are bridged in a meaningful way. :)
Helpful!!
We're glad you found it helpful! :)
Thank you Stu Harrison your info was extremely helpful to us.
Joe C. UK
We're glad you found the video helpful! Thanks for watching! :)
I am realy enjoying your videos while searching a good piano for me. :) Thank You!
You're very welcome! We're so happy to hear that you've enjoyed the video reviews and have found them helpful in your process. :)
I bought a Yamaha P100 in 1991, costed a fortune. After using it (Bach/Chopin/Ravel) for 30 years, I decided to replace it by a Kawai MP7SE. Reason was the sound of the Kawai, the more complex tone shaping possibility of the keybed and the weight to carry. Except for a slightly worn out rubber strip, the piano keys of the P100 still were as new. No broken plastic, no uneven keys whatsover. The MP7 was cheaper, but having the RHIII keybed, I expected quite something. And: the keybed feels indeed great, it comes with sort of a hammer release feeling and the sound is beautiful as you could wish for, but the keybed sometimes is emitting clicking noise, as if some plastic resistance would get triggered instead of a filt keystopper. Also, some keys were scratching. I returned the first MP7 and received a new piano, so this has less issues, but still, there are issues. I like the sound a lot, but I watch myself stopping in the middle of a piece because of that clicking keybed. After using it for several months now I think the final statement could be: it is very okay, but a digital piano is a digital piano is a digital piano. And if you do not have to bother about the weight, go for something such the Grand Feel Action (speaking of Kawai).
Hi Tobias! Thanks so much for tuning in and sharing your insights and experiences! It is true that all digital pianos will have some semblance of mechanical/key noise. It is virtually unavoidable. Thanks again and all the best! :)
I grew up with an old piano in the house that was always really out of tune so I never played. Just recently as an adult with a family we decided that we want to invest in an electric piano. We went into guitar center and played with all of the pianos on display and the one that stood out from all the other brands was the Roland RP501. The sound was pretty good but for my ear it sounded like the Casio and yamaha and most every other piano in there. But the action alone locked my wife and I in. We're pretty set on the rp701 and will be making the plunge soon. I just wanted to say first hand as a new player that a good key action is addicting. Bad key action feels like a disconnect and I concur with this video
Congratulations on stepping back into the realm of pianos with your digital piano! I definitely agree with you in terms of the importance of action. In fact, it really is the only invariable aspect of a digital piano. You can always access different samples and sound libraries via MIDI and you can always access higher power and higher quality speakers with external amplifiers, but the action is the one element that you are stuck with. From that perspective, it makes sense to make it a priority for most players when shopping for a digital piano. :)
I went with two boards: An Alesis Recital Pro ($380) and a Roland Fantom 08 ($2150, but I got one for $1800)
The Alesis is my "beater" board. I do my exercises on it, and if the key contacts go in a few years, I won't be too upset. (The sounds and action are actually quite acceptable to me - I'm apparently not very discerning)
The Roland is my performing and producing board. I figured If I was going to spend $900 on an FP-30X, why not spend $2000 and basically get an FP-30X, plus thousands of other voices, a sequencer, sampler, and DAW controller.
Excellent video, tho. Well thought out, and sound, sensible recommendations.
Thanks for taking the time to check out our channel and for writing in! We sincerely appreciate it. Congrats on your two excellent keyboards! The Fantom 08 is an excellent investment if you're heavily into the production/composition realm. The quality and vast number of built-in voices along with all of the other production-oriented features make it an excellent choice within that context. Thanks again and all the best!
I think your new hairstyle looks like Beethoven.
If you are a pianist and getting put into the same sentence as Beethoven, it usually means that you are doing something right! I will be sure to pass on the compliment to Stu. :)
LOL🎹🎶
Or boris Johnson
Beat-haven
My thought was “squirrel”.
Interesting video, thank you for it. I've always asked myself this question without really knowing the answer as I bought a Yamaha CLP 340 approx 20-25 years ago for $2500. For that same price nowadays you can get the CLP 745. But what's the difference and can you feel it, you know?
Also, you're totally right about digital versus acoustic and touch versus sound. Back to the CLP 340 which I still own and is in prestige condition; It's hooked up to my DAW and a pair of HS5 monitors + subwoofer. Together with pianoteq or other VSTs the CLP 340 sound better than ever.
Hi Chris! Thanks for taking the time to check out the video and write in! We're glad to hear that you found the video review helpful. It is also awesome to hear that you're still enjoying the CLP340 and finding ways of keeping things fresh and inspiring with the addition of VSTs into your arsenal. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
I love my 1927 Cable 52 inch upright, but the thing I love about digital is it stays in perfect tune!
There are pros and cons to acoustic and digital pianos of course! Having one of each is a best of both worlds solution I suppose! ;)
As always, best explanations, to people that may have bought or thinking about purchase their first digital piano.
Thank you! That is an incredible compliment and one that we appreciate very much! :)
Loving the John Legend intro, Stu!!
Thank you kindly! :)
For me the Yamaha P115 was the end of my search for the perfect digital piano that feels like a real piano to me - and it's the cheapest and lightest I ever owned - and I owned quite some
The most important thing is that you found a piano that you resonate with in terms of touch and tone! :)
@@MerriamPianos Yes exactly :-)
I play at home Kawai 920 and it feels great, but when I come to my teacher who has acoustic piano, I struggle, it’s so much different. The other thing to consider is that even very simple acoustic piano sustain pedal allows you to really fine tune the sound while digital pedal is mostly on-off. Kawai tried to reach that but at this price point I have to say they failed.
At the end of the day, even the finest digital pianos are emulations of the "real thing". With that said, the ES920 is a remarkable all-in portable digital piano that has a lot to offer musically, which is especially impressive given its reasonable price tag. Thanks so much for tuning in and sharing your insights! :)
@@MerriamPianos I wonder how different Nord Stage 3 is. All the jazz musicians I know play it and they say it’s fantastic. What do I get doubling my investments compared to Kawai 920? What playing level is required to really feel and enjoy this difference? Or maybe, they are so much different that this comparison makes no sense?
smart guy:) very helpful
We're glad you found the video helpful! Thanks for tuning in! :)
I agree. Thanks to Keyscape and Roland Cloud you can pretty much get any sound you want.
Absolutely! It is an exciting time in the world of virtual instruments and pianos. :)
Brilliant Thinking
Thank you! We're glad you enjoyed the video! :)
After 5 years of playing piano I looked for a really good digital piano and bought a Roland LX 708 (about 4000 Euro) last year. This year I looked for a surprise present for someone who just had a small keyboard and thought of a low budget digital piano. I bought a Kawai Es 110 (about 500 Euro). The Kawai I liked best in the low budget range, it is small and light, has not many features but feels and sounds like a piano. I love my Roland LX 708, great sound, but it weighs more than 100 kilo, is very high and resembles an accoustic piano.
Thanks for tuning in and sharing your journey with us! The ES110 is undeniably a wonderful value at the entry-level price point. And, needless to say, Roland's LX708 is an absolute powerhouse of a digital piano! It sounds like you are well-equipped for the next phase of your piano journey. :)
@@MerriamPianos Your channel helped me a lot with both decisions!
Very informative! Thanks! PS: Looking a little windswept in the black T-shirt there, Stu... 😁
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in! We're glad you found the information helpful.
Here is my story as an "audiophile": After quitting the piano lessons forced on me as a child, I - 40 years later - decided to pick up playing again.
I surfed the internet, got very confused over actions, soundprocessing, samples... and finally visited a local store. I looked at and listend to Yamaha, Kawai, Roland etc. and went home with a Kawai CA-49 bundled with a bench and headphones. Over one year I played a lot and learned a lot, but something was missing.
So I visited an excellent hifi store and - after a very relaxing listening session - bought a pair of audiophile headphones by Focal. The sound of the CA-49 via these headphones was incredibly good! Quite a lot better than the internal speakers.
The sound quality of the internal speakers compared to the headphones was so poor, I revisited my dealer and switched from the CA-49 to a CA-901. What a difference! And now I'm finally happy with my piano.
Congrats on your CA901! The CA49 is an impressive instrument for its price point, but, needless to say, the improved speaker system, tone engine, and soundboard system combine for a meaningful difference in terms of the sonic experience. I think you will be beyond thrilled with what the CA901 offers musically. :)
I play the Yamaha P125…light, great sound options and nice touch. You did mention how many people will be playing the piano for durability. Also it should be always covered, no fluids or drinks around the keyboard , a good case if transporting it and handled with care. Not much is ever said about this in reviews. Careful buying anything used for these reasons as well. Be sure to budget thes items as well as a good stand when making a purchase.
These are all very excellent and valid points! Thanks for sharing. We appreciate it. :)
My personal opinion, the more expensive (and I mean the better feeling and sounding) digital piano (or any instrument for that matter), the more enjoyable and therefore easier to learn.
The motivation/inspiration to practice that an instrument provides you with is certainly an important consideration! :)
You are a great presenter.
Stu is awesome and we are very lucky to have him! Thanks for tuning in! :)
The big advantage from digital pianos for me are the volume control to play at home without having problems with neibourghoud
For sure! Volume control and headphone capabilities are very useful functions for certain situations where noise constraints are a concern.
And another advantage is that they don't need regular tuning.
When I was a kid, I played a lot of ragtime and favoured the keybed of the Wurlitzer upright pianos at school. I enjoyed the light-ish touch, but still liked the feedback. I tend to get fatigued by heavier action while still disliking the ultra light, no-weight keyboards. I’ve been looking at the Roland FP series. The stores here don’t carry anything except the FP 39 and I dislike the controls. The new FP E50 seems to have a nice balance of everything-I like the accompaniment features, but I’d forego them if you thought I’d REALLY like say the 60x or even Kawai models. I saw your 60x versus E50 and I know you prefer the 60x keybed, but given I’m not a pro and what I’ve told you, what do you think as it relates to my situation specifically? Thanks in advance, Stu. You’re the best! Literally the best.
Hi Jason! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for writing in! The FP60X and FPE50 use the same PHA4 action. With that said, even the same action within different enclosures can have slightly different feels. I would say that the FPE50 might be a better option for you, especially if you disliked the controls of the FP30X. The FPE50 has a very intuitive control interface that you'd appreciate. The accompaniment features are awesome too and a lot of fun! :)
@@MerriamPianos I was thinking the same. Thanks so much for your input and wonderful video reviews. ❤
There is a correlation between Piano Touch and Sound. If you put premium VST on PC and plug it on Aux In of a CDP-S100, it will have a different touch, much better feel, than playing with the original sampler of the instrument. But, of course, only if you put 100% volume or a good headphone with no delay.
The point is: Even Dexibell H1 having a mediocre piano key action, the superior sound and speakers overcome this issue and makes professional pianists think the key action is as good as a Clavinova.
I definitely agree that, when it comes to piano, it is impossible to completely separate tone and touch. They are intrinsically connected. Thanks so much for tuning in and for sharing your insights! :)
Thanks Brother
You're welcome! :)
i am with the concert grand of Kontakt very satisfied, and my LX 17 Roland
Very nice! The most important thing is that you have a setup and playing experience that you connect with! :)
I have always found an issue with the playability of vst pianos I own. The best two I have are Garritan CFX and Ivory II Grand Pianos. While they may sound good for recordings, they sound disconnected from me for live playing. So far, I prefer a digital piano internal sound to play live, even if it sounds worse than a vst. Digital piano internal sounds have been matched to that specific action and they give you a strong connection between your playing and the sound, whether is a Yamaha, Kawai, Roland, or Casio. But vst pianos always sound "detached" from my playing. I remember that, in vst forums, people always mentioned a downside of vst pianos and that was: playability. Each digital piano has a different action and the MIDI response is different, which affects the specific sample triggered by the piano software. There is a video of somebody playing a Nord piano sample using both the Nord's own keyboard and also an M-Audio 88-key keyboard (MIDI in/out). You can hear that, although the M-Audio is capable of triggering the Nord piano, it sounds strange and not as accurate as using the Nord keyboard. It makes sense, as the Nord engineers designed the action for that piano sample (velocity matched). In a similar manner, all good digital pianos are velocity matched. But when you use a software piano, you don't have any guarantee that you are triggering the most adequate samples, and I think it is reflected in the synergy (or lack of) between the sound and the action. After trying a few vst pianos, I prefer a machine that does it all. There are also very nice workstations that have great piano sounds.
+ it can be a hassel for people who have no space to put the PC or laptop🎹🎶
@@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 True. Plus not all laptops meet the requirement for vst pianos, and you still need a separate audio interface in many cases. On top of that, many vst pianos sound worse than the built-in piano sounds of reputable brands. An example is "The Grandeur" from Native Instruments. My DGX-670 internal sample sounds much better.
This is an excellent insight and definitely one that a lot of digital piano players can relate to! The action, sensors and tracking will always be designed and engineered with that specific piano and the interconnectivity of those elements in mind (aside from out-and-out MIDI controllers). With that said, many of the upper end digital pianos have upped their game in terms of their ability to also be used as a viable MIDI controller. Thanks again and all the best! :)
@@MerriamPianos I appreciate the feedback :)
@@Instrumental-Covers I would like to know? Do you agree that NY Steinways are inconsistant compared to Hamburg Steinways in terms of quality?🎹🎶
Hmmm.... I agree to a certain point... I started with a yamaha psr e 363.... I liked playing and practicing that much that I bought mysel a.... kawai mp 11se....but, here is the but..... the action is Great but vulnerable .... had to send it back twice because of sticky keys....its fixed now, but the repair cost me time, therefore I bought myself a yamaha p515 to go with it.... maybe overkill.... but if you buy something and you hardly ever use it, its a very expensive item....if you buy something and you use it a lot.... its worth every penny...
Thanks for tuning into the video and for taking the time to share your experiences and thoughts! We appreciate it. :)
I definitely agree with your assessment that a lot of the whole debate about how much to invest comes down to the amount of use that you will get out of it. However, the counterargument to that of course is a more satisfying instrument will stimulate more motivation and inspiration to practice and get more use of it. There is a balance to be met and that balance will be a little different for every player and person.
@@MerriamPianos Absolutely true!
Hi Stu, I'm an adult beginner and initially bought a Kawai CA49, because the old school piano teachers and some TH-camrs were of the opinion that you absolutely need a keyboard made of solid wood to start with. But this Kawai CA49 had a keyboard that was much too heavy for me. And the keyboard wasn't precise enough for me either. Some keys had a very strong pressure point, some keys had no pressure point at all. Some keys had a lot of lateral space, causing the key to wiggle back and forth up to 2mm, some keys didn't wiggle. If you ran your hand very lightly over the keys, the keys were not of the same height! But the worst was that I got stuck between the black keys with my broad fingers, or pressed one of the black keys too.
After 6 months I tested the Ymaha CLP-735 and what can I say. The GHS keyboard needs less than half the force to press the keys, I don't get stuck between the black keys with my broad fingers and all keys are equally precise. I assume that a wooden keyboard cannot be built as precisely as a plastic keyboard - but that is irrelevant in this case! Importantly, a Yamaha CLP-735 is much easier to play with a lot less power, and I think that's important for beginners.
After 6 months, I still don't have the strength to press all the keys evenly on the Kawai CA49 for chords, although I've practiced between 30 and 45 minutes a day in these 6 months. This will be much better with the Yamaha CLP-735. This is very important: You should enjoy playing the piano and not have to fight against the instrument.
Greetings from Vienna in Austria in the middle of Europe - Klaus
Translated with Google translator because my mother tongue is German
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in and sharing your journey with us! At the end of the day, the playing experience is very personal and subjective. What works for one player may not work for another. The most important thing is to find an instrument that works for your style of playing and motivates and inspires you to practice as much as possible. It sounds like you have found that solution, which is fantastic! Thanks again and all the best from here in Canada! :)
The CLP-735 is a great piano with the new GrandTouch-S action -- the action is two big steps up from the GHS (and two big steps up in price too).
Really interesting, after playing for 9 months I've now switched from my Korg C1 Air to a Kawai CA59 (same keyboard as the CA49) because I found Kawai's Grand Feel Compact to be much lighter and more joyful to play on. Before, I had sent back an FP90x because the PHA50, about which I had read that it was relatively light and probably didn't spend enough time with at the store, because - you probably guessed it - I found it too heavy after a couple of hours. I didn't try the CLP 735 but found the 745 (same keys with wooden elements added) to be light but with too hard a keybed for my personal taste.
I guess the problem is that there's much more than just the downweight of the key that shapes people's impression of the keys (upweight, design of the mechanism that influences the distribution of the required force along the movement of the key, touchcurve settings...). Moral of the story: Don't spend too much money without spending enough time with an instrument in person.
@@Garrus4Spectre That's true, but in my town the sellers think you're not intelligent enough as a newcomer. When I got my broad fingers stuck between the black keys of the Kawai CA49, the answer was: All keyboards are the same - and that's just not true. I don't get stuck with my fingers at the Yamaha CLP-735.
In my opinion, the Yamaha NU1X has the same smooth-running keyboard as the CLP-735, although it comes from solid wood from a real upright piano, but the travel of the individual keys is 1/4 less. When I mentioned that, the answer was: There isn't! Then I said that the saleswoman should try it out - only then did she say: You're right - that's probably a variation in production. And it's not.
Every manufacturer makes their own keyboards for their digital pianos. With my Kawai CA49, 100 g fit on the C1 key up to the pressure point. The Yamaha CLP-735 weighs less than 50 g, because the 50 g weight of the CLP-735 pushed the C1 key right through to the stop!
It would be helpful if you could find this weight information in the descriptions - but you won't find it, but this weight information is certainly used during production. In any case, one thing is certain: the more a manufacturer adapts the keyboard to a concert grand, the tighter the keys become, because a grand piano simply has stiff keys. The length of the keys increases, making it easier to vary between pianissimo and crescendo, but this comes at the expense of a much higher weighting.
I tried that. I was of the opinion that the Grand Feel III keyboard of the Kawai CA79 should be easier to press because the levers are longer (simple law of physics)! But I was amazed when I tried out the keyboard: the keys needed twice as much force to the stop as the Kawai CA49 - unimaginable
You're right - you should definitely try it. But at the beginning you have no idea about pianos, you can't play them and you don't know what's important with a keyboard. So you have to believe the statements of the piano teachers, the sellers or the TH-camrs who test such pianos. Waking up from the dream comes much later when your fingers swell and pain extends to the middle of your hand. It is important that you only rent your first piano and do not buy it - then you can switch to another piano after a while 😉
I think you got a reagect🎹🎶
Great video. Always a pleasure to watch these. The biggest pain for a 3rd world citizen such as myself is how out of reach 500$ pianos are. That's kind of the baseline for weighted pianos and it's ridiculously expensive especially with shipping costing close to 40% of the full price.
Thank you so much for tuning in! I am very sorry to hear of the expensive shipping costs that you have to deal with in your region. I sincerely hope that more local digital piano dealers pop up in your market that will help curb the expensive shipping costs for you.
@@MerriamPianos 👍
Yes action and feel is the thing. A beginner is going to want to play an acoustic piano when needed without being surprised too much. Mid ranged pianos will sound like piano to the inexperienced ear but even expensive digital pianos never sound like the real thing. There is too much going on with acoustic piano sound. They have "attitude". There is much more upper harmonics and ping. As a jazz player the test is with closed chord voicings. The tension between the two notes, a semitone apart in the middle of these chords is the ultimate test.
Hi! Thanks for checking out the video and for sharing your thoughts! Your insight about closed position chord voicings for testing the authenticity of the sound through the interaction of particular intervals is an excellent one. Sometimes, it is within these fine details that make it easier to discern and decide between multiple models/tone engines. :)
I recall in a documentary I saw not too long ago, a gentleman said. "The most important instrument in today's music is your laptop." He was right.
One good thing in today's digital piano industry is that the low price range gives you a compact and very useful product most of the time. For example, a roland FP60X uses the same action and sound engine you'd find on an FP30X. If you're mostly a piano guy you probably won't need the bells and whistles FP60X has to offer... even if you're an accomplished piano student. Pianos in that price range such as FP-30 / 60X,and ES-520 / ES-920, offer great playability. I studied classical piano through my entire childhood and I definitely consider the PHA4 action better than what you'd find in some not so well maintained uprights, same goes for the equivalent Kawai action.
The problem begins however when you want to own a more expensive digital piano. Because in my opinion what a pricier DP offers to the piano player, is mostly stage piano features. That means more sounds, better recording capabilities, better connectivity sometimes, and more complex settings overall. An FP90X does not necessarily have better piano sounds than its predecessors. The MP7SE has the same tone as the ES920. The DGX-670 has the same pianos as the P-515.. So not much! For someone to experience a considerable sound difference then a Nord, (a Nord Grand), would do. It would do indeed but a powerful laptop with a good DAW and some nice VSTs would do better. Even tough workstations offered by Korg and others can't bead a laptop pared with a good controller.
I will always say that i'm surprised that DPs, workstations and arrangers alike fail to catch-up with VSTs and so on.
Thanks for such an informative and professional video, Stu!
Thank you kindly for taking the time to check out the video and for sharing your insights! There are definitely some very good points that I'm sure our community members will find useful. When it comes to VSTs compared to built-in tone engines, I think many piano aficionados would tend to agree. One thing to consider is that when piano manufacturer's are designing and building digital pianos, they are responsible for many aspects and details (action, speaker system, aesthetics, tone engine, etc.). Because companies that are creating and modelling VSTs are focused on, basically, one thing: the piano sound/engine, it makes sense that they might have an edge in terms of the authenticity and detail they are able to offer.
Which do you prefer between the Roland fp60x and Kawai es520? For me I play mainly piano 70% and Rhodes 30%. ?
I appreciate this comment, Stenaldo. Since you know your uprights as well as several digital piano actions that are out there, maybe you could help me. I learned to play on a very basic upright, then on a clavichord. I like a soft action, not one that's modeled on a grand piano's. Do you know which ones might be more likely to suit a player like me? Thanks again for the comment.
@@Warren.I I suggest the tp110 of the new Studiologic Numa x piano.
Thank you, Elazar. I can't tell you how helpful this has been to me. I'd never even heard of the Studiologic Numa X before, but from what I can see they appear to have broken from he grand piano paradigm. My only question is whether you're familiar with Studiologic's GT action and could compare it to the TP 110. It seems to be a higher quality but it could easily be stiffer than the TP 110.
Güzel sunum ve bilgiler... Teşekkürler.
You're very welcome! :)
hi many thx I have a very good setup
Rd700 that I use as a master keyboard now ,the key press weight is at 60-80g with progressive hammer actions but the samples are no longer good
from 2001..
so i use pianoteq with it which allows me to modify the hammer sound ,condition erc with a marantz amplifier and cabasse Mt 32 tower speaker .very good then and 3 pedals damper ,sostenuto and una corda
You're very welcome! Thanks for sharing your setup and insights! We appreciate it immensely. :)
@@MerriamPianos thx a lot
I’m a little surprised you didn’t touch on polyphony. One of my biggest issues as a beginner, after a few months practicing, was that big chords or long sustained pedalling clearly ‘lost’ earlier hit keys pretty quickly. Now this was many years ago, things may have changed, and I now solely play acoustic nowadays, but if I were to buy one again now: yes to touch (incl multi phase pedal sensitivity), then polyphony, then tone in terms of what I’d find important.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Things have certainly changed in this regard in recent years. Even most "entry level" digital pianos have 128 note polyphony as a minimum. There are some smaller non-weighted keyboards that may cap at 64 notes, but the vast majority have ample headroom for even the most advanced arrangements and repertoire. :)
You're talking of digital pianos from yesteryears. Things have changed a lot.
@@MerriamPianos thanks. It’s not just polyphony in the sense of the simultaneous notes. It’s also about how long they keep ‘singing’. On an acoustic piano, due to overtones, they never really die out. I’d have to try it out with more modern digital piano versions. It’s just very distracting if a certain sustained note just ‘disappears’.
@@Misteribel You're very correct, but as others have said, this was more of an issue in long-ago years, when plenty of high-priced keyboards had only 32-note polyphony, which of course halved if you were playing in dual/split mode, which yielded fairly diabolical results. Now, much higher polyphony is pretty standard, and more than adequate for the majority of players. Even entry-level Clavinovas from 10-15 years ago often had 128-note polyphony.
Great advice! I fully agree with where you put the emphasis in every price range; that really makes sense! Would your advice to experienced players (maybe even with semi professional or conservatory background) be basically the same or slightly different? Let's say an adult in his/her 40s or 50s who has not played for a number of years and wants to revive his/her piano playing.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I can't speak on Stu's behalf, but, from my perspective, I think it is sound advice for students/players of all levels of experience. With that said, no two piano shoppers are the same, so different players will prioritize different aspects of a piano depending on the specific context in which they will be using it. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
@@MerriamPianos Hey Brent, thank you for your quick and informative response. You are probably right: Putting the main focus on the keys/keybed, especially in the lower price ranges, makes sense. Piano players with higher ambitions soundwise could also make use of VST-pianos, about which Stu made some great reviews in the past few months!
ngl for someone with that hairstyle and just wearing a casual tshirt talking about piano... you actually did an outstanding job. I though piano people normally wear tuxedos and stuff. You were well articulated, informative and knowledgeable with what you were saying. As a beginner trying to buy a piano, you have been so helpful. wow.
I will watch your other videos but I want a good action with good sound. The Roland is enticing
I will be sure to pass on the kind words to Stu for you! While I understand your point about the elitist stereotypes that can sometimes come along with piano or certain genres of music like classical or jazz. As you just pointed out with Stu's approach, the beauty of the piano and all genres of music are open and accessible to anyone that chooses to engage with it. :)
I agree that the Roland PHA-4 action is probably the best low-end available. In fact, before they introduced their current top-end action, it was their top model, found on very expensive instruments. I would also say that it's worth getting a name brand instrument (Roland, Yamaha, Kawai, Casio, Dexibel) and avoiding very cheap instruments. Especially avoid any instrument with a non-weighted or semi-weighted action and fewer than 88 keys. If you can afford a console-type instrument (i.e. resembling a small regular piano) rather than a portable model, these are much more convenient to play and practice on than a stage-type piano. I also agree that the action is the single most important criteria.
I would give two suggestions: First, try to bring an experienced pianist with you when shopping, or try to get a specific model recommendation from a teacher or experianced pianist. This is much easier than safer than trying to decide for yourself, if you don't play. Second, it's better to get a used digital that's higher-end rather than a very cheap new model. A good digital, even from 10 years ago, will still be better to play and learn on than some of the cheaper new models and should have plenty of usable life, especially if it's been only lightly used. Try to actually play it before buying it, though, to be sure that all the keys and sounds are working properly. Finally, don't worry about features. Rhythems, dozens of sounds and other keyboard features are not necessary. You just need a good piano sound, a good keyboard action and good speakers. Everything else (pretty case, extra sounds, etc.) is just an extra.
Thanks so much for taking the time to check out the video and share your insights! We (along with many of our community members I'm sure) appreciate it immensely. Thanks again and all the best! :)
My only gripe having played these actions is that the PHA-4 action has an odd "click" in it. It's not bad, just odd coming from smoother actions the next step up. I bet if they put a small piece of rubber inside the action to help with the rebound it would fix it. But it is the best among the budget actions, IMO.
@@josephoberlander I have actually found that there is some variation in the PHA-4 actions between models. For example, some of the stage models feel much shallower, with less travel than the console models. Also, like the PHA-50, the PHA-4 has a simulated escarpment mechanism, so this may be what you're feeling.
@@geoffk777 It's kind of like the bounce-back you get on a small spinet piano, because you can't actually rapidly bounce the keys due to their short length and heavy mass/weight. I think they would be perfect at half the effect, or simply not folded over so that there is a real pivot point. The feel is very good but in most of their models, they would have plenty of room for a larger action with less compromises. By comparison, the full length actions in the Kawai pianos (admittedly much more expensive) feel correct. I just wish there was a compromise in the middle. I'd be fine with full-length plastic actions and skip the wood, for instance, if it came in at $1500. Or make the back end of the keys and sensors connected to an aluminum rod or something precisely weighted. It doesn't have to actually be wood and complicated parts as long as it's working correctly.
And once again, we have the same taste! (Although in this case, it's more like we share the same assessment...) Touch for digital; tone for acoustic.
Fun aside #1: Aren't they all digital, in one sense? It's not like we play piano with our heels (Jerry Lee Lewis [RIP] excepted).
Fun aside #2: My new phone struggled with the word 'acoustic' at first, and really wanted to make pianos either digital or acidic.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I certainly concur with Stu's assessment as well. And that is a very good call regarding the term "digital".
As for acidic pianos, playing one sounds like it may be a bit of a danger endeavour! ;)
I've been strongly considering a Korg B2 as an upgrade from a semi-weighted to a fully weighted, and its in the $4-600, depending on the seller and if its the model with the furnished stand. I watched this video wondering if its really worth it to get something more expensive and I think I've made the decision to get a better one - for touch *and* tone. I'm not a beginner so I have tone and better touch in my mind. Thanks for helping me decide!!
We're glad you found the video helpful! If you are a more experienced player, I agree that it is a very good idea to invest into an instrument that has a tone and touch that will satisfy and inspire you. :)
Hi Merriam Music, I hope you are all doing good.
I would like to see if you could help me in some way..
My question is, I play piano since 10 years now, but due to some factors I leave the piano for 1 year, and got back as autodidact, I have a nice Upright at home, so I think to have build enough the strenght in fingers.
I can't play all the day on my acoustic (too loud) , so i have a maximum budget of 800€, and was thinking about the Kawai es110, do you think that can replace some night practice sessions, coming from an Upright ?
(My main focus Is the action of the piano, i don't care much about speakers or other functions)
Thanks for your time, and the quality content you are always putting into your videos, I always enjoy this type of content you do for helping other people, so keep doing It ! 🤍
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for reaching out! We're happy to hear that you've been enjoying our content. We sincerely appreciate the support. The Kawai ES110 is a wonderful portable digital piano that presents excellent cost-to-value ratio. Its fully-weighted touch and authentic sounding piano samples would certainly make it an excellent choice for late night practice sessions. :)
@@MerriamPianos Thank you so much for the help Brent !
Really appreciate it 🤍.
I wish you a wonderful day ^^
Wonderful video with amazing content. I have a question about digital grand/baby grands. I am a professional opera singer and vocal coach. I always wanted to have a digital grand but not have 20.000 euro to purchase a Yamaha NX3, I also am not such a good pianist that is probably worth such a professional instrument . Anyways, quality and budget. I saw on gear4music a digital grand 200 for 1500 euro, however it comes with 64 polyphony. My question is; can I use that piano to have a professional pianist accompanying my students playing opera arias and songs ect for home concerts! Or does the piano cut off notes when someone plays classical, opera ect. Also, does a piano like this sound thin like a child piano or are the sounds of nowadays piano ok to live with! You also spoke about quality of the material, the keys. Because of the furniture model which is expensive they will place a cheap piano in it, I get that, would this piano break down easily in 5 years when played on daily for a few hours? Probably te piano that is in the grand cost 500 euro and the 1000 euro is for the model I guess. The 64 polyphony is where most stores advise to get 256 always, but is that needed for the work I am doing with it as a vocal coach. Love to hear your idea so I have a better idea what to buy or not to spent the 1500 on this at all and simply continue with the piano I am using now which is a Korg Concert 800. Thanks in advance
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in and for your kind words and support! We appreciate it. :)
The 64 max note polyphony should be suitable for most accompaniment playing and even most classical/romantic repertoire for that matter. However, when using the damper/sustain pedal, there could be some situations that lead to maxing out the polyphony and having some notes get cut off. However, maxing out the polyphony is usually a byproduct of using sounds that are layered. For instance, if you are using a patch that is simultaneously playing piano and strings, you are using two notes of polyphony for every note you play on the keyboard. While I would recommend slightly more polyphony to ensure that you are covered for all repertoire you would be required to use the piano for, you may be able to get by with 64 notes.
In terms of the longevity of the instrument, it is really difficult to say without knowing the exact model (I am not familiar with the Digital Grand 200 model you mentioned). With that said, most digital pianos being made these days should be able to last beyond 5 years and closer to the 10+ year mark pending it isn't being played too aggressively. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
@@MerriamPianos Hi Brent, thank you so much for taken the time to answer, grateful for it. I will only use it for accompaniment for students and probably for recording/midi when a professional pianist plays or want to record his work. Question; when a professional pianist want to record his music that can be classical famous piano pieces or his own compositions and I will record it using midi (I use UAD equipment and UAD Luna workstation) would notes get cut off when it comes in my DAW. Maybe we don't hear cut offs when played in the room but do we notice it when we play back the midi track after recording? If that is noticeable maybe I should buy one from Thomas that's 1000 more expensive but has 256 polyphony. What do you think?
I just bought a piano keyboard in the $600+ range and for me, I figure in 4 years I will have learned enough to move up to a high quality piano. It will give me time to budget and just buy what I feel is the best quality for my future playing should I live that long.
I'm 66 now and I could live another 30 more years. Who knows I'm health so maybe I will get lucky.
Thank you for you honest review.
Thank you for tuning in and sharing your kind words! Congrats on your new keyboard! That will definitely provide a great starting point and give you time to figure out what the best instrument will be for the longterm. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
I guess you can say that I am a mid beginner and I went with the Yamaha P515 because I wanted to start off with decent action so I could develop good habits and techniques due to the action. I tested the P125 and do not like the feel of the action as much however there is a massive difference between pricing.
That is definitely fair! Sometimes, getting a higher end instrument earlier on can have a lot of benefits as you've mentioned. :)
Thanks you very much for the vídeo. I play piano with several Styles with my KORG krome ex88 but I look for a keyboard similar Classical grand piano. I had thought in Kawai VPC1 so I use pianotec8 . Is it a good election or I should think in Roland PHA50 or another instead of Kawai RM3?
You're welcome! It comes down to a matter of personal preference of course. Personally, I would give an edge to the VPC1 over Roland pianos with the PHA50 action, but there are many players that favour the PHA50 action. My suggestion would be to test both out at a showroom to see which action you resonate with. :)
I like the wine comparison analogy, although I think I wouldn't be able to do it...
...but I'm confident that I would be able to do up to Grade 4 or Grade 5 level of comparisons with beer! :)
Haha that is certainly fair! ;)
I'm a new player shopping for a digital piano and found this video helpful. My budget is in the $1000-1500 range and I wonder what your recommendation would be for touch and speaker wattage? I'm using a borrowed Yamaha P-45 and it's OK for now, but I find that the volume I can produce is minimal and the touch is only OK. You recommended the the Roland PHA4 system earlier - what Roland in this price range with that action would you recommended?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in! The Roland FP30X would fit nicely within that price point and offer an excellent balance between tone, touch, and speaker quality. It features the PHA4 action, which is one of the best performing actions in its price category. :)
@@MerriamPianos thank you. I was searching on line and the FP-60X has a little more wattage - is it worth the extra money over the FP-30X?
I still have the old Roland FP30. I chose that model because of the action. I wanted something that generally felt and responded like a real piano.
The Roland FP30 and FP30X present one of the best cost-to-value ratios on the market right now, particularly in regard to the action. Thanks for tuning in and happy playing! :)
Boy... I can't agree that touch quality is the most important characteristic. The reason is simple; nothing will do more to end a budding pianist's interest in the instrument than a shallow, dull, unconvincing sound. If it's not fun and inspiring to play, the student won't play it; and that ends the hobby/career before it starts. Sound is number one, with a bullet. Yes, keyboard action matters; but keyboard action varies widely, not only between electronic instruments but also between acoustic pianos. A skilled pianist will compensate without thinking twice. The idea that a great sounding keyboard with a less than perfect action will somehow ruin all chances of a young student ever learning to play properly, is just silly. Sound is paramount. Everything else is just 'nice to have'.
Piano action is the most important. Sound will come from a good VST (VSL Synchron for instance). I do not even use built-in sounds of my FP-90X.
Every player and person is different and, as such, their priorities will differ when it comes to shopping for the right instrument for them. With that said, when it comes to digital pianos, the action is a constant where as the sound and speaker system can both be variable. Given that virtually all digital pianos have MIDI capabilities these days, you are not restricted to the built-in piano sounds of your instrument. Through MIDI, you can access a whole world of exciting VSTs in order to discover a sound that you truly connect with. Furthermore, if you are dissatisfied with the power or quality of your built-in speakers, you can always run your piano through an external PA, amplifier or speaker system.
Ad a beginner, I can say the action is the most important. I'm more in-touch with my music and most digital pianos offer multiple piano sounds, especially Roland on the fine tune app.
@@pachimari360 FP-90X is perfect in this respect. It is much better than higher end Roland and all Kawai digital pianos because it has Digital Audio Interface built in. I am connecting FP-90X to my Mac computer with just one USB cable that goes from MIDI output to the computer. The same cable is bringing digital signal back to FP-90X. I do not need any interface and I use DAC of Roland together with its amplifier and speakers. It is simple - Roland Digital Piano is the output for a VST. I have to warn you though that PCs are not that great with VSL Synchron piano VSTs. They are OK with Pianoteq and Garritan although a bit more complicated than MAC. By the way, Yamaha digital pianos also have Digital Audio Interface. I forgot to add that you disable Local Control in FP-90X to play only external piano sound
wow that was impressive
you have the gift of communicating
Thanks for tuning in! Stu is just as wonderful of an educator as he is a player! :)
Roland's PHA-4 is used from their entry level up to the higher mid level digital pianos. So spending more in their line brings better speakers, more features, maybe better finish, but not necessarily better action and more durable, right? That is not the case with other manufacturers: from what I researched, Yamaha and Kawai have different levels of actions in their entry level to mid level models.
You are correct! While most other manufacturers have less overlap between different tiers in regard to action, this is actually something that makes the Roland models incredibly attractive at the entry and mid range price points. Thanks for tuning in and happy playing! :)
I want a piano that fits the decor of my home that doesn't need to be tuned because I don't yet play. I'm thinking of this as a keepsake instrument for anyone in the family that takes an interest (since I can afford it and they can't yet). Call it a childhood dream to have a piano in the house. My personal checklist is: looks, realistic action, headphones, and software connectivity and expandability. This video helps me in my research journey, but I feel like my checklist is slightly different from the video structure of reviews I've found.
We're glad that this video was helpful to you! There is a wide range of digital piano options out there, so it may take some time to research models to discover which ones are most pertinent to you. A lot of it comes down to price point too. Naturally, the higher the budget is, the more advanced features you will have access to.
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for replying! I agree. After about 8 hours of research I've settled on the Kawai KDP120. A little pricey, but something I can share for years (I hope).
Mr. Stu Harisson is N-1 professional reviewer into TH-cam-galaxy about piano-world....always watching him... thank you very much)))
I will be sure to pass on the kind words to Stu for you! Thank you for tuning into our channel! :)
@@MerriamPianos also, he must have a double salary of his very super programs ....at least a good bonus)))
An arranger keyboard might make practise more fun. I am getting one with my next purchase
Digital pianos with arranger capabilities are just a few models: Yamaha DGX-670, Kawai ES920, Casio CDP-S360, Korg XE20. I have played them all, and as arrangers, the DGX-670 surpasses the competitors in a number of specific ways. For example: large color screen, over 600 high-quality tones including powerful piano tone engine with modelling, Piano Room environment, over 200 professional auto-accompaniments with 4 variations, 3 intros, 3 endings, ample ability to save custom presets, registration banks, USB Audio interface, powerful 2-way full range speakers, 16-track built-in sequencer, etc. The Casio CDP-S360 and Kawai ES920 have limited arranger capabilities, and the Korg XE20 has the same old arranger engine that was featured in the Korg PA60 (an arranger I used to have back in the 2000's, and Korg has never updated the XE20 with the new arranger engines). The downside of the DGX-670 is that it is heavy, 48 lbs, which makes it as heavy as the Roland RD2000, but not as heavy as the Roland FP90X. It is portable, but not light. One feature that the DGX-670 has as an arranger that the other keyboards may not have is the so-called "AI Full Keyboard" fingering style, where you can play piano with both hands and still have a full backing band following you. Other digital piano arrangers might force you to play only a 3-note chord on the left, limiting your creativity.
There are a lot of players that opt for arranger keyboards for this very reason. Having a plethora of built-in sounds, accompaniment options, and other features can keep things fun and engaging and help get students and players through inevitable practice ruts where motivation starts to diminish.
Thank you so much for this great video. I have a peculiar need, which you may have already addressed or find interesting enough to address publicly. I am an adult who used to play the piano at an advanced intermediate level (think Haydn, Mozart piano sonatas) and intermediate jazz. For irrelevant reasons I have not had access to a piano for 13 years. I wish to resume playing and buy a grand piano. BUT, I think it is best to revive my dormant piano skills BEFORE shopping for a grand. Hence my interest in buying a digital piano. Action is paramount for me. I would practice 2-5 hours a day. I don't want to spend $3k, $5k, $10k+ for a digital only to buy a grand in a year. On the other hand, there seem to be pianos with relatively decent actions at the sub-$1k to the $2k+ range. Where is the sweet spot for action, durability, sound quality, and perhaps resale value?
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in and writing in with your question! That is great news that you've rediscovered your passion to play piano. In terms of my top suggestion for the $1000-2000 range, I would personally say that the Roland FP30X is a very difficult piano to beat. It has a heavy action with escapement simulation, which is one of the closest things you'll find to a grand piano touch at this price point. If you want the same core piano experience with some fun bells and whistles, the new Roland FP-E50 option might be of interest too. :)
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Exactly the clear advice I sought. To ALL TH-cam viewers out there: I live in Switzerland and can't buy a piano from Merriam Music. I would if I could because of the courtesy and help I received. If you are looking for a piano, watch their many informative videos and give them strong consideration. Brent, thank you again. Jeremiah @@MerriamPianos
Again, to Merriam Music and interested TH-cam viewers. Merriam Music gave me advice about choosing a digital keyboard. I took the advice and purchased (in Switzerland) a Roland FP-30X. I could not be happier. It does exactly what I want. The action is decent. I am making fantastic progress. And the price was super. I watch Merriam Music's videos and always learn something. I think you can trust these guys.
I have a Yamaha csp 170 cost over 3k and it is wonderful
That's awesome to hear that you've found a piano that you connect with! :)
Hi Stu,
If you had to choose between a used Casio Celviano AP260BK and a used Roland RP102, what would you choose?
I already have a Yamaha moXF6, Korg PA 500 and Arturia MIDI for live and studio purposes.
Thanks.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in and writing in with your question! While I can't speak on behalf of Stu, I am quite confident that he would opt for the RP102 given the fact that he is a fan of the PHA4 action. Personally, I would gravitate in that direction as well. While the Casio AP instruments have a very wonderful tone, the heavier action and triple sensor detection of the RP102 is what gives it the edge in my opinion. :)
Thank you Brent! 🙂